While there are a good number of programs that are offered throughout the country, those who are studying to become a physician assistant might be interested to learn more about programs offered in California. California already has nine programs accredited by the ARC-PA so students choosing to study there already have nine great choices. California only trails Pennsylvania and New York in the number of programs for physician assistants that carry the required accreditation. The level of the program that the student chooses will allow them to receive an associate's, bachelors, or master's degree or just a certificate. 

Eligibility requirements can differ based upon the school and physician assistant program chosen by the student. Some schools might require two years worth of college credits as an example of a prerequisite for entry. Another requirement of most colleges and universities that offer a physician assistant program is a mandated number of patient contact hours that a student must possess. It is also beneficial to have experience in the healthcare field. Schools can also be quite selective when admitting students into their program by requiring them to have a minimum GPA before being accepted. 

The number of physician assistant programs that are offered in California is quite substantial. Stanford School of Medicine in Palo Alto is one of the schools that provides physician assistant programs to those who are interested. This school offers students the ability to enroll into a tract that will culminate in either a certificate or an associate's degree. The Stanford School of Medicine allows students to also enroll in bachelor's and master's degree programs based on the options the student chooses.

The state also has other great school choices too. As an example, Riverside Community College located in Moreno Valley is another option students have. Alternately, they may instead enroll at the San Joaquin Valley College in Visalia. The programs at both of these schools allow the student to earn an associate's degree.

Further, there are many other choices in California for schools that offer physician assistant programs. Touro University, Loma Linda University, Western University Health Sciences, The University of Southern California (Keck), The University of California Davis School of Medicine in Sacramento, and Samuel Merritt University are some of the other schools.

A student must be very serious about putting in the time and effort that it takes to become a physician assistant and must make sure that they eligible to apply to the program or school of their choice. Requirements for eligibility vary between each school that offers physician assistant programs in California. A student should be encouraged to contact their desired school directly to determine the exact requirements for eligibility. Each school will most likely factor in the student's experience, academic performance and personality when considering their application. 

Students should know that it is not enough to simply finish an accredited program in order to become a physician assistant in California. Passing the Physician Assistant National Certification Examination is a requirement for all students that want to become a physician assistant. The laws regarding the practice of physician assistants vary from state to state. Every state has a requirement that the student passes the certification exam that is administered by the NCCPA. Once the student has passed the exam, they are allowed to attach the title of Physician Assistant-Certified to after their name

However, the certification process does not stop just yet. Every two-year period, physician assistants are obligated to complete 100 hours of continuing education. A physician assistant must take and pass a recertification test every six years; differently, the choice can be made to enroll in another program and complete a home certification examination.

Enrolling into one of the better programs should be the goal of a student who wants to get into a physician assistant program. The better programs are the natural choice for students who want an advantage over their competition because these programs are more adept at preparing their students for the day to day challenges they will face as well as preparing them for the examinations required. These factors should be considered by the students:

Physician Assistant Programs that have a high percentage of students who pass the PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certification Exam) are usually among the better programs to attend. Also, programs that have a large number of high scoring students on this examination should be a factor in consideration because these students' scores illustrate their preparedness provided by the program. 

The rankings of each program should indicate to the student which programs are competitive with each other academically. This information should be a guide to the student. Usually, the ratings show that Duke University is number one, followed closely behind by the following universities: DC's George Washington University, Georgia's Emory University, the University of Utah, and the University of Iowa.

Students should also weigh into account their compatibility with their program of choice. Compatibility includes the campus environment, the location and the cost. Compatibility has a tendency to be overlooked by students, but it is very important, nonetheless. Without being totally convinced that their investment in their education is worth the money they are paying, liking the location, or the vibe of the campus, a student will not be able to maximize their education. 

Physician assistant programs in California come in all forms, mainly because quite a few schools in the state offer them. Not all physician assistant programs are created equally and because of this, it is essential that the student understands each program before choosing to apply. If they do not, they run the risk of being accepted into a physician assistant program that is not going to be conducive to their unique needs. Factors to consider include the cost, location and the campus environment. 
7/12/2012 09:51:42 pm

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