Localize Your School Search
Degrees and Schools
Physician Assistant programs are available at the associate's, bachelor's and master's degree levels. These programs require prior experience working in a health-care position such as nurse or EMT. There are over 140 accredited physician assistant programs in the US which are primarily affiliated with schools of medicine or allied health and can be found at community colleges and four-year colleges and universities. There are several programs that allow students to specialize in surgery although this type of program is not required for those who want to work in this field. All physician assistant programs must be accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant.
Coursework
Physician assistant programs take 26 months on average to complete. The first year includes classroom and laboratory instruction while the second year is spent in clinical rotations in both private practice and institutional settings. The courses listed below are typical:
- anatomy
- physiology
- microbiology
- biochemistry
- health promotion
- clinical medicine
- medical ethics
Online Classes and Programs
Online physician assistant programs are rare and primarily exist for practicing Physician Assistants who want to earn a master's level degree.
Employment Requirements
Physician Assistants must be licensed by the state where they are working. To become licensed, one must become certified by completing an accredited physician assistant program and passing the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE). To maintain certification, Physician Assistants are required to take 100 hours of continuing education every two years and pass a recertification examination every six years.
How to Evaluate Schools and Programs
When choosing a physician assistant program, the following list of questions should be asked:
- Exam Pass Rates - What percentage of students pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination the first time?
- Clinical Rotations - Where are clinical rotations conducted? Is there one or more surgery rotations for students who want to specialize in this area? Do students have a choice of where they want to complete their rotations?
- Level of Degree - What level of degree will be earned (associate's, bachelor's, master's)? Will this level of degree qualify the student for the type of jobs they are looking for?
- Prerequisites - Does the student meet the prerequisites of the program? What additional coursework will need to be completed beforehand? Has the student completed the amount of direct patient care experience that is required?
- Reputation - What is the reputation of the program? What type of reputations do the medical institutions where clinical rotations will be completed have?
Physician Assistants Job Description
A national shortage of primary care physicians and cost containment pressures are increasing the demand for physician assistants who, in many cases, fill the role of primary care physicians. Physician Assistants work under the direction of a physician or surgeon to provide direct medical care to patients. Depending on the state, they are able to perform many of the same duties as a physician including examining patients, ordering diagnostic tests, prescribing medication and making diagnoses. Physician Assistants who specialize in surgery provide pre-operative and post-operative patient care and may assist with surgeries. Physician Assistants have traditionally worked in areas where there is poor access to medical services such as rural areas and inner-cities, but are now employed by hospitals, doctor's offices and other health-care providers everywhere.
Example Physician Assistant Program
Career tips, salaries, and lists of schools.
The medical field might not be for everybody, but the student featured in this video sure has a passion for it. She talks about her classes and lab work and tells us why she is enjoying her program so much. Produced by Penn College, a part of the Penn State University system.
Depending on the state, physician assistants may perform the following tasks under the direction of a physician:
- take medical histories
- examine patients and provide diagnoses
- order and evaluate diagnostic tests
- prescribe medication
- counsel patients
- provide pre-operative and post-operative care
- assist with surgeries
Resources
American Academy of Physician Assistants -The AAPA provides education and other resources, support and advocacy for Physician Assistants so that they can provide quality, cost-effective health care.
Physician Assistant Education Association - The PAEA represents physician assistant educational programs and provides services such as an annual education forum, a journal, monthly newsletter and research grants. They also provide a central application service for prospective students.
National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants - The NCCPA certifies Physician Assistants to ensure they meet professional standards of knowledge and skills. State licensing boards require Physician Assistants to be certified by this organization.
American Association of Surgical Physician Assistants - The AASPA supports surgical physician assistants through education resources, marketing, publications and conferences.
Association of Family Practice Physician Assistants - The AFPPA offers its members continuing education programs, conferences, networking and a career center.
Online Course Finder
Find the path to your
education in 3 easy steps.
