Best PA Schools in Vermont
Vermont is home to the Green Mountains, Lake Champlain, and many other natural wonders, but is it home to any physician assistant (PA) schools of merit?
If you want to know all about the best PA schools in Vermont, read through the following sections, where we discuss this and other information you need to know if you’re an aspiring PA who’s currently residing in Vermont.
WHAT’S THE BEST PA SCHOOL IN VERMONT?
Unfortunately, no in-person PA programs are offered in Vermont at present. That means if you’re an aspiring PA who’s living in Vermont right now, you’ll either need to go out of state for PA school or you’ll need to enroll in an online program.
Fortunately, there are many scholarships available for qualified individuals who are looking to become PAs in Vermont.
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO TO GET INTO PA SCHOOL
First, you need to get a bachelor’s degree in a science that’s related to the PA field, like biology, organic chemistry, or nursing.
You’ll need to graduate with at least a 3.5 GPA, and your major GPA should be higher. Double majoring as an undergrad doesn’t hurt.
On the GRE, you’ll need to get at least a 300—310-320 if you want to get into a top-tier PA program.
Once you have an undergraduate degree and an official GRE score, you can apply to PA programs. But the application process can be difficult, which is why many applicants now hire myPAResource for help in all areas of the application process that matter.
WHAT KINDS OF PA PROGRAMS ARE THERE?
IN-PERSON (TRADITIONAL)
This is the most-preferred program style, but unfortunately, no in-person programs are offered in Vermont.
In these programs, students can interact with one another and their professors conveniently, and these interactions enrich their learning experiences significantly.
There are also more opportunities for hands-on learning, and students can get answers clarified instantly—which means no waiting days for a professor to respond to your questions.
But these programs are more expensive since you have to live on campus or commute to participate in them.
ONLINE
Online programs are ideal for those who can’t commit to living on campus or commuting to one, and they’re generally cheaper.
And just because they’re online doesn’t mean they’re easier—they’re just as rigorous, if not more.
There are synchronous classes in these programs, i.e., classes held at specific times on certain days of the week. Then there are asynchronous classes, where students are allowed to complete most of the work at their own pace.
Online programs require that their students get enough clinical hours, and they usually provide tools to help students find facilities at which they can gain critical experience.
HYBRID
Hybrid PA programs essentially combine the best elements of in-person programs with the best elements of online learning.
You’ll have to attend classes in person once or twice a week, but most of the work will be done outside the classroom.
This is an ideal program style for those who want an in-person learning experience with the flexibility that comes with online learning.
And, of course, clinical hours will need to be earned.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER YOU GRADUATE PA SCHOOL?
After you graduate PA school, you’ll need to pass the PANCE. You’ll have six years to pass this exam, and you’ll have six chances to pass it.
Once you pass the PANCE, you can apply for licensure in your state (providing you satisfy other requirements your state may have).
HOW MUCH DO PAS IN VERMONT MAKE?
Physician assistants in Vermont make, on average, $112,460 annually. At the high end, they can make upwards of $124,000, and at the low end pay is still six figures ($103,520). How much you’ll earn as a PA in Vermont is in large part determined by your level of experience, your qualifications, and where you work.
WHAT DOES A PA DO?
A physician assistant’s responsibilities are mainly determined by the facility in which they’re practicing, as well as their expertise.
Often, they have many of the responsibilities doctors and specialists have, but usually they work under a supervising physician.
Generally speaking, physician assistants who work at large hospitals in densely populated areas have more responsibilities than those who are employed at small clinics, but PAs in the latter group can have just as many, if not more, responsibilities.
According to the US Department of Labor, PAs usually have the following responsibilities:
- Review the medical histories of patients
- Examine patients
- Diagnose injuries and illnesses
- Order and interpret X-rays, blood tests, and other diagnostic tests
- Administer treatment
- Prescribe medication
- Assess and record patient progress
- Educate and counsel patients and their families
- Participate in outreach programs to spread disease awareness and promote wellness
- Research the latest treatments to deliver better care
DO PAS CONTINUE THEIR EDUCATION?
A PA’s license to practice is good for two years. After such time has passed, they’ll need to be re-certified.
And before a PA can be re-certified, they need to earn at least 100 continuing medical education (CME) credits.
But they are not getting re-certified every two years, so PAs also have to re-pass the PANCE every ten years.
Of course, a PA who’s taking the exam for re-certification has a handful of chances to pass just like a PA school graduate.
Depending on the state in which you apply for re-certification, you may have to pay to get re-certified, and there may be additional requirements for re-certification.
If you have board certifications, these will have their own requirements for re-certification.
GET HELP WITH THE PA SCHOOL APPLICATION PROCESS
When you need help with getting into PA school, my PA Resource will be there for you. We can help you with all aspects of the application process, and we’ll make sure you put your best foot forward so any admissions board that sees your application and personal statement knows you’re worthy of their program.
Simply reach out to us at info@myparesource.com or visit our site to learn more.
