• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to mobile menu bar

The Physician Assistant Life

The Physician Assistant Life: The Ultimate Resource for All Things PA

How Can We Help? Essays Interviews Consulting Community 😀

  • Start
    • Services
      • Personal Statement Rewriting and Revision
        • Client testimonials
      • Pre-PA Consulting and Advising
      • Mock PA School Interviews
        • Client testimonials
      • Resume/Cover Letter Writing and Revision
      • LinkedIn Profile Writing and Editing Service for PAs
      • PANCE/PANRE Board Review
      • Perfect Program Picker
  • Interviews
    • The Top 46 PA School Applicant Interview Questions
  • Essay Help
    • Personal Statement Revision Service
      • Client Testimonials
    • Supplemental Essay Editing
    • 31 Sample Essays
      • Personal Statement Workshop
    • How to Write Your PA Personal Statement Book
    • 101 PA School Essays Book
    • Personal Statement Starter Kit
  • Resumes
    • PA Resume/CV Revision Service
    • Downloadable PA Resume Templates
    • Downloadable Recommendation Letter Templates
  • Consulting
  • PANCE/PANRE
    • Free Exams
      • FREE PANCE/ PANRE Podcast
      • FREE Daily PANCE Email Series
    • SMARTY PANCE
      • Genitourinary Blueprint Course
      • More Courses
      • Neurology Blueprint Course
      • Endocrinology Blueprint Course
      • Psychiatry Blueprint Course
      • Hematology Blueprint Course
      • Infectious Disease Blueprint Course
      • Cardiology Blueprint Course
      • Pulmonology Blueprint Course
      • GI and Nutrition Blueprint Course
      • Musculoskeletal Blueprint Course
      • EENT Blueprint Course
      • Dermatology Blueprint Course
      • Reproductive Blueprint Course
    • Sign Up
    • The Audio PANCE & PANRE Podcast
    • Topic Specific Exams
      • Endocrinology
      • More
      • Psychiatry
      • Neurology
      • Dermatology
      • Hematology
      • Cardiology
      • Pulmonology
      • Musculoskeletal
      • Reproductive
      • GI and Nutrition
      • EENT
    • 225 Question Exams
      • Exam 1
      • Exam 2
      • Exam 3
      • Exam 4
      • Exam 5
    • Academy Exams
      • Exam 1
      • Exam 2
      • Exam 3
      • Exam 4
    • The Virtual PANCE and PANRE Home
      • Virtual PANCE Testing Room
        • Virtual PANRE Testing Room
      • Virtual PANCE and PANRE: Block 1
      • Virtual PANCE and PANRE: Block 2
      • Virtual PANCE and PANRE: Block 3
      • Virtual PANCE and PANRE: Block 4
      • Virtual PANCE and PANRE: Block 5
    • Daily Email Series Exams
      • Exam 1
      • Exam 2
      • Exam 3
      • Exam 4
      • Final Exam
    • Legacy Exams
    • End of Rotation Exams
      • General Surgery End of Roatation Exam
      • Emergency Medicine End or Rotation Exam 1
      • Emergency Medicine End of Rotation Exam 2
      • Pediatrics End of Rotation Exam
      • Women’s Health End of Rotation Exam
      • Family Practice End of Rotation Exam
    • Your Exam Progress
  • Downloads
    • The Ultimate PA Job Application Bundle
      • Practicing PA Resume and CV Template
      • New Graduate PA Resume Template
      • PA School Applicant and Pre-PA Resume Template
      • PA Cover Letter and Thank You Follow Up Templates
    • PA Recommendation Letter Templates
    • Expert Panel Audiobook
    • The Expert Panel Workbook
  • Best Books
    • The Best Gear
    • The Best Apps
    • Gift Guide
  • Blog
    • Content archive
You are here: Home / International Physician Assistant / Where PAs and Physician Associates Can Work Internationally

Where PAs and Physician Associates Can Work Internationally

December 11, 2018 By Stephen Pasquini PA-C 36 Comments

The World Loves Physician Assistants PAs Where PAs can Work Internationally

The contemporary physician assistant/associate (PA) movement began in North America and Africa in the mid-1960s.

As of 2022, the adoption of PAs has spread globally across a variety of health systems and at least sixteen countries have been in various stages of expansion of PA-like medical workers (nonphysician clinicians) that function under the supervision of a doctor:

  1. Canada Physician Assistants
  2. United Kingdom Physician Associates
  3. The Netherlands Physician Assistants
  4. Liberia Physician Assistants
  5. India Physician Assistant
  6. Ghana PA Medical (Medical Assistant)
  7. South Africa Clinical Associates
  8. Australia Physician Assistants
  9. Saudi Arabia Assistant Physicians
  10. Germany Physician Assistants
  11. New Zealand Physician Associates
  12. Afghanistan Physician Assistants
  13. Israel Physician Assistants
  14. Bulgaria Physician Assistants
  15. Ireland Physician Associates
  16. Kenya Clinical Officers (CO)

This post examines countries where advances are being made or the PA model is evolving.

You can absolutely apply as an international medical graduate (IMG), but you will need to have your degree evaluated by a service such as WES, then have a US degree granted, if eligible. All prereqs must be completed in the US as well. All applicants, regardless of their previous degree, will matriculate through the entire program. - Elissa Love, BCM PA Program in Houston

PAs in Canada

CANADA Loves PAs

Canadian PA Quick Facts:

  • Name: Physician Assistant
  • Can US PAs practice in Canada: Yes
  • Canadian PA Salary: $115,090 (CAD) / yr and $55 (CAD)/ hr  ($86,180/yr and $41/hr USD)
  • Number of PA programs: 4
  • Number of PAs practicing in Canada: 500
  • Prescription rights: Yes. PAs cannot prescribe narcotics or controlled substances under any circumstance.
  • Canadian Professional PA Association: Canadian Association of Physician Assistants (CAPA)
  • Canadian PA certification exam: PA Cert Exam - The PA Cert Exam is 4 hours in duration and consists of 250 multiple choice questions (PA Cert Exam Blueprint)
  • Canadian Certification Maintenance: Maintain certification by completing “40 credits annually and must also complete at least 25 credits in each section of the Maintenance of Certification Program before their cycle ends.”
  • Canadian PA Day: November 27'th

U.S. PAs are eligible to take the Canadian Certification Exam, but Canadian-trained PAs, unfortunately, are not allowed to sit for the PANCE exam.

The Canadian PA model began in the Canadian Armed forces approximately 40 years ago during the Korean war and transitioned to the present PA concept in 1984. It was further revised in 2002.

There are approximately 500 PAs practicing in Canada, roughly 300 of which are practicing in Ontario.

There are three non-military university PA programs in Canada located at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, McMaster University in Ontario, and the Consortium of PA Education in Toronto. Alberta's University of Calgary has a program in development.

The Canadian forces program is taught at the Canadian Forces Health Services Training Centre Program

All programs are 24 to 25 months in duration and deliver curricula that support the Canadian Association of Physician Assistants’ (CAPA) scope of practice statement and Canadian Medical Education Directives for Specialists (CanMEDS) PA competencies.

Certification is administered by the Physician Assistant Certification Council of Canada (PACCC) which established an independent national certification examination and registry.  The first national exam was held in 2005.

It is estimated that 38% of Canadian PA serve in primary care settings, 13% in internal medicine, 18% in surgical practice, and 19% in emergency medicine.

American certified Physician Assistants may work in Canada.

They do not need to complete a PA school in Canada to practice.

Once a PA graduate has completed an accredited PA program (In Canada or the United States), they may challenge the PA Entry to Certification Exam (which is overseen by PACCC). If they successfully pass they are designated “CCPA”, Canadian Certified Physician Assistant.

American PAs who have successfully completed an accredited American Physician Assistant Program, and challenged and passed the NCCPA’s Certification Exam can practice in Canada.

PAs in the United Kingdom

The United Kingdom Loves PAs

UK PA Quick Facts:

  • Name: Physician Associate
  • Can US PAs practice in the UK: Yes
  • UK PA Salary: £33,222 ($43,000 US) and £49,969 ($64,000 US)
  • Number of PA programs in the UK: 31 (see list)
  • Number of PAs practicing in the UK: 350 practicing in both primary and secondary care and another 550 in training, with numbers in training predicted to rise.
  • Do UK PAs have prescription rights: No
  • UK Professional PA Association: Faculty of Physician Associates (FPA) of the Royal College of Physicians
  • UK PA certification exam: Physician Associate National Certification and Recertification exam
  • UK  Certification Maintenance: In order to remain on the Physician Associate Managed Voluntary Register (PAMVR) physician associates have to sit the recertification examination every six years. Physician associates have three attempts to sit and pass the certification examination.
  • UK PA Day:?

The first PAs to work in the UK were Americans. In 2003 two Pas were recruited to primary care posts in economically distressed Wes Midlands followed by 20 experienced PAs working in Scotland from 2006 - 2008.

Despite more than a decade of scores of PAs working in the NHS, there is still no official recognition by the U.K. government or by the nongovernmental medical licensing bodies such as the General Medical Council.

Until officially recognized, U.K. PAs are able to work under the supervision of a doctor but are unable to prescribe medicines or refer patients for an x-ray or CT scan. In practice, this means physician associates in the UK have to ask a GP colleague to sign a prescription or x-ray referral form on his or her behalf.

There are about 300 PAs in the United Kingdom, including about 20 Americans.

The United Kingdom’s version is a two-part process, a 200-question multiple-choice examination and a 12-station Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE).

The Faculty of Physician Associates (FPA) runs the Physician Associate National Certification and Recertification exam. The certification exam is a 14 station OSCE and 200 single best answer (SBA) exam sat by students who have qualified from UK physician associate programs. They are then required to pass their National Certification exam before they can be declared fit to practice in the UK. Once they have passed their exam, providing they are a member of the FPA, they can then be registered on the Physician Associate Managed Voluntary Register (PAMVR).

American PAs is that at present, PAs who are already currently NCCPA certified are able to apply to become a member of the Managed Voluntary Register (MVR) without first having to undergo the UK examination process.

Resources:

  • Physician Associate National Certification and Recertification exam
  • The physician associate will see you now – a new role to assist patients in primary care
  • Faculty of Physician Associates (FPA) of the Royal College of Physicians

Why We Really Need PAs in The UK: The British Physician Associate

PAs in the Netherlands

The Netherlands Loves PAs

Netherland PA Quick Facts:

  • Name: Physician Assistant
  • Can US PAs practice in the Netherlands Yes
  • Netherland PA Salary: € 82.402 (EUR)/yr / € 40 (EUR)/hr ($106,000 /yr and $51 /hr US)
  • Number of PA programs: 5
  • Number of PAs practicing in the Netherlands: 1,000 +
  • Prescription rights: Yes! PAs are enabled by law to practice medicine autonomously, albeit at all times in collaboration with a medical doctor
  • Netherland Professional PA Association: Dutch Association of Physician Assistants (NAPA)
  • Netherland PA certification exam: None - must complete eligible PA program to be able to practice
  • Netherland Certification Maintenance: minimum of 16 hours per working week and have followed CME totaling 200 hours (40 hours per year) in the last registration period of 5 years are considered for re-registration.
  • Netherland PA Day: Coming soon

The PA role was first introduced to the Netherlands in 2000 using extensive experience from the US.

After a five-year experiment, the Dutch parliament and Dutch Senate agreed to give PAs and NPs full independence in diagnosing, initiating treatment and performing medical procedures. These medical tasks are mostly non-complex procedures that can be executed autonomously by an NP or PA; This also includes prescribing medication.

There are now five Master of Physician Assistant (MPA programs) in the Netherlands

  • University of Applied Sciences Utrecht Master Physician Assistant Program (site is in Dutch) (site in English)
  • Rotterdam Master Physician Assistant Program (site is in Dutch) (site in English)
  • HAN University of Applied Sciences Arnhem/Nijmegen Master of Physician Assistant Program (site is in Dutch) (site in English)
  • Hanze University of Groningen Master of Physician Assistant Program (site is in Dutch) (site in English)
  • Inholland University Graduate School, Master Physician Assistant (site is in Dutch) (site in English)

The PA program in the Netherlands is a two-and-a-half-year Master’s degree. After completing the program, they have a Master of Science (MSc) degree. The candidates need to have at least a bachelor's degree in a medical field, for example, nursing or physical therapy, to access the Master's program. They also need at least two years of experience in direct patient care. Furthermore, candidates must be fluent in both Dutch and English

While students on campus (1 day per week) are learning the core knowledge and skills required for all PAs, each student simultaneously receives additional clinical expertise in a designated medical specialty by actually learning in that area the rest of the working week. Students are contracted through a “training and employment contract” with a minimum of 32 hours per working week. On top of this, students are expected to engage in self-study.

As a result, PA students have both didactic (to acquire generic competencies, modeled of the medical curriculum) and clinical days (to acquire specialty competencies, analogous to that of training medical residents) interspersed throughout the duration of their training. Fully qualified PAs are known as MPAs. Dutch PAs work across all areas of medicine, including general practice, and because of their unique approach to their training, they are found in subspecialty areas in greater numbers than PAs elsewhere.

At the time of graduation, PAs can voluntary enroll in NAPA’s Quality Register. The Quality Register contributes to ensuring the quality of professional practice by keeping track of developments in the profession (i.e., by means of continuing medical education [CME]).

Being enlisted into the Quality Register indicates the PA to be a graduate of a Dutch-Flemish Accreditation Organization–accredited MPA program and is clinically active at the time of registration.

The registration period covers a term of 5 years after which a re-registration is required.

Only those who have been practicing as PAs with a minimum of 16 hours per working week and have followed CME totaling 200 hours (40 hours per year) in the last registration period of 5 years are considered for re-registration.

Resources:

  • Annual Overview NAPA in 2017
  • Netherland Association of Physician Assistants

PAs in the Netherlands: The Dutch Physician Assistant

PAs in Liberia

Liberia Loves PAs

Liberia PA Quick Facts:

  • Name: Physician Assistant
  • Can US PAs practice in Liberia: Yes
  • Liberia PA Salary: 169,000 LRD/yr
  • Number of PA programs: One
  • Number of PAs practicing in Liberia: ~1000+
  • Prescription rights: Yes! PAs in Liberia are allowed to do all medical activities with the exception of surgery
  • Liberia Professional PA Association: Liberia national Physician Assistant Association (LINPAA)
  • Liberia PA certification exam: State Board Exams administered by the Physician Assistant Association Board of Examiners and licensure
  • Liberia PA Certification Maintenance: Unkown

Physician assistant training in Liberia started in the 1960s with the first batch of PAs graduating from 1966-1970

PA graduates in Liberia train for three years in both theoretical and clinical activities and are allowed to perform all medical activities with the exception of surgery.

Physician Assistant programs must be fully accredited by the Liberia national Physician Assistant Association (LINPAA) and the Liberia medical & dental Association Board (LMDA).

To legally practice medicine as a physician assistant in Liberia, the PA must pass the State Board Exams administered by the Physician Assistant Association Board of Examiners & licensure

PA programs in Liberia: 

  • The first program was at the Tubman National Institute of the Medical Arts starts at the John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital in Monrovia
  • A second program (Baptist Missionary PA Program) has recently started with one graduated group
  • Cuttington University is starting a third program in Suakoko
  • The Mother Pattern College of Health started a Bachelor's Degree program for PAs since 2012 and the first batch of BSC PAs should have graduated August of this year but due to the Ebola outbreak, it is suspended. The program is expected to continue.

Resources:

  • Liberia- where physician assistants are vital in the care of the country
  • New PA Graduate working in Liberia
  • Liberia medical dental

Trials and Tribulations of the Liberian Physician Assistant

PAs in India

India PA Quick Facts

  • Name: Physician Assistant
  • Can US PAs practice in India; Yes
  • India PA Salary: ₹ 15,794.09 (INR)/ month /₹ 189,528(INR)/yr  ($200 / month and 2,623.07 / yr USD)
  • Number of PA programs: 47
  • Number of PAs practicing in Indian: 1,100 +
  • Prescription rights: Yes but limited that is in specified areas and under specified conditions
  • India Professional PA Association: Indian Association of Physician Assistants (IAPA)
  • India PA certification exam: Developing
  • India Certification Maintenance: Developing
  • India PA Day: No

Physician assistants came on board in India in 1992 under the supervision of United States trained cardiac surgeon Dr.K.M Cherian who graduated the first PAs under the auspices of the Madras Medical Mission, Chennai.

Today, 47 PA programs exist in India with collaboration from ten universities. The vast majority of these (46 programs) are located in southern India (Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu)

The Indian programs are hosted by training institutes and facilitated by affiliated universities granting the degrees. Having prior health care experience as a nurse or other allied health profession is mandatory on all Indian PA school candidates.

Programs range in length from 2 to 4 years. They also vary from baccalaureate to postgraduate diploma (as per the U.K. approach). Master’s degree level programs were in existence in the earlier days but were downgraded because there were few applicants.

There is still no formal accreditation process for PA programs in India but under the purview of the Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the National Initiative for Allied Health Sciences (NIAHS) task force has been primarily created to bring in regulation in the education and practice of all allied health care programs with a long-term vision of creating a governance council.

In addition, a PA task force was initiated in 2015 with the purpose of defining and establishing a nationally standardized curriculum. The result is the Model Curriculum Handbook—Physician Associate, which is currently in the final stage of development and will soon be presented to the government.

India now has over 300 PA graduates in India, employed in various hospitals across the world.

Resources: 

  • Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
  • National Initiative for Allied Health Sciences (NIAHS)
  • Indian Association of Physician Assistants (IAPA)
  • Model Curriculum Handbook—Physician Associate

The Indian Physician Assistant (PA): Past, Present, and Future

PAs in Ghana

Ghana Loves PAs

Ghana PA Quick Facts:

  • Name: Medical Assistant
  • Can US PAs practice in Ghana:?
  • Ghana PA Salary: 1800 Ghana Cedis/month ($362 USD / month)
  • Number of PA programs: 7
  • Number of PAs practicing in Ghana: 2000+
  • Prescription rights Ghana: Yes, but according to rules established by GHS, PAs are not allowed to administer certain first-line medications, as this responsibility is reserved for physicians.
  • Ghana Professional PA Association: The Ghana Physician Assistants Association [GPAA]
  • Ghana PA certification exam: Licentiate Examination
  • Ghana Certification Maintenance: Developing
  • Ghana PA Day: no

In Ghana, physician assistant (PA) refers to three distinct groups of healthcare professionals trained in the medical model to practice medicine and dentistry:

  • PA–Medical, also known as medical assistants
  • PA–Dental, also known as community oral health officers
  • PA–Anesthesia, also known as nurse anesthetists

The physician assistant profession started in 1969 in Ghana at the Kintampo Rural Health Training School now known as the College of Health and Well-Being.

Initially, the program was designed for nurses as an advanced study lasting 18 months. Enrollment was open for nurses who had at least three years of work experience. Because of increasing demand for MAs, the program was redesigned in 2007, also enabling high school graduates and other health workers to enter MA training, parallel to the existing program.

This new direct admission program is a 4-year curriculum that includes intensive clinical internships in the last year. Seven schools now train PAs in Ghana, and seven schools are applying for accreditation to start programs.

The first two inaugural bachelor PA programs were started at Cape Coast University and Central University College. Universities in Ghana offer a PA program often referred to as a B.Sc. Physician Assistantship.

After graduation, PAs can obtain a license to practice through the Medical and Dental Council of Ghana, designated by the Ministry of Health as the regulatory body to regulate PA training and practice in Ghana. To get licensed, PAs have to sit for the “Licentiate Examination.”

One will only be allowed to work as a physician assistant if they have the following qualifications:

  • If they have completed their study as a Physician Assistant and graduated from a recognized institution.
  • They have passed the Licentiate Examination
  • If after their studies, they have been registered by the Medical and Dental Council. This body has been tasked to set the standards of medical practitioners in Ghana.

The PAs Medical are predominantly stationed in primary care settings, with the majority serving communities in the rural and remote parts of Ghana. Initially, PAs in Ghana were predominately male, but now women make up 50% of the Ghana PA workforce.

Ghana has only 3,500 physicians and dentists, and 2,500 Medical Assistants (MAs) (PA analog) for the care of its 24.2 million people. Because of this, PAs are referred to as the bedrock of primary healthcare in Ghana as they serve the primary care needs of 70% of the population seeing on average 90 - 150 patients per working day!.

Resources:

  • Medical and Dental Council of Ghana
  • The Medical System in Ghana: Key Roles for Physician Assistants
  • College of Health and Well-Being

PAs in South Africa

South Africa Loves PAs

South Africa Clin-A Quick Facts:

  • Name: Clinical Associate
  • Can US PAs practice in South Africa? Yes
  • South Africa Clin-A Salary: 69 (US$4.53)/hour, R122,084 (US$ 9,416)/Year
  • Number of Clin-A programs: 3
  • Number of Clin-As practicing in South Africa: 920
  • Prescription rights in South Africa: Yes
  • South Africa Professional Clin-A Association: The Professional Association of Clinical Associates in South Africa (PACASA)
  • South Africa Clin-A certification exam: Not required
  • South Africa Certification Maintenance: Unknown
  • South Africa Clin-A Day: not yet

In South Africa, physician assistants are referred to as clinical Associates and are equivalent to PAs. Clinical Associates were established by The National Department of Health in South Africa in 2002 when there was a need for so-called mid level medical workers thus a group of healthcare providers was invited to work with them in developing the program of study.

They trained to provide emergency care, conduct rounds, carry out and assist with diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and offer holistic care to patients with a range of common acute and chronic conditions.

The first 23 students began the program in 2008 and entered the profession in 2011 after graduation and, as of 2017, there were 920 graduates, primarily in hospital settings in all nine provinces of South Africa.

Programs at Johannesburg’s University of the Witwatersrand, the University of Pretoria, and Walter Sisulu University in the Eastern Cape Province are all are offered in partnership with national and provincial departments of health, as well as the South Africa Military Health Service (SAMHS).

All Clinical Associate programs follow a 3-year curriculum, which is competency-based and delivered in a variety of formats. The curriculum adopted for training associates was set up jointly by the national bodies, based on the conditions and normal activities carried out in district hospitals. This leads to a bachelor of clinical medical practice degree. Qualified CAs are registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa.

Almost all the graduates are offered jobs in several district hospitals in the country, mainly in rural areas, with a few in urban areas.

The Professional Association of Clinical Associates in South Africa (PACASA) was founded in 2012. The board provides guidance on the cases that are to be handled by the Clinical Associates, requirements for professional progression and licensing issues.

Resources:

  • Make a Difference – Train the Next Generation of PAs in Sub-Saharan Africa as a Clinical Associates Mentor
  • South Africa Military Health Service (SAMHS)

South Africa’s Clinical Associate (Clin-A): The PA Model Around The World

PAs in Australia

Australia Loves Physician Assistants

Australia PA Quick Facts:

  • Name: Physician Assistant
  • Can US PAs practice in Australia: Yes
  • Australia PA Salary: AU$43.27 (US$32.87)/hour and AU$167,101/month, AU$90,000 (US$ 68,363)/annum
  • Number of PA programs: There is a single educational program at James Cook University (JCU) offering a 3-year bachelor of health science (PA) degree
  • Number of PAs practicing in Australia: In 2016, there were approximately 40 Australian-trained physician assistants
  • Prescription rights Australia: Physician assistants are not allowed to prescribe drugs in Australia
  • Australia Professional PA Association: The Australian Society of Physician Assistants (ASPA)
  • Australia PA certification exam: None
  • Australia Certification Maintenance: None
  • Australia PA Day: Not yet

Compared to the United States, the Australian healthcare system has a unique structure.  Based on extensive evaluations and benchmark measures, it functions remarkably well. So the need for physician assistants in Australian health care has been debated.

The first physician assistant program started at the University Of Queensland (UQ) in Brisbane in 2009. The 2-year master’s degree program graduated two cohorts totaling 34 students before it closed in 2012.

The reasons for closure included a lack of support from the institution and competing priorities within the School of Medicine.

Queensland is the only state that has allowed physician assistants to work in the public health system.

There is now a single educational program at James Cook University (JCU) College of Medicine & Dentistry in Townsville, Queensland offering a 3-year bachelor of health science (PA) degree.

JCU has two active cohorts totaling 15 students. An additional cohort of 18 students started the course in February 2016. The JCU course is a fully integrated component of the College of Medicine & Dentistry.

PA graduates work in underserved populations; in particular, rural, remote, tropical, and indigenous Australia. Diverse segments of the medical profession have been advocates for the development of PA programs in Australia. These include:

  • The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM)
  • The Rural Doctors Association of Australia (RDAA) has endorsed the ACRRM policy
  • The Grattan Institute

The Australian Society of Physician Assistants (ASPA) started in 2010 and is now the official representative professional body of Australian PAs.

Resources

  • Closure of the Physician Assistant Program at The University of Queensland
  • The Australian Society of Physician Assistants (ASPA)
  • Physician Assistants in Australia: the solution to workforce woes

The Australian Physician Assistant: The PA Model Around The World

PAs in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia Loves PAs

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia PA Quick Facts:

**Pilot project in Saudi Arabia has ended

  • Name: Assistant Physician
  • Can US PAs practice in Saudi Arabia: ?
  • Saudi Arabia PA Salary: SAR 132,000/year
  • Number of PA programs: ?
  • Number of PAs practicing in Saudi Arabia:
  • Prescription rights Saudi Arabia: Yes, but not in all situations
  • Saudi Arabia Professional PA Association: NONE
  • Saudi Arabia PA certification exam: Comprehensive Certifying Examination
  • Saudi Arabia Certification Maintenance: -
  • Saudi Arabia PA Day: No

The first PA program in the Middle East, offered by the Medical Services Directorate of the Ministry of Defense and Aviation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, was launched in September 2010 at the Prince Sultan Military College of Health Professions in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.

The program was established with aid from George Washington University Medical Faculty and Associates. The government has now created a keen interest in developing the growth of this profession to address the growing need for primary care providers in the Kingdom.

Physician Assistants (PA) in Saudi Arabia are trained at the Prince Sultan Military College of Health Sciences Al Dhahran.

The program is 28-month long with didactic and clinical training; it started with 46 students and grants a master's degree in applied health science.

With collaboration with the Prince Sultan Military College of Health Sciences and the George Washington University Medical Faculty Associates in the Department of Emergency Medicine, 40 PAs are trained per year.

The first set of students graduated in 2013, Saudi PAs will be known as assistant physicians (APs) because of an issue with how the original PA title is translated into Arabic

A graduate PA works as a military medical officer (first lieutenant) in the Ministry of Defense's medical service division after completing a 6-month internship in emergency medicine under physician supervision

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates qualify to sit for a comprehensive examination, which includes an objective structured clinical examination and an oral examination.

Currently, the Ministry of Health Specialist (licensing body) and the Ministry of Higher Education (accrediting) do not recognize PAs formally.

Resources

  • Physician assistants in Saudi Arabia
  • Physician Assistants in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

PAs in Germany

Germany Loves PAs

German PA Quick Facts:

  • Name: Physician Assistant
  • Can US PAs practice in Germany:?
  • Germany PA Salary: 3,600 EUR per month ($4,076 / month US)
  • Number of PA programs: 7
  • Number of PAs practicing in Germany: 100+
  • Prescription rights in Germany: No prescription right
  • Germany Professional PA Association: None
  • Germany PA certification exam: Yes, state certification permits
  • Germany Certification Maintenance: None
  • Germany PA Day: None

The first physician assistant (PA) program in Germany opened its doors at Steinbeis University Berlin (SUB) in 2005. The university is a private German university, which was established in 1998, based in Berlin but also has institutions in Baden-Württemberg.

PA programs in Germany are offered through universities of applied science and offer a bachelor's degree. There are currently eight universities in Germany that offer this type of education and professional development. The duration of each program is 36 months.

Physician Assistant Programs in Germany:

  • Steinbeis University Berlin (SUB)
  • Praxis Hochschule University of Applied Sciences
  • Baden-Wuerttemberg Collaborative State University
  • University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf
  • Fresenius University of Applied Sciences in Frankfurt am Main
  • State Academy Plauen
  • Fresenius University of Applied Sciences offered in Munich

Physician Assistant salaries in Germany range between 1,800 EUR per month (minimum salary) to 5,400 EUR per month (maximum salary), strictly based on experience, skills, gender, or location.

Currently, German PAs have a relatively limited scope of practice, requiring direct supervision by the attending medical doctor. Germany’s medical hierarchy has been generally reluctant to entrust any significant aspects of medical practice to non-physicians. Despite this barrier, the German PA profession is steadily growing because of access and efficiency pressures within the medical system.

The nationwide recognition of the PA as a profession will not be complete until all the 16 states in Germany signed on.

Resources:

  • Physician Assistant - a profession with perspective
  • The Society of European Physician Assistants

PAs in New Zealand

New Zealand Loves PAs

New Zealand PA Quick Facts

  • Name: Physician Associate
  • Can US PAs practice in New Zealand: Yes
  • New Zealand PA Salary: NZ $67/hr and Average of NZ $140,061/yr ($46 USD/hr and $96,000 USD/yr)
  • Number of PA programs: None
  • Number of PAs practicing in New Zealand: 6
  • Prescription rights New Zealand: No, physician assistants can't prescribe
  • New Zealand Professional PA Association: New Zealand Physician Associate Society (NZPAS)
  • New Zealand PA certification exam: Developing
  • New Zealand Certification Maintenance: Developing
  • New Zealand PA Day: None

Interest in using PAs in New Zealand began in 2000 with the first pilot study on PAs and the adoption of their roles in New Zealand taking place in 2010.

These pilot studies were carried out by four District Health Boards in the Northern Region of New Zealand with collaboration with The University of Auckland Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences namely:

  • Auckland District Health Board (ADHB)
  • Counties Manual District Health Board (CMDHB)
  • Waitemata District Health Board (WDHB)
  • Northland District Health Board (NDHB)

Two US-trained PAs by CMDHB worked for twelve months, beginning in 2010. The result of their work and commitment to patient care lead to the birth of the New Zealand PA Pilot Project which began in late 2012.

The second project recruited seven U.S.-trained PAs for a two-year commitment from 2013 to 2015.

In 2014, there were six physician assistants working in family practice settings on the North Island, four in the Hamilton area, and two in Tokoroa (rural area).

As of 2019, there are six US-trained PAs working in New Zealand.

Limitations

  • No prescription rights
  • No full approval as a profession by the New Zealand Ministry of Health

Resources:

  • Physician Associate/Assistant Friend or Foe
  • New Zealand Physician Associate Society (NZPAS)

PAs in Afghanistan

Afghanistan Loves PAs

Afghanistan PA Quick Facts

  • Name: Physician Assistant
  • Can US PAs practice in Afghanistan: No
  • Afghanistan PA Salary: Not reported
  • Number of PA programs: 1
  • Number of PAs practicing in Afghanistan: 65+
  • Prescription rights Afghanistan: No prescription rights
  • Afghanistan Professional PA Association: None
  • Afghanistan PA certification exam: Developing
  • Afghanistan Certification Maintenance: None
  • Afghanistan PA Day: None

Physician Assistants are a new concept in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan has one of the most under-resourced health systems in the world. In an urgent effort to increase the overall size of the health workforce in the country a NATO training mission in Afghanistan developed and launched a PA course in 2010.

The primary goal of this program is to increase the overall number of practicing clinicians and to graduate PAs that will be ready to face the challenges of providing medical care in a war zone.

In correlation with the U.S and Canadian military medical course, the Afghan PA program located at the National Military Hospital compound in Kabul offers a 12-month academic curriculum and a month-long pharmacology course. In addition, there is a 16-week clinical phase, which includes training in emergency medicine and trauma.

The program has both male and female students and 65 PAs are expected to graduate per cohort. Females PAs work at the district military hospitals while male PAs will provide care in active military combat units.

The Afghanistan PA profession currently only exists as part of the military system but plans are underway to expand it into the civilian medical system as well.

Afghan PA programs

  • National Military Hospital compound in Kabul

Resources: 

  • National Military Hospital compound in Kabul

PAs in Israel

Israel Loves PAs

Israel PA Quick Facts:

  • Name: Physician Assistant
  • Can US PAs practice in Israel: Yes
  • Israel PA Salary: ₪ 139 (ILS)/hr /288,644 (ILS)/yr
  • Number of PA programs: 1
  • Number of PAs practicing in Israel:50+
  • Prescription rights Israel: Yes, they have prescribing rights though not in all cases
  • Israel Professional PA Association: Ministry of Health (MOH)
  • Israel PA certification exam: Normal Training course
  • Israel Certification Maintenance: None
  • Israel PA Day: None

The development of physician assistants in Israel arose from the need for increased access to emergency medicine, surgery, internal medicine, and pathology. Overcrowding of hospitals and the urgent demand for services have resulted in strong support of the PA role in Israel.

The first program for Israeli PAs began in 2016 at Tel Hashomer Sheba Medical Center with 35 students, mostly experienced paramedics who also hold a bachelor’s degree.  The program is run by the Ministry of Health Training and Development Department and is focused on emergency medicine (approximately nine months) with a mix of didactic and clinical training at their respective site of employment.

The courses in anesthesiology and pathology are still under development.

In order to be licensed as an Israeli PA, all applicants are required to complete a MOH-approved training program. The following professionals are eligible to apply to the Israeli PA course in Emergency Medicine:

  • Israeli-trained paramedics
  • Certified PAs from other countries
  • MDs, whose degrees have been approved to take the licensing exam by the Israeli Ministry of Health.

The first class of urgent care physician assistants graduated in July 2017 with a total number of 31 students now working in urgent care centers all over Israel.

Resources:

  • Physician Assistants in Israel
  • Israel Ministry of Health Physician Assistant Information

Meet The PA Pioneers of Israel: The Israeli Physician Assistant

PAs in Bulgaria

Bulgaria Loves Physician Assistants

Bulgaria PA Quick Facts:

  • Name: (PQ) Physician Assistant
  • Can US PAs practice in Bulgaria: Yes
  • Bulgaria PA Salary: 14 лв. (BGN)/hr and 28 261 лв. (BGN)/yr ($8.17 and $16,482 US)
  • Number of PA programs: 1
  • Number of PAs practicing in Bulgaria: 30 +
  • Prescription rights Bulgaria: None
  • Bulgaria Professional PA Association: Developing
  • Bulgaria PA certification exam: Developing
  • Bulgaria Certification Maintenance: Developing
  • Bulgaria PA Day: Developing

The physician assistant (PA) profession was established in Bulgaria in 2014 before the existence of PAs in Bulgaria feldschers provided a similar role from 1878 to 1999 but feldscher training was later discontinued in 1999 because of a physician surplus.

In 2014 the first two formal university-based, four-year bachelor’s level PA training programs were based on the American PA curriculum.

Since January 2016, PAs are now included in the register of regulated professions.

PA programs in Bulgaria:

  • Trakia University Stara Zagora

Resources:

  • Physician assistant students at Trakia University talk about their choice of specialty
  • From feldschers to physician assistants in Bulgaria
  • Bulgaria health system review
  • The EU register of regulated professions

PAs in Ireland

Ireland Loves PAs

Republic of Ireland PA Quick Facts:

  • Name: Physician Associate
  • Can US PAs practice in Ireland: Not since pilot project ended
  • Ireland PA Salary: €36 (EUR)/hr and€75,148 (EUR)/yr ($41 US /hr and $85,702 /yr)
  • Number of PA programs: one
  • Number of PAs practicing in Ireland: 25+
  • Prescription rights Ireland: No prescription rights
  • Ireland Professional PA Association: Irish Association of Healthcare Assistants (IAHA) 
  • Ireland PA certification exam: Developing
  • Ireland PA Certification Maintenance: None
  • Ireland PA Day: None

The PA profession in Ireland began when the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland carried out a two-year pilot project in 2015 recruiting four PAs from North America, three from Canada, and one American PA in surgical subspecialties in Dublin.

Although still at the embryologic stage of the profession the first program started in 2016 with a class of seven and the second class in 2017 with fourteen students. The first cohort of six graduates is pioneering the profession in Ireland.

With the goal of achieving improved service delivery and better continuity of care, the first Irish PA training program offers a 24-month Master of Science in Physician Associate Studies degree.

By the autumn of 2016, the Irish Society of Physician Associates was established.

Drivers for exploring the PA role in the Irish hospital setting included the clinical teams’ over-dependence on non-training doctors compared to international norms.

PA programs in Ireland: 

  • Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland

Resources:

  • Diving into the Unknown: Becoming PAs in Ireland
  • First Irish-Trained PAs Graduate from RCSI
  • Hiring doctors’ assistants will lead to further demoralization of a very unhappy workforce
  • Introducing Physician Assistants into the Irish Healthcare System. An Integrated Clinical Workforce Reconfiguration Strategy

PAs in Kenya

Kenya Loves PAs

Kenya Clinical Officers (CO) Quick Facts:

  • Name: Clinical Officers (COs)
  • Can US PAs practice in Kenya: Yes - must achieve designation as clinical officer
  • Kenya CO Salary: KES 60K/ month ($542 US/mo and $6,504 US/yr)
  • Number of CO training programs: ~12
  • Number of registered COs: ~24,106
  • Prescription rights in Kenya: Yes
  • Kenya Professional CO Association: Clinical Officer’s Council (COC)
  • Kenya CO certification exam: COC pre-internship examination
  • Kenya CO Certification Maintenance: No further examination outside of the pre-internship COC exam is required to practice.

The birth of Clinical Officers (CO) began in 1928 when Kenya, then occupied by the British, decided to train a select group of residents to practice medicine and provide care to the local population.

Without official Kenyan doctors present inside its own borders, the goal was to fill the gaps in provision of healthcare to the constituents of the country.

In 1989, a council was created as a regulating body for the CO. Currently there are 66 training institutions for Clinical Officers including Government, faith-based, private, and 12 universities. So far 2656 Clinical Officers with higher national diploma have been trained, and 715 degree Clinical Officers have also been trained. There are 23,000 Clinical Officers registered by the Clinical Officer’s Council (COC) today.

Clinical Officers training:

  • Is a four or five-year professional diploma or degree programme accredited by the Clinical Officers Council involving
  • One year of pre-clinical training in medical sciences followed by
  • Three or four years of training in clinical medicine, surgery and community health including a mandatory one-year internship and
  • Registration, licensing and gazettment by the Clinical Officers Council giving
  • Unlimited practice rights with
  • Specialisation and private practice allowed and eligible for full professional membership of the Kenya Clinical Officers Association (KCOA)

The current training follows international guidelines and the two qualifications are awarded jointly on successful completion of a comprehensive nine trimester programme of full-time study, practicals and examinations which are covered over three years leading to a fourth mandatory year of internship in a teaching hospital.

A fifth and sixth residency specialisation years are undertaken after registration by the Clinical Officers Council and three years of work experience in general medicine which leads to the award of a general degree in clinical medicine or a specialist diploma in pediatrics, orthopedics, psychiatry, anaesthesia, reproductive health and other specialties.

A clinical officer is therefore able to graduate and join the workforce in a minimum of four calendar years and provides medical services within the full scope of family and emergency medicine or within a narrower scope depending on their area of specialisation.

The work of a CO is important in providing physician type services in district hospitals and rural areas in Kenya.

Even though COs are important service providers their role is not clearly understood (or defined), which has resulted in role conflict. It is suggested that their role be redefined, moving from that of ‘substitute clinician’ to professional ‘primary care clinician’, with this being supported by the health system.

For a graphical breakdown visit: Wordmatch Kenya

The Future of International PAs

The introduction of PAs into health systems occurs because their education is less expensive and time-intensive than physicians. In addition, graduates are more likely to occupy roles where there is a scarcity of doctors such as in rural and underserved areas.

In most instances, a physician-dependent role permits their introduction into health systems in a non-threatening manner to doctors and their practices. The utilization of PAs, particularly in primary healthcare roles, increases access to services, is cost-beneficial, and shows a physician-equivalent quality of care.

Conclusion: The PA has been a remarkable health workforce policy development that has spread among countries’ health systems and is likely to continue!

Articles and books worth reading

  • Determinants of the physician assistant/associate concept in global health systems
  • International PA Timeline - Physician Assistant History Society
  • Physician Assistant - A Guide to Clinical Practice

Download the Infographic: Countries Where Physician Assistants Can Work Around the World

Infographic Where Physician Assistants PAs and Physician Associates Can Work Internationally Global PAs Work In Countries Around The World

Share this Image On Your Site

You may also like -

  • How to Become a PA for International Medical GraduatesHow to Become a PA for International Medical Graduates Tips for International Medical Graduates on Becoming a Physician Assistant in the USA The number of International Medical Graduates (IMG) pursuing a career as a physician assistant in the US is on the rise. For PA programs, in […]
  • Infographic: Countries Where Physician Assistants WorkInfographic: Countries Where Physician Assistants WorkInternational Physician Assistants (PAs), Physician Associates, and Advanced Care Providers Infographic demonstrating the international development of the physician assistant profession. A graphical comparison of the countries where PAs […]
  • Physician Assistant vs. Nurse Practitioner vs. Medical DoctorPhysician Assistant vs. Nurse Practitioner vs. Medical DoctorMedical Profession Comparison Chart: Medical Assistant vs. Nurse vs. Nurse Practitioner vs. Physician Assistant vs. Family Practice Physician (updated March 2017) *Programs vary and the following represents averages for each […]
Share2K
Pin202
Reddit29
Tweet3
Share
Email
3K Shares

Download Your FREE 300 PA School Interview Questions and Answers Workbook

Sign up below to receive your free 65 page 300 PA school interview questions and answers workbook.

You have Successfully Subscribed!

CASPA Personal Statement Help

We offer comprehensive, start-to-finish personal statement assistance or help to perfect a draft you already have. We have services to fit every budget.

Personal Statement Editing

Schedule a Live Recorded PA School Video Interview

We offer 60-minute mock PA school interviews with post-interview feedback and advice. Includes a recorded video of your interview that you can watch, download, or share with family and friends. There is no better way to prepare!

Schedule an Interview

Pre-PA Consulting and Advising

Jennifer Crozier PA-COur pre-PA coaching service consists of a 1-hour phone consultation focused on addressing your specific questions or concerns about becoming a PA and applying to PA school.

PPre-PA Consulting and Advising

Download Your Free Copy of the How to Write Your PA School Essay Workbook

We created a free workbook to help you craft a personal statement that the admissions directors will be dying to read. Tell us where to send your free copy.

About Stephen Pasquini PA-C

Stephen has been a family practice PA since 2004 and is the creator of The PA Life and Smarty PANCE Board Review websites. A National Health Service Corps Scholar and a graduate of The University of Medicine and Dentistry of NJ (Rutgers) PA Program and the University of Washington in Seattle, WA. Stephen's goal is to provide one-of-a-kind online resources for those interested in or practicing in the PA profession, to promote better access to healthcare for all, and foster universal recognition/awareness of the PA profession. Read more about Stephen.

Previous Post: « Why Are So Many Women Becoming PAs? Here’s One Man’s Answer
Next Post: Podcast Episode 67: Ten PANCE and PANRE Board Review Audio Questions »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Elaine says

    December 8, 2022 at 12:22 pm

    Hi Stephen!

    I’m currently looking at PA programs in Canada and would love to know if you can provide more insight about the ongoing program development at University of Calgary. I’m currently studying at the University of Alberta and being able to just move a city over will be great. I tried searching the internet too and can’t find any other information about this development.

    Thank you in advance 🙂

    Reply
    • Stephen Pasquini PA-C says

      December 10, 2022 at 8:33 am

      Hi Elaine, this is a great question. As I am a US-based PA, I am not “in the loop” of program development in Canada, but here is a wonderful resource: https://canadianpa.ca/prepa/

      I would recommend reaching out to see if you can find your answer there. Best of luck to you in your search!

      Stephen

      Reply
      • Elaine says

        December 11, 2022 at 5:13 am

        Hi Stephen,

        Thank you for the resource! It’s extremely helpful!

        Upon further digging it appears that U of C has talked about a PA program but never published any official news, but Newfoundland and Labrador have made public statements regarding a new PA program. Not hopeful that U of C will launch it’s program in the next couple of years but I will stay tuned!

        Best,

        Elaine

        Reply
      • Elaine says

        December 11, 2022 at 5:20 am

        Hi Stephen,

        Thank you the timely reply! It’s very useful!

        I just replied but I’m not sure if the previous comment went through, hopefully this time it works!

        Upon some digging I found that U of C has been talking about opening a new program but nothing official yet, but N.L. has made an official statement this year about developing a new PA program. I’m not hopeful that a new program will come within the next five years but I’m going to stay tuned!

        Best,

        Elaine

        Reply
  2. Deborah Espinoza says

    November 6, 2022 at 8:20 am

    Hi there do you know of any Physician assistant’s working in Italy. I know Italy has some type of training there that they don’t actually call Physician assistant.
    Just wondering if you heard of anyone working in country.

    Reply
    • Stephen Pasquini PA-C says

      November 6, 2022 at 2:16 pm

      Hi Deborah, I don’t know anyone personally, but I would recommend reaching out through the contact form at https://www.pasforglobalhealth.com/. They have a great community of international PAs who will likely have a connection in Italy or be able to lead you in the right direction.

      Stephen

      Reply
  3. Beringia says

    August 7, 2022 at 10:12 pm

    Hello Stephen!

    Super random and rather tardy to the conversation, but I am a new-ish family medicine PA practicing in Los Angeles and I’m trying to inch my career more towards global health/public health (I have a MPH background as well), and figuring out what my options are. I am very interested in helping with this project of updating this article, if you feel it is is a good fit. Hoping we can get in contact, thank you so much for working so hard on this article!

    Reply
  4. ken says

    April 8, 2022 at 2:49 am

    nice

    Reply
  5. Kelvin says

    November 22, 2021 at 4:42 am

    Hi, I have graduated PA school and been licensed by the Medical and Dental Council in Ghana. If I want to work internationally, will I need to do the PA program again?
    Also which countries will accept without having to do the program again

    Reply
  6. Abel says

    May 4, 2021 at 10:14 am

    INDIAN pa can work in USA,

    Reply
  7. VICTORIA AMAECHI says

    April 15, 2021 at 2:51 am

    I am a Nigerian who is interested in the PA course in UK. But I have never lived in the UK and the PA course is unknown here in Nigeria. Do you advise me to still study it? What are the chances of my being able to work in the UK after graduation?

    Reply
  8. Peter Sych says

    February 9, 2021 at 1:16 am

    A nice Article. Thank you. Folloeing from South Eastern Kenya University.

    Reply
    • Stephen Pasquini PA-C says

      February 9, 2021 at 7:39 am

      Hi Peter! It’s wonderful to hear from you. We would love to feature an article about South Eastern Kenya University on the blog. If you are interested in sharing your experiences and information about the program please let me know in a reply to this comment. Thanks!

      Stephen

      Reply
  9. Alberto says

    January 18, 2021 at 12:02 pm

    Hi Stephen,

    Do you know of anyone who had made the leap to Canada? I am trying to gather information on what the process would look like for an American-trained PA to work in Canada but there is little information available. I know it’s possible, just not sure if it’s worth it.

    On a different note, why do you think some of the international pilot PA program have shut down? Why do you think the trend is changing?

    Thank you very much!

    – Alberto

    Reply
    • Stephen Pasquini PA-C says

      January 19, 2021 at 10:28 am

      Hi Alberto, I don’t know anyone personally who has “made the leap to Canada,” but I used to be on the board of Physician Assistants For Global Health, and I am sure you can connect with someone there who will have had this experience. https://www.pasforglobalhealth.com/. Also, you may want to reach out to Anne (she is a Canadian PA and runs an active blog and IG account) https://canadianpa.ck.page/698506cebd

      As far as international pilot programs shutting down, I agree it’s a shame. I think they were just ahead of their time! 🙂

      Stephen

      Reply
      • Alberto says

        February 15, 2021 at 2:30 pm

        Thank you so much for your answer, Stephen! I’ll be sure to check out those resources and reach out.

        Alberto

        Reply
        • Max Auerbach says

          January 5, 2022 at 1:36 pm

          Alberto,

          I am in a similar position. Just curious if you have had any luck finding employing Canada.

          Reply
  10. Chloe says

    January 9, 2021 at 10:28 am

    HI Stephen!

    I am currently an undergraduate student in the US applying to PA schools this spring 2021. This website has been extremely helpful as I have a special interest in global health. Do you have any more info on Australian PA development? I understand that the profession is in it’s early years, but do you know what we could expect in the future in Australia?

    Thanks in advance!

    Reply
    • Stephen Pasquini PA-C says

      January 19, 2021 at 10:45 am

      I recently spoke with a PA practicing in New Zealand who is one of the pioneers in growing and increasing recognition of PAs in this region. I see tremendous opportunity for growth as PAs can meet many of the needs and help address disparities. I think the PA model is a bit different in “Europen style democracies” given they have a lower cost to entry, MD school/training is shorter, and healthcare is universal. Still, I see a place for advanced care practitioners, especially if you look at the growth of the Canadian PA. If this is any predictor of PAs in places like Australia… It’s about to grow exponentially.

      Stephen

      Reply
  11. Boopathi Raja says

    November 21, 2020 at 10:00 pm

    Can Indian Physician assistant work in London?

    Reply
    • Stephen Pasquini PA-C says

      November 22, 2020 at 8:14 pm

      Hi Boopathi,

      This is a fantastic question. Since I have not worked in the UK myself I do not have the answer. I would recommend reaching out to the UK Professional PA Association: Faculty of Physician Associates (FPA) of the Royal College of Physicians https://www.fparcp.co.uk/

      You should be able to find your answer here.

      Stephen Pasquini PA-C

      Reply
      • Gaurav Kumar says

        August 12, 2021 at 5:38 am

        Hi Bhoopati,
        Dr Gaurav here.
        Did u got ur answer to work in London as PA?
        If yes, then plz connect on whatsapp 9996613551

        Reply
  12. Ann says

    November 3, 2020 at 6:12 am

    hi
    I was just wondering if it is acceptable if I do my bachelor degree in Ireland and then do the PA master’s program in Canada ?

    Reply
    • Stephen Pasquini PA-C says

      November 3, 2020 at 8:03 am

      Hi Ann, I would suggest you contact the Canadian Professional PA Association (if you haven’t already) to see what their requirements are for foreign graduates and see how/if your undergraduate credits will transfer. Guidelines are constantly changing! Good luck and let us know what you find out!

      Stephen

      Reply
  13. Boopathi Raja says

    October 12, 2020 at 1:54 pm

    Can Indian Physician assistant work in New Zealand, Ireland?
    Do you know about license examination and qualifications?Please help me out from this doubt.
    Thank you in advance ❤️

    Reply
    • Stephen Pasquini PA-C says

      October 13, 2020 at 11:35 am

      Hi Boopathi, as I am a practicing US PA I am not familiar with the requirements for foreign trained PAs with regards to work in other countries. I would recommend contacting the New Zealand Physician Associate Society (NZPAS) and the Irish Association of Healthcare Assistants (IAHA) directly for the most accurate information on this.

      Stephen

      Reply
  14. Ellia says

    September 9, 2020 at 6:35 pm

    Can an American Phycain assistant work in the U.K without having to go through U.K PA school? Like if you have a degree in America, can you work in the U.K. without having to do the Masters again?

    Reply
    • Stephen Pasquini PA-C says

      September 22, 2020 at 8:28 am

      Hi Ella, I believe the answer is yes. I know of two PAs whom I served with on the board of pasforglobalhealth who both moved from the U.S. and have been working as U.S. trained PAs in the UK. I am no longer in contact with them but from what I gather they were able to hit the ground running without having to obtain additional certification.

      Stephen

      Reply
  15. Louis says

    August 26, 2020 at 7:44 am

    Hi, do you have any update on the development of PA in France
    Thanks

    Reply
    • Stephen Pasquini PA-C says

      September 5, 2020 at 1:58 pm

      Hi Louis, I have nothing new to report from this front, but if another commenter can weigh in that would be fantastic!

      Stephen

      Reply
  16. Ankit goyal says

    July 14, 2020 at 7:47 am

    After completing PA from India, can we apply for the job in countries like USA., Britain or Australia. Please help me get out of this question.

    Reply
    • Stephen Pasquini PA-C says

      July 14, 2020 at 5:16 pm

      Hi, Ankit,

      From the standpoint of the ARC-PA, individuals educated as PAs outside of the United States (even if you have already earned a PA degree in India) have to complete the necessary prerequisites and apply and graduate from an ARC-PA accredited US PA program and be certified by the NCCPA in order to practice in the United States. If interested in applying to a US PA program, such individuals should contact the PAEA for information on specific programs.

      Here is a wonderful resource on the topic from the ARC-PA (they accredit US PA programs and determine who may sit for the PANCE exam): http://www.arc-pa.org/frequently-asked-questions/non-us-health-care-professionals/

      Before you can work in the US, you must contact the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS International) to complete a visa screening program which, in part, will determine if your education was equivalent to that from a US PA Program. If your education is equivalent, you are eligible for a certificate that you can submit with your visa application to the US State Department. The State Department’s approval of your occupational visa may help you enter the U.S. but you are still not eligible to work as a PA in the U.S.

      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): https://paeaonline.org/ and the directory of PA programs here: http://directory.paeaonline.org/

      Eligibility criteria for taking the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) are available on the NCCPA web site: http://www.nccpa.net/

      Additional information on practicing as a PA in the US can be found at the American Academy of Physician Assistants’ (AAPA) website: https://www.aapa.org/

      To determine if an individual state allows non-US educated physicians to practice as PAs without additional education and national certification, you would have to contact the licensing bodies of the specific states.

      To find PA programs that accept international students:

      I would start by searching the PAEA directory website and click the box “Accept int’l applicants.” Currently, there are 138 programs that accept international students. From there you need to narrow down further based on requirements. I would then use my PA program picker table. You can narrow your search even further using all your variables: https://www.thepalife.com/pa-program-picker/

      Then, follow the links to the PA program websites and reach out to them personally. They will be able to guide you better than I since every program is a bit different. If you have any questions afterward just shoot me a reply.

      Stephen Pasquini PA-C
      http://www.thepalife.com
      http://www.smartypance.com

      Reply
  17. Hannah says

    June 23, 2020 at 10:48 pm

    Any update to this article now that we are half through 2020?

    Thank you, in advance.

    – Hannah

    Reply
    • Stephen Pasquini PA-C says

      June 25, 2020 at 9:32 am

      Hi Hanna, it probably is time to circle around and update this! Things are changing rapidly for PAs globally. It’s interesting because it seems as though programs internationally are contracting rather than expanding as many of the pilot programs have since shut down. That being said I am not sure if there are new ones popping up in places I am not aware of.

      Stephen

      Reply
      • Devon says

        July 9, 2022 at 12:08 pm

        Would love to get an update on the career opportunities for PA’s working internationally! I imagine there has been more development in the past 2 years.

        Reply
        • Stephen Pasquini PA-C says

          July 17, 2022 at 12:25 pm

          Thank you Devon! I definitely need to take another deep dive into this topic and make some updates to this post. If you are interested in helping with this project let me know in a reply.

          Stephen

          Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

BOARD REVIEW THAT WILL BLOW YOUR MIND NOT YOUR BUDGET

Smarty PANCE Board ReviewJoin Now

Hi, I’m Stephen

I'm Stephen (about) (contact), a proud family practice PA of 14 years. My passion is helping PAs, PRE-PAs or students like yourself attain (or maintain) your dream of becoming a PA. Join our community of compassionate PAs who want to make a positive difference in the world!

  • Amazon
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Personal Statement Editing

We offer comprehensive, start-to-finish personal statement assistance or help perfecting a draft you already have. We have services to fit every budget.

Purchase a Revision

Pre-PA and CASPA Consulting

Our pre-PA coaching service consists of a one-hour phone consultation focused on addressing your specific questions or concerns about becoming a PA and applying to PA school. Learn More

Mock PA School Interviews

Why do you want to be a PA? We have helped 100's of PA school applicants just like you answer this question. We offer affordable, recorded online interviews with an unprecedented chance for self-critique, with feedback and advice from our team of top PA school admissions experts.

Schedule a Mock Interview

Resume, CV and Cover Letter Editing

Don't send your Resume, CV or Cover Letter without a proper edit. We offer CV, Resume and Cover Letter revision specific to PAs, Pre-PAs and PA students. Make your CASPA resume shine!

Resume Revision

Featured Post

How Much Money does a Physician Assistant make

How Much Money do Physician Assistants (PAs) Make?

Physician Assistant Salary and Compensation "We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give." - Winston Churchill How Much do PAs Make? According to the … [Read More...] about How Much Money do Physician Assistants (PAs) Make?

Search, Organize, and Apply

Your search for the perfect PA program starts and ends here! Search, organize, apply, and always 100% FREE!

FREE PA Program Match

Popular Posts

A Surgeon Speaks: 7 Reasons Why You Should Choose PA Over MDA Surgeon Speaks: 7 Reasons Why You Should Choose PA Over MD4K Total Shares
Infographic: PA VS MD Understanding the DifferencesInfographic: PA VS MD Understanding the Differences4K Total Shares
Physician Assistant vs. Nurse Practitioner vs. Medical DoctorPhysician Assistant vs. Nurse Practitioner vs. Medical Doctor3K Total Shares
Why my Wife is Happy I am a Physician Assistant and not an MDWhy my Wife is Happy I am a Physician Assistant and not an MD3K Total Shares
How to Write the Perfect Physician Assistant School Application EssayHow to Write the Perfect Physician Assistant School Application Essay3K Total Shares
Where PAs and Physician Associates Can Work InternationallyWhere PAs and Physician Associates Can Work Internationally3K Total Shares
The Top 46 Physician Assistant Applicant Interview QuestionsThe Top 46 Physician Assistant Applicant Interview Questions3K Total Shares
Scholarships, Grants and Loan Repayment Programs for Physician AssistantsScholarships, Grants and Loan Repayment Programs for Physician Assistants2K Total Shares
20 Answers to The Question: Why Do You Want to be a Physician Assistant?20 Answers to The Question: Why Do You Want to be a Physician Assistant?2K Total Shares
Who Gets Into PA School? Here’s What You Need to KnowWho Gets Into PA School? Here’s What You Need to Know2K Total Shares
PA School Ranking by PANCE Pass RatesPA School Ranking by PANCE Pass Rates2K Total Shares
Do You Recognize These 7 Common Mistakes in Your Personal Statement?Do You Recognize These 7 Common Mistakes in Your Personal Statement?2K Total Shares
What are the Best PA Schools? Physician Assistant School RankingsWhat are the Best PA Schools? Physician Assistant School Rankings1K Total Shares
10 Reasons Why Physician Assistant is the #1 Healthcare Job in 202110 Reasons Why Physician Assistant is the #1 Healthcare Job in 20211K Total Shares
300 PA School Interview Questions You Should Be Ready to Answer300 PA School Interview Questions You Should Be Ready to Answer1K Total Shares

Recent Posts

  • 50 PA School Supplemental Essay Prompts You Need to Know
  • How to Become a PA for IMGs and International Students
  • ChatGPT Answers the Top 46 PA School Applicant Interview Questions
  • How to Add Virtual Shadowing to Your CASPA Application
  • How to Cope with PA School Application Rejection

Buy on Amazon

The Daily PANCE and PANRE

Sign Up, It's FREE!

Get 60 days of PANCE and PANRE Board Certified Review Questions and Answers delivered directly to your inbox. A new question is delivered daily with full explanations and answers. Sign up below and get started today.

You have Successfully Subscribed!

The Audio PANCE and PANRE

The Audio PANCE and PANRE Physician Assistant Boards Podcast

Subscribe on iTunes

Testimonials

Wanted to let you know how this application season was going for me so far.

I’ve had two interviews, still have at least three more scheduled, and I received my first acceptance last week.

Thank you again for your help!

M.S, Pre-PA

Your services have eased the stress and anxiety that results from guessing whether or not your essay contains the content that many PA programs are looking for. Your services were prompt and genuine. It is clear that you have the applicant’s success at heart. Thank you!

Madison Pre-PA

Sarah was super helpful and flexible in my schedule. Her editing really turned my essay around, and made me a much more confident applicant! I am so glad I utilized this service. I will keep you updated on my results for this round 🙂

Mollie, Pre-PA

Carly is absolutely amazing, and I would recommend her to everyone. She was very helpful and supportive with her edits and why she recommended certain changes. She is amazing, and she helped me tell my story.

Peter, Pre-PA

Sarah is absolutely amazing and really helped transform my essay into the best version it could have possibly been!

Shannon B. Pre-PA

Even at the busiest time of the year for applications, they got me my edit in a matter of days. They did a great job with grammar, punctuation and suggestions. I am very satisfied with the draft I got back from Sue.

Andrew, Pre-PA

Sue is so incredibly kind! I needed so much help on cleaning up my personal statement and overall flow of the writing. She provided great insights and explanation.

Laila, Pre-PA

The edits I received were extremely helpful and insightful. I think they really brought my essay to the next level, and I am thrilled with the outcome. Thank you!!

Kelsey, Pre-PA

This was even more helpful than I anticipated! I am someone who finds it very hard to let others read my writing because it feels too personal. This made it much easier to let someone edit for me and all the suggestions provided really helped me pull together the parts I was struggling with. I would highly recommend this editing service to anybody who is having trouble strengthening their essay!

Lindsey C, Pre-PA

Deanna was amazing! She really went above and beyond the single-edit that I could afford. I consider myself a pretty good writer, but she helped me focus and ground my story without sacrificing the overall creativity of the original piece. All I can say is wow! If there ever was something worth the money, this service is it!

John S. Pre-PA

My editor was quick and responsive with her emails. Her explanations on how to improve my personal statement were detailed and organized. I’m very glad I chose The PA Life to help me with my personal statement and point me in the right direction. Thank you very much!

Phillip, Pre-PA

Sue did a wonderful job. I know this is an extremely busy time of year as CASPA is accepting applications and Sue was great about responding to my initial submission and getting back to me. She provided thoughtful feedback and quality editing. Fingers crossed for an acceptance to PA school!

Jo Lynn, Pre-PA

Deanna was very opening to helping me with my essay. Although I had the material, the way she edited gave it a very nice and easy flow for the reader. She gave me her critical suggestions and comments that I would have otherwise missed. I am so glad I chose The PA Life revision services for my personal statement for PA school.

Yana, Pre-PA

I am so thankful that this editing service exists. The personal statement is incredibly important which is why I was so nervous about it. It took me two weeks to even get started because I was so nervous about writing the wrong thing. After Carly helped me with my essay, I am now so much more confident in it. Her edits were very thorough and showed that she had a really good understanding of what is important for a PA personal statement. Her email detailing her overall impression of my essay also showed she understood every single point I was trying to make and what kind of feeling I was trying to give to people reading my essay. This has been the most reassuring thing.

Angela, Pre-PA

Sarah is amaaaaaaaaaaazing!! She is super kind and helpful. My original essay was very long at about 9,000 characters and I had no idea how to trim it down. Sarah helped me decide what to include and eliminate from my personal statement while correcting many of my grammatical errors. She was a complete professional and very easy to work with. I would recommend Sarah and The PA Life personal statement revision service to everyone, they are absolutely wonderful!

Fariha, Pre-PA

I just want to let you know I received multiple interview invitations and got my first acceptance a few weeks ago! I am still preparing for more interviews, but at this point, I am pretty certain I will be going to Midwestern University, and I think so much of my success with applications is because of your help with my personal statement. Because of this, I wanted to reach out and say THANK YOU! I really appreciate your support and I would definitely recommend this service to anyone applying to PA school 🙂

Alli Cowan, Pre-PA

Sue was great to work with. Very prompt in responding to my submission. Asked good questions and incorporated my responses into my essay nicely. I appreciate the work.

Mary Peterson, Pre-PA

Susan did a fantastic job of editing my essay! She guided me and gave me suggestions for strengthening certain sections and equally took out weak parts. After I followed her recommendations, I really felt like I had an essay where every sentence mattered and reflected who I was. Thank you so much Susan for your help. I feel that I have a stronger essay because of your honest feedback and your help!

Patrick, Pre-PA

This experience was great. They took my essay and gave great constructive comments that made it an even better essay. Very fast and efficient process.

Gabby, Pre-PA

Very detail-oriented and took the time to explain the process, so our expectations were on the same page. Excellent editing and feedback on the content. Helpful comments on how I could maximize limited character count to make the most impact on the reader. I very much would recommend this service!

Esmeralda, Pre-PA

We worked on my essays back in summer and oh, how much work it was! But it all paid off because I just got accepted into the school of my first choice! Thank you so much for your time and dedication to my success. I will also be glad to recommend your services to other pre-PA students at my school!

Jennifer, H Pre-PA

Carly was incredible! Her prompt edits were extremely helpful, and I will definitely provide updates on the status of my application later down the line!

Audrey, PRE-PA

My editor thoroughly went through my essay and provided exactly what I was looking for to bring my essay to the next level.

Matthew, Pre-PA

I submitted my application this morning so I am not able to answer if I received an interview yet but I am THRILLED that I found this service. Sarah has been such a blessing working on my personal statement with me. She took my ideas and mediocre paper and turned it into a beautifully written story about my life. She helped me write exactly what I wanted to say and guided me with how to say it. I would recommend, without reservation, this service to anyone who is applying to PA school. I am one hundred times more confident about applying knowing my personal statement is exactly where it needs to be. Instead of feeling stressed and overwhelmed when I submitted my application this morning, I had complete peace. Thank you, for being a shining light full of kindness to applicants like myself.

Savannah, Pre-PA

After receiving two edits from Carly I feel extremely confident in my personal statement. She not only fixed grammatical error and syntax, but helped me better organize my thoughts into a competitive essay. To other Pre-PAs looking to submit their essays: I know it’s a bit of an investment but the peace of mind, comfortability, and confidentiality is so worth it! Thank you The PA Life!

Elizabeth, Pre-PA

I’m so happy with the amount of time and attention that Duke and Sue put into helping perfect my essay. I’m extremely fortunate to have come across Stephen’s page and this opportunity- I would have sent in an essay that unknown to me at the time, had issues and needed many improvements. I’m almost to the point where I’m going to submit my application, and will definitely update the team on prospective interviews. I cannot thank you guys enough for having this essay review service available, you definitely make it worth every dollar and more.

Tiffany Ly, Pre-PA

Sue did an amazing job editing my personal statement. She included all the aspects that I wanted in the statement and made it flow so much better. Thank You! Thank You!

Kendra Perkey, Pre-PA

Sarah was amazing from beginning to end. Her listening skills are just superb. She edits in a manner that captures your story in a raw format and complete format. I loved my experience.

Vivian, Pre-PA

I worked closely with Duke and Sue for the revisions on my personal statement. They must have edited my original version half a dozen times before they felt it was good enough to send off and never made it seem like an inconvenience. They always responded to my e-mails within a 24-hour time frame but usually got back to me within a few hours. I am very pleased with how my personal statement turned out thanks to all of their time, ideas and direction. The service the PA Life provides is well worth the money spent!

Personal Statement Collaborative

Michelle Murphy, Pre-PA

Sue did a wonderful job. I know this is an extremely busy time of year as CASPA is accepting applications and Sue was great about responding to my initial submission and getting back to me. She provided thoughtful feedback and quality editing. Fingers crossed for an acceptance to PA school!

Jo Lynn, Pre-PA

I have recently been accepted to a program that was one of my top choices, and I also was waitlisted with two other schools. I wanted to thank you again for all your help Duke.  Not only am I grateful for your knowledge of writing and grammar (which were invaluable), but most importantly your kind word and motivation, which I needed so much at the time.  You’re a great person!

Alex Taylor, PA-S

I just wanted to share that I got into USC! Woohoo!!! They just called me to share the good news. I’m feeling pretty shocked since that interview did not go as well in my head. I can’t believe I got into school during my first round of applications. This would not have been possible without you, and I really appreciate all the support you gave me throughout this process. ?

Tiffany, PA-S

Sue Edmondson was VERY thorough in her editing of my essay, as well as the promptness of her responses to me. She not only took the time to edit the grammar of my essay but helped me remove a large portion of it to focus on the important aspects of it and draw in more details. Overall, a fantastic service!

Megan Hunstad, Pre-PA

My editor knew exactly what kind of edits I was looking for and addressed all of my questions/concerns I had about my essay. I will definitely be recommending this service to my club members and friends.

Stephanie, Pre-PA

I felt our mock interview was an absolute necessity to prepare for the Academic and Personal interviews from Yale School of Medicine PA Program Online. I felt the calibre of questions you had asked me, in addition to the coaching and post-question feedback, really helped me understand what an ideal response looks like and gave me time to reflect and prepare my responses for the formal interview just two days later.

During my interviews I was asked plenty of questions I didn’t have a prepared response to (and I had combed through tons especially in the days following our mock interview!) I can say that I answered each question genuinely, authentically, and showed both interviewers the best version of myself. I didn’t stammer or lose my place, and I felt confident in my words and expressions. I don’t think I would have been as comfortable, calm, or confident without having accepted your guidance and feedback and learned from our time together.

Gratitude for your words, encouragement, and support is an understatement. Thank you, Sarah!

Best Regards,
Jacob

Jacob, PRE-PA

Sarah is an amazing writer. She helped clarify my thoughts and encouraged me on this journey. When/ if I get an interview, it will be because of her amazing writing skills.

Araceli, Pre-PA

Loved this service and working with Sarah. She was super helpful and easy to talk with. Will definitely recommend this service to others.

Diana, Pre-PA

Sarah was absolutely wonderful. She not only helped take my personal statement to the best level, but she also made it easy to understand why certain changes were better. In the end, she went through and used a highlighting method to show how we connected things to PA and skills that were good. This made it easier to visualize everything. I’d recommend Sarah to anyone applying to PA school that needs that extra push on their personal statements.

Taylor, Pre-PA

I used the personal statement editing service through The PA Life, and I worked with Sarah. She was AMAZING and made such a difference in both the quality of my personal statement and in my confidence as an applicant. That said, I’m so grateful to say I’ve been accepted into two out of the three programs I applied to and have an interview with the third on Friday of this week. I couldn’t be more excited!

Nikki, PA-S

I just wanted to let you know I accepted a spot at the University of Dubuque’s PA program! I want to thank you for all your help and support in this process and for all the positivity you brought my way. Thanks for all you do and I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with you! I would recommend you highly to anyone.

Meghna, PA-S

I am writing this because I wanted to share with you that I have been accepted to the University of Iowa PA program.  I would like to once again thank you for your insight and guidance while writing my personal statement, it came at just the right time.

Eugene V.PA-S

Sarah was beyond amazing, she was always on time with my essay edits, took the time needed to really listen to what I had to say. Sarah pretty much transformed my essay form caveman style to an easy, awesome flow good content easy and fun to read essay. I am very thankful for her collaboration, I could not have done anything that resembles her quality of work. Thanks a million!!!!

Jerry C, Pre-PA

An amazing experience. Glad to have worked with Duke. He did his best, and it was very enjoyable.

Anand T. Pre-PA

Sarah Morris Schultz was my PA statement editor and she was absolutely fabulous! She helped to shave my original 4-page long, winding PA statement down to a 2 page impactful, poignant, moving statement that lead me to get accepted to a Doctor of Medical Science program in Physician Assistant Studies. She has such a gift for writing and knowing how to say things in just the right way and use the right words! One of the DMS PA program committee members started off my video conference online interview by stating that my PA statement was the best he ever read, not “one of the best” but THE BEST statement. My heart leapt. My PA statement years ago had caused me NOT to get accepted to the school that I had hoped. I did get accepted to a good PA school, got my degree, and started practicing in this field that I love. However, this time I decided to humble myself and get help writing a good statement. Praise God, it paid off. I am so grateful for the PA Life service and fee for the one-on-one service is worth every penny! I recommend everyone get Sarah Morris Schultz. She’s the bomb.com! I love you, Sarah 🙂

Sonja D. PA-S

I used the personal statement editing service with Deanna Matzen (April/May 2021) and the mock interview service with Mary Jones (June 2021). Both were exceptional to work with and helped me to achieve my goal. I applied to three schools and received interview invites from all three (I’m a first-time applicant). I was waitlisted at one in June and later accepted in November, received early acceptance to my top choice in November (UTSW), and I chose to decline my third interview scheduled in December. Thank you for your services!

Rachelle, Pre-PA

I wanted to take a moment to thank you for helping me with my personal statement. I have been accepted at Cornell, and will most likely be entering their program in March 2017. I have also received interview offers from Wake Forest, Duke, Pitt, Quinnipiac, Oregon Health Sciences, and Chatham so far. I am happy to share my success up to this point, because I would not be in this position without your guidance, wisdom, and talent.

I thoroughly enjoyed working with you, and I am profoundly grateful for your help. I wish you all the best in the future.

Stephanie Dwyer, PA-S

I’m not sure if you remember me but you helped me a couple of months ago on my PA personal statement. Just wanted to let you know — I got accepted into University of Pacific’s PA program! I’m overjoyed!

Thank you so much for all your help and encouragement! I really appreciate it.

Jennifer MurphyPRE-PA

Sue’s comments were very helpful. Her quick turnaround time is very impressive. She responded to my concerns and questions promptly. She clearly knows what to present to the PA school admissions team. I am very happy with her work.

Kitti, Pre-PA

Great feedback and turn around time. Utilizing this feature gave me even more confidence that I was trying my best to be the top candidate.

Kristopher, Pre-PA

Thank you so much for making the personal statement process less stressful! Although I had been planning and brainstorming for months, the process of writing my journey in 5,000 characters was just daunting and overwhelming. Thank you so much for your kindness, flexibility, and your patience that helped me through this process. I appreciate how you listened and incorporated my feedback to make my personal statement a work of art that is truly representative of ME! I would highly recommend your services to any aspiring PA students who feel lost or overwhelmed by the process. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Cintia, Pre-PA

Sarah Schultz was a great editor and was easy to communicate with. She answered my emails very promptly and made great suggestions while also helping me cut down and condense my essay to be in the character limit. She made me feel more confident in my work and helped me develop an essay that I am proud of. I would definitely use this service again!

Katie, Pre-PA

Duke is great! I had such a great time with him editing my personal statement. So glad I found this site!

Melissa Nicole Aguilera, Pre-PA

I owe you a lot! Thank you so much for helping me in this important process. God bless you.

Catalina, Pre-PA

Sarah was a pleasure to work with the entire time. I felt very overwhelmed when I was working on my personal statement on my own, but once I started working with Sarah, she made me feel at ease while getting my personal statement to look its best. Sarah is very knowledgeable, understanding, and professional. One of the things I loved the most about working with her is that no matter the time of the day she was always available and got back to you in a timely manner. The whole time we worked on my personal statement she made sure I felt comfortable with changes that had to be made and I appreciated this as well. Sarah is excellent at what she does and I would recommend her and this one on one service to anyone that needs it.

Odilia, Pre-PA

Thank you for all of your help with my essay. You used my content, but refined it and made it more relatable. I believe due to your help I gained three interviews this cycle! I was accepted to two of the three schools and I will be going to the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston this May. Again, thank you for all of your help, it has definitely changed my life.

Lauren Clewley, PA-S

I wanted to give you an update and thank you. I just received my first acceptance and at the interview, they commented on how well written my personal statement was. I appreciate your hard work and working with me to create such an awesome piece! Hopefully, this won’t be the last time we talk- maybe our paths will cross again one day!

Janne Kim, Pre-PA

Deanna was so amazing! She was really thorough and strengthened my essay in one edit! I feel so confident submitting my essay and I have high hopes for interviews! Thank you for providing these services to those of us with stories that need help being told. I would definitely recommend this service to everyone who wants to apply to PA school!

Valeria, Pre-PA

Thank you once again for your help in reviewing and editing my personal statement for PA school. Yesterday morning, I had the pleasure of accepting a position in the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston Physician Assistant Program. The class begins in July 2022, and I am excited to begin this next chapter of entering the PA profession. I have no doubt that your invaluable assistance helped me produce a personal statement that promoted my application and paved the way for my successful interview, and I am sincerely grateful.

Angela, PA-S

My editor was amazing! She took everything I asked and did editing that was above and beyond. She was also great at communicating and taking my comments/opinions into consideration. 10/10 would recommend!

Ravee, Pre-PA

I have never used a service like this before. All I can say is that I wish I had discovered it sooner 😀

Rebecca G. PA-S

I received an acceptance call from USC! I’m going to be a PA! ??‍⚕️ I’m so overfilled with joy and gratitude!! All of my experiences led to this, and I can’t help but feel immense gratitude for every single person that was part of this journey. You were a huge component of this journey, and I am so appreciative of all of your help. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

Cintia Chávez, PA-S

Carly blew away all my expectations. She not only suggested edits to refine the content, but she also made grammatical and structural changes that fine-tuned my essay and allowed it to flow. I came into the editing process feeling hopeless about my personal statement, but with her edits, I feel confident that it will stand out. On top of all that, Carly was very timely in editing and returning my essay – I got it back within a few days! I’m very pleased with her service and recommend it to anyone out there who needs a fresh, professional set of eyes on their personal statement.

Stephanie, Pre-PA

Well worth the money. I consider myself a decent writer but found I was stuck on a few key points of my personal statement. After a few edits on my own and with a few people I trust, I decided to submit my essay for editing through ThePALife to make sure I was really on the right track. I am supremely satisfied. The essay I wrote turned out to be a solid base, but Sarah went to work, and every change and suggestion had a logical place. She polished it up and made it shine. Thank you so much!

Conor K. Pre-PA

Sarah helped to condense my detailed thoughts into a powerful essay. Over the phone, she was careful to collaborate with me before making any changes so that the piece remained under my control and in my voice. She served as a guide and insured the essay brought out my strengths and reasons for pursuing the PA profession. Overall, I’m incredibly happy with the service!

Julie, Pre-PA

Hope everything is going well! I just wanted to let you know I’m 2/2 so far with receiving interviews. I know your help with my essays has played a huge part. I just wanted to update you and tell you how grateful I am for all of your help!

John, Pre-PA

I am very happy with your service and would highly recommend it to any PA applicant. Duke helped me to put my thoughts in order and to make significant changes. My personal statement sounds great and seems easy and interesting to read now.  He took a lot of time to explain his way of thinking and to understand what I am trying to say. Thank you so much for your help. I really appreciate what you are doing for others.

Olga N. Pre-PA

I loved this service! Not only did my editor transform my essay, she helped me feel more confident in my application moving forward. She was extremely personable and efficient. I love my essay and now I’m even more excited about applying for school because of the help I received from The PA Life! Highly recommend!!

Aubrey, Pre-PA

I had such a great time working with Carly. She is very prompt, understanding, and reliable. She made my personal statement very easy to read and helped me convey my words the way I intended it. I’m couldn’t be happier with my final essay and I really appreciated Carly’s effort to edit and re-edit until we were pleased with the result. I’m so glad that I worked with Carly and I thank her for what she did with my PS!!!

Zulhumar, Pre-PA

I wanted to send you a quick life update and another BIG thank you! I received my acceptance at the University of Utah’s PA Program on Monday and couldn’t be happier. Thank you for all your help with my essay and interview prep. Both of these services that you provided were so helpful in my success. I will highly recommend you to any future PA student.

Lily, Pre-PA

Sarah did such a great job editing my personal statement! She was receptive to my concerns and had awesome ideas to make my essay stand out. I am very happy with how it turned out and I am excited to submit it. Thank you!!

Hannah, Pre-PA

Just found your site today while trying to update my resume. Also, I have to recertify next year so your tests are great for a refresher course. I was in a specialty area of medicine so I now realize how much I forgot in the past 5 years. Thank you very much and I will pass on to other PAs.

Pattie Solomon PA-CNorTh Miami Florida

You helped me revise my personal statement for PA school admissions earlier this year, and I wanted to let you know how much you helped me. I got eight interviews and five admissions this cycle! I’ll be attending Pacific University this May. Multiple interviewers commented on how much they liked my personal statement. They described it as “eloquent” and “genuine.” I cannot thank you enough for your help earlier this year; I feel that it was a big part of my success this cycle.

Monica Harris, PA-S

Sarah was a tremendous help to me and provided me with thoughtful edits that really made my personal statement stand out from the crowd. She was very easy to work with and really seems to care about each of her clients. I really enjoyed working with her and highly recommend her as an editor. As of today, I have 3 interviews scheduled, including one at my top choice school! Thank you!

Andrew, Pre-PA

The edit that I received from Sue was exactly what I was hoping for. She was able to tighten up my draft beyond my personal skill level and made edits that I was would have never thought to make. She has definitely made my personal statement stronger. Thank you, Sue!

Ethan, Pre-PA

Susan did a fantastic job editing my essay! She guided me and gave me suggestions for strengthening certain sections and equally took out weak parts. After I followed her recommendations, I really felt like I had an essay where every sentence mattered and reflected who I was. Thank you so much Susan for your help. I feel that I have a stronger essay because of your honest feedback and your help!

Amanda Pre-PA

The comments and edits made by Sue are exceptional! They’ve helped a lot in terms of helping me express my thoughts more clearly and effectively. It felt as if she was there with me, reading my thoughts and helping me with the entire process in person!

Amy, Pre-PA

I received an early acceptance! I just wanted to thank you so much for all your help. You are a pro and I’m so thankful for you! You helped me more than you’ll ever know! I’m so excited! You saved me!!!!

Shelly K. Pre-PA

Carly took the time to listen to my concerns about my personal statement and apply them to what I had already written. I was so appreciative as I wasn’t sure where my personal statement stood before submitting it. I now feel more confident in my statement!

Chelsea, Pre-PA

Thank you so much for helping me with my physician assistant program application essays and interview! I am so excited to let you know that I received multiple PA school acceptances and have decided that I will be attending Cornell University’s PA Program in New York City. The program begins in February 2019 and I cannot wait to begin!  I truly appreciate all your help and encouragement throughout my PA application process.

Christine Chen, PA-S

I just want to let you know I got into the pa program! I want to give you a huge thank you for helping me nail the interview and make a great essay. Thank you, x 100,000!

Rachel J, Pre-PA

I had an excellent experience with this service. Deanna was thorough, attentive to my essay, and very easy to contact. She did a great job and I would highly recommend this service to anyone.

Grant, Pre-PA

Beth did great at editing my personal statement. I feel that she corrected a lot of my grammar and made my personal statement very well-spoken while not changing what I wanted to convey. She gave me additional thoughts to consider if I wanted to edit the essay again afterward, but I feel quite content! Thank you, PA Life!

Audrey, Pre-PA

I just wanted to send you a quick email, letting you know that I finally got accepted into PA school! I will be attending Sacred Heart University in Connecticut and will be starting this fall. I could not have made it this far without your help! This was my third time applying and during my first two cycles, I didn’t think that I needed outside help. But this time around, I decided that I needed to change my tactic and I am so freaking happy that I did. Your guidance and advice on my personal statement absolutely made a difference. I had 6 interviews and got accepted into 4! You have helped changed my life and I am forever grateful. I have several friends who will be applying this cycle so I will be referring them to you!

Christian, Pre-PA

I am extremely pleased with this service. It is exactly the kind of constructive criticism I was hoping to receive. I had my essay reviewed by “myparesources” and was not very satisfied with their general comments. Sue put a lot of time and effort and gave me concrete examples of how to change my essay for the better. I WILL recommend this service over all others. Thank you so much!

Joe, Pre-PA

This is Tyler. I hope you remember helping me with my essay back in May. As promised, I wanted to update you with news of my PA school journey and I am excited to tell you that I was accepted to Stony Brook’s PA program!! THANK YOU VERY MUCH for helping me write an essay that was truly reflective of who I am as a candidate and as a person! It played a pivotal role in this whole nerve-racking process and has helped me achieve a major life goal. You are a godsend to Pre-PA students.

Tyler, PA-S

Awesome editing service! Everything was detailed, and I could tell that my editor really cared about helping me produce a great personal statement.

Ashanna, Pre-PA

I am mind-blown by my editor Carly’s work. My original essay is like an ill-fitting suit. She hemmed and adjusted it in all the right places and now it looks perfect. I don’t think I’m a bad writer, but I don’t write often and I have spent the past 10 years of my life focused on health sciences. I may have never been able to do this on my own. Thank you thank you, I consider this essay service a bargain.

Rebecca, Pre-PA

I was at a point where I kept reading my essay over and over again and not knowing what to change. After Sue looked over and thoroughly edited the essay, I had a completely new focus! I knew exactly what to tweak and her service really cleared up any uncertainty I had with my essay. I’m now much more confident as I finish up my CASPA applications!

Julia Spalding, Pre-PA

I can not speak highly enough of Sarah. She was extremely helpful and easy to work with. I think she did an especially admirable job packaging the message I was trying to get across in my essay in a concise format that flows smoothly. Thank you again!

Ian, Pre-PA

Carly Hallman did an amazing job helping me with my personal statement! I was feeling conflicted and uncertain about my own personal statement, but she helped set my mind at ease! I now have peace of mind regarding my personal statement. She was so helpful in correcting any grammar errors and also informed me of what I could add to my essay. I knew I was missing something in my essay, but could not quite put my finger on it. Carly identified what was missing so I could make those changes to my essay. I’m so thankful for her help because I do not think I could have figured out that “missing piece” had it not been for her. I now feel confident about my essay and I am extremely happy with it! 🙂 Thank you so much!!!

Ramsha, Pre-PA

Mr. Pasquini was very patient, accommodating and direct in his editing/advice. He was honest, in a way that I needed due to the importance of the letter. I even picked up a few tips to enhance my writing from our meetings. Great experience and will definitely recommend him to others!

Alana P. Pre-PA

I truly appreciate the ideas and comments Deanna provided for my personal statement. Without her expertise in having an understanding of what PA programs are looking for in a personal statement, I would have gone in a completely different and possibly wrong direction. I highly recommend this service!

Victoria, Pre-PA

Carly did more than help revise my grammatical errors and flow. She was able to show me the strengths and weaknesses of the concepts of my essay. She was able to tell me what it was missing as well as praise me for what I did correctly. It gave me confidence in my writing, and I truly believe it will make an impact on the way PA programs view me.

Sherry, Pre-PA

It was an absolute pleasure working with Sarah. She was prompt to respond, professional, and kind. Sarah is an excellent writer. I was consistently impressed with her edits and suggestions for my personal statement. After working with Sarah I feel confident that my final essay will be well-received schools and help me stand out as a candidate.

Leah, Pre-PA

Sue was awesome and ensured I received my edited version of the essay in a timely manner. The editing was above exceptional and exceeded my expectations. Thanks so much!! You guys are awesome!

HK, Pre-PA

Deanna was an absolute joy to work with. Not only was she a wonderful writer and editor, but she helped me develop my thoughts and produce a personal statement I was proud to submit. She helped me refine my ideas, and concise my writing to illustrate my reasons for wanting this career. She was also very prompt in responding to my emails and questions. I am very happy with my personal statement and would recommend this service to anyone who is considering this service or feels stuck in their writing process.

Maddie, Pre-PA

I got in!! I got into PA school and I can’t thank you enough for your hand in helping me with this process. I received 7 interviews out of 12 applications, I was waitlisted at Jefferson, Salus, and Chatham. And I was accepted at Drexel and Stony Brook. I will be starting PA school in June! Thank you so very much!!

Natalie, Pre-PA

Carly edited my essay, providing a generous amount of comments on why she believes that her changes make for a stronger essay. She gave amazing advice and I know that my personal statement is much more well written than before the edits were made. Definitely worth the money!

Alexa, Pre-PA

Thanks to the PA life and Deanna I was accepted to ECU PA program this cycle. I’m starting my program next fall. I have been part of the PA life community and a member of the leadership team at the virtual pre-PA club with Deanna and others. I’m preparing a video presentation about how to become a PA for IMG. I’m a nontraditional app and abnormally normal applicant 😆. The video will be posted on the IMG space of the community. I’m so happy to share my experience and help pre-PA like me.

Shynar Johnson, PA-S

My editor with The PA Life was amazing! I will definitely suggest these services to anyone else applying to PA school. Thank you for everything!

Margarita, Pre-PA

Are you struggling to write your PA School Personal Statement?

We have options to fit every budget

Click Here To Get Started

Essay Review Service

  • PA School Essay Collaborative
  • 31 Sample PA School Essays

Useful Links

  • Recommended Reading
  • Support The PA Life
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Pre-PA Consulting
  • LinkedIn Profile Editing
  • Essay Revision
  • Resume/CV Revision
  • Mock Interviews
  • Testimonials
  • Program Picker
  • Archive
  • About
  • Contact
  • Affiliate Portal

Copyright © 2022 The PA Life, INC • Terms & Conditions • Privacy Policy • Disclaimer • Refund Policy · Log in