From the AAPA (American Academy of Physician Associates) website, “PAs (physician associates/physician assistants) are licensed clinicians who practice medicine in every specialty and setting. Trusted, rigorously educated and trained healthcare professionals, PAs are dedicated to expanding access to care and transforming health and wellness through patient-centered, team-based medical practice.”
Time to Degree and Salary
PA schools take anywhere from 2-3 years to complete, and vary on whether or not to go into more training in residency.
In 2024, the national salary average for PAs was $127,000, depending a lot on the specialty of the PA. For example, a PA working in Pediatrics makes an average of about $96,000 per year, whereas a PA working in emergency medicine will make an average of $120,000 per year.
Where can I get a PA Degree?
There are hundreds of ACR-PA (Accredited PA) schools located all over the US. According to the PAEA (Physician Assistant Education Association), the typical acceptance rate for PA programs is around 20%.