The Certification Process and Maintenance of Certification for Physician Assistants

• Graduated 2001- LSU HSC Shreveport • Hired by Williamson Cosmetic Center in 2001 • Family Eye Business that "spun off" a "Med Spa" • Responsible for growing the business • Turned a "Med Spa" into a full time Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery Center • Became a partner in 2008 - Answer-Shelly Esnard PA-C • The process by which the Physician Assistant is deemed qualified to practice - Certified PAs are designated by "PA-C" • Assessment of the most BASIC medical and surgical knowledge and skills • Maintained in "cycles" which are divided into "periods" - Requires significant ongoing "CME" activities - Answer-Certification - The Basics • The Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam - 300 questions - Computer-based - TIMED - Based on "Content Blueprint" - Question format -- Clinical vignettes -- Pictures - Complicated Scoring System -- Score based on number of correctly answered questions -- There is no standard minimal score, but generally 350-390 is lowest passing score - Answer-First Step - The PANCE • Graduate from an accredited PA program • Complete PANCE registration - May be submitted 90 days prior to graduation date - Pay $475 registration fee - Select a testing location (over 200) - Declare/apply for any ADA accommodations • Take test - No sooner than 7 days post graduation date • Await results - Typically receive within 2 weeks of test date - Answer-What is the process? I recommend taking a review course for the PANCE and recertification exam. The larger %% you should make sure you spend your time there. I have done it both ways. - Answer-What is the content? LSBME will give you a temp license until you pass - Answer-Congrats, you passed!!! You're now certified for 10 years!! • Don't get too excited....The learning/studying/testing NEVER stops • Maintaining your certification requires significant, and specific Continuing Medical Education • Each 10 year certification cycle is divided into five 2 year "periods"; During each 2 year period, you must - Earn 50 category 1 CME credits + - Earn 50 category 2 CME credits = 100 HOURS TOTAL • At the end of your certification cycle, you must recertify by taking the PANRE - Answer-Maintaining Certification