becoming a Physician assistant
✔
PANCE Registration Information
✔
PANCE Test Information
✔
Test Preparation
✔
What to Expect on Exam Day
✔
Exam Results
✔
Jurisprudence Exam
✔
After The ‘C’
✔
Texas Licensure
✔
Getting a Job
✔
Make a Good First Impression
Physician
assistant
countdown
You’ve graduated from PA school,
now what’s next?
Here’s all you need to know
about getting your PA-C.
What’s Next?
NCCPA Certification — Getting Your PA-C
Before you can receive your Texas PA license, you must first pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) given by the National Commission on the Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
What is nccPa?
NCCPA is the National Commission on the Certification of Physician Assistants. They are the only nationally recognized certifying body for PAs in the United States. NCCPA is dedicated to assuring the public that certified PAs meet professional standards of clinical knowledge and cognitive skills. All US states have decided to rely on NCCPA certification criteria for initial licensure or regulation of PAs. The Physician Assistant National
Certification Exam (PANCE) and the Physician Assistant National Recertifying Exam (PANRE) are organized by NCCPA. You can find all the information about NCCPA on their website — www.nccpa.net. For student information on certification go to: www.nccpa. net/CER_student.aspx
If you have questions, you can email nccpa@nccpa.net or call (678) 417-8100, to talk to a person, press 0.
Physician Assistant National Certification Exam (PANCE)
To sit for the PANCE you must be a graduate from an accredited physician assistant program. The initial exam is a 360 multiple choice question exam, computer based. Successful completion is a prerequisite to licensure in all states. * It is not required for renewal of an active Texas PA license.
PANCE Registration Information
nCost is currently $475, payment in advance
nYou cannot apply before 90 days of expected graduation
nYou can sit for the exam 7 days after the graduation date posted by your Program
Director.
nIf there is any chance that you won’t complete your PA program requirements on time,
wait until you are confident of your program completion/graduation date prior to registering for the exam.
nYou may register to take the PANCE online at www.nccpa.net/pa/LoginNew.aspx
nYou will be given and NCCPA ID#
nThe test is administered through Pearson VUE – www.pearsonvue.com/
texasmedicalboard (888) 300-6228
PANCE Test Information
nThere are 300 basic medical and surgical questions.
nYou have 5 hours to complete the test
• Six blocks of 60 questions.
• 60 minutes to complete each block
nIf you do not pass initially:
• Six attempts in six years to pass.
• Once in a 90 day period or 3 times a year.
nExam Content
• Task Areas: http://www.nccpa.net/ExamsContentBPTasks.aspx
• Organ Areas: http://www.nccpa.net/ExamsContentBPOrgans.aspx
organ systems exam content
History Taking & Performing Physical Examinations – 16% Using Laboratory & Diagnostic Studies – 14%
Formulating Most Likely Diagnosis – 18% Health Maintenance – 10%
Clinical Intervention – 14%
Pharmaceutical Therapeutics – 18% Applying Basic Science Concepts – 10%
16% 14% 18% 10% 14% 18% 10% 3% 16% 12% 6% 9% 6% 10% 10% 8% 6% 6% 5% 3% Pulmonary – 12%
Eyes, Ears, Nose and Throat – 9% Endocrine – 6% Cardiovascular – 16% Reproductive – 8% Musculoskeletal – 10% Genitourinary – 6% Gastrointestinal/Nutritional – 10% Neurologic System – 6% Psychiatry/Behavioral – 6% Dermatologic – 5% Hematologic – 3% Infectious Diseases – 3%
test Preparation
nMultiple review books and courses are available. You are the best judge about a study
method.
nNCCPA has a self assessment exam online to assess your strengths and weaknesses.
nTalk to your PA program for study programs available.
nRecommended Review Books
• Appleton and Lange Q&A
• AAPA
• Step Up to Medicine
• NCCPA Self Assessment
• Class Notes
nSelf assessment
• Costs $35
• 120 computer based questions from past PANCE and PANRE exams, 60 minutes for
each section (2 sections)
• You are given results immediately, but not given answers or explanations
• Graphic representation of strengths and weaknesses.
nFormal Review Courses – you can find a list of exam review courses with dates and
locations on the AAPA website –http://www.aapa.org/cme/materials.aspx
nMaterials – there are a number of print resources for exam preparation, you can go to
www.aapa.org to view them. NCCPA also has practice exams available through their website – www.nccpa.net/SelfAssessment.aspx
nVisit www.pearsonvue.com/nccpa to find testing locations in your area as well as tutorial
information.
What to Expect on Exam Day
nArrive at least 30 minutes early
nHave 2 forms of ID
nPut everything you have in a locker.
nThere are scheduled breaks – total of 45 minutes of allotted breaks taken between blocks.
nIf you need an ‘unscheduled’ break, that time is deducted from the 60 minutes allowed to
complete that section.
nYou can only access medications, snacks and a drink from your locker during breaks.
nYou manage your breaks, there is no lunch break.
Exam Results
nGraduates usually receive NCCPA exam scores within 2 weeks of their exam date.
• You will receive email notification on when to check NCCPA website for your
posted results
• Results posted in your personal certification record.
nMust send a request in writing (mail or fax) or online (email) to have a letter verifying your
eligibility send to the state board for your license.
*NCCPA can provide verification of certification over the phone (678) 417-8100, but they need to receive requests for the release of scores online or in writing.
Maintaining The ‘C’
nAfter passing the PANCE, PAs are issued a certificate entitling them to use the PA-C
designation until the expiration date printed on the certificate.
nThe ‘C’ is valid through 12/31 of the second year after you graduate.
nTo maintain active certification, a PA-C must
• Complete 100 hours of CME every 2 years
• At least 50 hours of Category 1
• Submit those hours for credit to the NCCPA
• These hours should be logged by June 30th of your certification expiration year.
• Recertification is granted in 2 year cycles.
• Log CME online ($80) by June 30 or ($130) by December 31st.
nMaintain all documentation of completed Category 1 CME credits.
nNCCPA randomly audits Category 1 CME hours.
nYou will be notified by postal mail and email if you are to be audited.
nRecertification
• Every 6 years (from date of certification), you can take the exam as early as year 5.
• NCCPA offers one recertification exam – PANRE – Physician Assistant National
Recertifying Exam
• The PANRE is offered at Pearson VUE testing centers.
• It is a 300 multiple choice question test on a computer.
• They have 5 hours allotted for you to take the test, 5 blocks of 60 questions, 60 minutes
each.
• Cost is $300.
• You can take the test as early as year 5, but you must pass by the end of the 6th year.
• You have 4 attempts to pass (2 per year).
Getting Your Texas License
Jurisprudence Exam
To receive your Texas License, you must take the Jurisprudence Exam through the Texas Physician Assistant Board.
nThere are 50 multiple choice questions taken from an online pool of 100 questions.
nThe test is administered by Pearson VUE Test Centers.
nThere is a $63 fee to take the test.
nYou receive a scheduling permit from the TPAB after you register.
nThere are study questions on the Texas Medical Board’s Website - http://www.tmb.state.
tx.us/professionals/physicianassist/applicants/PA-Website-Study-Guide-2011-03-02.pdf
License application Process
nOnline (http://www.tmb.state.tx.us/professionals/physicianassist/physicianassist.php)
n$205 – must be submitted along with the completed application
nProcessing time: 60-90 days
nOnce your on-line application is received, you will be notified via e-mail of the processing
status
nTPAB meets 4 times a year to consider applicants for permanent licensure
nAll documents, fees, and completed application must be received 20 days before the Board
meeting
Things You Will Need To Do
nProvide your NCCPA certification (i.e. proof you passed the PANCE)
nYour PA Program will need to confirm your graduation
nBe sure to read through the application instructions thoroughly and carefully
nComply with the instructions and any requests for additional information FULLY
nThe Board conducts background checks, prior offenses including juvenile records will be
available to the Board
Supplemental Documents
nBirth certificate or passport
nCopy of PA Diploma
nDean’s Certification – Form D
nCertified PA school transcript
nProgram Director Form – Form L-PA/AC
nState Board Licensure Verification
nIf you ever held a health care professional license
nAlternate Name (Marriage certificate)
nDD 214 if discharged from military
Temporary License
nTemporary applications are usually approved by the Executive Director in the interim
PROVIDED the application is in order and no issues are identified from review of the application.
Supervising Physician
nYou must complete the Online Supervision and Prescriptive Delegation Registration
through the Texas Medical Board’s Website www.tmb.state.tx.us Hard copy forms will not be accepted.
nIf you change or add a Supervising Physician, the new application must be filed with
Texas Medical Board prior to beginning work
• Written or verbal approval from board is required prior to starting work
• Terminating a supervising physician relationship
• Submitting an application for a new Supervising Physician does not terminate other
supervision that is in place
• You must notify the board in writing separately addressing the terminated relationship
• Include the specific doctor and the ending date
• There is no limit to the number of Supervising Physicians a PA can have
• A Supervising Physician may have up to 5 full-time equivalent PAs
• Maximum of 250 clinic hours per week
• Full-time equivalent is 50 hours per week
• Can only delegate prescriptive authority to 4 PAs or NPs (or their full-time equivalent)
Prescription Delegation and DEA Information
nYou do NOT need a DPS or DEA number to write for drugs that are not controlled
• i.e. Dangerous Drugs: Amoxicillin
nSchedule I substances — PAs cannot prescribe in Texas
• Have no accepted medical use in the United States and have a high abuse potential
• Some examples are heroin, marihuana, LSD, peyote
nSchedule II substances — PAs cannot prescribe in Texas
• High abuse potential with severe psychic or physical dependence liability
• Schedule II controlled substances consist of certain narcotic, stimulant and depressant
drugs
• Some examples of Schedule II narcotic controlled substances are: opium, morphine,
codeine, hydromorphone (Dilaudid), methadone, pantopon, meperidine (Demerol) nSchedule III substances
• Abuse potential less Schedules I and II, and include compounds containing limited
quantities of certain narcotic drugs and non-narcotic drugs such as: codeine (Tylenol with Codeine), chlorphentermine, preparation or suppository dosage form containing amobarbital, secobarbital or pentobarbital
nSchedule IV substances
• Abuse potential less than Schedule III and include such drugs as: phenobarbital,
chloral hydrate, clorazepate (Tranxene), alprazolam (Xanax), Quazepam (Dormalin) nSchedule V substances
• Abuse potential less than Schedule IV and consist primarily of preparations containing
limited quantities of certain narcotic and stimulant drugs generally for antitussive, antidiarrheal and analgesic purposes
• Some examples are Robitussin A-C, Lomotil, and Lyrica
nIf your Supervising Physician wants you to be able to write for Scheduled drugs (III-V),
you need a DEA number
• To get your DEA number you need to first get a DPS number from the Texas Department of State Health Services. You must obtain an application for DPS for a Controlled Substance Registration Certificate. You can request an application by calling the Austin DPS office at (512) 424-2188 or send an email request for an application to tppcsr@txdps.state.tx.us.
nYour request must include your full name, professional title, mailing address and a phone
number.
nApplication fee is $25.
nThere is not an online application, an the original supplication and fee must be mailed to
the DPS.
nThe application will require your Supervising Physician’s signature.
nYou must renew this certificate each year, the form will be mailed to you.
• Takes 2 weeks to 60 days to process
nOnce you have received your Controlled Substance Registration Certificate by the DPS you
can register with the DEA.
nGo to www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov and click on Registration. Fill out DEA-224 Form. You
will need:
• your TAX ID number and/or Social Security Number
• State Controlled Substance Registration Information
• State Medical License Information
• Credit card
nThere is a fee of $551 for 3 Years
nDEA In Texas
• Schedule 3, 3N (narcotics), 4, 5
• Prescribe and Administer 30 day supply only
• Delegation by state: http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drugreg/practioners/index.
html#1-6
Total Fees
n Licensure Costs:
• Temporary License $50
• Application Processing Fee $205
• First Registration Fee $119.50 -$283.75
• 6 months ($119.50)
• 9 months ($174.25)
• 12 months ($229.00)
• 15 months ($283.75)
• Jurisprudence Exam $63
Total Potential Licensure Costs $601.75
n Additional Costs:
• NCCPA Self Assessment $35
• NCCPA PANCE $475
• CME log (online only) $80-$130
• NCCPA Total $590
• DPS (not mandatory) $25
• DEA (not mandatory) $551
Maintaining your Texas License
nComplete 40 hours of CME during the period of your annual licensure
• 20 hours must be Category I
n$50 fee for 90 extra days to submit CME
n$100 fee 91 days – 1 year (after, your license will be canceled)
nComplete annual registration forms and fees (currently $225) on time
• There is no grace period
• Fees for even 1 day late
National Provider Identification Number
nNational Provider Identification
nReplaced the Unique Physician Identification Number (UPIN)
n10-digit number issued by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
nRequired by HIPAA for medical transfer of information
nStays with you regardless of job or location
• Does not replace your license or DEA number
nApply at: https://nppes.cms.hhs.gov/NPPES/StaticForward.do?forward=static.npistart
Getting a Job
Create your Professional Profile
n Update your resume
nMake sure you have an objective to market yourself
Make a Good First Impression
nCreate contacts during your clinical rotations
nCreate an introductory email or letter
nDo Your Research!
• Before you go on an interview, find out information about the interviewer, clinic,
hospital and their affiliations.
• Visit the location prior to the interview date so you know where you are going and
how much time it will take to get there.
nPrepare for the Interview
nCreate mock questions and have your friends quiz you on them.
nRefer to AAPA’s “Career ComPAnion” brochure.
nDress the part!
• Dress professionally! Remember, you are making a first impression.
• Little or no cologne/perfume
• Bring a portfolio, working pen or pencil and bottled water with you.
nInterview Day
• Confidence is Key!
• Be sure to arrive on time.
• Go to the bathroom before your interview and check your appearance in the mirror.
• Bring PA information/statistics with you.
nUtilize your Body Language
• Non-Verbal: sit straight, lean forward, maintain good eye contact.
• Verbal: have well thought out questions, no gum, don’t interview the interviewer, take
notes (ask), speak clearly.
nKnow your Expectations
• Refer to AAPA’s “Career ComPAnion”
• What is the PA role in this office? Would you be their first PA? Do they have a lot of
turnover?
• Will you have your own office
• What are the hours? Will you be on call? Does the job require a lot of travel?
• Salary, contract, fringe benefits
• Do they pay for your Professional expenses (CME, national and/or state dues)
• It’s not all about the money – think about hours, lifestyle, fringe benefits, vacation, etc.
nDetermining the Next Step/Follow Up
Immediately after interview, gather your thoughts and organize your notes.
• Did you have a good rapport with the physician and staff?
• What was their philosophy on patient care?
• Write a thank you letter within one week to your interviewer.
nPrepare for Acceptance/Denial
• Don’t do a second interview unless you are serious about taking the job.
• Don’t seem desperate.
• Don’t be pressured.
• Buy time.
• Don’t burn bridges.
Resumes and CVs
nA resume is a condensed list usually one or two pages, highlighting and summarizing
previous and current jobs or other relevant experience. Resumes should include:
• Contact information
• Your objective
• Employment history
• Education information
• Additional clinical training
• License/certification information
nA CV is a longer, more detailed document designed to demonstrate expertise and
authority. CVs generally include:
• Contact information • Employment history • Education information • Professional qualifications • Awards • Publications • Presentations • Professional Memberships • Interests
cover Letters
A cover letter is a way to introduce yourself and your work to prospective employers. They should be direct, concise and tailored to each position you apply for.
nEach letter should be about one page long.
nPurpose of your letter should be stated in the first paragraph.
nIn the body of the letter, explain how your skills benefit the practice or organization.
nMention areas of excellence that are listed on your resume or CV and explain further.
nClose with proposed next steps, such as calling to follow up within a week.
use your resources
Go online for samples of resumes, CVs and cover letters, or ask friends who have had successful job searches.
Employment Resources
nTAPA Career Center - Your destination for exciting Physician Assistants job opportunities.
We feature various Physician Assistants jobs. Go to www.tapa.org and click on Job Seeker Login on the home page.
nPA Job Link – To help connect PAs and employers, AAPA developed the PA Job Link
– a free, comprehensive employment resource for PA students and practicing PAs. The Job Link not only includes job postings, but also has professional development tools, salary profiles, interviewing tips and contract templates to assist you in negotiating an employment package. Go towww.aapa.org/joblink
nNetworking
• TAPA Conferences – network with practicing PAs from around the state. Meet with
PAs who work in your area and who may be able to connect you to employers who are hiring.
• Local PA Chapters – some chapters have monthly CME meetings as well as networking
functions. For a list of local Texas PA chapters, go to: http://tapa.affiniscape.com/ displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=1
• PA Program Alumni Group – join your PA program’s alumni group to stay in touch
with classmates and to network.
Going to Work!
nDo Not begin work as a PA until you have your temporary or permanent license in hand
nOnce you have identified an employer, make sure they register as your supervising
physician and that all alternate supervisors are registered
nSubmit your Intent to Practice/Supervise a PA application. You may not work until this is
