Best PA Schools in Wisconsin
Wisconsin is a great state for several reasons, and for aspiring PAs it’s especially great since there are five in-person PA programs offered across a handful of universities in this state.
To know all about these programs, and to know which is best overall, read through the sections below, where we discuss the best PA schools in Wisconsin and other critical information you need to be aware of if being a PA is in your future.
WHAT’S THE BEST PA SCHOOL IN WISCONSIN?
Right now, five schools in Wisconsin are offering in-person PA programs. These schools are:
- The University of Wisconsin Madison
- The University of Wisconsin La Crosse
- Marquette University
- Carroll University
- Concordia University
The most popular PA program is the one offered by UW Madison, and behind this one is the program offered by Marquette. The other three programs are fine, but they’re not as competitive as the first two.
WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO DO TO BECOME A PA IN WISCONSIN?
The road to becoming a PA is a multi-year process, one that requires education and experience, both of which are gained inside and outside the classroom.
The first step is getting your undergraduate degree in a science related to the physician assistant field. Any of the following subjects are good to major in:
- Biology
- Psychology
- Biochemistry
- Chemistry
- Anatomy
- Biomedical science
- Health sciences
- Computer Science
- Kinesiology
If you double major, this will help you when it’s time to apply for PA programs.
It’s best to apply with an undergraduate GPA of 3.5 or higher, and your major GPA should be closer to 4.0, especially if your goal is to get into a top-tier PA school.
The next step is taking the Graduate Record Examinations, otherwise known as the GRE.
This exam isn’t specific to PA school – it tests your knowledge and ability, ultimately to see how you’ll do in grad school.
Getting a 300 is good enough for most PA schools, but the competitive programs want to see 310-320.
Once you have your undergraduate degree and your official GRE results, you can begin the PA school application process.
But make no mistake: this can be challenging, which is why many hire a service to help them.
My PA Resource can be that service for you. We’ve helped so many individuals get into the PA schools of their dreams over the years.
Once you get accepted to a PA program, you’ll need to complete a certain number of class hours, and you’ll need to get practical experience outside of the classroom.
Most PA programs take two years to complete, but hybrid and online programs can take longer.
There are also accelerated programs (1.5 years) designed for individuals who became PAs before a master’s degree was required.
Upon earning your master’s, you’ll need to pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE), which is administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
After passing, you can apply for licensure in your state. However, there may be additional state requirements you have to fulfill first.
You’ll have six chances to pass the PANCE over six years. 95% of this exam assesses students’ knowledge of topics that all PAs must know.
DO PAS CONTINUE THEIR EDUCATION?
Yes, PAs continue their education after licensure, as they’re required to do so.
Specifically, a PA must earn 100 continuing medical education (CME) credits in the two-year period after they get their license; if they don’t they can’t be re-certified.
But that’s not all. Every ten years, a PA has to retake the PANCE. Again, they have a handful of chances to pass.
And if you hold board certifications, these will have their own re-certification requirements.
The state board in Wisconsin may also have additional requirements, so make sure you know what these are before you apply for licensure in Wisconsin.
HOW MUCH DOES A PA MAKE IN WISCONSIN?
Physician assistants in Wisconsin make $98,000-$140,000 annually, and how much a PA makes is largely determined by their level of experience, where they work, and what their day-to-day responsibilities are.
Their qualifications also play a major role in determining how much they make. Therefore, the more certifications you have, the more you can earn.
Generally, PAs practicing in the more densely populated parts of Wisconsin make more than those practicing in more remote areas, but this is far from the case across the board.
IS IT EASY TO FIND A PA JOB IN WISCONSIN?
According to Indeed.com, more than 2,500 jobs are available in Wisconsin for qualified PAs.
In other words, PAs are in high demand in this state, particularly in urban and rural areas.
Therefore, if you want to practice in Wisconsin and you possess all the necessary qualifications and certifications, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding a PA job in Wisconsin that pays well.
WHAT RESPONSIBILITIES DO WISCONSIN PAS HAVE?
According to the US Department of Labor, Wisconsin 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
Note: This list is by no means exhaustive, and a PA’s responsibilities are largely determined by the facility in which they work and their expertise.
WHO CAN HELP ME GET INTO PA SCHOOL?
It’s no secret that getting into PA school is rarely a piece of cake (some being easier to get into than others), and that’s why we started myPAResource.
We’ll help you with everything relating to your PA school application, and our personal statement experts will ensure you clearly convey why you’d be a terrific addition to any program that accepts you.
To learn more, visit our website or reach out to us at info@myparesource.com for answers to your specific questions.
