So
you graduated, now what?
The
following information is not intended to be a comprehensive document
but rather a resource to help students who are graduating soon or have
already graduated.
Congratulations
on completing your education as a physician assistant and now it is
time to put all of your education to work in order to find a job. This
may seem at first to be a daunting task; therefore, SAAAPA has gathered
some helpful tips throughout this section to assist you in your quest
for the perfect job.
Getting
Started - Determine which state you will consider working
in and research the laws and licensure requirements for physician assistants.
You will need contact individual state agencies to obtain a license
application as well. This information is often available from
the state regulatory agencies. These listings are available in several
AAPA publications including From Program to Practice, A Guide
to Beginning Your New Career, which is provided to new graduates through
their PA program (you can find a copy of it in the members section of
the Web site).
In
addition, AAPA's store also sells several
books that would help prepare you for new career.
AAPA
also offers many links on its Web site that contain helpful information
for recent graduates:
Pro-PA Information
Data
and Statistics including census
report results on topics such as Income and Employment
Pre-Employment
Checklist -- which lists information to consider when applying for
a job and negotiating a contract
AAPA
also publishes position
papers and policy briefs that are a good source for information
about the profession and AAPA position on various topics.
Licensing
Issues for New Graduates
Summary
of State Law Regulations
List
of Medical Boards by State
Practicing
prior to NCCPA Certification: It is important to look at the licensure
and practice requirements in each state regarding temporary licensure
and the PANCE. Some states allow you to only apply once a physician
hires you; while others only meet several times a year limiting the
opportunities to obtain licensure. Some states have temporary licensure
available while others do not. In some states, temporary licensure
is only available to those who haven't sat for the NCCPA exam. Some
PA boards grant licenses quickly while others take longer to complete.
It is advisable to look into the process well before you have started
interviewing so you can tell your potential employer the details required
for licensure.
Summary
chart: State Statutory and Regulatory Requirements
States
that authorize PA Prescribing
The
PANCE - If you haven't taken the NCCPA exam yet, you may want
to relax and study before aggressively beginning your job search. Need
help studying for the test? You might want to utilize the AAPA/PAEA
Comprehensive Review book available through the AAPA on-line store.
Any
questions regarding the PANCE check out the NCCPA
Web site.
Your
Professional File - Establish a professional file early to
keep everything in a single spot such as transcripts, diplomas, specialty
exams, references, current curriculum vitae, résumé, professional
receipts, CME information, etc. This will expedite the process of obtaining
licensure. Try to obtain your references early so that you have
them when someone requests them.
Develop
a professional résumé or curriculum vitae and be sure
that someone proofreads it before sending it out. Contacts
& Contracts: An Employment Guide for Physician Assistants is
available from AAPA
On-Line Store to assist in résumé writing and interviewing
skills.
Finding
a Job - Check with your school, AAPA News, state
PA chapter, specialty PA organization , PA
journals, local classifieds, and the internet for any possible leads.
Do not underestimate the opportunities developed during your clinical
year. Attend state, regional and annual PA meetings for networking
opportunities. You can also use the PA
Job Link , an on-line job source for PA jobs.
Several
documents are available through AAPA On-Line Store:
•
Partners in Medicine Information brochure
•
Hiring a Physician Assistant
•
Prescribing and Dispensing
•
Physician Assistants and Hospital Practice
•
PAs: Professional Assets Brochure - specifically designed for the Physician
audience
•
PA Third Party Coverage
The
Interview - When you get ready for the interview remember
to take your pre-employment
checklist. Be sure to follow up the interview with a thank
you letter regardless of your interest in the position or not.
Once
you have a potential lead it is important to consider the contract and
benefits. The following may be beneficial to you:
Risky
Business Malpractice Insurance Fact Sheet
Anatomy
of a Contract
Additional
professional practice issues such as CME/recertification, reimbursement,
history of PA profession, rural health issues and many more.
Get
involved with your profession - Your help is needed at every
level of participation. You can participate in the
House of Delegates, Physician Assistant Education Association, Physician
Assistant Foundation, specialty organizations, state constituent chapters,
volunteer to be a preceptor at a nearby school, present a paper and
publish your work, and take an active role in healthcare legislation
in your state. Look through AAPA's
PA Personal and Professional Development toolbox for information
about how you can get involved.
