To pursue a career as a Physician Assistant (PA) in Delaware(DE) you must undergo a two-year accredited PA program, usually requiring a bachelor’s degree and relevant work experience.
Post-graduation, passing the national certification exam is essential, followed by obtaining state licensure for practice. Continuous education and renewal commitments are mandatory for maintaining licensure, ensuring a fulfilling and dynamic career as a certified Physician Assistant in Delaware.
Listed below are the top accredited Physician Assistant Schools in, or near to, Delaware.
Top PA Schools in Delaware
The majority of institutions employ the CASPA online application system. It is crucial to verify application deadlines through the official CASPA website.
Delaware PA Certification and License Requirements
Upon graduating from an accredited PA program in Delaware, aspiring Physician Assistants must undertake PANCE exams, typically administered at designated testing centers. Certification is a prerequisite before obtaining state licensing, ensuring that PAs meet nationally recognized standards of competency. These exams assess their medical knowledge and skills, establishing a standardized evaluation process. Successful completion demonstrates the essential qualifications for entry into the medical practice as a certified Physician Assistant.
Licensure and Scope of Practice
Once you have graduated from an accredited program it is required by Delaware law that you obtain a license to work as a Physician Assistant there.
PAs in Delaware and their supervising physician must reach a collaborative agreement to define the scope of the PA’s role, based on their education and experience. PAs can administer drugs and drugs and controlled Schedule II-V substances as well as dispense samples. They are however required to have a Controlled Substances License.
The Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline governs the licensing of Physician Assistants in Delaware. You can contact the Board directly using the contact details below:
Address: Cannon Bldg, Ste. 203, 861 Silver Lake Blvd., Dover, DE 19904, – See more at: https://www.aapa.org/threecolumnlanding.aspx?id=347#sthash.1FVXLJ3z.dpuf
Phone: (302) 744-4500
Website: https://dpr.delaware.gov/boards/medicalpractice/physasstlicense/
PA Salary and Employment in Delaware
In 2024, there were 640 individuals employed as Physician Assistants in Delaware, earning an average salary of $124,140. This reflects an hourly wage of $59.69, which is 0.91% below the national average of $125,270. Among these professionals, the top 10% earned $159,380, while the bottom 10% earned $99,830.
In Delaware, from 2018 to 2022, the average salary for Physician Assistants increased by $18,840, representing an 18% growth. Concurrently, employment witnessed a notable rise of 140 positions, reflecting a 28% increase over the same period.
Looking ahead, the Bureau for Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a promising 27% growth in physician assistant employment from 2022 to 2032.