Frequently Asked Questions about Physician Assistant Careers

A Physician Assistant (PA) is a healthcare professional licensed to practice medicine with physician supervision. PAs provide a wide range of medical and surgical services, including taking medical histories, diagnosing and treating illnesses, ordering and interpreting laboratory tests, performing procedures, assisting in surgery, prescribing medications, and providing patient education and counseling. They work closely with physicians to provide quality patient care.

In order to become a Physician Assistant, one must complete a postsecondary educational program accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). These programs are typically offered at the master’s degree level, and they typically take two to three years to complete. Generally speaking, applicants must have a bachelor's degree in a related field, such as biology or health sciences, as well as some healthcare experience. Most programs also require applicants to take the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam before they can practice.

No, a physician assistant (PA) is not the same as a doctor. A physician assistant is a healthcare professional who is trained to provide medical services under the supervision of a licensed physician. They are able to diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, prescribe medications, and provide general health advice to patients.

The scope of practice for a Physician Assistant (PA) varies by state, but generally includes performing physical examinations, ordering laboratory tests, making diagnoses, and developing and managing treatment plans for a variety of medical conditions. They may also provide patient education, participate in research and act as a consultant to other healthcare professionals. PAs may also prescribe medications in many states.

Physician Assistants typically perform a wide variety of tasks in their practice. These include taking medical histories, performing physical exams, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, developing treatment plans, providing patient education and counseling, performing minor surgical procedures, prescribing medications, providing pre- and post-operative care, and assisting with more complex medical procedures.

The practice of a Physician Assistant (PA) differs from that of a doctor in several ways. A PA is a healthcare professional who is licensed to practice medicine with the supervision of a physician and to collaborate with physicians in diagnosing and treating illnesses. A PA must complete additional training and education beyond medical school in order to obtain a license to practice. While a doctor focuses on providing direct patient care, a PA’s role is to assist doctors in providing patient care. PAs work with doctors to examine, diagnose, and treat patients, as well as order and interpret lab tests, provide education and counseling to patients, and assist in surgery. PAs also work in a variety of medical settings, such as hospitals, clinics, private offices, and long-term care facilities.