Career Description

Physician assistants provide health care services under a physician’s supervision. They perform tasks that are usually performed by doctors. They conduct physical exams and provide treatment, and counsel patients. Physician assistants may prescribe medications.

Academic Requirements

Physician assistants must obtain formal training through an educational program approved by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). These programs often require applicants to have bachelor’s degrees and some amount of experience in the health care profession to gain admission.

Schools

Professional Organizations