How to Become a Physician Assistant in Vermont
The fastest growing age population segments in Vermont are those 55-74 years old. This statistic is one of the main contributing factors for the steady demand for physician assistants in the Green Mountain State, along with a consistent pull for more rural healthcare practitioners who are often in the form of PAs. As physician assistants continue to step into the roles more traditionally held by doctors they are gaining experience assisting with surgery, prescribing medications, and conducting a significant portion of patient evaluation. Those interested in becoming a vital part of the state’s healthcare system can continue reading to discover how to become a physician assistant in Vermont:
- Select Vermont Physician Assistant Programs for Licensure
- Become Nationally Credentialed as a Physician Assistant-Certified (PA-C)
- Apply for State Licensure with the Vermont Board of Medical Practice
- Maintain Vermont Licensure
Step 1. Select Vermont Physician Assistant Programs for Licensure
Students can begin choosing a PA degree program by ensuring it is certified by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). Students should also make sure they meet the admission requirements for PA degree programs, which commonly include having thousands of clinical experience hours and a bachelor’s degree in any subject. Because many PA prerequisites involve science courses, an undergraduate major in any of the following can also serve to knock out some PA prereqs:
- Biology
- Nursing
- Medical Assistant
- Chemistry
- Health
Step 2. Become Nationally Credentialed as Physician Assistant-Certified (PA-C)
Students become credentialed as Physician Assistant-Certified (PA-C) once they have passed the NCCPA’s (National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants) qualifying exam, the PANCE. Also known as the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam, the PANCE covers the major organ systems of the human body and can be taken at a nearby testing location. Details about the exam include:
- Online registration is available, and there is a $475 fee associated with the exam
- Computer-based, 300 multiple-choice questions
- Five-hour time limit
- Practice exams for $35 available through the NCCPA
- Students can register beginning 90 days before their PA degree program ends
Step 3. Apply for State Licensure with the Vermont Board of Medical Practice
The Vermont Board of Medical Practice is responsible for licensing qualified applicants who want to practice legally as PAs in the state. Completing an application for licensure involves submitting required documents to the Board, which include:
- Employment contract with a physician
- Primary supervising physician form
- Secondary supervising physician form
- Certificate of graduation from a PA program- to be returned by the school to the Board
- Two reference forms
- Scope of Practice form
- $170 initial application fee
Step 4. Maintain Licensure in Vermont
Vermont PA Licenses need to be renewed every two years for a $170 fee. The Board will send a renewal notice and form at least one month before the PA’s license expires. Physician assistants are also responsible for maintaining knowledge and competence in their fields; failure to do this can result in license revocation by the Board.
Last year PAs in Vermont earned an average salary of $90,100. As their practice scope expands and client lists grow, PAs may find it valuable to join professional organizations such as the Physician Assistant Academy of Vermont (PAAV).