Physician Assistants working in the emergency department have fast paced jobs and need to think on their feet. Over 16, 000 PAs – or approximately 10% – currently work in Emergency Medicine and Urgent Care. These PAs help ease the current shortage of physicians and reduce wait times in emergency departments.
Whether you’re thinking about becoming a physician assistant, are in the process of getting your specialty certification, or are fully licensed and looking to learn about continuing education, this is the guide for you!
What does an Emergency Medicine Physician Assistant do?
Emergency medicine physician assistants treat patients in the Emergency Department. PAs take patient histories and record information in patient charts, counsel patients and perform therapeutic and diagnostic procedures.
How can I become an Emergency Medicine PA?
To become an emergency medicine physician assistant, start by taking the same initial steps as aspiring physician assistants. Firstly, get a bachelor’s degree and complete common PA school prerequisite courses. Next, accrue healthcare experience (HCE) and patient care experience hours (PCE)- most PA schools require at least 1000 PCE and HCE hours.
Your next step is PA school, once you’ve completed the required HCE and PCE. Pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE). Get at least 3000 hours, or approximately 18 months of experience in emergency medicine.
Then, get a Certificate of Additional Qualifications (CAQ) in emergency medicine from the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
How can I get an Emergency Medicine CAQ?
PAs seeking an emergency medicine CAQ need to hold a valid PA-C and an unrestricted license to practice in at least one state. PAs are also required to accumulate at least 3000 hours, or approximately 18 months of experience in emergency medicine within six years from the date they affirm to the NCCPA that they have met the experience requirement.
Physician assistants also need to provide an attestation from a physician, lead/senior PA or physician/PA post graduate program director who works in emergency medicine and is familiar with their practice and experience within 90 days of receiving a CAQ score.
PAs then apply for the Emergency Medicine Specialty Exam, which is made up of 120 multiple choice questions based on the content blueprint.
What are continuing education requirements for Emergency Medicine PAs?
The Emergency Medicine CAQ is valid for ten years. To maintain the CAQ beyond ten years, PAs must continue to meet the same PA-C (Physician Assistant-Certified) and licensure requirements needed for a first time CAQ application, and pass the Emergency Medicine Specialty Examination. During the ten year CAQ cycle, PAs must also earn and log at least 125 credits of Category CME focused on the emergency medicine specialty. Those CME credits may also be used to satisfy CME requirements needed to maintain a PA-C credential.
To maintain a PA-C, 100 hours of CME must be completed every two years. After ten years, PAs must take the Physician Assistant National Recertifying Exam (PANRE).
Get a locum tenens job as an emergency medicine PA
If you’re already a PA with a specialization in emergency medicine, Wellhart has a locum tenens job for you! If you love the fast paced environment of emergency medicine and are looking for a chance to travel, get a locum tenens job with Wellhart.
This article was written by Liliana French