Becoming a Physician Assistant in Mississippi

By an allied health world contributing writer
Published: January, 7 2010

Those interested in knowing how to become a physician assistant in Mississippi should be aware that they must first obtain certification and licenses in order to practice. Mississippi is the last state in the union to enact laws that require this.  Mississippi also boasts the top average annual salary for full-time physician assistants in the United States. Though efforts were made starting in the 1970s and continuing through the 1990s, it wasn’t until 2000 that laws regulating the practice of physician assistants were finally put in place, and available employment opportunities since then are at an all-time high.

Since Mississippi has so many rural dwellers, Physician Assistant jobs in Mississippi now play a vital role in the state’s health care. Physicians may supervise PA’s from a remote location, meaning that even communities that can’t support a full-time doctor may be able to afford a Physician Assistant.

Steps to Become a Physician Assistant in Mississippi

1. All physician assistant candidates must be at least 21 years of age and prove good moral character.
2. A license application must be properly completed and submitted to the Mississippi State Board of Medical Licensure, along with a passport style photo of the candidate.
3. Appropriate fees must be paid, and a certified copy of one’s birth certificate (or passport) must be included. If a name change has occurred, legal proof must also be submitted. This may include notarized court documents or a notarized copy of one’s marriage license.
4. After proving that they’ve completed the appropriate educational requirements, candidates must complete and pass the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) exam.
5. If an applicant has been licensed to practice as a physician assistant in another state, this information must be provided to the board along with the application and appropriate documentation.
6. In order to become a physician assistant in Mississippi, applicants are required to provide at least two references from US licensed physicians with whom they’ve trained or practiced. Plus, they’re required to appear in front of the board for a personal interview, as well as pass the board’s Jurisprudence Examination. A criminal background check is also required, though there are no concrete guidelines in place for an automatic denial of license.
7. Temporary licenses may be issued by the board on a case by case basis for those who wish to become a physician assistant in Mississippi. Specific qualifications for obtaining a temporary license include applicants who have yet to take the NCCPA exam or who have already taken it and have yet to take the state level exam. Other qualified individuals are in the process of completing the required degree, but have met other required conditions as described above.