Does it take longer to become neurosurgical PA?

Yes, PAs can specialize. About half of them don't (they work in primary care). Here's the place to ask and answer about specialties and specialization.
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exageras
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Does it take longer to become neurosurgical PA?

Post by exageras » Sun Aug 11, 2013 9:11 pm

I heard Neurosurgical PA earn alot more than regular PA. What are the steps to become a Neurosurgical PA. what extra steps do PA need to do to become one.

PaulK
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Re: Does it take longer to become neurosurgical PA?

Post by PaulK » Sat Aug 17, 2013 3:44 am

The more specialized the specialty, the longer it takes.

General surgery - some time

then

Neuro surgery - probably more time

then

Pediatric neurosurgery - more still

Of course, some go right into the specialty at a more specialized level, but you are out-competing people who have already done steps 1 and/or 2.

Basically, to call yourself a PA, you need to be a PA who is employed at a job setting where neurosurgery is done. That doesn't necessarily take any particular certification (although a surgical "Certificate of Added Qualification" helps). It just means that you need to get that kind of job.

Imagine getting a job at Google as a graphic designer. It's competitive. If you're really impressive, you could pull it off right out of design school. But more time in the field automatically makes you more competitive, so if you don't get in right off, you should spend time working up to in related jobs.

Get it?

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