Secure How To Become a Physician Associate- License Requirements
How To Become To A Physician Associate
Congratulations on successfully passing your PANCE Exam! Now that the academic hurdles are behind you, it’s time to delve into how to become a Physician Associate (formerly known as Physician Assistant) by getting your state license.
Note that the title has changed, but for clarity, both titles will be used interchangeably in this discussion.
To practice medicine you must be certified in a specific state to work as a Physician Associate in any medical setting caring for patients. The certification process varies from state to state, taking anywhere from a few weeks to a maximum of 6-8 weeks.
The duration depends on the specific requirements of each state’s licensing procedure, making it essential to familiarize yourself with the process. You can apply for multiple license state licenses.
An exciting aspect of this journey is the option to apply for multiple state licenses simultaneously. For instance, if you reside in New York but want to practice in New York and California, you can pursue licenses for both states.
Importantly, you don’t need to be a resident of a particular state to apply for its Physician Associate license, which is convenient if you’re considering a move in the future.
Every state you obtain a license from you will need to pay for the application and subsequent renewals. While the renewal process varies by state, it is generally swift.
Initial application costs are typically out-of-pocket, but many employers reimburse these fees as part of your contract. Before signing any agreements, it’s wise to carefully read your contract details, a topic I’ll delve into in a future post.
My Personal Story : Getting my PA License
I attended the Physician Assistant Program at CUNY and applied for a New York Physician Assistant License to work in the state, while I resided in New Jersey.
My decision was influenced by the fact that the approval process for the NYS license took a mere two weeks, while the NJS license was estimated to take over eight weeks due to more rigorous requirements.
This included an extensive request for the last 5-7 years of clinical and non-clinical work experience, with specific forms required for each employer—a cumbersome process.
I highlight the importance of having the license for employment, but note that it’s not a prerequisite for applying to job positions.
During my job search, I indicated “Pending PA License” on applications, signaling to potential employers that I would be licensed soon. In a subsequent post, I’ll elaborate further on job applications and related requirements.
I eventually applied for the NJS Physician Assistant License three years later while working in NYC. The process involved obtaining signatures from both my current and previous employers, which can be an uncomfortable situation.
This emphasizes the importance of strategic planning, as applying for a license before securing a new job can help avoid potential awkwardness with your current employer.
You can avoid not having to explain to your employer that the new license is because you are planning to leave, but in life you can always deny the truth if that’s ultimately your plan.
Additionally, I pursued a Texas Physician Assistant License, encountering distinct requirements compared to New York and New Jersey. The approval timeframe for the Texas license was approximately one month or less, showcasing the process variation among states.
Having many licenses lets you work in different places and jobs, but it costs a lot to keep them up, and you might get taxed in two states if you work in both.
For those considering the journey, here’s a brief overview of the requirements for Physician Associate licenses in New York, New Jersey, and Texas:
How To Become A Physician Associate in NYC
- Fee is $115
- Passed the PANCE Exam
- Graduated from ARC-PA Program or PA Program approved by the NYS Education Department
- Have at least 32 semester hours of classroom work
- 40 weeks of supervised clinical training
- Approval Timeframe: 1-2 weeks
- Renewal Fee: $45 (Every 3 years)
- Must complete CME requirements required by NCCPA
How To Become a Physician Associate in NJ
- Fee is $125 (Download Checklist Here)
- Passed the PANCE Exam
- Graduated from ARC-PA Program
- CV and Transcripts
- Approval Timeframe: 4-6 weeks
- Renewal Fee: $150 (Every 2 years)
- Must complete CME requirements required by NCCPA
How To Become A Physician Associate in Texas
- Fee is $225.25
- Passed the PANCE Exam
- Graduated from ARC-PA Program
- Fingerprinting at a specific place (must make an appointment online to go)
- Passing Jurisprudence (JP) Exam
- 20 clinical hours a week for 40 weeks in one of the two years before applying
- Approval Timeframe: 4 weeks
- Renewal Fee: $55.48 (Every 2 years) – you will receive a card in the mail for renewal
- Must complete CME requirements required by NCCPA
Bottom-line, as you navigate the process of obtaining your Physician Associate license, ensure thorough research into state-specific requirements, including fingerprinting and criminal background checks.
This comprehensive understanding will streamline your path to a successful and fulfilling career in healthcare. You are on your way to becoming an awesome Physician Associate.
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