The Army Physicians Assistant Program is a highly competitive and prestigious program designed to train and educate physician assistants (PAs) to provide high-quality medical care to soldiers and their families. The program is part of the United States Army Medical Department and is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). With a rich history dating back to 1971, the program has evolved to meet the changing needs of the Army and the medical profession, with a strong emphasis on evidence-based practice and patient-centered care.
According to the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), the demand for PAs is expected to increase by 31% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by the need for primary care providers, particularly in rural and underserved areas. The Army Physicians Assistant Program plays a critical role in addressing this shortage by providing trained PAs to support the Army's medical mission. For example, in 2020, the program graduated 144 PAs, with 90% of graduates going on to work in primary care specialties.
Key Points
- The Army Physicians Assistant Program is a 29-month program that includes 16 months of classroom instruction and 13 months of clinical training.
- Applicants must be a U.S. citizen, be between the ages of 21 and 40, and have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
- The program is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) and is designed to meet the educational standards of the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
- Graduates of the program are eligible to take the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) and become certified as a physician assistant.
- The program has a strong emphasis on primary care, with 70% of graduates going on to work in primary care specialties, such as family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics.
Admission Requirements and Process
To be eligible for the Army Physicians Assistant Program, applicants must meet certain requirements, including being a U.S. citizen, being between the ages of 21 and 40, and having a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Applicants must also have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and have completed prerequisite courses in science and mathematics, such as anatomy, physiology, and statistics. For example, a study by the National Center for Education Statistics found that students who completed prerequisite courses in science and mathematics had a higher success rate in PA programs.
The admission process typically begins 12-18 months prior to the start of the program and involves a series of steps, including submitting an application, taking the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), and completing a physical fitness test. Applicants must also undergo a background check and meet the Army's physical fitness standards, which include a minimum score of 240 on the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT). According to the Army's website, the APFT is a critical component of the Army's fitness program, and is used to assess a soldier's overall fitness and readiness for duty.
Curriculum and Clinical Training
The Army Physicians Assistant Program curriculum is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in the principles and practices of medicine. The program includes 16 months of classroom instruction, during which students study subjects such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and clinical medicine. For instance, a study published in the Journal of Physician Assistant Education found that students who received instruction in pharmacology had a higher success rate on the PANCE.
Following completion of the classroom instruction, students participate in 13 months of clinical training, during which they work under the supervision of experienced physicians and PAs in a variety of clinical settings, including hospitals, clinics, and field medical units. According to the Army's website, the clinical training program is designed to provide students with hands-on experience in a variety of medical specialties, including surgery, emergency medicine, and pediatrics.
| Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Anatomy | 4 |
| Physiology | 4 |
| Pharmacology | 3 |
| Clinical Medicine | 6 |
Benefits and Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Army Physicians Assistant Program are eligible to take the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) and become certified as a physician assistant. They are also eligible for commission as an officer in the Army Medical Department, with a minimum rank of captain. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for PAs is 108,610, with the top 10% earning more than 151,850.
Career opportunities for graduates of the program are numerous and varied, with many going on to work in primary care specialties, such as family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics. Others may choose to work in specialty areas, such as surgery, emergency medicine, or orthopedics. For example, a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants found that PAs who worked in primary care specialties had higher job satisfaction rates than those who worked in specialty areas.
Professional Development and Continuing Education
The Army Physicians Assistant Program places a strong emphasis on professional development and continuing education, with graduates encouraged to pursue ongoing education and training throughout their careers. The program also provides opportunities for graduates to participate in leadership development and mentorship programs, which can help them advance in their careers and take on leadership roles in the Army Medical Department. According to the Army’s website, the leadership development program is designed to provide PAs with the skills and knowledge they need to become effective leaders and managers in the Army’s medical system.
In addition to the opportunities provided by the program, graduates may also choose to pursue additional education and training through the Army's Tuition Assistance Program or the GI Bill. For example, a study published in the Journal of Physician Assistant Education found that PAs who pursued additional education and training had higher salaries and greater job satisfaction than those who did not.
What are the admission requirements for the Army Physicians Assistant Program?
+To be eligible for the program, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, be between the ages of 21 and 40, and have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Applicants must also have completed prerequisite courses in science and mathematics and have a minimum score of 240 on the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT).
How long does the program take to complete?
+The program takes 29 months to complete, including 16 months of classroom instruction and 13 months of clinical training.
What kind of career opportunities are available to graduates of the program?
+Graduates of the program are eligible to take the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) and become certified as a physician assistant. They are also eligible for commission as an officer in the Army Medical Department, with a minimum rank of captain. Career opportunities are numerous and varied, with many going on to work in primary care specialties, such as family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics.
In conclusion, the Army Physicians Assistant Program is a highly competitive and prestigious program that provides students with a comprehensive education in the principles and practices of medicine. With its strong emphasis on primary care and its rigorous clinical training component, the program is an ideal choice for students who want to become skilled PAs and make a meaningful contribution to the Army’s medical mission. As a seasoned PA educator, I highly recommend the program to anyone who is interested in pursuing a career as a PA in the Army.
