Physician Assistant
Description |
Physician Assistants (PAs) are health professionals licensed to practice medicine with physician supervision. Within the physician/PA relationship, PAs exercise autonomy in medical decision making and provide a broad range of diagnostic and therapeutic services. Physician Assistants are trained in such tasks as screening patients, taking histories, performing physical exams, performing developmental screening exams for children, managing emergencies, etc. A physician willing to accept responsibility may assign more complicated therapeutic procedures to the PA who has demonstrated ability. Becoming a Physician Assistant |
Degree | P.A. |
Program Length |
2-3 years |
Professional Schools' Organization |
AAPA (American Academy of Physician Assistants) PAEA (Physician Assistant Education Association) Physician Assistant Graduate School Programs Physician Assistant Programs |
Application Service |
CASPA (Central Application Service for Physician Assistants) |
Academic Admission Requirements | Varies with school but may include two semesters each: Biology, Chemistry (some Organic/Biochemistry), Microbiology, Anatomy, and Physiology; one semester Math. Also Psychology. Prerequisites |
Admission Exam |
GRE (most) or MCAT |
Personal Attributes & Experiences |
Most PA programs require health care experience of applicants (e.g., EMT, volunteering in a hospital, orderly, nurse's aide, nurse, etc.). The Red Cross Phlebotomy Training Program can be a good way to begin acquiring the necessary health care experience. MOST programs expect life experience as well as medical experience. |
Recommendation Letters | No standard form. |