Physician Assistant Programs in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Becoming a Physician Assistant in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, offers a vibrant environment for those pursuing a career as a Physician Assistant (PA). A PA is a licensed medical professional who works under the supervision of a physician, providing a wide range of healthcare services. This guide outlines the educational paths, local PA programs, employment opportunities, and certification requirements for aspiring PAs in Philadelphia.

About Philadelphia

Philadelphia, known as the “City of Brotherly Love,” is rich in history and culture. It’s home to iconic landmarks such as the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. As Pennsylvania’s largest city, Philadelphia offers diverse neighborhoods and a robust healthcare system. For more information, visit the official Philadelphia website.

PA Programs in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia hosts several esteemed institutions offering PA programs:

1. Drexel University
   Located in University City, Drexel University offers a Master of Health Science – Physician Assistant program. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). Learn more about Drexel’s PA program.

2. Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM)
   Situated in the Overbrook neighborhood, PCOM provides a Master of Science in Health Sciences – Physician Assistant Studies. The program emphasizes clinical practice and is ARC-PA accredited. Explore PCOM’s PA program.

3. Temple University
   Temple University, located in North Philadelphia, offers a comprehensive PA program focusing on primary care. The program is designed to prepare students for the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE). Visit Temple University’s PA program page.

PA Employment Opportunities in Philadelphia

Philadelphia’s healthcare landscape provides numerous employment opportunities for PAs:

• Penn Medicine
  Located in University City, Penn Medicine is a leading academic medical center offering diverse career opportunities for PAs. Explore careers at Penn Medicine.

• Jefferson Health
  Situated in Center City, Jefferson Health is renowned for its comprehensive healthcare services and employs PAs across various specialties. Visit Jefferson Health’s careers page.

• Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)
  Located in University City, CHOP is a top-ranked pediatric hospital offering specialized roles for PAs. Learn more about careers at CHOP.

Prerequisites for PA Programs

To enroll in a PA program, candidates typically need:

• A bachelor’s degree in science or a health-related field.
• Completion of prerequisite courses, which vary by program.
• A minimum GPA, often around 3.0.
• Healthcare experience, such as volunteering or working in a clinical setting.
• Successful completion of entrance exams like the GRE, if required.

PA Certification and Licensure Requirements in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, PAs must meet specific certification and licensure requirements:

• Certification: Pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE).
• Licensure: Obtain a license from the Pennsylvania State Board of Medicine.
• Accreditation: Ensure the PA program is ARC-PA accredited.

Licensure Reciprocity

Pennsylvania does not have specific licensure reciprocity agreements for PAs with other states. However, PAs moving to Pennsylvania must meet the state’s licensing requirements.

Get Started Today

Embarking on a career as a Physician Assistant in Philadelphia is a rewarding journey. With a variety of educational programs and employment opportunities, Philadelphia is an excellent place to pursue this career. Contact a local school today to begin your path toward becoming a PA.