How do I become a Physician Assistant?

Question

I am a high school senior and i will be applying to colleges soon. I want to become a physician assistant but i really don't know how. There are some schools like Long Island U. and Saint John's U. that only offer a Bachelor's degree. I have heard that now a days people can't really do much with a bachelor's. There are other schools that only offer a Master's like UMDNJ and Seton Hall U.

1. do you think that i can apply for a master's right out of high school?

2. Ok should i apply to any of these Bachelor's programs ?

3. Should i just go to a four year school like Rutgers New Brunwswik and then aply into a Master's program?

4. How many years does the master's program last?

5. Can you please take some time out and give me more information? I am so lost and i need your help. Anything...and if you are a PA that would be even better please let me know who you became one. I need step by step instuctions.

Answer 1

Okay, you need to understand that a PA program is a master's level program.  You cannot apply for a master's program unless you already have, or are very near, completed a bachelor's degree.  Further, PA programs require you to have work experience in patient care of several years.  Normally PA applicants have a bachelor's of science in nursing (BSN) degree because they work as nurses and will have met the minimum level of work experience in patient care, plus have taken the required courses in health sciences that are prereqs to being admitted to any PA program.  Bachelors program is usually 4 years full-time and a masters program 1.5 to 2 years.

Now there are *some* programs that are combined bachelor/masters programs that allow you to crack both degrees in an accelerated time.  HOWEVER, do not expect to get into ANY of these programs unless you have stellar grades, test scores, and recommendations. I'm talking about being at the top 5% of your class.  The reason is that there are very few slots available, even in super large schools, for these type of programs and competition is fierce since it's an attractive option.  Normally these programs wrap up both degrees in just 5 years.  And as I mentioned, it's not offered everywhere.

Answer 2

You can't get a masters degree right out of high school. You have to get a bachelor's degree before you get a masters degree. Go to a four year school and then go to a school where you can get a master's degree. To get a master's degree it takes another two years.