What Are Physician Assistant Requirements?
Many physician assistant programs if not most require 2 years of college as well as some health care experience. Physician assistant requirements in all states stipulate that an accredited program be completed and that a National exam be passed in order to obtain a license. This exam is the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam that is provided by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA.) This exam is only available to graduates of certified programs. In order to remain certified include completing 100 hours of medical education every 2 years. Every 6 years they must take an exam to become re-certified or complete another program and a take home exam. If a physician assistant (PA) wants to hone his/her skills on a more specific area of study, there are other requirements. They have the opportunity to complete further study in pediatrics, neurology, surgery, just to name a few areas. Many people previously worked as nurses or in some other medical