What should a PA do to be eligible for licensure to practice?

To be eligible for licensure as a Physician Assistant, graduates are required to complete their education from an accredited PA program. Accreditation ensures that the program meets established educational standards and adequately prepares students with the necessary knowledge and clinical skills. Following graduation, candidates must then pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) to practice. This emphasis on accredited education reflects the importance of a standardized curriculum that prepares PAs for the varied responsibilities and challenges they will face in healthcare settings.

The other options, while related to aspects of medical education, do not fulfill the specific requirements for PA licensure. Only passing the clinical skills portion would not be sufficient, as both the didactic and clinical phases of the PA program are important. Completing a nursing program can provide valuable experience but is not a mandatory step for those wishing to become PAs. Likewise, obtaining a medical degree is beyond the scope of PA training and would lead down a different career path altogether.