text:
38 U.S. Code § 3014 - Payment of basic educational assistance
§ 3014.
Payment of basic educational assistance
The Secretary shall pay to each individual entitled to basic educational assistance who is pursuing an approved program of education a basic educational assistance allowance to help meet, in part, the expenses of such individual's subsistence, tuition, fees, supplies, books, equipment, and other educational costs.
In the case of an individual entitled to basic educational assistance who is pursuing education or training described in subsection (a) or (c) of section 2007 of title 10, the Secretary shall, at the election of the individual, pay the individual a basic educational assistance allowance to meet all or a portion of the charges of the educational institution for the education or training that are not paid by the Secretary of the military department concerned under such subsection.
The amount of the basic educational assistance allowance payable to an individual under this subsection for a month shall be the amount of the basic educational assistance allowance to which the individual would be entitled for the month under section 3015 of this title.
The maximum number of months for which an individual may be paid a basic educational assistance allowance under paragraph (1) is 36.
The number of months of entitlement charged under this chapter in the case of an individual who has been paid a basic educational assistance allowance under this subsection shall be equal to the number (including any fraction) determined by dividing the total amount of such educational assistance allowance paid the individual by the full-time monthly institutional rate of educational assistance which such individual would otherwise be paid under subsection (a)(1), (b)(1), (c)(1), (d)(1), or (e)(1) of section 3015 of this title, as the case may be.
(Added Pub. L. 98–525, title VII, § 702(a)(1), Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2557, § 1414; amended Pub. L. 101–237, title IV, § 423(b)(1)(A), Dec. 18, 1989, 103 Stat. 2092; renumbered § 3014, Pub. L. 102–83, § 5(a), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 406; Pub. L. 106–398, § 1 [[div. A], title XVI, § 1602(b)(2)], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A–359; Pub. L. 107–14, § 7(b)(1), June 5, 2001, 115 Stat. 31.)
2001—Subsec. (b)(2)(A). Pub. L. 107–14, § 7(b)(1)(A), struck out "(without regard to subsection (g) of that section) were payment made under that section instead of under this subsection" before period at end.
Subsec. (b)(2)(C). Pub. L. 107–14, § 7(b)(1)(B), added subpar. (C).
2000—Pub. L. 106–398 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a) and added subsec. (b).
1991—Pub. L. 102–83 renumbered section 1414 of this title as this section.
1989—Pub. L. 101–237 substituted "Secretary" for "Administrator".
Effective Date of 2001 Amendment
Pub. L. 107–14, § 7(b)(3), June 5, 2001, 115 Stat. 32, provided that:
"The amendments made by this subsection [amending this section and sections 3015 and 3032 of this title] shall take effect as if enacted on November 1, 2000, immediately after the enactment of the Veterans Benefits and Health Care Improvement Act of 2000 (Public Law 106–419)."
LII has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references LII.


text: The simple fact is, as Neil Manthorp has pointed-out any number of times (the best example being this and in the fourth paragraph of this) that there are good reasons for many defeats. Sometimes, yes, you have to acknowledge that the better side won. And generally when that is the case, the SAfricans do.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Stainless Steel Work Tables
Durable enough to accommodate light equipment, a standard work table can handle your mixing, blending, chopping, and cutting tasks.Shop All
A heavy-duty work table can handle just about anything you can throw at it. Use yours for prep work or to house countertop cooking equipment.Shop All
An economy work table makes a great space to perform light prep work like chopping produce and breading fried foods.Shop All
Take advantage of every square inch of kitchen space with a corner work table, available in several shapes and sizes.Shop All
Invest in a wall-mounted work table for a durable and non-invasive work surface. Choose from a number of lengths and widths here.Shop All
Stainless Steel Work Table Top Products
Recently Viewed Products


text:
3000. Community and Public Service. 3 hours. Designed for individuals preparing for a career in community, public, or human service professions. Promotes understanding of self in relation to philosophy and practice of community and public service. Students examine social issues, study and discuss concepts in community service disciplines, learn professional skills, explore service careers and organizations appropriate for their unique interests and abilities, and apply their base of knowledge to further the purpose of civic involvement. Community service professionals offer real-world viewpoints and experiences contributing to the decision-making process. (Same as HSML 3000.)
3300. Introduction to Philanthropy and Fundraising. 3 hours. Provides an overview of financial planning and fundraising practices in nonprofit organizations from the perspective of the giver. Students learn to assess the financial health of organizations, understand the duty of fiscal responsibility and develop and implement fundraising strategies.
4100. Social Evolution of Contemporary Volunteerism. 3 hours. Analysis and review of the social evolution of contemporary volunteerism from revolutionary times to the present. Study of the current issues, definitions, and trends in the field of professional management. Introduction to social systems supporting or limiting volunteerism and volunteerism resources on the Internet. May not be repeated at the graduate level as COMS 5100.
4200. Leadership Theory and Practice for Volunteer Managers. 3 hours. Overview of organizational leadership theory and practice for volunteer managers and community leaders. Students examine and develop a range of skills in a number of interpersonal areas: group dynamics, decision-making, managing differences, and leadership and influence as they pertain to primarily nonprofit organizations and their ability to lead a volunteer workforce. May not be repeated if credit has been received for it at the graduate level.
4300. Proposal Writing and Grants Administration. 3 hours. Basic steps in researching funding ideas, including how to use the Internet as a fundamental tool and the detailed steps required for preparing funding applications. Focus on the skills and tools needed to monitor funds once grants have been awarded.
4400. Volunteer Management Concepts and Applications. 3 hours. Analysis and review of day-to-day applications of management principles to the administrative and operating practices of contemporary volunteer programs in the public, not-for-profit, and for-profit sectors. Focuses on volunteer program management and organization, including targeting, recruiting, training, supervising, motivating, counseling, retaining and recognizing volunteer workforces. May not be repeated if credit has been received for it at the graduate level.
4500. Community Resource Mapping and Collaboration. 3 hours. Analyzes systems that measure community assets and resources. Explores the means of identifying and approaching potential collaborative community partners, and focuses on the development of joint proposals and/or business plans. Provides an overview of the role of volunteer managers and agency leadership of community organizations that provide resources in the development of a collaborative, capacity building community. An ecological approach is used to analyze the full range of human service agency services: health, social, educational, diagnostic, enrichment, religious, civic and legal. Students have an opportunity to do field work with agency staff on assigned community projects.
4600. Volunteer Program Planning and Evaluation. 3 hours. Seminar designed to provide students with the basic skills necessary to systematically design and plan volunteer programs, and evaluate their effectiveness. Special emphasis is given to measuring program outcomes. May not be repeated if credit has been received for it at the graduate level. (Same as HSML 4700.)
4610. Topics in Community Service. 3 hours. Study of various topics in community service. Possible topics include service-learning, volunteer management, and others. May be repeated for credit as topics vary.
4750. Nonprofit Leadership Capstone. 3 hours. Designed to crystallize the competencies covered in the COMS nonprofit leadership minor program and to promote critical thinking and effective writing on those topics. Format includes exchange between students and nonprofit professionals on leadership and management issues to expand individual competencies, build leadership confidence and affirm learning acquired during program. Serves as a final preparation for internship/employment in a nonprofit agency. Satisfies one of the course requirements for students pursuing American Humanics certification. Prerequisite(s): consent of human service coordinator.
4800. Community Service Internship. 3 hours. (0;0;8) Supervised work in a community agency that is directly related to the student's major, professional field or career objective. Duties, learning objectives, reporting and supervisory functions are agreed on beforehand by the agency and the student. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite(s): meet the employer's requirements and consent of program director. (Same as HSML 4850.)
3000. Human Service in the Nonprofit Sector. 3 hours. Foundational course for students interested in a career in one of the human service professions. Examination of the philosophy, values, roles and responsibilities of human services and human service workers in today's society. Examination of personal needs, interests and potential strengths as a professional human service worker. (Same as COMS 3000.)
4700. Program Planning and Evaluation. 3 hours. Provides students with basic skills in conceptualizing, designing and planning human service–related programs for and within nonprofit agencies. Program evaluation with emphasis of performance outcomes and utilizing assessment results to strengthen program operation is emphasized. (Same as COMS 4600.)
4750. American Humanics/Capstone Course 3 hours. Designed to crystallize the competencies covered in the HSML degree program and promote critical thinking and effective writing on those topics. Format includes exchange between students and nonprofit professionals on leadership and management issues to expand individual competencies, build leadership confidence and affirm learning acquired during program. Serves as a final preparation for internship/employment in a nonprofit agency. Satisfies one of the course requirements for students pursuing American Humanics certification. Prerequisite(s): Consent of human service coordinator. (Same as COMS 4750.)
4850. Human Service Internship. 3 hours. (0;0;13) Supervised work in a community agency directly related to the student's career and specialization interests. Designed to integrate theory and practice in human services and prepare students for practical application of skills, knowledge and philosophy in a supervised setting. Students must meet individual employer's requirements and obtain consent of human service program director. Prerequisite(s): Consent of internship coordinator. (Same as COMS 4800.)
Date of initial release: July 1, 2008 — Copyright © 2008 University of North Texas
Page updated: April 9, 2009 — Comments or corrections: firstname.lastname@example.com
UNT · Search UNT · UNT News · UNT Events
"University of North Texas," "UNT" and "Discover the power of ideas" are officially registered trademarks of the University of North Texas; their use by others is legally restricted. If you have questions about using any of these marks, please contact the UNT Division of University Relations, Communications and Marketing at (940) 565-2108 or e-mail email@example.com.
(868-8211) (toll-free)
(940) 565-2000
Schedule a tour online
(940) 565-4104


text:
Hon Hai plans to hire 10,000 engineers
TAIPEI: Hon Hai Precision Industry, looking to reduce its reliance on making products for Apple, said it would focus on developing new technologies, intellectual property rights and e-commerce.
Hon Hai, the world's biggest electronics contract manufacturer, earned more than $100 billion in revenue last year - with Apple estimated to account for up to 60 percent.
As Apple's growth slows in the face of fierce competition Samsung Electronics, Hon Hai has been keen to diversify into higher-margin businesses, but its slew of initiatives has opened it up to criticism that it lacks focus.
To help it develop those businesses it is planning to hire between 5,000 and 10,000 engineers across Taiwan, adding to the 6,000 currently on the island, Chairman Terry Gou told the company's annual shareholder meeting.
Focal points will be research and development, software and patent rights, he said, adding that Hon Hai ranks No.8 globally among companies in terms of the amount of patents it holds.
On the e-commerce front, it is planning to shift its China retailing focus to online sales, after a joint venture with German retailer Metro AG in China failed because of fierce competition.
Gou's speech came at a time when sales are comparatively weak, down 12.6 per cent for the year through to end-May against the same period last year.
He said the company's target of achieving 15 percent revenue growth this year was challenging because of slowing global growth and changes in consumer tastes in electronics products. But he said he expected revenue and earnings per share to beat last year's record highs.
However analysts are mostly forecasting flat profits. "Hon Hai's earnings momentum in the first half seems soft, due to lack of new product launches by Apple," said Rex Chen, chief investment officer of BNP Paribas' asset management joint venture in Taiwan.
Hon Hai also hopes to drive revenue growth with plans to split off its connector business into a separate unit as a prelude to a public share offer (IPO) three years later, Gou said. Making it an independent company would help increase the unit's sales by 20 per cent in the first year, he said.
The company has more than 20 other business divisions which could be split off into separate units, he added.
Hon Hai, the flagship firm of the Foxconn Technology Group, also plans large investments in Indonesia,it hopes to sign an agreement soon on making and selling cellphones for local brands, and it will also expand further in the United States at some point, he said.


text:
Entering for exams
Please note that employers cannot enrol trainees for exams.
Book online via myACCA
Trainees must enter for exams themselves via myACCA.
After making an exam booking, students receive acknowledgement of their exam entry.
Changing or cancelling exam bookings
Trainees can change or cancel their exam bookings via myACCA.


text:
Mike Estes - Booth #17
Design: The Sky Scratcher: Chicago
Materials: Recycled Cardboard, Bamboo Plywood, Catnip
Pitch: "The Sky Scratcher: Chicago is an aesthetically pleasing, eco-friendly cat scratching post that both you and your cats will love. Using cardboard (which is inherently recycled in its manufacturing process) and bamboo plywood (the most Eco-friendly, green, self-regenerating wood products on the market) to construct The Sky Scratcher means your mind will be at ease because you know your cat(s) will be scratching till their little hearts are content in a healthy, eco-friendly manner."
"We also do not use any glues or adhesives in the assembly of The Sky Scratcher, so this will allow replacement 'floors' to be ordered and exchanged for destroyed sections of your Sky Scratcher. The center post runs the length of the building and uses only a snug fit and gravity to keep them in place. And because the design is inspired by the iconic Chicago Skyline, your home's modern decor will not be tarnished for your cat's enjoyment. The Sky Scratcher: Chicago is just the first installation in The Sky Scratcher line. Our goal is to launch a new city each holiday season, with New York City coming Holiday 2012."
Designer: Mike Estes
Link: The Sky Scratcher
Location: Portland, Oregon
• Main Info Post
• Submission Form (until Sep. 14)
• Follow on Twitter - #ATShowcase
• About Design Showcase 2012: Every September we celebrate the best new creations for the home. We're hosting a select number of independent designers, makers and creatives from around the world, giving them some precious real estate and watching them pitch their wares. Our panel of judges and editors along with our general body of readers will select a few exemplary exhibitors for special mention.


text:
UPDATED / Wednesday, March 6:
McMinnville police arrested a local teen on rape, sex abuse and sodomy charges Monday afternoon in connection with an incident that allegedly occured in February in the Lower City Park.
Christopher Aaron Davidson, 19, of 1340 NE Logan St., was arraigned Tuesday in Yamhill County Circuit Court on three counts each of second-degree rape and second-degree sodomy, in addition to one count of first-degree sexual abuse. All are Class B felonies and Measure 11 offenses, punishable on conviction by a length prison sentence under mandatory minimum guidelines.
Judge Cal Tichenor set his bail at $100,000, down from the original $350,000. He must post 10 percent to secure his release. A preliminary hearing will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, at which time court-appointed attorney Michael Finch of McMinnville will address the issue of release. Tichenor is scheduled to preside over that hearing.
Police said Davidson's alleged victim was a female acquaintance younger than 14.
Anyone with information regarding the case is asked to contact Det. Michelle Formway at 503-434-2340


text:
Kelly Layman
Executive Director of Communications
Statements Regarding Governor's Action on the Budget Today
May 26, 2011
The Board Chair's letter sent last week to the Governor regarding possible veto(es) of PECO-related projects, and deferred maintenance and repairs funding, is posted here: www.flbog.edu/pressroom/.
The PECO list of projects by-university and as passed by the Legislature in its FY 2011-12 budget are linked from within the "PRESS PACKAGE ON THE BUDGET" posted, distributed and dated May 6, and located here: www.flbog.edu/pressroom/.
In our initial review of the Governor's veto details released this afternoon, some state universities are receiving funds for repairs and deferred maintenance from a previously larger appropriation by the Legislature, one that would have addressed some of these needs at all 11 universities based on a long-standing formula considering the age of the building and other factors. We do not have information on the selection process utilized for the Governor's shorter list of certain universities that will receive repair and maintenance monies.
From Board of Governors Chair Ava L. Parker:
"While the Board of Governors is disappointed that so many essential educational facilities will not be funded this year, we understand the unprecedented fiscal situation that both the Legislature and the Governor find themselves facing as they addressed the budget in their respective roles while attempting to restart the economy and reduce government spending. The Florida Board of Governors will continue to diligently exercise its constitutional responsibility by carefully vetting and scrutinizing any proposed investments in classrooms, research labs, and other vital facilities that are needed to support the State University System."
From State University System Chancellor Frank T. Brogan:
"The State University System's steady 3 percent annual enrollment growth for several years now — contributing to our 321,000-plus total student enrollment in Fall 2010 — clearly demonstrates not only the growing needs and demands here in the fourth-largest State University System in America, but, at the same time, it underscores the well-known economic impacts that public universities bring to the economy. The State University System of Florida must remain competitive in order to deliver the workforce needs of a transforming economy, thereby creating the knowledge- and innovation-based career opportunities that will keep our students in Florida after they graduate.
"The Governor has raised compelling questions about how the state addresses funding for the construction of much-needed classrooms, labs and research facilities. We look forward to working with him and the Legislature to explore the possibility of different methodologies for sustainably funding and maintaining Florida's education infrastructure."


text:
By Martyn Herman
LONDON (Reuters) - Television viewers are used to seeing a snappily-dressed Boris Becker offering his thoughts on the day's big matches from the safety of a comfortable sofa at Wimbledon.
On Tuesday, minus the make-up and the sharp threads, the German former world No.1 found himself perched on a court-side seat in Melbourne watching Novak Djokovic put through the wringer by Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka at the Australian Open.
From talking about the game in his familiar tones, Becker found himself a central part of the unfolding drama and, when his charge stumbled, fair game for tennis writers picking over the Serb's shock five-set defeat in the quarter-finals.
It was a surprise last month when, on the day Djokovic was named as the ITF's 2013 world champion, or player of the year, Djokovic announced Becker had joined his team despite the six-times grand slam champion never having worked as a coach.
Djokovic had just finished the year in spectacular fashion, winning 24 matches in a row since losing to Rafa Nadal in the U.S. Open final in New York in September.
Despite losing his No.1 ranking to the Spaniard in October, his game appeared to be in fine fettle as he retained the ATP World Tour finals title with a comfortable victory over Nadal in the London year-ender.
All the signs pointed to Djokovic being the man to take on Nadal for this year's big prizes, with most predicting he would start his campaign with a fourth straight Australian Open title.
Yet, Djokovic decided his game needed something extra and turned to Becker, whose attacking serve and volley style and raw power once struck fear into opponents.
Some saw it as a riposte to Wimbledon champion Andy Murray's successful alliance with Ivan Lendl, once Becker's fierce rival.
Others saw it as a sign that Djokovic wanted to add some extra firepower to a game built on incredible defensive skills and clinical counter-attacking.
The way Djokovic roared into the last eight in Melbourne without dropping a set - his serve appearing to have more bite and his forays to the net a little more regular - it was easy to get swept along with talk of the Becker-effect.
Djokovic said they had an "instant understanding" yet his defeat by an inspired Wawrinka, who snapped a 14-match losing run against the Serb to deprive him of a 15th straight grand slam semi-final, inevitably put the spotlight on Becker's role.
Was it the German's influence, for example, that on match point down led to Djokovic abandoning his usual dogged method of dealing with a crisis to serve-and-volley - a tactic that backfired horrendously when a routine forehand volley went wide?
Djokovic's thoughts may have been scrambled by a Wawrinka mis-hit that landed in on the previous point, or maybe the 26-year-old was just fearful of entering into a baseline rally and allowing the Swiss to offload another blistering backhand.
As the match wore on the camera picked out Becker regularly, applauding his man and geeing him up at crucial times.
The German still does not look entirely at home from his new vantage point at courtside, especially with Djokovic's long-time coach Marian Vajda sitting next to him.
By the end Becker looked a little flustered and more drained than during some of his ferocious battles with Lendl and Stefan Edberg, Roger Federer's new coach, back in his heyday.
Followers of the "if it's not broke, don't fix it" theory will point to Djokovic's defeat as a sign that Becker's appearance on the scene could be detrimental.
After all, the German's arrival coincides with Djokovic's first defeat at Melbourne for four years.
Yet, as Djokovic said, it was still early days.
"Well, look, you know, it has been the first official tournament for us," the number two seed told reporters after his 2-6 6-4 6-2 3-6 9-7 loss to eighth-seeded Wawrinka.
"I'm satisfied with things that we've been talking about, working on. Of course, it's unfortunate that we finished the tournament in the quarter-finals.
Of his fateful decision to rush the net on match point, Djokovic said: "It was actually a good decision. I had a good serve and volley and good volley, but didn't put it away.
"But look, you know, as I said, it's the beginning of the season and we'll see what's coming next."
The world number two has only won one grand slam title since the Australian Open in 2012, losing twice to both Murray and Nadal in finals, most notably last year's U.S. Open on the Spaniard's least favorite surface.
Clearly Djokovic believes Becker is the man who can help him squeeze more out of his game so the Serb can take his collection of major titles towards double figures.
With Lendl having already turned Murray into a two-time grand slam champion, and Edberg already apparently having a positive impact on Federer, Becker suddenly finds himself back in a fight for supremacy with two of his old sparring partners.
Sadly for him he will not be able to intervene with a thumping ace or a full-length diving backhand volley.
Becker was known as Boom Boom Boris when he won his first Wimbledon title as the youngest winner of the men's event at 17.
Should his coaching credentials come up short and Djokovic does not bounce back from Tuesday's upset, it might be Bye Bye Boris sooner than expected.
(Reporting by Martyn Herman; Editing by Ken Ferris)


text:
Checksums for checksTuesday, September 29th, 2009
Here's a really cool instance of life hacking I heard the other day from Brian Rowe:
First, an introduction. When you're at a restaurant, and you pay by credit card, how do you decide what to tip? That is, how do you choose an exact amount that's within the acceptable range? Two common strategies are 1) to choose a round number for a tip and add it to the (not round) total, or 2) choose a value for the tip that will make the final amount a round number.
I have heard that one way is less secure, though I can't remember which, because the person running the bill can input another amount and you wouldn't know just from checking your credit card statement. I don't know how credible this threat is. But now I happen to have a solution.
You can use a checksum for your checks. Leave a final amount such that the last digit is equal to the sum of all the digits preceding it. For example, instead of paying $42, leave a tip such that the amount you pay is $42.06. This method is straightforward, awesome, and helps curtail credit card fraud.


text:
Physician Assistant
Physician assistants (PAs) are state-licensed, nationally certified medical professionals that practice medicine in a variety of health care settings.
By the year 2025, the Association of American Medical Colleges predicts there will be a national shortage of physicians. This decline, coupled with an aging population and growing demands for health care coverage, means physician assistants are well-positioned for employment opportunities.
Read on to learn more about this promising career, including day-to-day tasks, salary information, and how to become a physician assistant.
What is a physician assistant?
Physician assistants are responsible for assisting patients under the supervision of physicians and surgeons in every field of medical practice, including pediatrics, gerontology, internal medicine, and oncology. PAs practice in all 50 states.
What does a physician assistant do?
The exact duties of a PA depends on the health care setting in which they work (e.g. primary care, emergency medicine, etc.) and on the working relationship they have with their supervising physician or surgeon. For example, a physician assistant in the operating room closes incisions and cares for the patient before and after the surgery. That said, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that most PAs generally do the following on a typical day of work:
- Conduct physical examinations and review medical histories.
- Order x-rays or blood tests, and analyze results.
- Diagnose and treat injuries and illnesses and prescribe medicine.
- Educate patients and families.
- Take responsibility for the quality of patient care by tracking patient progress and researching the latest trends in medical treatment.
In some settings, such as rural areas where there are shortages in medical staff, physician assistants may serve as primary care providers at clinics where a physician is only available on a limited basis, the BLS says.
How to become a physician assistant
Becoming a PA requires the completion of a graduate program of study at an accredited school and attaining certification at the national and state levels.
Physician assistant prerequisites
Before entering a master's program, students should already have completed a bachelor's degree with a set of program prerequisites that include work in the sciences (e.g. biology, chemistry, anatomy, and physiology) and the non-sciences (e.g. psychology, English, statistics). Other major requirements may include the following:
- GRE or MCAT examinations -- Students may be required to take either the MCAT or GRE examination.
- Minimum GPA -- Programs may require students to hold at least a 2.7 GPA or greater in prerequisite coursework.
- Clinical experience -- Most programs prefer candidates with hands-on clinical experience in patient care. Examples are working as a medical assistant, registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, radiologic technician, etc.
- Shadowing experience -- Prospective candidates may be a more attractive applicant with physician assistant shadowing experience.
- Community service -- Applicants may also be asked about their community service activities.
Physician assistant education requirements
The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. accredits PA programs that train and prepare graduates to become practicing primary care clinicians. The curriculum includes integrated coursework in many areas, including some of the following:
- Medical sciences
- Pharmacology
- Human anatomy
- Clinical laboratory science
- Medical ethics
- Physiology
The first year of study is traditionally dedicated to foundational training in the clinical sciences, clinical medicine, and specialty care through a series of workshops, classroom instruction, lectures, small group activities, and clinical experiences. The remainder of the program consists of intensive clinical training and practicums, with a focus on primary care in a variety of clinical settings and different patient populations.
The goal of this comprehensive curriculum is to develop advanced knowledge of and skills in the following areas:
- Physical assessment
- Research
- Laboratory and radiological principles
- Foundations of primary care
- Health behavior
- Communication
- Nutrition
- Patient education
Physician assistant certification requirements
PAs must be certified on the national level by passing the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) sponsored by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA), as well as on the state level. Most states only require that you've passed the PANCE exam and that you have certification from an accredited PA program. After obtaining a state license, PAs are certified to practice medicine under the supervision of a physician.
In order to qualify to take the PANCE exam, students must complete a minimum of 2,000 hours of primary care clinical rotations, according to the American Academy of Physician Assistants. This clinical training provides students with the opportunity to provide preventative, therapeutic, diagnostic, and health maintenance services in both hospital and clinic settings. Rotations are divided between specialty areas of practice, such as family medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics, gynecology, emergency medicine, and more.
How long does it take to become a physician assistant?
Typically, each program requires approximately three years of full-time study to complete (33 to 36 months) divided between classroom-based instruction and clinical training. Although the traditional focus is primary care, PAs can complete training in a range of specialized areas of practice, such as pediatrics or psychiatry.
What is the difference between a physician assistant and a nurse practitioner?
Though there are similarities, Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and PAs are two distinct career groups, and the differences can impact everything from how they train to how much they will earn.
- Both NPs and PAs must earn at least a master's degree from an accredited program.
- According to the BLS, both NPs and PAs perform the following tasks on the job: review and update patients' medical histories; examine patients; diagnose and treat medical problems; order and interpret diagnostic tests; educate patients and their families in matters of health; and research the latest treatments and technologies impacting their fields.
- The BLS reports that both NPs and PAs serve as primary and specialty care providers, often specializing in a particular area of medicine, like dermatology, geriatric medicine, emergency care, and even psychiatry.
- Both professionals work independently, though they may report to or collaborate with doctors, surgeons, and other medical professionals.
- Certification through the completion of minimum education and experience requirements, in addition to passing a national licensing exam, is required for both PAs and NPs.
- Like NPs, PAs must complete continuing education courses to maintain licensure.
- One more key characteristic NPs and PAs share: They are in demand, thanks in large part to an aging population requiring more medical care and shifts in health legislation that expand patient access.
- According to the BLS, all states allow PAs to prescribe medications; not so for all NPs.
- The BLS reports that while all states recognize PAs, not all states recognize NPs.
- PAs must get recertified every 10 years.
- The BLS reports that though many NP training programs prefer to admit applicants with bachelor's degrees in nursing, some schools offer bridge programs for registered nurses with lower degrees who want to segue into the field more efficiently.
- Virtually all PA degree programs require candidates to hold relevant bachelor's degrees for admission; the bridge programs that help experienced nurses become NPs more efficiently are unheard of in the PA field.
- NPs may choose to specialize their training through voluntary professional certifications. PAs can choose to tailor their training to one (or more) specific areas of medicine, but unlike NPs, this specialization occurs through the course of their postgraduate studies rather than via voluntary professional certifications down the road.
According to 2014 data from the BLS, NPs make a mean annual salary of $97,990, which translates to an hourly wage of $47.11 per hour. PAs make a similar salary of $97,280 or $46.77 per hour.
What are the career prospects?
In 2014, there were more than 91,000 physician assistants employed across the United States, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). By 2022, another 33,300 positions are expected to be created nationally, a growth rate of 38 percent.
Projections Central reports five states, in particular, with the highest projected job growth for physicians assistants between 2012 and 2022:
- Georgia (67.9%)
- Arizona (51.3%)
- Utah (50.4%)
- Virginia (48.2%)
- Kentucky (45.3%)
There are three emerging trends that are creating a huge need for medical professionals: physician burnout, aging populations, and greater demand for health care services. All three of these issues highlight the need for a new generation of trained, qualified direct care providers.
Here are the health care settings with the greatest job growth between 2012 and 2022, according to the BLS:
- Outpatient care centers: 67.2%
- Outpatient, laboratory, and other ambulatory care services: 64.8%
- Home health care services: 58.4%
- Offices of physical, occupational and speech therapists, and audiologists: 54.3%
- Offices of other health practitioners: 52.5%
- Offices of physicians: 48.6%
- Offices of health practitioners: 48.5%
Salary information
The salary prospects for physician assistants are strong. The BLS reports that the average mean annual wage for all occupations in the United States is $47,230, compared with a mean annual wage of $97,280 for PAs. Those PAs in the 90th percentile make an annual wage of $134,720 or higher, while those in the bottom 10th make $64,100 or less, according to the BLS.
According to the BLS, the top five highest-paying states (based on mean annual wage) include:
- Nevada ($112,700)
- Rhode Island ($111,180)
- New Hampshire ($109,760)
- Washington ($107,390)
- Texas ($107,390)
Data from the annual National Salary Survey of Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants conducted by ADVANCE reveals annual earnings for physician assistants has skyrocketed during the past decade. In fact, between 2003 and 2013, the average annual salary of full-time physician assistants rose from $76,039 to $107,268; an increase of 41 percent.
It is a great time to be in the health care field. With outstanding job growth and high wages, physician assistants are well-respected members of the health care community. To learn more about degree programs in the field, check out the schools below.
- AAPA, What is a PA?, https://www.aapa.org/twocolumnmain.aspx?id=290
- Advance Healthcare Network, NPACE Salary Report, http://nurse-practitioners-and-physician-assistants.advanceweb.com/Features/Articles/2013-National-Salary-Survey-Results.aspx
- American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), https://www.aapa.org/twocolumn.aspx?id=346
- American Association of Physician Assistants, https://www.aapa.org
- ARC-PA, Accredited Programs, http://www.arc-pa.org/acc_programs/
- Association of American Medical Colleges "Help Wanted: More U.S. Doctors Projections Indicate America Will Face Shortages of M.D.s by 2020", https://www.aamc.org/download/82874/data/helpwanted.pdf
- Association of American Medical Colleges, "Workforce Issues in Health Care Reform: Assessing the Present and Preparing for the Future", https://publichealth.gwu.edu/departments/healthpolicy/DHP_Publications/pub_uploads/dhpPublication_3AE00F5B-5056-9D20-3DAEC4261F4B6AC5.pdf
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics, http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nat.htm#00-0000
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, OES, Nurse Practitioners, http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291171.htm
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, OES, Physician Assistant, http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291071.htm
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, OOH, Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, OOH, Physician Assistant, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physician-assistants.htm
- JAMA Internal Medicine, Burnout and Satisfaction With Work-Life Balance Among US Physicians Relative to the General US Population, http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=1351351
- National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants: https://www.nccpa.net/
- NCCPA, http://www.nccpa.net
- PAEA, Program Directory, http://directory.paeaonline.org/
- Projections Central, projectionscentral.com