Steps to Take After Graduation from PA School

One thing I wanted to talk about today is the steps of getting licensed and credentialed after you graduate from PA school.  A lot of people think once you graduate, the hard part is over.  This is half-right and half-wrong.  There are many steps to take after you gradate and i am here to break it down for you (as best as I can and to the best of my knowledge).  Be aware - the total process costs upwards of $2,000 to practice (on top of your tuition)!

1. PANCE Exam - you are able to sign up for your PANCE starting 90 days prior to your graduation.  My school handed out forms to expedite the process and verify our info on their side, a few days later we received an e-mail from the NCCPA saying we were able to create and account and contact a PearsonVUE testing center (where you will take the PANCE) to set up a date and time you want to sit to take the exam.  There are dates and times basically every day of the week and you can take it at either 8am or 1pm.  I think 8am was the best idea - less time to freak out and try to cram the morning of!
Cost: $475

2. State Licensure - After you receive your online confirmation that you have passed your PANCE, you may send out an application to your state government requesting to receive a state licensure.  Be aware - this application requires many steps including: getting a passport photo taken to attach to application, notarized form, copies of transcripts from all undergrad and graduate schools attended, if you hold other national licenses for other careers - must include a copy, and possibly more depending on your state's requirements.
Cost: varies by state.  State of MA - $225

3. DEA Licensure - After receiving a state licensure, you may apply for a DEA license.  This allows you to prescribe medications.  You may not apply for this licensure until you have a state license number.
Cost: $731 (good for 3 years)

4. NPI Number - this is your national provider ID.  It is a unique identifier that is necessary for Medicare services.
Cost: Free (I still have yet to apply for this but do not see a cost associated on the application)

5. State Control Substances Licensure: allows you access to prescribe scheduled medications according to your state mid-level practitioner laws.   Most allow anything from schedule II-IV (anything that your supervising doctor can prescribe, you may as well) with a few exceptions (example - methadone, suboxone, etc.)
Cost: varies by state.  State of MA - $150


Then, on top of all of those things, you are applying for jobs and filling out the associated applications.  Once a job offer is accepted, you then fill out all of the paperwork to begin the hiring process (including a CORI form, background check form, application, signing of paperwork, benefit paperwork, etc.)

So basically, I just wanted to forewarn everyone that not only is there a large expense to get certified and licensed as PA after graduating, but there is a good 3 month time lapse between graduation and when you will be fully ready to work. Be prepared for some time off with no income.  I have been filling my days with trying Pinterest recipes, household chores/cleaning, visiting my family and friends, getting good use out of my new TiVo, and enjoying quiet nights at home.

Let me know if you have any questions! :)