Physician Assistant
Career Description
Physician assistants (P.A.) work under a physician’s supervision
and perform many patient care tasks that
traditionally were conducted by physicians. Physician assistants perform
complete physical examinations,
diagnose illnesses, give treatments, order and review laboratory tests
and X-rays, and counsel patients on their health problems. A physician
directly supervises a P.A.; the extent of supervision depends on the
work setting.
Academic Requirements
Employment as a physician assistant requires training at an accredited physician assistant program. More than 125 programs currently exist in the United States. Applicants to a physician assistant program should have a background in patient care and often have a bachelor’s or master’s degree. After two years of study and training, graduates earn an associate’s degree, a bachelor’s or master’s degree, or a certificate of completion, depending on the program. Forty-nine states require a certification exam for employment as a physician assistant-certified (PA-C).
Schools
Saint Louis University
800/SLU-FORU
Professional Associations
National
American Academy of Physician Assistants Information Center
State
Missouri Academy of Physician Assistants
Missouri State Advisory Commission for Physician Assistants
