Physician Assistant/Associate Overview

Physician assistants/associates (PAs) are licensed medical professionals who work in a variety of settings to deliver high-quality, cost-effective medical care. Often referred to as "medical generalists," PAs work as part of a medical team in collaboration with a physician, physician team, or medical practice. They can be found in every specialty and setting, and are dedicated to expanding access to care, often bridging gaps in the healthcare workforce.

Each PA's specific responsibilities and duties will depend on their work setting, experience level, specialty, and state laws. Some of the things PAs can do are:

• Diagnose and treat illness
• Prescribe medication
• Order and interpret tests
• Assist in surgery
• Do clinical research

PAs are educated at the master's degree level. Incoming PA students typically bring an average of 3,000 hours of direct patient contact experience, a completed bachelor's degree, and completion of courses in basic and behavioral sciences as prerequisites. There are more than 300 PA programs in the country, and they are approximately 27 months (about three academic years) and include classroom training and more than 2,000 hours of clinical rotations.

Becoming a PA can be a rigorous process, but those who succeed find the work-life balance and the flexibility to change specialties without additional schooling rewarding. If you want to increase access to healthcare, don't want to choose one specialty or setting, or are looking for a shorter (not easier) pathway with a high workforce demand, this career might be for you.