Physician Assistant

By: Roohi Sharma

Physician Assistant

Physician Assistants (PAs) serve as vital healthcare providers, collaborating with physicians in diverse settings like hospitals, clinics, and community health centers. They assess patients, diagnose illnesses, and develop treatment plans, requiring strong clinical skills, communication, and teamwork. In Texas, PAs earn an average annual salary of $110,000 to $120,000. They work with patients of all ages, treating acute and chronic diseases, injuries, mental health disorders, and providing preventive care. With compassion and expertise, PAs contribute significantly to improving patient outcomes and delivering accessible healthcare services.

Description

To become a Physician Assistant (PA), individuals must typically complete a bachelor's degree with prerequisite coursework in science and healthcare fields. Following this, they must graduate from a Master's level PA program accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). Upon graduation, PAs must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) to obtain licensure. Additionally, some states may require PAs to maintain certification through continuing education credits or periodic recertification exams. While specialty training, residencies, internships, or fellowships are not mandatory for all PAs, some may choose to pursue additional training in specialized areas of medicine to enhance their skills and knowledge.

Requirements:

University of North Texas (UNT), situated in Denton, Texas, with campuses in Dallas and Fort Worth, is known for its dynamic academic programs, lively campus atmosphere, and vigorous community involvement. UNT offers a broad spectrum of undergraduate and graduate programs across various fields, prioritizing innovation and educational excellence. The UNT Fort Worth PA Program at UNT Health Science Center prepares aspiring Physician Assistants with practical clinical experience, collaborative learning, and community engagement. Similarly, the Texas Tech PA Program in Midland provides a comprehensive curriculum focusing on primary care and leadership skills. A sample degree plan for a Bachelor's in Biology at UNT includes foundational courses in biology, chemistry, and mathematics, that offers students a strong academic grounding. Admissions to UNT consider SAT/ACT scores, with an average range of 1090-1280 for SAT and 21-26 for ACT, along with an average GPA of 3.5. Applicants may also be required to submit a personal essay detailing their academic aspirations and reasons for choosing UNT.

School(s) of choice:

For the Bachelor's in Biology program at the University of North Texas (UNT), the cost per credit hour is approximately $300 for in-state residents and $1,000 for out-of-state residents, with potential additional laboratory fees ranging from $50 to $200 per course. But I would choose to stay at home instead of living in a dorm. So that I can save on housing costs, while parking fees at UNT vary from $100 to $300 per academic year. The exact cost per credit hour for the Physician Assistant (PA) programs at both UNT and Texas Tech varies, and additional fees such as equipment, textbooks, and clinical rotations may apply. Housing costs depend on students' choices, and parking fees for PA students will differ based on the university. It's recommended to directly inquire with each institution for specific rates and permit options.

Costs:

One scholarship available at the University of North Texas (UNT) is the "Distinguished Transfer Scholarship." To apply, transfer students submit the UNT Transfer Scholarship Application by the deadline, usually in early spring for the upcoming academic year. Eligible candidates must be transferring to UNT with a minimum of 45 transferable credit hours and a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate leadership qualities, community involvement, and a commitment to academic excellence.

Scholarship:

I'm Set to graduate from high school in around May 2026, my plan includes summer employment in retail or after I recieve my certification for medical scribe i'll be working as a medical assistant. WHICH WOULD BE GIVING ME THE OPPORTUNITY TO work in a hospital setting. However, I will be Prioritizing the ACT for college applications, my aim is to attend UNT for my bachelor's degree. Post-college graduation involves applying to multiple PA programs, including those at Texas Tech, UNT, or South university at austin, with the intention to start immediately after I graduate from UNT and potentially pursue further education in PA school.

Personal Career Statement: