How To Put a Physician Assistant License on a Resume?
To effectively demonstrate your qualifications, listing your Physician Assistant (PA) license on your resume is crucial. This article details how to put a Physician Assistant license on a resume, ensuring employers immediately recognize your legally validated ability to practice medicine under supervision.
Why Properly Showcasing Your PA License Matters
Your Physician Assistant license is a cornerstone of your professional identity. It verifies your completion of an accredited PA program, passing the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE), and ongoing fulfillment of Continuing Medical Education (CME) requirements. Properly displaying your license on your resume offers several benefits:
- Credibility: It immediately establishes your qualifications and competence to hiring managers.
- Legal Compliance: It assures potential employers you are legally authorized to practice medicine as a PA.
- Efficiency: It saves time for recruiters by providing crucial information upfront.
- Differentiation: It sets you apart from candidates who may not possess the necessary credentials.
Key Components of a PA Resume
Before we delve into the specifics of listing your license, let’s consider the essential components of a strong PA resume:
- Contact Information: Name, phone number, email address, and professional social media profile (e.g., LinkedIn).
- Summary/Objective: A concise statement highlighting your skills, experience, and career goals. A summary is ideal for experienced PAs, while an objective is better for new graduates.
- Education: List your PA program (including degree and graduation date), as well as any prior degrees.
- Licensure and Certifications: This is where your PA license will be featured prominently.
- Clinical Experience: Detailed descriptions of your rotations, internships, and employment history. Focus on responsibilities, procedures performed, and outcomes achieved.
- Skills: A list of relevant clinical and soft skills.
- Professional Affiliations: Membership in organizations like the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA).
- Awards and Recognition: Any accolades you’ve received.
- Publications and Presentations: Any scholarly work you’ve contributed to.
- Volunteer Experience: Relevant volunteer work that showcases your commitment to healthcare.
The Optimal Placement of Your PA License
The most common and effective location for your PA license information is within the “Licensure and Certifications” section of your resume. This section should be placed high up in your resume, ideally after your Summary/Objective and before your Clinical Experience. This placement ensures hiring managers see it immediately.
Formatting Your PA License Information
There are several acceptable ways to format your PA license information. Here’s a recommended approach:
- State Licensing Board: Clearly indicate the state licensing board that issued your license.
- License Type: Explicitly state “Physician Assistant License” or “PA License.”
- License Number: Include your license number.
- Expiration Date: If applicable, include the expiration date of your license.
Example:
- State: California
- License Type: Physician Assistant License
- License Number: PA######
- Expiration Date: MM/DD/YYYY
Alternatively, you can present the information in a sentence format:
“Physician Assistant License, California State Board of Medicine, License Number PA######, Expires MM/DD/YYYY.”
Using a table can also be useful to clearly organize this information.
| State | License Type | License Number | Expiration Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | Physician Assistant License | PA###### | MM/DD/YYYY |
| New York | Physician Assistant License | PA###### | MM/DD/YYYY |
If you hold licenses in multiple states, list each one separately using the same format.
Incorporating National Certification
In addition to your state license, you should also include your certification from the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA):
- Certifying Body: National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)
- Certification: Physician Assistant-Certified (PA-C)
- Certification Number: (Optional, but recommended)
- Certification Date: Date you became certified.
- Recertification Date: (If applicable)
Example:
- National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA), Physician Assistant-Certified (PA-C), Certification Number #######, Certified MM/DD/YYYY, Recertified MM/DD/YYYY.
It is vital to maintain your NCCPA certification as it is a widely recognized indicator of your continued competence. Many employers require PA-Cs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Omitting your license: This is the most critical error. Always include your PA license information.
- Providing inaccurate information: Double-check your license number and expiration date. Errors can raise red flags.
- Failing to include NCCPA certification: Highlight your PA-C status alongside your state license.
- Using inconsistent formatting: Maintain a consistent format throughout your resume.
- Placing the section too low: Prioritize the “Licensure and Certifications” section by placing it strategically near the top.
- Not updating expired licenses: Ensure your resume always reflects your current licensing status. If a license has expired, do not include it unless you intend to reactivate it. Clearly note any inactive licenses if you feel it’s relevant.
- Misrepresenting your qualifications: Never exaggerate or fabricate information about your licensure or certifications. This can have severe legal and professional repercussions.
How To Put a Physician Assistant License on a Resume? – The Importance of Keywords
When crafting your resume, keep in mind the Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) used by many employers. Optimize your resume with relevant keywords such as “Physician Assistant,” “PA-C,” “NCCPA,” and the specific state where you are licensed. This will increase your chances of your resume being selected for further review.
How To Put a Physician Assistant License on a Resume? – Tailoring Your Resume
While you should always include your license and certification information, consider tailoring other sections of your resume to match the specific requirements of each job. Highlight skills and experiences that are particularly relevant to the position.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What if I have a temporary or provisional PA license?
If you hold a temporary or provisional PA license, indicate this clearly on your resume. Include the specific type of license, the issuing state, license number, and expiration date. Be prepared to explain the limitations of the temporary license and your plans to obtain full licensure.
Should I include my DEA registration number on my resume?
Including your Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registration number is optional but can be beneficial, especially for positions that involve prescribing medications. List it under the “Licensure and Certifications” section, following your PA license information. Ensure your DEA registration is current and valid.
What if my license is pending?
Do not list a license that is pending. You can mention in your cover letter that you have applied for licensure and provide an estimated timeframe for when you expect to receive it. It is important to be honest and transparent about your licensing status.
How do I handle multiple state licenses on my resume?
If you are licensed in multiple states, list each license separately in the “Licensure and Certifications” section. Use a consistent format for each state, including the state name, license type, license number, and expiration date.
Should I include my NPI number on my resume?
While not always necessary, including your National Provider Identifier (NPI) number can be helpful, particularly for roles in larger healthcare systems or those involving billing and insurance. It can be listed under the “Licensure and Certifications” section.
What if I’m a new graduate and haven’t received my official license yet?
As a recent graduate awaiting your official license, you can state that you have “Passed the PANCE” or are “Awaiting Licensure” in your “Licensure and Certifications” section. Include the date you took the PANCE. Be prepared to provide proof of passing the exam.
Can I use abbreviations for my PA license information?
While some abbreviations are acceptable (e.g., “PA” for Physician Assistant), it’s best to spell out the full terms (“Physician Assistant License”) for clarity. This reduces the risk of misinterpretation by recruiters or ATS systems.
Where else should I mention my PA license besides the “Licensure and Certifications” section?
You can briefly mention your PA license in your summary or objective statement. For example, “Highly motivated and experienced Physician Assistant-Certified (PA-C) seeking a challenging position…”
How often should I update my resume, especially regarding my licensure?
Update your resume regularly, at least every six months, even if you are not actively seeking a new job. It’s critical to immediately update your resume when your license is renewed or if you obtain new certifications.
Should I include copies of my license or certification with my resume?
Generally, you do not need to include copies of your license or certification with your initial resume submission. However, be prepared to provide proof of licensure and certification upon request during the interview process.
How do I verify my license information is accurate before including it on my resume?
Verify your license information through the respective state licensing board’s website and the NCCPA website. This ensures accuracy and avoids any potential discrepancies.
Is it acceptable to have my license information on a separate page after the resume?
While not a common practice, you could include copies of your licenses or certifications on a separate page after your resume. However, listing the key information on the resume itself is the standard approach and more readily accessible to employers.