PAs play a critical role in today’s healthcare system—providing high-quality care across a variety of settings. If you’re ready to take the first step, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from prerequisites and patient care hours to certification and licensure.
If you're passionate about medicine and want to make a difference in patients' lives, becoming a physician assistant (PA) is an excellent potential career path. PAs are vital, in-demand members of the healthcare team, licensed to diagnose illnesses, develop treatment plans, assist in surgery, and prescribe medications. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the path toward becoming a certified and accredited PA.
The first step is obtaining a bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. university, typically in a science-related field such as biology, health sciences, or chemistry. Make sure your coursework includes prerequisite classes like:
Many PA Schools require a minimum science GPA, so be sure to check out each school’s requirement.
Mount St. Mary’s Requirements: All applicants must have minimum science GPA of 3.0 as calculated by CASPA. In addition, all pre-requisite classes must be completed in the past 10 years and lab experiences must be in-person, not virtual.
Most PA programs require hands-on patient care experience before admission. You can gain valuable experience and fulfill the hands-on hours requirement through working in a variety of positions, like::
Programs often require a varying number of hours of direct patient care, so carefully do your research and give yourself plenty of time to meet the required hours.
Mount St. Mary’s Requirements: A total of 400 hours of healthcare experience hours must be completed by the time your application is submitted.
Crafting the perfect personal statement for PA school means telling a compelling story that highlights your motivation, healthcare experience, and personal growth. Focus on authenticity, clarity, and showing—not just telling—how your journey has prepared you for the rigorous demands of the profession. Avoid clichés and instead use specific examples that reflect your passion, empathy, and readiness to become a trusted healthcare provider.
Only apply to PA programs accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). Accreditation ensures that the education meets national standards and that graduates are eligible for certification.
It is important to note that provisionally accredited schools are accredited! Provisional accreditation is awarded to new programs during their first five to six years of operation and after graduating four to five classes of students, programs move to the continued accreditation pathway.
Most accredited PA programs use the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA). It allows applicants to submit materials to multiple programs from a single application. Be prepared to include:
Mount St. Mary’s Requirements: Mount St. Mary’s does not require a supplemental application!
Accredited PA programs typically lead to a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) or similar. Coursework includes:
You’ll also complete clinical rotations in various specialties, such as internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, and psychiatry.
After graduating from an accredited program, you must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE), administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). The exam tests medical and surgical knowledge and is the final barrier before licensure.
Each state has its own licensing requirements. After passing the PANCE, apply for licensure in the state where you plan to practice. This often includes submitting:
Once licensed, you may begin working as a PA-C (Physician Assistant-Certified). You’ll typically work under the supervision of a licensed physician, although the scope of practice varies by state and setting.
To stay certified, PAs must complete 100 hours of Continuing Medical Education (CME) every two years and pass the Physician Assistant National Recertifying Exam (PANRE) every ten years (this is being revised, so check NCCPA updates regularly).
Final Thoughts
Becoming a PA is a rigorous yet rewarding process that offers flexibility, high earning potential, and the opportunity to work in diverse medical settings, truly helping better the lives of patients. By following these ten steps, you’ll be well on your way to joining one of the fastest-growing and most respected healthcare professions.