How do Physician Assistants maintain their certification?

Physician Assistants (PAs) must maintain their certification through continuing medical education (CME) courses, periodic exams, and professional development activities. Many state licensing boards require PAs to complete a set number of CME hours every few years to ensure they stay current with the latest healthcare advancements. Additionally, PAs must stay up to date with new certifications and renew their licenses regularly to maintain their qualifications to practice.

What types of continuing education programs are available for Physician Assistants?

Continuing education programs for Physician Assistants (PAs) include online courses, in-person workshops, certifications in specialized areas like surgery or emergency medicine, and attendance at medical conferences. These programs are designed to keep PAs informed about the latest medical research, technologies, and treatment guidelines. PAs can also take part in webinars, peer-reviewed journal courses, and training focused on specific skills like patient communication or leadership.

How does continuing education benefit Physician Assistants?

Continuing education benefits Physician Assistants (PAs) by enhancing their clinical knowledge, keeping them informed of new advancements, and improving patient care outcomes. It allows PAs to specialize in new areas of medicine, take on leadership roles, and stay competitive in the job market. By staying current with healthcare innovations and best practices, PAs can deliver more efficient, accurate care while ensuring compliance with evolving medical standards.

Can Physician Assistants earn specialty certifications?

Yes, Physician Assistants (PAs) can earn specialty certifications to deepen their expertise in a specific area of medicine. These certifications, such as those in dermatology, cardiology, or pediatrics, demonstrate a PA's advanced knowledge and skill in a specialized field. Earning a specialty certification can improve job prospects, lead to higher salaries, and provide PAs with the opportunity to work in more focused areas of healthcare.

What are the educational requirements for Physician Assistants?

To become a Physician Assistant, individuals must complete a master's degree in Physician Assistant studies from an accredited program. These programs typically require candidates to have a bachelor's degree and healthcare experience before admission. The curriculum includes medical sciences, clinical practice, and hands-on training in various specialties. After completing the program, PAs must pass a certification exam to practice, and they must maintain certification through continuing education and exams.

What should be included in a Physician Assistant resume?

A Physician Assistant resume should include your professional summary, clinical experience, certifications, licensure, education, and relevant skills. It's also beneficial to include specific achievements such as patient care improvements or leadership roles. Be sure to highlight any specialized training or continuing education you've completed. Tailoring the resume to showcase your most relevant qualifications for each position is key to making a strong impression.

Continuing education options for Physician Assistants

Continuing education is a cornerstone of professional development for Physician Assistants (PAs), ensuring they stay up to date with evolving medical knowledge and clinical practices. In addition to fulfilling certification maintenance requirements, continuing education allows PAs to deepen expertise, earn specialty credentials, and explore leadership or academic roles. With a variety of learning formats available, PAs can choose flexible options that suit their practice settings and career goals.

1. NCCPA Certification Maintenance

To maintain the PA-C credential, PAs must meet specific continuing medical education (CME) requirements set by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).

Earn 100 CME credits every two years (50 must be Category 1)
Pass the Physician Assistant National Recertifying Exam (PANRE) within a 10-year cycle
Submit CME credits through the NCCPA portal

This process ensures continued competency in medical practice.

2. Online CME Platforms

Digital learning platforms provide flexible, accessible continuing education resources.

Popular options include UpToDate, AAPA Learning Central, Pri-Med, and Medscape
Courses range from pharmacology and diagnostics to ethics and patient safety
Most offer downloadable certificates and CME tracking tools

Online CME allows PAs to learn at their own pace and convenience.

3. Conferences and Professional Events

Attending in-person or virtual conferences offers both educational and networking opportunities.

National and regional conferences hosted by AAPA, state PA societies, or specialty organizations
Live lectures, workshops, and hands-on labs
Opportunities to earn concentrated CME credits in specific disciplines

Conferences support career growth and community engagement.

4. Specialty Certificate Programs

Specialty education can help PAs pursue clinical excellence in areas like surgery, dermatology, psychiatry, or emergency medicine.

Certificate of Added Qualifications (CAQ) from NCCPA
Fellowship programs in hospitals or academic institutions
Short-term certificate programs from universities or CME providers

These options enhance skillsets and support career advancement.

5. Graduate Degree Programs

Some PAs pursue advanced degrees for roles in administration, education, or leadership.

Master’s or doctoral degrees in healthcare administration, public health, or PA education
Flexible online and hybrid formats are often available
Supports transition into teaching, research, or executive positions

Higher education expands professional horizons beyond clinical practice.

6. Hospital and Employer-Sponsored Training

Many institutions offer internal CE opportunities and support for ongoing education.

On-site workshops, lunch-and-learns, and skill refreshers
Tuition reimbursement or stipends for external courses
Access to medical libraries and training subscriptions

Employer-sponsored CE fosters team development and retention.

7. Research, Publications, and Presentations

Academic engagement can also fulfill continuing education goals and enhance professional credibility.

Authoring case studies or clinical reviews
Presenting at conferences or grand rounds
Participating in evidence-based research or quality improvement initiatives

These activities help shape the future of PA practice and education.

8. Volunteering and Professional Involvement

Serving on medical boards or professional committees offers experiential learning and leadership development.

Contributing to PA advocacy and policy change
Mentoring students or new graduates
Engaging in global health or medical missions

Active involvement reinforces commitment to the profession and community impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

Continuing education options for Physician Assistants: Physician Assistants (PAs) have numerous continuing education options to enhance their clinical skills and remain current with evolving medical practices. These include formal certifications, workshops, online courses, and conferences. Some PAs choose to specialize in specific fields like orthopedics or cardiology, which requires additional training. Continuing education helps PAs stay updated on the latest technologies, treatment protocols, and best practices, ensuring they provide the best care to their patients.
How do Physician Assistants maintain their certification?: Physician Assistants (PAs) must maintain their certification through continuing medical education (CME) courses, periodic exams, and professional development activities. Many state licensing boards require PAs to complete a set number of CME hours every few years to ensure they stay current with the latest healthcare advancements. Additionally, PAs must stay up to date with new certifications and renew their licenses regularly to maintain their qualifications to practice.
What types of continuing education programs are available for Physician Assistants?: Continuing education programs for Physician Assistants (PAs) include online courses, in-person workshops, certifications in specialized areas like surgery or emergency medicine, and attendance at medical conferences. These programs are designed to keep PAs informed about the latest medical research, technologies, and treatment guidelines. PAs can also take part in webinars, peer-reviewed journal courses, and training focused on specific skills like patient communication or leadership.
What are the educational requirements for Physician Assistants?: To become a Physician Assistant, individuals must complete a master's degree in Physician Assistant studies from an accredited program. These programs typically require candidates to have a bachelor's degree and healthcare experience before admission. The curriculum includes medical sciences, clinical practice, and hands-on training in various specialties. After completing the program, PAs must pass a certification exam to practice, and they must maintain certification through continuing education and exams. Learn more on our Core Duties of a Physician Assistant in Care page.
What should be included in a Physician Assistant resume?: A Physician Assistant resume should include your professional summary, clinical experience, certifications, licensure, education, and relevant skills. It's also beneficial to include specific achievements such as patient care improvements or leadership roles. Be sure to highlight any specialized training or continuing education you've completed. Tailoring the resume to showcase your most relevant qualifications for each position is key to making a strong impression. Learn more on our How to Write a Strong PA Resume page.