The title, Physician Assistant-Certified (PA-C), reflects the significant effort and dedication required to achieve it. After completing their education, Physician Assistant-Students (PA-S) must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE). However, becoming a PA-C is just the beginning; they must also fulfill continuing education requirements and stay current with industry standards. While a PA-C is not a doctor, they are well-compensated for their ongoing commitment to understanding patient needs. Whether you’re considering a career as a PA-C or simply want to learn more about this important role, this resource will provide essential insights.
What is a PA-C?
PA-C stands for Physician Assistant-Certified. This legal title signifies those who have earned and retained their national certification from the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). The certification is required and recognized across all 50 states, American territories, and the District of Columbia. Furthermore, all PA-Cs seeking membership in a PA licensure compact must keep their certification requirements current, as each state has its regulations.
What is the salary of a PA-C?
A PA-C makes a median salary of $130,020 a year, according to the report of the Bureau of Labor Statistics. At the 75th percentile, PA-Cs make $151,720 or more. It is important to note that this data does not cover the extent of bonus, overtime, holiday, and performance pay.
What’s the difference between PA-S and PA-C?
In medical terms, PA-S refers to the classification of physician assistant students to differentiate them from certified health professionals. Depending on their year in school, PA students are designated by a title reflecting their time as a student, such as PA-S1 for first-year students.
Do PA students (PA-S) have the chance to earn money during school?
PA-S may be able to earn compensation for their clinical rotations, but it is dependent on the program. Depending on the opportunity, pay is equivalent to a stipend, a scholarship, or simply experience.
Is a PA-C a doctor?
No, the PA-C position is not equivalent to a doctor. PAs complete less training and education than doctors, which gives them less autonomy over their jobs. Depending on the state, their scope of practice varies. However, no matter the state, there must be a defined relationship between a PA-C and a doctor.
What is the PANCE exam?
The Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) is the qualifying skills, knowledge, and experience required for entry-level physician assistants (PAs). To be considered an applicant, students must have attended a school approved by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). The exam is administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA), which is the sole validating body responsible for PAs in the United States. The exam is formatted by industry professionals who have conducted practice-wide observation. PANCE includes five sections of 60 questions with one hour to complete each section. The total testing time is six hours, which includes 15 minutes for an overview and 45 minutes for split breaks.
Is the PA certification hard?
The PA certification is considered to be a test of competency on multiple levels to ensure that a PA is up to the standards required for high-quality healthcare. The PANCE requires hours of review and study. To prepare for the PANCE, individuals must review the PANCE Blueprint. It is crucial to recognize that for the first time since 2019, the PANCE Blueprint will be updated for all exams starting January 1st, 2025.
What’s the minimum PANCE score?
The minimum PANCE score is 350 to pass. If a candidate falls below the threshold, they must wait a minimum of 90 days to retake the PANCE. Though it’s uncommon to fail after the second attempt, it’s important to highlight that candidates are allowed to retake the exam only three times within a calendar year. After six unsuccessful attempts within 6 years, candidates are given the sole option to enroll in an ARC-PA-accredited physician assistant educational program. This route would then require the candidate to retake the exam at a later date, under the terms of the NCCPA.
What states do not require a nationally certified exam?
There is not a single U.S. state or territory that does not require the PANCE. The certification sets national standards as to what PAs should have general knowledge of and how to carry themselves. However, the PANCE is not a national certification for practice in all U.S. states. It’s essential to understand that each state has its own licensing requirements and regulations to ensure their state laws are followed.
What is the national pass rate for the PANCE?
The national pass rate for the PANCE was 92% in 2023 according to the NCCPA. This represents a slight decrease from 2020 when the rate was 95%. Generally speaking, physician assistant education, clinical practice, PANCE sample questions, and the PANCE content bluebook provide sufficient support for achieving a passing score.
Is the PANCE changing in 2025?
Yes, the PANCE exam is changing in 2025 after its last revision in 2025. Changes include an increase in the number of professional practice questions and the reorganization of content. These changes are being made by a team of professionals seeking to improve the exam and maintain its relevance. The modern era of medicine, especially post-COVID-19, has called for a revolutionized review of standards. This means that new PA-Cs will have met updated testing standards.
How do I maintain my PA certification?
Over the ten-year certification period, PA-Cs must complete 100 continuing education (CE) credits over five two-year periods. The second requirement is to pass either the Physician Assistant National Recertifying Exam (PANRE) or the Physician Assistant National Recertifying Exam-Longitudinal Assessment (PANRE-LA). A candidate must pass either exam by the conclusion of the 10th year of their maintenance period. To fully meet all requirements, the NCCPA must receive a certificate fee by December 31st of that 10th year. It is key to be proactive and monitor your progress as this process does not take overnight. The PA-C is hard earned title and can be taken away if the proper procedures are not followed.
What are the continuing education (CE) requirements for PA-Cs?
The continuing education requirements for PA-Cs are a minimum of 100 credit hours every two years. These hours must be logged accordingly and under the supervision of the NCCPA. At least 50 of the 100 hours must be Category 1 credits. The remaining 50 can be either category one or two. The main difference between the two credit types is that category one is more structured and is verified by accredited organizations such as the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA). On the other hand, category 2 has few restrictions and is more broad.
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