Becoming a Military PA: What to Know

I'm considering a career as a military PA. What are the educational paths and requirements, and what kind of experience should I be aiming to get before applying?

The educational path to becoming a Military Physician Assistant (PA) generally starts with earning a bachelor's degree, typically in a science-related field like biology or chemistry. Alongside this, it's important to amass healthcare-related experience, perhaps through work as an EMT, a Certified Nursing Assistant, or even through volunteer experiences in healthcare settings.

After your undergraduate studies, you'll typically proceed to a Master's Physician Assistant program, a two- to three-year program combining classwork in medical sciences with clinical rotations. These programs should be accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).

Once you have your master’s in hand, you’ll need to pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) to become certified. After becoming certified, you can apply for state licensure in the state where you plan to practice.

Joining the military as a PA will often involve Officer Training School or Direct Commission Officer School, depending on the branch of the military you're looking to join. The specifics can vary, but generally these trainings focus on leadership skills, physical conditioning, and familiarization with military life.

Some branches of the military offer programs to help with the cost of your education in exchange for a service commitment. The Army, for example, offers the Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) which covers the cost of tuition, books, and fees, and provides a monthly stipend.

Regarding prior experience, any experience in healthcare or leadership positions can strengthen your application. Furthermore, military PAs can serve in a variety of settings—from military bases to deployed combat units—so showcasing your ability to adapt to changing environments could be beneficial as well.

Please keep in mind that the steps can vary slightly depending on the branch of the military, so it's a good idea to reach out to a recruiter for detailed, up-to-date information.