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Make it happen!
Does a career as a physician assistant sound like it might be for you? If so, here's an overview of the coursework you'll need to get you on the path.
High School
Get a jump start in high school. Pursue a strong college preparatory program. Check with your guidance counselor to make sure you earn enough credits in the core curriculum to meet college entrance requirements. A core curriculum includes courses in English, mathematics and the sciences. You will also need to take either the ACT or SAT test for college admission.
Also, talk to your guidance counselor about your career goals. He or she may be able to give you the added direction you need to prepare for the exciting road ahead.
Plus, if time permits, volunteer or work at a hospital or healthcare agency. The experience will help you down the road.
College
Before you enroll in the Physician Assistant Education Program, you'll need to obtain a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university. If you have your eye on UNMC's Physician Assistant Program, for example, your undergraduate coursework must include 50 hours in the following specific disciplines:
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Biological sciences |
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16 semester hours |
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Chemistry |
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16 semester hours |
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Psychology |
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9 semester hours |
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Mathematics |
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3 semester hours |
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English |
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6 semester hours
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You should also take courses beyond the required minimums in:
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Chemistry |
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Biology |
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Mathematics |
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Psychology
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For your electives, choose courses in:
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Science |
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Social sciences |
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Humanities
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You will also need to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test.
Upon meeting all entrance requirements, you'll be eligible to apply to a Physician Assistant Program.
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Professional Education
Once you are accepted into a PA program, your professional education begins!
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For example, if you choose UNMC's PA professional program, you will enroll in a 28-month program, which is divided into two phases: |
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Phase I (Academic) - 13 months of basic medical sciences, pre-clinical sciences and professional studies coursework. |
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Phase II (Clinical Education) - 15 months of clerkships in areas such as family medicine, internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, geriatrics, orthopedics and psychiatry.
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After successfully completing the PA professional program, you'll receive a Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) degree.
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At this point, you will be eligible to take the national certification examination administered by the National Commission on the Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
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To maintain your certification, you'll need to take 100 hours of continuing medical education courses every two years.
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Plus, you must take the national recertification exam every six years.
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If you would like to learn about the University of Nebraska Medical Center's Physician Assistant Program, visit our School of Allied Health Professions Web site.
You can also find more physician assistant links in Link-O-Rama.
Financial Aid Options
The University of Nebraska Medical Center has financial aid programs to assist students with their financial needs.
For more information regarding financial assistance, visit the UNMC Student Services Financial Aid Web page. Or, contact the UNMC Office of Financial Aid at 402-559-4199.
You can also find more financial aid links in Link-O-Rama. |
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©2002 UNMC School of Allied Health Professions
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