Training to be a physician's assistant: Explore your options

Congratulations on your high school graduation. Choosing a major, and ultimately a career, will probably take a lot of thinking and researching on your part. It sounds like you have been talking with people and asking questions, which is a great start.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, physician assistant (PA) jobs are expected to increase by 39 percent between 2008 and 2018. This growth is much faster than the average for all occupations and will ideally bring many job opportunities your way upon completion of your training. PAs also have the potential to earn a lucrative salary. In 2008 the annual median salary for a physician assistant was $81,230.

While the requirements to admit students to physician assistants programs vary, most who apply have an associate's or bachelor's degree and employment experience as a registered nurse, paramedic, or emergency medical technician. Your PA training could take around two years to complete and may include courses such as:

• Pathology
• Biochemistry
• Anatomy
• Physiology
• Medical Ethics
• Physical Diagnosis
• Pharmacology

To prepare for one of the physician assistant programs, I recommend earning a bachelor's degree in a related health care field where you will be required to take many of these courses above. Some universities, including online programs, even offer bachelor's degree programs in physician assistant studies. As long as your degree program is in an area related to health care, in my opinion, there is not one that is better than another. You will probably gain the most benefits by choosing a program that is most appealing to your specific interests. Good luck!