An Insight into Physician Assistant Careers in Connecticut
Connecticut’s healthcare system relies heavily on the valuable role of Physician Assistants (PAs). These professionals work tirelessly to transform the health sector, catering to an extensive patient demographic, from newborns to the elderly. The remarkable dedication of PAs significantly contributes to the betterment and preservation of numerous lives each year in the Constitution State.
As per the data from 2012, the state had 1,911 active and licensed PAs, boasting an average annual salary of $104,540. The demand for this profession is expected to rise with the aging of baby boomers.
If you wish to explore a rewarding career and learn how to become a physician assistant in Connecticut, here’s a detailed four-step guide:
- Fulfill the prerequisite for the accredited Physician Assistant Program in Connecticut;
- Clear the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE);
- Get licensed in Connecticut;
- Maintain the qualifications for license renewal.
Obtaining a Connecticut Physician Assistant License necessitates meeting stringent education requirements, as detailed in an article discussing the extensive training needed to become a physician assistant.
Becoming a Physician Assistant in Connecticut
The starting point for any budding PA in Connecticut involves enrolling in a Physician Assistant program that meets the Connecticut Department of Public Health’s accreditation prerequisites. It is worth noting that the department only recognizes those programs endorsed by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).
Prospective PAs must possess a bachelor’s degree in any field as a pre-requisite for admission into most PA programs. Moreover, it’s beneficial for students to have a foundational understanding of biology, chemistry, and psychology, as these are typically required subjects for PA programs. Some of the recommended bachelor’s degrees include:
- Medical Assistant;
- Nursing;
- Public Health;
- Psychology;
- Chemistry;
- Biology.
While requirements might vary slightly among institutions, having clinical experience and Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) scores are commonly required. Once all the prerequisites are fulfilled, individuals can proceed with the two-year study program, following which they can take the PANCE.
Mastering the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam
PANCE is administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). Passing this exam is a crucial step toward earning the Physician Assistant-Certified (PA-C) credential, a prerequisite for licensure in Connecticut.
The PANCE is a comprehensive exam consisting of 300 multiple-choice questions to be tackled in a five-hour window.
| Process | Description | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Registration | The exam registration can be completed online. | $475 |
| Practice Exam Purchase | NCCPA offers practice exams. | $35 |
Upon successful completion of PANCE, candidates receive a certification and are then eligible to apply for state licensure.
Applying for a Physician Assistant License in Connecticut
The Connecticut Department of Health mandates the following for a Physician Assistant License application:
- A completed Physician Assistant License Application;
- Proof of graduation from an ARC-PA accredited program;
- Proof of NCCPA certification (PA-C);
- Evidence of completion of a minimum of 60 hours of pharmacology instruction;
- An application fee of $190.
After gathering the required documents, applicants can forward their application to the Connecticut Department of Public Health, Physician Assistant Licensure, located in Hartford.
Keeping your License Current
Keeping your Connecticut PA License active involves a renewal cost of $150. License holders receive a renewal alert 60 days before the expiry date. Renewal prerequisites include maintaining the NCCPA (PA-C) certification. This involves:
- Completion of 100 credits of Continuing Medical Education (CME) every two years;
- Passing the $350 Physician Assistant National Recertification Exam (PANRE) every tenth year.
As PAs gain more experience, they might consider participating in review boards, medical societies, and training programs, such as:
- Connecticut Academy of Physician Assistants;
- Connecticut State Medical Society;
- Connecticut Medical Examining Board.
Conclusion
Becoming a physician assistant in Connecticut is a fulfilling career path that offers the possibility of making a deep impact on the health sector in the state. By successfully navigating through an accredited program, passing the requisite certification exams, and securing a state license, you move closer to being part of a team of healthcare professionals who are dedicated to improving the lives of many. This article’s intent is to provide clear guidelines to streamline your journey toward achieving your goal. Remember that the journey might be challenging, but the rewards are worth the effort. So take the first step, and propel yourself towards a bright future in Connecticut’s healthcare sector.
