How To Become a Psychiatric Physician Assistant: Step-by-Step Guide
Learn about the steps important to pursuing a career as a psychiatric physician assistant, including education, skills, salary and more.
Psychiatric physician assistants (PAs) provide diagnostic, therapeutic and preventive care services to patients with mental illness. They work closely with psychiatrists and other mental health professionals to provide comprehensive care to patients. If you are interested in becoming a psychiatric PA, it is important to learn about the steps you need to take to pursue this career. In this article, we discuss what a psychiatric PA does, the average salary and the steps to take to become one.
What Does a Psychiatric Physician Assistant Do?
Psychiatric physician assistants work with patients who have mental health disorders. They conduct initial patient interviews to assess symptoms and make diagnoses. They also develop treatment plans, which may include medication and psychotherapy. In some states, they are able to prescribe medication independently. Psychiatric physician assistants typically work in outpatient settings, such as psychiatric clinics, but they may also work in hospitals or other inpatient facilities.
The duties of a psychiatric physician assistant include:
- Conducting initial patient interviews
- Assessing symptoms
- Making diagnoses
- Developing treatment plans
- Prescribing medication
- Conducting therapy sessions
- Monitoring patients’ progress
- Adjusting treatment plans as needed
- Keeping detailed records
- Consulting with psychiatrists and other medical professionals
Psychiatric Physician Assistant Salary and Job Outlook
Psychiatric physician assistants earn a median salary of $108,150. The top 10% of earners make over $144,850 while the bottom 10% make under $78,540.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the demand for physician assistants will grow much faster than average in the next decade. This is due to an aging population and an increased focus on preventative care. As the baby boomer generation ages, they will require more medical care. At the same time, there is a greater emphasis on preventative care, which requires more physician assistants to provide services such as screenings and vaccinations.
How to Become a Psychiatric Physician Assistant
Here are several steps you should take to become a psychiatric physician assistant.
1. Earn a bachelor’s degree in a relevant health care or medical field
To become a psychiatric physician assistant, you first need to earn a bachelor’s degree. While there is no specific major required for this career path, it is recommended that students take courses in biology, anatomy and physiology to prepare them for the physician assistant program.
It is also important to choose a school accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). This ensures that your education meets all the necessary requirements to practice as a physician assistant.
2. Complete an accredited physician assistant program
After earning a bachelor’s degree, aspiring physician assistants must complete an accredited physician assistant program. The Accreditation Review Commission on Education (ACCNE) is the main accrediting body for these programs. To be eligible for accreditation, a program must meet specific educational and operational standards set by the commission.
The length of a physician assistant program varies depending on whether you attend a certificate or master’s degree program. Undergraduate certificate programs last two years, while graduate-level master’s degree programs take four years to complete.
3. Pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE)
Once you complete your physician assistant program, you must pass the PANCE to become licensed to practice. The test is a four-hour exam consisting of three sections: medical knowledge, clinical applications and patient care management. You must score at least 77 percent on each section to pass the entire test.
The PANCE tests your understanding of basic medical concepts as well as your ability to apply that knowledge in a practical setting. It also evaluates your comprehension of ethical standards and legal issues related to medicine.
4. Obtain state licensure to practice as a physician assistant
Once you have successfully passed the PANCE, you will need to obtain state licensure. States may require you to complete additional educational or clinical requirements before granting you a license to practice as a physician assistant. Some states also require psychiatric physician assistants to be licensed nurses as well.
In addition to obtaining state licensure, some employers may require candidates to hold national certification in psychiatric nursing from the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME). This credential demonstrates your knowledge and skills required for the position.
5. Gain experience working with patients suffering from mental illness
To become a psychiatric PA, you will need to gain experience treating patients with mental health conditions. Research opportunities include volunteering or working part-time at your school’s clinic or an area hospital’s mental health department. You can also consider taking on a full-time role as a physician assistant in general practice to build your experience with all types of medical care.
6. Develop strong communication and interpersonal skills
Communication and interpersonal skills are important for psychiatric PA’s to have, as they often work with patients who may be experiencing mental health issues that can make them prone to anger or frustration. It is important for a psychiatric PA to be able to listen to their patient and communicate in a way that makes them feel heard and understood. PA’s also need strong communication skills when working with other medical professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists and social workers. They must be able to clearly relay information about the patient’s condition and progress to these other healthcare providers.
7. Stay up to date on changes in the field of psychiatry
As a psychiatric PA, you must stay up to date on the latest developments in mental health care. Researching new treatments and therapies can help you provide your patients with the most effective care possible. You should also attend conferences or workshops to learn about topics such as suicide prevention and de-escalation techniques.
