Loading...
Loading...
2-step progression from Physician Assistant to Physician (MD/DO).
Entry Salary
$133,260
Physician Assistant
Top Salary
N/A
Physician (MD/DO)
Total Steps
2
licenses
Median Salary
$133,260
Master's in PA Studies + PANCE
Avg. Licensing Cost
$1,784
Avg. Timeline
2.6 years – 3.1 years
Ready to start your Physician (MD/DO) journey?
Compare approved training programs and find the best fit for your schedule and budget.
Medical degree (4 years) + residency (3-7 years) + USMLE/COMLEX
Avg. Licensing Cost
$496
Avg. Timeline
7.1 years – 11.5 years
The physician career path is a professional progression from Physician Assistant to Physician (MD/DO). It includes 2 licensing levels, each with increasing education, responsibility, and earning potential.
Each step requires additional education and licensing. Physician Assistant: Master's in PA Studies + PANCE. Physician (MD/DO): Medical degree (4 years) + residency (3-7 years) + USMLE/COMLEX. The total time depends on the pace of your education and state-specific processing times.
Salary data from BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024 national medians. Licensing costs and timelines are averages across all US states derived from verified state licensing board data. Individual state requirements vary — see state-specific pages for details.