Trained Outside USA

Trained Outside USA Questions

As a physician or physician assistant trained outside of the U.S., what is the process to become a PA in the United States?Kristi Burton2024-02-07T14:35:57-05:00

As a physician or physician assistant trained outside of the U.S., what is the process to become a PA in the United States?

From the standpoint of the ARC-PA, individuals educated as physicians outside of the United States are not treated any differently than any other prospective PA student. To practice as a PA in the United States one must graduate from an ARC-PA accredited program and be certified by the NCCPA. If interested in applying to a PA program, such individuals should contact the PAEA for information on specific programs.

Do physician assistants trained outside of the US have to attend a U.S. PA program to work as a PA in the United States? It is said that some states allow for this without attending a US-based PA program. Is this true?Kristi Burton2024-02-07T14:28:17-05:00

Do physician assistants trained outside of the US have to attend a U.S. PA program to work as a PA in the United States? It is said that some states allow for this without attending a US-based PA program. Is this true?

To become a PA in the United States, individuals must also attend and graduate from an ARC-PA–accredited entry-level PA program and pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) administered by the National Commission on Certifying of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).

For information on PA programs, contact the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA). Eligibility criteria for taking the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) are available on the NCCPA website.

Additional information on practicing as a PA in the U.S. can be found on the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) website.

Is licensure required to practice as a PA in the United States?Kristi Burton2024-02-07T14:37:46-05:00

Is licensure required to practice as a PA in the United States?

Licensure is required for medical professionals in the U.S. Each state sets its own requirements for a license as a physician assistant. To obtain a license, an individual, even one educated as a PA or physician in another country, must graduate from an ARC-PA accredited U.S. physician assistant program and pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) administered by the National Commission on Certifying of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).

Where can an individual trained outside of the U.S. find information on Visas?Kristi Burton2024-02-07T14:39:16-05:00

Where can an individual trained outside of the U.S. find information on Visas?

For information on the visa screening process required for an occupational visa, individuals should contact the International Commission on Healthcare Professions (ICHP), a division of CGFNS International.

Will a physician assistant educational program give a physician or physician assistant trained outside the U.S. advanced standing in its program?Kristi Burton2024-02-07T14:33:30-05:00

Will a physician assistant educational program give a physician or physician assistant trained outside the U.S. advanced standing in its program?

Decisions on issues such as advanced standing in a PA program based on prior education are made at the individual PA program level and therefore individuals should contact the specific programs about their policies. For information on PA programs, contact the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA).