Physician assistants (PAs) are integral to healthcare. Working with a supervising physician, they take medical histories, perform physical exams, update patient charts, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and diagnose and treat patients. In short, as the name implies, they
assist physicians. \n
Physician assistant degree programs include foundational courses in anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and pharmacology. Their focus, of course, is on hands-on experience gained through clinical rotations, where medicine comes alive. Students spend time as members of a medical team so they can learn what is involved in each medical specialty. Internal medicine, family medicine, pediatrics, emergency medicine, and surgery are among the core rotations.
", "display_order": 1, "created_at": "2019-10-01T11:36:14.678495-07:00", "updated_at": "2021-11-18T13:55:45.030743-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 1295, "page": 1, "title": "Program Options", "summary_markdown": "**Master\u2019s Degree in Physician Assistance \u2013 Two to Three Year Duration** \r\nA master\u2019s degree from a program accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) is required to work as a physician assistant. Admission requirements may vary somewhat from school to school, but all programs require that students have earned a bachelor\u2019s degree. There is not a specific degree that is required for physician assistant undergraduate study, but a science or healthcare major is both common and preferred. \r\n\r\nPre-requisite courses typically include chemistry, anatomy, physiology, biology, statistics, one or more of the social sciences, and medical terminology. In addition, schools generally admit only master\u2019s candidates with a minimum of one year of medical experience. Students who enter PA programs often have worked as a registered nurse, EMT, or paramedic. \r\n\r\nHere is an overview of ARC-PA approved master\u2019s programs, which prepare students to write the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE): \r\n\r\n- Internal Medicine Clinical Rotation \u2013 performing complete history and physical examinations, daily rounds and inpatient monitoring, diagnostic procedures, supervised medical management of patients \r\n- General Surgery Clinical Rotation \u2013 practical exposure to patients with common surgical diseases; supervised participation in preoperative, operative, and postoperative phases of surgical patient care \r\n- Primary Care and Family Practice Clinical Rotation \u2013 recognizing and managing acute and chronic medical conditions common in primary care and family practice; performing comprehensive histories and physical examinations, diagnostic procedures, and supervised medical and surgical management of patients \r\n- Pediatrics Clinical Rotation \u2013 recognizing normal and abnormal findings in the pediatric patient, diagnosing and managing common childhood diseases \r\n- Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinical Rotation \u2013 practical exposure to inpatient and outpatient gynecologic and obstetric patients \r\n- Emergency Medicine Clinical Rotation \u2013 practical exposure to patients in an urban emergency room setting \r\n- Geriatrics Rotation \u2013 practical exposure to elderly patients and the medical conditions common in that segment of the population \r\n- Psychiatry Rotation \u2013 practical exposure to psychiatric patients in the inpatient, outpatient, and emergency room settings; recognizing, diagnosing, and treating psychiatric illness", "content_markdown": "- Research Methods \u2013 research principles, concepts, and methodology in the health sciences; ethical considerations in medical research; completion of a clinical review article suitable for journal publication \r\n- Elective Clinical Rotations \u2013 opportunities to spend additional time in elective areas of medicine or surgery \r\n- Physician Assistant Seminar \u2013 understanding the role of the physician assistant in 21st Century healthcare; professionalism, healthcare law and ethics, using medical literature, cultural considerations in healthcare, health promotion, disease prevention, patient education \r\n- Medical Interviewing \u2013 techniques for obtaining an accurate medical history from patients \r\n- Anatomy \u2013 anatomy of the chest, upper extremity, abdomen, pelvis, lower extremity, neck, head, and the central nervous system \r\n- Biochemistry \u2013 the biomedical principles of carbohydrate, protein, and lipid chemistry presented with nutritional and health problems; vitamins, minerals, the chemistry of respiration, pH balance, blood coagulation, and the hormonal effects on the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids; correlating medical biochemistry with clinical problems such as health maintenance, aging, wound healing, and growth \r\n- Surgical Aspects in Primary Care \u2013 clinical problems common in surgical practice; clinical presentation and the correlation between anatomy, pathology, stage of disease, and treatment \r\n- Fundamentals of Primary Care and Clinical Medicine \u2013 exploration of the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of common medical problems; the interrelatedness of bodily systems and medical disciplines; formulating an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan for complex clinical presentations of illness \r\n- Physical Diagnosis \u2013 patient examination techniques, comprehensive assessment of patients, medical chart recording, oral presentation of diagnosis \r\n- Physiology \u2013 cellular physiology and integrative physiology, normal and vital processes of the human body, characteristics of cellular structure and the cellular mechanisms that promote health, the nervous system, the respiratory system, the endocrine system, the cardiovascular system, the kidneys \r\n- Pharmacology \u2013 introduction to therapeutic drugs, practical application and evaluation of drug actions on human organ functions, study of antibiotics \r\n- General Surgery \u2013 clinical problems common to general surgery practice, indications and contraindications for surgery, surgical techniques, operating room protocol, asepsis (absence of bacteria) and scrubbing, gowning and gloving, instrumentation, suturing and knot tying \r\n- Gynecology and Obstetrics \u2013 introduction to the fundamentals of prenatal care and childbirth, common problems encountered in clinical gynecologic and obstetrical practice, gynecology and obstetrics as a medical specialty \r\n- Epidemiology \u2013 the study of disease in populations, frequency and determinants of a disease in a defined population, analysis of published clinical trials, the role of epidemiology in public health policy \r\n- Pathology \u2013 the natural history, etiology, pathogenesis, and clinical findings associated with disease states; disorders commonly found in surgical patients \r\n- Surgical Specialties \u2013 introduction to specialized surgical practice; introduction to the disciplines of orthopedics, radiology, and anesthesiology \r\n- Pediatrics \u2013 fundamentals of growth and development; the medical care of infants, children, and adolescents; immunization, common childhood diseases and their treatments; pediatrics as a medical specialty \r\n- Emergency Medicine \u2013 emergency care and life-threatening illness and injury, common complaints seen in the ER; emergency medicine as a medical specialty \r\n- Psychiatry \u2013 common behavioral abnormalities and their treatment, professional-patient relationship, reactions to history taking and physical examination, stress and coping mechanisms, detecting and treating psychiatric complications, managing death and dying \r\n- Biostatistics \u2013 statistical methods used in healthcare research", "content_html": "
\n- Research Methods \u2013 research principles, concepts, and methodology in the health sciences; ethical considerations in medical research; completion of a clinical review article suitable for journal publication
\n- Elective Clinical Rotations \u2013 opportunities to spend additional time in elective areas of medicine or surgery
\n- Physician Assistant Seminar \u2013 understanding the role of the physician assistant in 21st Century healthcare; professionalism, healthcare law and ethics, using medical literature, cultural considerations in healthcare, health promotion, disease prevention, patient education
\n- Medical Interviewing \u2013 techniques for obtaining an accurate medical history from patients
\n- Anatomy \u2013 anatomy of the chest, upper extremity, abdomen, pelvis, lower extremity, neck, head, and the central nervous system
\n- Biochemistry \u2013 the biomedical principles of carbohydrate, protein, and lipid chemistry presented with nutritional and health problems; vitamins, minerals, the chemistry of respiration, pH balance, blood coagulation, and the hormonal effects on the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids; correlating medical biochemistry with clinical problems such as health maintenance, aging, wound healing, and growth
\n- Surgical Aspects in Primary Care \u2013 clinical problems common in surgical practice; clinical presentation and the correlation between anatomy, pathology, stage of disease, and treatment
\n- Fundamentals of Primary Care and Clinical Medicine \u2013 exploration of the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of common medical problems; the interrelatedness of bodily systems and medical disciplines; formulating an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan for complex clinical presentations of illness
\n- Physical Diagnosis \u2013 patient examination techniques, comprehensive assessment of patients, medical chart recording, oral presentation of diagnosis
\n- Physiology \u2013 cellular physiology and integrative physiology, normal and vital processes of the human body, characteristics of cellular structure and the cellular mechanisms that promote health, the nervous system, the respiratory system, the endocrine system, the cardiovascular system, the kidneys
\n- Pharmacology \u2013 introduction to therapeutic drugs, practical application and evaluation of drug actions on human organ functions, study of antibiotics
\n- General Surgery \u2013 clinical problems common to general surgery practice, indications and contraindications for surgery, surgical techniques, operating room protocol, asepsis (absence of bacteria) and scrubbing, gowning and gloving, instrumentation, suturing and knot tying
\n- Gynecology and Obstetrics \u2013 introduction to the fundamentals of prenatal care and childbirth, common problems encountered in clinical gynecologic and obstetrical practice, gynecology and obstetrics as a medical specialty
\n- Epidemiology \u2013 the study of disease in populations, frequency and determinants of a disease in a defined population, analysis of published clinical trials, the role of epidemiology in public health policy
\n- Pathology \u2013 the natural history, etiology, pathogenesis, and clinical findings associated with disease states; disorders commonly found in surgical patients
\n- Surgical Specialties \u2013 introduction to specialized surgical practice; introduction to the disciplines of orthopedics, radiology, and anesthesiology
\n- Pediatrics \u2013 fundamentals of growth and development; the medical care of infants, children, and adolescents; immunization, common childhood diseases and their treatments; pediatrics as a medical specialty
\n- Emergency Medicine \u2013 emergency care and life-threatening illness and injury, common complaints seen in the ER; emergency medicine as a medical specialty
\n- Psychiatry \u2013 common behavioral abnormalities and their treatment, professional-patient relationship, reactions to history taking and physical examination, stress and coping mechanisms, detecting and treating psychiatric complications, managing death and dying
\n- Biostatistics \u2013 statistical methods used in healthcare research
\n
", "display_order": 2, "created_at": "2019-10-01T11:36:14.679589-07:00", "updated_at": "2022-02-08T14:22:00.691881-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 1295, "page": 1, "title": "Degrees Similar to Physician Assistant", "summary_markdown": "**[Biology](/degrees/biology-degree/)** \r\nA general biology degree program may include subjects like animal biology, invertebrate biology, vertebrate biology, cellular and molecular biology, evolution, microbiology, and ecology. \r\n\r\n**[Nursing](/degrees/nursing-degree/)** \r\nThis degree program is designed to give students the knowledge and experience for safe, compassionate, evidence-based, competent, and ethical nursing practice. \r\n\r\n**[Nutrition Science](/degrees/nutrition-science-degree/)** \r\nThis degree field is concerned with the complex relationships between the body, nutrients, and health. Classes cover human nutrition and how the body processes nutrients. \r\n\r\n**[Occupational Therapy](/degrees/occupational-therapy-degree/)** \r\nStudents of occupational therapy learn how to help patients adapt to loss of function by improving their fine motor and cognitive skills through therapeutic everyday activities. \r\n\r\n**[Physical Therapy](/degrees/physical-therapy-degree/)** \r\nPhysical therapy majors learn how to treat patients for whom movement has become strained or limited due to injury, illness, or aging.", "content_markdown": "**[Pre-Medicine](/degrees/pre-medicine-degree/)** \r\nThere is no distinct pre-medicine degree. \u2018Pre-medicine\u2019 or \u2018pre-med\u2019 is merely a term that students planning to go to medical school use to describe their undergraduate studies. In fact, aspiring doctors enter med school having earned many different bachelor\u2019s degrees. A science program such as biology or chemistry is certainly a common choice, but it is not mandatory. In other words, a pre-med student can be a psychology major, a statistics major, or a Spanish major. The key for students is to incorporate into their studies the classes needed to apply to medical school. \r\n\r\n**[Radiological Science and Technologies](/degrees/radiological-science-and-technologies-degree/)** \r\nDegree programs in radiological science and technologies prepare students for careers as radiologic technologists. These professionals, also known as radiographers, use medical diagnostic equipment, tools, and instruments to capture images of the organs, bones, and tissues inside the body. They also analyze and interpret these images in consultation with doctors and other medical team members. \r\n\r\nIn addition to learning imaging procedures and image interpretation, students take foundational courses in anatomy and physiology, physics, and pathology. They also learn how to maintain imaging equipment, prepare patients for imaging procedures, and protect patients from harmful radiation. \r\n\r\n**[Social Work](/degrees/social-work-degree/)** \r\nSocial work is about helping people solve and cope with problems and challenges in their everyday lives. Students who pursue a degree in the field gain the knowledge and skills, as well as the ethics and values, to work for social justice for individuals, families, organizations, and communities. The typical curriculum examines issues such as child welfare, mental health, poverty, aging, domestic violence, and marginalized groups. \r\n\r\n**[Surgical Technology](/degrees/surgical-technology-degree/)** \r\nSurgical technology certificate and degree programs teach students how to be effective members of operating room teams. Students learn how to equip operating rooms for specific procedures, how to prepare patients for surgery, how to sterilize surgical instruments, and how to assist doctors, nurses, and patients. Coursework includes anatomy and physiology, surgical patient care, and health law and ethics.", "content_html": "
Pre-Medicine
\nThere is no distinct pre-medicine degree. \u2018Pre-medicine\u2019 or \u2018pre-med\u2019 is merely a term that students planning to go to medical school use to describe their undergraduate studies. In fact, aspiring doctors enter med school having earned many different bachelor\u2019s degrees. A science program such as biology or chemistry is certainly a common choice, but it is not mandatory. In other words, a pre-med student can be a psychology major, a statistics major, or a Spanish major. The key for students is to incorporate into their studies the classes needed to apply to medical school.
\n
Radiological Science and Technologies
\nDegree programs in radiological science and technologies prepare students for careers as radiologic technologists. These professionals, also known as radiographers, use medical diagnostic equipment, tools, and instruments to capture images of the organs, bones, and tissues inside the body. They also analyze and interpret these images in consultation with doctors and other medical team members.
\n
In addition to learning imaging procedures and image interpretation, students take foundational courses in anatomy and physiology, physics, and pathology. They also learn how to maintain imaging equipment, prepare patients for imaging procedures, and protect patients from harmful radiation.
\n
Social Work
\nSocial work is about helping people solve and cope with problems and challenges in their everyday lives. Students who pursue a degree in the field gain the knowledge and skills, as well as the ethics and values, to work for social justice for individuals, families, organizations, and communities. The typical curriculum examines issues such as child welfare, mental health, poverty, aging, domestic violence, and marginalized groups.
\n
Surgical Technology
\nSurgical technology certificate and degree programs teach students how to be effective members of operating room teams. Students learn how to equip operating rooms for specific procedures, how to prepare patients for surgery, how to sterilize surgical instruments, and how to assist doctors, nurses, and patients. Coursework includes anatomy and physiology, surgical patient care, and health law and ethics.
", "display_order": 3, "created_at": "2019-10-01T11:36:14.680704-07:00", "updated_at": "2022-02-08T14:23:04.875673-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 1295, "page": 1, "title": "Skills You’ll Learn", "summary_markdown": "**Attention to Detail** \r\nDiagnosing and treating patients demand attention to detail. Patients\u2019 lives are at stake. \r\n\r\n**Communication** \r\nA significant part of the physician assistant role is communicating with and educating patients. \r\n\r\n**Empathy and Compassion** \r\nWorking with patients on a daily basis calls for someone who is not only adept at monitoring patients\u2019 physical comfort, but sensitive and responsive to the emotional stress they may be experiencing. \r\n\r\n**Humility** \r\nThe physician assistant who knows their limitations is the best physician assistant, because they know when to call in the physician to avoid making a misdiagnosis, risking a patient\u2019s health, and triggering a lawsuit. \r\n\r\n**Physical Stamina** \r\nPhysician assistants spend much of their time on their feet. \r\n\r\n**Stress Management** \r\nThe medical and health implications of the work can make it stressful. \r\n\r\n**Teamwork and Collaboration** \r\nPhysician assistants are part of a team of medical professionals, who share information and work together for the well-being of the patient.", "content_markdown": "", "content_html": "
Attention to Detail
\nDiagnosing and treating patients demand attention to detail. Patients\u2019 lives are at stake.
\n
Communication
\nA significant part of the physician assistant role is communicating with and educating patients.
\n
Empathy and Compassion
\nWorking with patients on a daily basis calls for someone who is not only adept at monitoring patients\u2019 physical comfort, but sensitive and responsive to the emotional stress they may be experiencing.
\n
Humility
\nThe physician assistant who knows their limitations is the best physician assistant, because they know when to call in the physician to avoid making a misdiagnosis, risking a patient\u2019s health, and triggering a lawsuit.
\n
Physical Stamina
\nPhysician assistants spend much of their time on their feet.
\n
Stress Management
\nThe medical and health implications of the work can make it stressful.
\n
Teamwork and Collaboration
\nPhysician assistants are part of a team of medical professionals, who share information and work together for the well-being of the patient.
", "display_order": 4, "created_at": "2019-10-01T11:36:14.681761-07:00", "updated_at": "2021-11-18T13:55:45.034823-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 1295, "page": 1, "title": "What Can You Do with a Physician Assistant Degree?", "summary_markdown": "More than half of the physician assistants in the United States work in offices of physicians. Others work in hospitals, outpatient care centers, and in educational/teaching positions. Within these roles, PAs may choose to specialize. Common specializations include: \r\n\r\n- Internal Medicine \r\n- General Surgery \r\n- Thoracic Surgery \r\n- Family Medicine \r\n- Pediatrics \r\n- Gynecology and Obstetrics \r\n- Emergency Medicine \r\n- Geriatrics \r\n- Psychiatry \r\n- Orthopedics", "content_markdown": "Depending on their specific responsibilities and their place of employment, physician assistants may hold different titles: \r\n\r\n- Physician Assistant \r\n- Clinical Advisor \r\n- Clinical Service Manager \r\n- Emergency Room Physician Assistant \r\n- Medical Practitioner \r\n- Surgical Assistant \r\n\r\nIt is important to note that in some rural areas, where physicians are in shorter supply, physician assistants may act as primary care providers \u2013 as long as a licensed physician is available for consultation, either in person or remotely, as required by federal laws.", "content_html": "
Depending on their specific responsibilities and their place of employment, physician assistants may hold different titles:
\n
\n- Physician Assistant
\n- Clinical Advisor
\n- Clinical Service Manager
\n- Emergency Room Physician Assistant
\n- Medical Practitioner
\n- Surgical Assistant
\n
\n
It is important to note that in some rural areas, where physicians are in shorter supply, physician assistants may act as primary care providers \u2013 as long as a licensed physician is available for consultation, either in person or remotely, as required by federal laws.
", "display_order": 5, "created_at": "2019-10-01T11:36:14.682875-07:00", "updated_at": "2022-02-08T14:24:12.012936-08:00"}], "degree_specializations": []}">
