what course of training required for a physician's assistant to join the army

by Dr. Kristoffer Welch PhD 8 min read

You must hold at least a bachelor's degree and be a graduate of training programs credited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). You also have to take and pass the English Comprehension Level Test (ECLT).Mar 25, 2021

How do I become a physician assistant in the Army?

Mar 25, 2021 · PAs play a key role in both emergency and routine care settings. To become an army physician assistant, you must have at least a bachelor's degree in a related program. In this article, we discuss what a physician assistant is, how to become an Army PA, the job outlook for this career and Army PA salaries.

How do I access the army physician assistant (IPAP) portal?

Go down to the Army Physician Assistant (IPAP) tab and click. This will take you to the page with example documents, MILPER messages, application guides and checklists, among other things. After reviewing the program requirements and ensuring that you meet the academic requirements, you should apply for a security clearance through your unit S2 ...

How do I become a medical specialist in the Army?

Apr 16, 2020 · Requirements. Bachelor’s degree, plus completion of an accredited physician assistant program; Certification by the National Commission for Certified Physician Assistants; Eligibility for board certification; Must be a U.S. citizen; Be between 21 and 42 years old; Eligible for a Secret security clearance

How do I become an IPAP Certified Physician Assistant?

Army Physician Assistant Best recruiting.army.mil Minimum 60 Semester Hours (SH) of college course work. 30 SH can be any classes or credit for military training (ex. JST transcripts) Enlisted applicants must submit their official JST to the...

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Academic Requirements . Course Prerequisites. Minimum 60 Semester Hours (SH) of college course work. 30 SH can be any classes or credit for military training (ex. …

How do you become a PA in the Army?

Requirements
  1. Bachelor's degree, plus completion of an accredited physician assistant program.
  2. Certification by the National Commission for Certified Physician Assistants.
  3. Eligibility for board certification.
  4. Must be a U.S. citizen.
  5. Be between 21 and 42 years old.
  6. Eligible for a Secret security clearance.

How long is military PA school?

IPAP is a 29-month, two phase program that includes 16 months of academics followed by 13 months of hands-on training at a military medical treatment facility.Oct 27, 2020

Does the Army hire PAs?

The Army offers well qualified officers, warrant officers, and enlisted Soldiers an incredible educational opportunity to become a PA through the IPAP located at the Army Medical Department (AMEDD) Center & School, Joint Base San Antonio - Fort Sam Houston, Texas.

What rank are physician assistants in the Army?

Currently, students graduate from the IPAP as First Lieutenants or higher (based on prior service) with two years' time in grade. Given no adverse performance, in two years they will become Captains. Generally, after eight years serving as a PA, individuals are promoted to Major.

Can I join the military as a physician assistant?

The Army offers qualified personnel educational opportunities to become an Army physician assistant through its medical schools, such as the U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence (MEDCoE) at Joint Base San Antonio. Approximately 200 Air Force, Navy and Army soldiers receive the training yearly.Mar 25, 2021

Does the Army have physician assistants?

Army PAs work with physicians or as part of a patient-service team to maintain the health and well-being of military personnel and their families. They may assist physicians in the operating room, performing routine or emergency surgeries. Some PAs may provide emergency medical treatment in combat or remote areas.Jul 16, 2019

Where is the Army PA school?

Joint Base San Antonio - Fort Sam Houston
The Army offers well-qualified officers, warrant officers, and enlisted Soldiers an incredible educational opportunity to become a PA through the IPAP located at the Army Medical Department (AMEDD) Center & School, Joint Base San Antonio - Fort Sam Houston, Texas.Feb 26, 2022

How many physician assistants are in the Army?

DISCUSSION. As of end of 2019, about 140,000 PAs in the United States were certified. During this same time, about 1,500 PAs were on active duty in the Armed Forces.

Will military pay for PA school?

What is it? This is a program in which current active duty personnel can stay on active duty, with full pay and benefits, and attend PA school entirely on the government's dime.Jul 29, 2016

What Mos is a physician assistant?

65D MOS. Plan, organizes, perform and supervise troop medical care.

What rank is a physician assistant in the Air Force?

Through the Air Force, these scholarships are offered for one and two academic years. After completion of your PA program you will come into the Air Force as a 1st lieutenant, O-2.May 19, 2020

How long is the IPAP training?

In total, the IPAP training program lasts about two and a half years. This road still takes plenty of time, but that time is spent in the service with full pay and benefits—a big difference. The first year and four months of IPAP are spent in a classroom setting in San Antonio.

Do you have to be accepted for IPAP?

military, and you must serve honorably. You must effectively prove yourself worthy and eligible for IPAP. Seats are limited each fiscal year, so there's no guarantee you'll be accepted even if you meet the requirements.

Is IPAP an entry level program?

It is not an entry-level program. You must first be accepted for service in the U.S. military, and you must serve honorably. You must effectively prove yourself worthy and eligible for IPAP. Seats are limited each fiscal year, so there's no guarantee you'll be accepted even if you meet the requirements.

How old do you have to be to be a security guard at IPAP?

You must meet security clearance requirements and be younger than age 42 at the time you're commissioned. You can't hold down off-duty employment during the time you're attending IPAP.

Where is the IPAP training facility?

IPAP is located at Joint Base San Antonio in Fort Sam Houston, Texas. In total, the IPAP training program lasts about two and a half years. This road still takes plenty of time, but that time is spent in the service with full pay and benefits—a big difference.

How old do you have to be to be a commissioned officer?

You must also meet the standards for acceptance as a commissioned officer. You must be a U.S. citizen and be between the ages of 21 and 48, although age waivers are sometimes granted to those who served in the military earlier in life. Those who previously served can provide a copy of their DD214 Records of Service.

How old do you have to be to get an IPAP?

You must meet security clearance requirements and be younger than age 42 at the time you're commissioned.

What are the skills required to be a physician assistant in the army?

To be a physician assistant in the army, you will need the following skills: Written and verbal communication skills: The ability to explain complex medical issues that patients can understand, as well as communicate with physicians, medical staff, and army personnel.

How to become a PA in the army?

Education, Training, & Certification. To become a U.S. Army PA, you will need to have the following education, training, and certification, which varies according to your time spent in service: Direct Commission Requirements: If you've already earned a graduate degree and license, you can apply for direct commission into ...

Is a physician assistant a subservient job?

Updated July 16, 2019. The Balance / Derek Abella. A U.S. Army physician assistant (PA) job isn't as subservient as it sounds. Though supervised by doctorate-trained physicians, PAs are trained at the graduate level and able to expand the reach of the healthcare team in assessing and treating patients.

How old do you have to be to be an army officer?

citizenship, proficiency in written and spoken English, and the ability to pass medical standards for army officers. In addition, you must be between 21 and 46 years old and meet certain height and weight standards, as well as pass the Army Physical Fitness Test.

How long do you have to attend BOLC?

Unlike direct commission PAs, scholarship recipients are required to attend BOLC for only six weeks, during a break in school. Afterward, newly-graduated PAs are commissioned and must pay back the scholarship with a year in the army for every year of their graduate education.

How many credits do you need to be a soldier to get an IPAP scholarship?

The major advantage over the civilian scholarship is that soldiers applying to IPAP don't necessarily need a four-year degree, as only 60 college credits are required.

How many credits are required for the Army?

According to Army Regulation 601-20, 30 credits must be taken in residence for courses in English, humanities or social sciences, chemistry, anatomy and physiology, algebra, and psychology. Another 30 credits can be fulfilled by other means, such as test credits or equivalent military experience.

What is a physician assistant?

Physician assistants serve as the primary medical provider to Soldiers in battalion and division level units and are responsible for unit medical readiness and training medics. They can also provide garrison healthcare to Soldiers, family members, and other eligible beneficiaries.

How long is phase 2 training?

Phase 2 training lasts approximately 13 months and consists of supervised clinical rotations where students rotate through about 20 primary care settings and specialty services, like dermatology, internal medicine, and behavioral health in order to gain knowledge and experience.

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Qualifying For The Program

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It is not an entry-level program. You must first be accepted for service in the U.S. military, and you must serve honorably. You must effectively prove yourself worthy and eligible for IPAP. Seats are limited each fiscal year, so there's no guarantee you'll be accepted even if you meet the requirements. You must meet security cle…
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Program Overview

  • IPAP is located at Joint Base San Antonio in Fort Sam Houston, Texas. In total, the IPAP training program lasts about two and a half years. This road still takes plenty of time, but that time is spent in the service with full pay and benefits—a big difference. The first year and four months of IPAP are spent in a classroom setting in San Antonio. You'll build from a foundation in anatomy, …
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Physician Assistant Requirements

  • Each branch of service publishes slightly differing requirements for its physician assistants upon successful completion of IPAP, but military service is typically just the tip of the iceberg. You must also meet the standards for acceptance as a commissioned officer. You must be a U.S. citizen and be between the ages of 21 and 48, although age waiv...
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After Service

  • Physician assistants who have served honorably can apply for fully funded postgraduate training. Available fields include occupational and emergency medicine as well as orthopedics.
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