RALEIGH -- North Carolina ranks 6th in the country for most PA's (physician assistants) with over 4,500. And, with millions of new patients recently entering the healthcare system, America's more than 100,000 PA's across the country are crucial in accommodating the demand resulting from the changing landscape.

John McGinnity, President of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, says it's a hot time for PA professions.

"You have a 190 programs with 70 more in the pipeline, and the average seat in a PA program has 8 to 10 applicants right now."

He says it is incredibly competitive, so study hard if you want to get into a PA program, because it really matters.