How To Become A Physician Assistant In 7 Years Or Less

14 February 2024

how long does it take to become a physician assistant

The title “physician assistant” may evoke images of someone whose job it is to run professional errands for doctors to someone with little knowledge of the health sector. Physician assistants (PAs), however, are highly skilled individuals who are authorized to diagnose, track, and provide medication to patients.

Though the responsibilities of PAs and doctors frequently overlap, the degree of autonomy that each enjoys at work varies. Although PAs normally require a doctor’s supervision to treat patients, doctors are legally permitted to practice independently.

There are other options for pursuing an advanced career in healthcare besides attending medical school or nursing school, as evidenced by the growing demand for PAs.

This article covers the steps involved in becoming a physician assistant, as well as typical specializations, salary ranges, and employment prospects for this field.

How Long Does It Take To Become A Physician Assistant?

Are you interested in becoming a physician assistant? Do you know how to become a pa? Are you wondering how long does it take to become a pa? Did you just google “What bachelor degree do I need for physician assistant?” This article will explain everything to you in detail.

Who Is A Physician Assistant?

Physician assistants, or PAs for short, are certified medical professionals who assist doctors in delivering care. They provide care as well as keep an eye on the health of patients alongside doctors.

While some states permit physician assistants to operate autonomously, the majority mandate that they remain under the direct supervision of physicians. PAs perform physical examinations, write prescriptions for medication, and administer tests. Additional duties for PAs are as follows:

Obtaining the medical histories of patients
Placing as well as evaluating diagnostic test orders
Assisting with medical operations
Directing patients to appropriate experts
Creating therapy programs
Offering patients preventive care advice
Track the advancement of your patients.
Carrying out clinical research

Physician assistants are employed in a variety of locations, including surgery rooms, outpatient clinics, hospitals, and doctor’s offices. In addition to working in medical settings, PAs are employed by military institutions, sports teams, and educational institutions.

The majority of PAs have full-time jobs with flexible schedules that sometimes include weekends and holidays. Similar to physicians, they might have to work long shifts on short notice and be on call. PAs should be physically fit and have strong interpersonal skills because spending hours interacting with patients and coworkers can get tiresome.

How To Become A Physician Assistant?

Here are the steps to take before you can become a physician assistant.

Get Your Bachelor’s Degree

Getting a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university is the prerequisite for working as a physician assistant. Applications from a variety of backgrounds are usually accepted into PA programs, but a science-focused major is advised as it will enable you to apply undergraduate credits toward your PA requirements.

Acquire Patient Care Or Healthcare Experience (PCE) (HCE)

Prior to applying to graduate school, prospective physician associates (PAs) are advised by the American Academy of Physician Associates to obtain experience in healthcare or patient care. HCE describes employment, whether paid or unpaid, in which you may still interact with patients but are not directly in charge of their care. PCE, on the other hand, necessitates direct patient treatment.

At least 1,000 HCE or PCE hours are needed for most PA programs, and these hours are normally obtained after working in the health industry for about a year. A medical technician, paramedic, surgical assistant, dental assistant, hospice worker, physical therapy assistant, and phlebotomist are among the positions that satisfy the need for clinical experience.

Enroll In A PA Program With Accreditation

You can acquire the advanced knowledge required to pass the national certification exam and start working as a physician assistant by enrolling in a PA graduate program. Clinical anatomy, clinical therapeutics, histology, as well as medical principles are among the subjects covered in a PA program. Additionally, you might participate in clinical rotations or clerkships, which entail observing certified PAs.

For those who cannot attend in person, several colleges offer online PA programs. Concentrations are a common feature of these PA programs, enabling students to customize their degrees to meet their professional objectives. Moreover, geriatrics, family medicine, women’s health, pediatrics, psychiatry, and general internal medicine are among the common specialties of PAs.

Through the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA), students can submit their admissions applications. PA applicants must submit HCE and PCE records, college transcripts, recommendation letters, resumes, and personal statements to CASPA.

Before applying, make sure the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) has approved the program of your choice.

Obtain Certification

Graduates from ARC-PA-accredited programs are eligible to take the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE). The National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) is responsible for administering the exam.

The PANCE is a five-hour multiple-choice test designed to evaluate candidates’ knowledge of medicine and surgery. To obtain a PA license in any state in the United States, one must pass the PANCE. States may have different requirements for other particular licenses.

How Long Does It Take To Become A Physician Assistant?

Usually, it takes at least seven years to finish all of the steps above. You will need four years to complete your undergraduate studies, followed by a year to obtain experience in healthcare and two years to finish a PA program. If you need more time to study for and pass the PANCE, or if you want to gain experience when moving from undergrad and grad school, then the path to becoming a PA may take longer.

Salary Of A Physician Assistant

As of May 2022, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that the median annual salary for physician assistants was $126,010. The industry, degree of experience, and place of residence all affect an individual’s compensation.

Certain regions of the United States, such as Connecticut, New York, North Carolina, Nebraska, and Montana, have the highest concentrations of physician assistant jobs, putting them in great demand. According to BLS projections, employment for these professionals will grow by 28% between 2021 and 2031, which is nearly six times the projected growth rate for all U.S. jobs and three times the projected job growth rate for other health practitioners nationwide.

Specializations

Similar to nurses and clinicians, physician assistants can choose to specialize in different areas of healthcare based on their areas of interest as well as strengths. Moreover, the types of patients PAs work with, as well as the range of salaries they can earn, depend largely on their specializations.

The majority of PA programs provide elective courses and some mandate that students finish supervised clinical practice across several specializations. Before starting graduate school, we advise you to select your PA specialization so that you can enroll in a program that offers comprehensive instruction in your field of interest.

Here are some typical specializations for PA professionals and students.

Emergency Practice

In this specialization, PA aspirants learn how to assess, stabilize, and treat patients with life-threatening conditions. Students specializing in emergency medicine also gain skills for collaborating with urgent care teams and for presenting cases to physicians.

Pregnancy And Gynecology

PA students who choose this concentration will graduate with a thorough understanding of childbirth, midwifery, and the female reproductive system as a whole. They get training in giving women prenatal and postpartum care as well as family planning counseling.

Pediatrics

By providing ambulatory care for infants and children, pediatric PAs assist pediatricians. Students specializing in the pediatrician field gain the ability to assess typical pediatric issues, provide prophylactic care, and explain treatment regimens to patients’ guardians.

Surgery

PA students can assess and oversee surgical patients through the surgery specialization. They gain knowledge on how to care for surgical patients both before and after surgery.

Mental Wellness

The treatment and support of patients dealing with mental health issues is the main focus of this specialization. Students in this specialty gain knowledge on how to perform mental assessments, track patients’ progress, as well as recommend individuals to behavioral health professionals.

Certifications

Furthering your experience, profile, as well as career certifications helps you gain credibility. Here are a few you can check out.

PA-C

The primary certification for PAs is the Certified Physician Assistant (PA-C) credential, for which you must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination. Three hundred multiple-choice questions, given in five blocks of sixty questions each, make up the five-hour PANCE exam. Between sessions, candidates can take 45-minute breaks.

Those who wish to take the PANCE must complete a program approved by the ARC-PA before taking it. Potential PAs have 180 days from the date of graduation to apply for the exam; however, they can only take the test beginning seven days later. After submitting an application and paying a $550 fee, NCCPA will email you an acknowledgment along with more details.

Additional Qualifications

NCCPA provides optional credentials for ten PA specialties in addition to the PA-C:

Cardiovascular and thoracic surgery
Dermatology
Emergency medicine
Hospital medicine
Nephrology
Orthopedic surgery
Pediatrics
Palliative medicine and hospice care
Psychiatry
Obstetrics and Gynecology

These qualifications are known as certificates of additional qualifications, or CAQs. They give PAs credit for their specialized knowledge.

Professional Organizations

While it’s not necessary, becoming a member of a professional organization can help PAs become more credible and open up more career development opportunities. The two professional associations that were established to aid physician assistants are highlighted below.

The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) is the preeminent national organization for PA professionals. It was established in 1968. It encompasses more than 168,000 PAs in each of the 50 US states. The AAPA gives its members the tools they need to grow professionally and enhance patient care.

Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) is the national organization for PA education. It helps academic programs attract and hold onto talented faculty members and PA students. Additionally, it offers a range of study resources for PA certifications.

Wrapping Up

Additional motivations to become a physician assistant include demand, high pay, work-life balance, autonomy, and job security. If you have the desire and passion to become a PA, then the amount of time it takes is unimportant. Your clinical experience and self-assurance will enable you to lead health care forward and improve patient health and well-being with the Physician Assistant Studies Program.

If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask how long does it take to become a physician assistant, then please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you!

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Guarantee To Ace EVERY Retail Interview: Top Retail Interview Questions And How To Answer Them

Do you know where strategic sales are the most underrated? It is a retail store! Yet, we as consumers are also looking for a retail worker to help us out. As someone with an aptitude for sales, and np “fancy degree” retail is the first job which you should look into. In fact, to prepare you better, let’s look at the different retail interview questions that you could ask. ...and the most loved answer! Top Retail Interview Questions When I asked a few retail managers, what are the few core characteristics they are looking for in terms of retail workers, they often have these keywords: They need to be extroverted, and ready to help. Their demeanor should be relatable & approachable to every customer. Meticulous about which are in the store. Cluelessness is a big no-no! Managers should be able to rely on them because retail workers work even when most of the country is celebrating. Although it can be one of the most profitable times of the year, only some are accustomed to the hectic and can deny coming and working. Lastly, staying calm under pressure. No one deals with more customers than the folks in the service industry. Plus, you can always dress the part with the help of these interview attire for men. Now, add subtle sales tactics to the picture, and the work could be challenging. Therefore, managers are looking for retail workers who in general do not react to will be the preferred choice. Therefore, when you go you answer your retail interview questions! 1. Have You Used Our Product Before? Ans. This is a common question for retail interviews, which you can expect. It is better to go for a retail store of which you have been a fan rather than one of one you have never heard of. Begin answering with specifics. What is best about the retail store, and what products do you think are the best? If your interviewer is friendly, you could also state ways to improve the retail experience in the store. As a customer yourself, you can always give them feedback from a customer’s point of view. If you are not a regular shopper, there is a way to answer the question too. Give them a genuine reason why you didn’t buy from the store as often as you would want. Plus, also give them ideas on how they can attract customers like yourself and turn them loyal. 2. What About Working During The Rush Of The Holiday? Ans. Now this is a tricky question. Not all of us are working during the holidays, but being a part of the retail industry, you will have to. A good way to begin is to tell how your personal strength can help you during the rush hours. Plus, also nudge a little towards how you will have to stop working when it gets too overwhelming, and hope the other retailers work as a team and ensure someone can take up when you are too tired. "I love feeling the energy of the people around me and thrive in fast-paced environments. Yes, I realize how crazy busy it gets during the holidays, and I remember being a shopper myself! But I don’t get overwhelmed easily, and I can still perform duties while multitasking. And let’s be honest, holiday shopping is just fun! It is understandable why helping families would be fun." 3. How Would You Deal With A Difficult Customer? We all know not every customer will be easy to please. Employers want to know if you can maintain professionalism, even when a situation gets tense. You know, if you ever deal with a "Karen" with whom you simply cannot reason. Dealing with difficult customers is a normal part of the job. Therefore, preparing this answer is crucial. Here is how you can answer and show them how you are also understanding towards the customers from a humanitarian Ans. "I would just listen to what they have to say without interrupting. Sometimes, people just need to vent and feel like someone is listening to their concerns. Once I understood their issue, I would do my best to fix the problem, or if I couldn't, I would get them a manager who could help. The main thing is not to get all upset yourself; be calm and let them know you are there for them." 4. What Do You Think About Good Customer Service? This is one of the classic retail interview questions. Therefore, rather than taking a trendy route, it is better to take a traditional route. Especially if your interviewee has a few years of experience in the retail industry, show that you understand the importance of putting the customer first. Ans. “Good customer service is about making customers feel welcomed, heard, and completely satisfied with their transaction. It’s about being friendly and open to questions, as well as willing to put in the time and effort to make sure that when a customer walks out of your store, they’re walking out happy! Return customers are happy customers!” 5. What About A Busy Day? How Can You Manage The Busy Days? Again, these are very plausible questions that they will ask. The trick is not to feel overwhelmed by the question itself. The chances of the retail store being busier than ever are rare. These are only a few days of the year, so, you wouldn't have to deal with it daily. Here is a good answer to this question: Ans. "In my last job, I worked at a big sales event for the day; as you can imagine, it was all hands on deck. We had to work out our shifts over time, deal with stock, and make sure every customer was seen. My co-workers and I performed brilliantly that day – we exceeded our target because we all supported each other so well. During busier times, it is all about teamwork." 6. How Would You Promote A Product To A Customer? Sales are a big part of this job, so expect these kinds of interview questions for retail! Ans. “I would first ask the customer some questions to help me get an idea of what they are looking for. Then, I would go on to tell them about the features that the product has and how it can benefit them. It is important to know what the customer wants before you can show them products which they apparently do not need." 7. Longer Working Hours will Require More Time On Your Feet The nature of retail work can be physically demanding; employers do not want to take a risk with anyone who may struggle. Ans. “Yes, I know that in retail, you must be on your feet a lot, and I am okay with that. I have done things like this before, and it doesn’t bother me. I will still be able to work hard and get my job done.” 8. Why Do You Want To Work For Us? This is your opportunity to demonstrate that you have done your research into the company & prepared yourself with the right interview skills. Plus, you shouldn't talk about superficial things like their products or beautiful department stores. Ans. "I like your company's commitment to customer satisfaction and quality products. Your positive work culture draws my interest as well. With my communication and sales skills, I think I would be a great fit to help you achieve your goal and push the business." 9. How Do You Prioritize Tasks When The Store Is Busy? Multi-tasking is key in retail. Therefore, when you are asked this kind of retail interview question, you must take this chance to demonstrate how you stay organized. Ans. "When it is really busy, I make sure to do the most time-sensitive things first. Like helping a line of customers waiting. This gives me a good idea of what I need to do as far as cleaning/stocking goes, and I adjust it day by day to the pace of the store." 10. What If Someone Asks you A Question You Have No Answer To? No one expects you to know everything, but they want to see how you can think on your feet and remain positive. Ans. "If I don’t know the answer to a customer’s question, I would tell them the truth and let them know I’m going to find out. I would ask someone who has been there longer or look it up so I can give the customer the right information." 11. Tell Me About A Time You Worked Under Pressure This is a question that will help the interviewer understand how well you handle the stress that can come with retail. Ans. "During a previous job, we had a last-minute sale announcement, and the store was so busy. I had to use the cash register and to answer customers' questions. Plus, watching the stock at the same time. I stayed calm and just did what I had to do & helped each customer as quickly as possible." 12. What Motivates You To Work In Retail? Managers want to know what makes you tick, let alone in retail. Please, do not give them the idea that this is a last-minute job. Ans. “I enjoy helping people and finding exactly what they need. I think retail is all about the customer experience, and that’s why I like it so much. It’s also fast-paced, which keeps me going!” Plus, if you plan to pursue a marketing degree afterward, this is a good way to begin. So, do not forget to mention that. 13. What If Someone Gives A Negative Feedback About You? Negative feedback is inevitable. The issue is whether you let it control you. Therefore, when it comes to them, your approach should always be neutral, with an enthusiasm for solving the problem, even if you cannot solve the problem sometimes. Ans. "I see negative feedback as a chance to make something good! I read and re-read the customers' comments and responded to them as soon as possible. If an apology is in order, I apologize immediately (no pride here) and begin working on changing their thought of us. Stay positive & don't take it personally." 14. Ever Used A Cash Register? If you’ve ever worked in retail before, you’ll be familiar with this. If not, don’t worry – just let them know. Ans. “Yes, I’ve used cash registers in my last job, and I’m happy to be dealing with cash and card transactions. I pick up new systems quickly, and I’m sure I can get the hang of the register system you have here.” "No, I have never worked on a cash register. However, I have worked in retail before, and I know how it works. Therefore, you should always get some of the 15. How Would You Deal With A Coworker With Whom You Do Not Get Along Whenever you are asked retail interview questions like this, it is your chance to show how professional you are. Begin your answer with this: “I'm okay with that. I pick my battles, and one person in a company isn't going to ruffle my feathers enough for me to worry.” Teamwork is important. Your ability to work as part of a team is just as important as standing out and getting things done on your own. Ans. "I believe in keeping direct confidence with people. If, however, there is a misunderstanding, I will clear that thing up one-on-one and professionally with my colleague. I would find a way to work together as the team's success is more important than a personal one." Read Also: What Is a Remote Job? Everything You Need to Know 55+ Unique Interview Questions to Ask Your Future Employer 7 Proven Tips To Leave A Lasting Impression On Your Interviewer

How Do I Qualify for High Paying Remote Jobs?

In today's world, high paying remote jobs are no longer just a trend. It’s a lifestyle and a serious career choice for many. The dream of not having a commute and working from the comfort of your home is real. Plus, you do not have to sacrifice salary for flexibility (or, on long commutes). Yes, you can find high paying remote jobs that allow you to build a successful career while enjoying the freedom of working from anywhere. Sounds amazing, right? But where do you start? What are these jobs, and how do you land them? Let’s explore some of the top high-paying remote jobs, and how to get them! Software Developers Developers are emerging as the highest-paid profession in most countries. The best bit about this is the number of companies hiring talented coders, so hunting for a job won’t be tough. Software developers are in high demand currently. Whether it’s creating an app or building a web platform, developers write code that makes anything a digital tick. Since every industry relies on technology today, companies are willing to pay a high price for talented developers. Average Salary: $80,000-$140,000 a year, depending on your experience and what you specialize in. What You Need: Advanced proficiency in programming languages (e.g., Python, JavaScript, Ruby). Experience with databases and frameworks. Being able to problem solve and pick up new technologies on the fly. How to Get Started: You can make a portfolio by contributing to open source or freelancing on sites like GitHub and UpWork, and project management doesn’t require a formal degree. Training camps and online project manager courses are enough! Project Managers Project managers are the ultimate team players, and one of the high paying remote jobs! They run projects from A to Z, ensuring everything runs smoothly and on schedule. They also ensuring all resources are being utilized properly and everyone’s in the same book (if not on the same page sometimes). Most industries need excellent project management to function – from tech to marketing. Average Salary: $70,000 - $120,000 a year. What You Need: Strong organizational skills. Leadership and communication abilities. (aka, the most important conceptual skills) Understanding of project management tools like Asana, Trello, or Monday.com. How to Start: You can start by learning project management frameworks like Agile or Scrum. There are plenty of certifications like PMP (Project Management Professional) that you can add to your resume. It is not a degree course, but if you have an MBA degree, it can help your cause more. If you have some experience leading some projects, even on a smaller scale, it’s a good place to start. Digital Marketing Manager Digital marketing roles have been around for over a decade, and they haven’t gone out of fashion yet. Then why is there a high demand for them now? This is because businesses are starting to realize that digital marketing is the path to follow when looking to increase your business’s bottom line. No business nowadays can be successful without the aid of being digital everywhere! But what does a digital marketer do? Turns out it's not just posting blindly on your company's social media business pages but devising a full-blown data-driven strategy. This will likely help transform their organization's online presence and drive revenue. As more and more businesses go online, the role of a digital marketing manager is becoming one most companies can't do without. Who can blame them? These folks are multitalented, looking after everything from SEO to social media strategy, working to promote the company’s online presence and help them find new customers. So, if you’re a whizz at digital marketing, there’s plenty of money to be made working from home. Average Salary: $60,000 - $120,000 a year. What You Need: Knowledge of digital marketing tools like Google Analytics, Facebook Ads, and SEO strategies. Strong writing and communication skills. The ability to analyze data and pivot strategies based on performance. How to Get Started: Get experience by working on your websites or doing low-paid gigs for family and friends who need design help. You can also take inexpensive online courses that don’t require a degree program (like this one) to learn the basics at your own pace and on a budget. User Experience Specialist Are you someone well equipped with consumer psychology and a Picasso at designing? Then this is among the best high paying remote jobs for you! In a world where user experience (UX) can make or break a product, companies are pouring money into UX/UI designers. These are the ones who make sure that apps, websites, and software products are easy-to-use, intuitive, and visually pleasing. Average Salary: $60,000 to $121,006 per year in United States. What You Need: A good grasp of design tools like Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD. Knowledge of user research and testing methodologies. Creativity and attention to detail. How to Get Started: If you don’t have formal education in design, you can learn almost any skill online now. Use tools like Coursera or Udemy and start building a portfolio of designs by creating mockups or redesigning some web apps. Cybersecurity Expert With data breaches and cyber threats on the rise, companies spend more on cybersecurity than ever before. Cybersecurity analysts protect a company’s data and systems, making it a high-demand, high-paying remote job. Because the demand for these jobs is so high, both government and private industry organizations are desperate to get their hands on talented individuals who can help them secure their computers and networks. Especially after the Covid19 these jobs are seeing a surge, since everything is online now. One data breech can lead to losses of millions! Average Salary: $90,000 - $150,000 a year. What You Need: In-depth knowledge of network security, encryption and ethical hacking. Certifications like CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) or CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker). You’re going to need both deep and wide knowledge of the business you’re in. How to get Started: Cybersecurity is a technical field, so it helps to have a background in IT or computer science. If you’re new to the field, plenty of certification programs and online boot camps could give you a good head start. Content Strategist In the digital world, content is still the king! Yes, the advances in AI are helping to create words with a click but creating a strategy that will work is not that simple. This is why companies need people who can create compelling and strategic content to drive traffic, mostly who will engage users on-site and communicate a brand's message. Content Strategists are also responsible for planning, creating, and managing all types of content — from blog posts to video scripts...literally everything! Average Salary: 60,000 - 100,000 per year. What You Need: Strong writing and editing skills. Knowledge of SEO and content management systems (CMS) like WordPress Can you develop and execute long-term content strategies? Where to Begin: If you’re a writer at heart, start a blog or write for publications online to gain clips. Freelance your content creation services to small businesses or startups to get some experience under your belt. With your experience and a little upskilling, you can also branch out to market research analyst and increase your salary bracket. Data Scientist Data is everywhere and companies need data scientists to make sense of it. These professionals collect, analyze, and interpret large sets of data to help businesses make more informed decisions. This is what makes it one of the most in-demand remote jobs with a salary to match. Average Salary: $90,000 - $160,000 a year. What You Need: A decent grasp of programming language, e.g., Python/ R. Analytical bent of mind and problem-solving skills. How to get Started: If you have a background in math or statistics, or even computer science, that's a good starting point - although there are lots of free resources and boot camps out there where you can learn pretty much all the basics of data science. Sales Executive Sales executive positions come with high earning potential because their pay structure is typically commission-based. In this role, you will be responsible for selling products or services and building strong relationships with clients. The more you sell, the more money you make. If you are a great salesperson, this could be a highly rewarding career for you. Sales executives, particularly those focused on B2B (business-to-business) sales, can earn substantial salaries when an effective approach is taken. Many of these roles have become remote based, especially as companies start to invest in digital sales platforms. Average Salary: $70,000 - $130,000 a year (plus commission). What you Need: Strong communication and persuasion abilities. Knowledge of the sales process as well as customer relationship management (CRM) tools. Ability to work well independently and with minimal supervision. Where to Start: Not everyone in sales has a degree. If you have experience in a customer-facing role, strong people skills, and the desire to help businesses grow, you could potentially work in sales. There are many online sales courses and mentorship programs that can help give you the upper hand though. Remote Work is the Future The beauty of these high-paying remote jobs is that they open high-paying opportunities for people all over the world. Whether you’re just starting out in a new field or looking to level up your career, there’s a remote job out there. The key is to focus on roles that fit your skills, passions, and financial goals. Plus, remember, don’t overlook the importance of continuous learning. Especially in remote roles. Investing in new skills and certifications will keep you competitive—and help you land the high-paying job you deserve. Now, which of these jobs sparks your interest? Go ahead, explore, and take your career to the next level! Read Also: Remote Jobs With No Experience In 2024? Check Out The List Below What Do Consumer Services Jobs Pay? A Detailed Salary Breakdown

You Need to Know the Pros and Cons of a New Career in Real Estate

Will a career in real estate work for you? It can be an exciting and challenging career change. Deciding on whether or not a real estate career will work for you depends on your personality. You will discover a new level of independence at work and there will always be new challenges. Before you dive in, consider some of the pros and cons of a career in real estate. Pros of Becoming a Real Estate Agent: 1) Money – Real estate agents work on a commission. Whenever you sell (or help your clients buy) property, you earn a percentage of that sale. Given that property is usually the most expensive purchase and investment the average family makes, that’s a large chunk of change. There’s no salary cap. If you can find a way to make a million dollars on commissions, there’s no one to put a cap on your earnings the way there would be in a salary job. 2) You’re Your Own Boss – Working as your own boss, you’ve got an unprecedented level of freedom to come and go as you please and vacation when you want. 3) Excitement – Real estate agents are constantly on the move. They’re always out there meeting new people and making new deals. If you’re the type to get bored at a desk job where every day feels the same, a real estate career will shake things up. 4) Knowledge & Experience Pay Off – The more you know, the more you sell. If you love to learn new things and experience more, it’s a career path that will pay off. You will have the chance to become an expert, not just on a neighborhood or types of property, but how to work with people and make sales. Cons of a Real Estate Career: 1) Getting Started – The flipside of working in a commission-based industry is that it takes time to get started. If you’re working for yourself, there’s no one to pay your salary when you’re not making sales. It will take time before you can find clients and make sales, so be prepared financially to survive until you get the ball rolling. Many people start off part-time until their careers develop. 2) You Need Discipline – The downside to working as your own boss is that you need discipline. No one’s going to make sales and put money in your pocket if you’re spending all your time at the beach. 3) You Need to Know when to Take a Break – For others, the problem might be the exact opposite. If you’ve got a workaholic streak, you’ll need to discipline yourself to put the work away when it’s time to rest and recharge. Find a way to disconnect from your job and relax. Real estate can be an incredibly rewarding career if you’ve got the personality to thrive in an environment where you’re independent and constantly meeting new challenges. Earning your real estate license is something you can do quickly and cheaply. With online real estate schools like RealEstateU, it doesn’t take long to start getting your real estate license. Don’t worry if you’re not an expert in homes or home renovation. Your ability to tell whether a home has hard or soft water will not determine your success as an agent. The ability to work with people, work hard and go above and beyond for your clients will ultimately matter much more! However, the more knowledgeable you are in all facets of real estate, the better you will be at ensuring your clients make educated, long-term decisions. Once you sign up for online real estate classes, you’re free to complete them at your own pace. They will prepare you for your state real estate license exam, and most states require you to complete the courses before you try writing the exam. With online real estate courses from real estate, you get all the resources you need to succeed at your exam, including video/audio lectures, a 200-page PDF textbook, and lessons from top real estate experts. Get started on your career change today. Sign up for online real estate classes and be your own boss. Read Also: How Many Jobs Are Available In Real Estate Investment Trusts Is Computer Software Prepackaged Software A Good Career Path? What Are The Three Components In The Youtube Ecosystem?

How To Become A Physician Assistant In 7 Years Or Less