Can a Physician Assistant Become a Doctor? | The Posh PA

There’s a common misconception that physician assistants (PAs) are lower-level doctors. But the truth is, PAs are highly trained medical professionals who provide a wide range of care to patients. So, can a PA become a doctor? While the short answer is yes, being a PA doesn’t given you any shortcuts to becoming an MD/DO. You will still have to complete a 4 year medical degree program, followed by a residency.

About me:

I’m Michele Neskey, aka The Posh PA. Welcome to my channel! My mission is to provide personalized guidance, education, and motivation to build confidence and promote wellness for aspiring physician assistants and beyond.

Having been a PA for 17+ years and helped hundreds of students gain acceptance into PA school, I understand the admissions process. I know what they are looking for, and I can help you tailor every component to make you shine, giving you the BEST chance of getting accepted to a program. But it doesn't end there. I create personalized plans for PA students and practicing PAs including test-taking strategy for the PANCE, contract negotiations, and tools to overcome and prevent provider burnout.

My goal is to get you into a physician assistant (PA) school & survive the rigorous program, help you prevent burnout as a practicing PA, and help you take care of yourself so you can be the best version of YOU for your patients, family, and most importantly YOU!

#physicianassistant #medicaldoctor #pa

[abriltdulin]

After working as a PA-C for 30 years the only time that I am annoyed at being a pa was when I had to ask a Nurse practitioner sign for a medication that a PA-C Could not as well as when I read that Nurse practitioners can have full practice authority if they have 4000 hours of clinical experience and I still have to have a Doctor sign a "practice agreement"to do what I have done for 30 years basically a practice agreement is because we are still seen as Paraprofessionals because there are Nurses and Doctors who are recognized as professionals. Everyone else is less than that.

[The_hustletown_PA-C]

Great video. There is on program at LECOM where they cut med school down to one year. I guess depending on how long you have been a PA shaving one year off, and still having to take the MCAT seems like not that great of a bargain. I had looked into this if I ever decided to be that ambitious, I'm not that ambitious lol especially at 35. Interesting to me is the push for DMsc and residencies are making PA school almost as long as med school.

[zachschaneberger]

Do you think it's worthwhile to obtain a doctorate in medical science after PA school? Many of these programs seem to be about 1 year long. Since licensure and credentialing/onboarding can take much of that time it seems like a good option to fill that time and stay productive. I know it won't expand the scope of practice but it seems like it can help you become a better clinician and be a great resume booster! Also with places like the Department of Veterans Affairs, it will give you a pay increase.

[tafarihowe]

Lake Erie got a pa to DO program and its actually shorter

[AfroMedic]

I was Premed, so I did more than what the PA required. When it came to applying, I was not in a good position to apply, I’m interested in academic medicine. Now I just completed first year PA, what do you think about doing md after pa.