A Physician Assistant (PA) is a licensed healthcare professional who practices medicine under the supervision of a physician. PAs are trained to perform a wide range of diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive services, and they are a vital part of modern healthcare teams across clinical settings.
The physician assistant profession began in the 1960s to address growing healthcare needs, and today, PAs contribute to improved access to care, especially in underserved and rural communities.
Education and Training: How to Become a Physician Assistant
To become a PA, individuals must complete a master’s degree from an accredited PA program, which typically takes about two years. The curriculum includes:
- Didactic instruction (classroom learning)
- Clinical rotations in areas such as internal medicine, emergency medicine, surgery, pediatrics, and more
PA students gain hands-on experience in diverse healthcare settings like hospitals, outpatient clinics, and physician practices.
How long does it take to become a physician assistant?
Including a bachelor’s degree (usually 4 years), it typically takes about 6–7 years in total to become a licensed PA.
Prerequisites: What Bachelor’s Degree Do You Need for Physician Assistant Programs?
While PA programs do not require a specific undergraduate major, most students pursue bachelor’s degrees in biology, health sciences, chemistry, or a related field. Programs also require prerequisite coursework in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and medical ethics.
Certification and Licensure
After graduation, aspiring PAs must pass the PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam) administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
To maintain certification, PAs must:
- Complete continuing medical education (CME)
- Pass periodic recertification exams
Each PA must also be licensed in the state where they practice.
Scope of Practice: What Does a Physician Assistant Do?
So, what does a PA do? The scope of a physician assistant’s practice can vary by state, but generally, they can:
- Take patient medical histories
- Conduct physical exams
- Diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries
- Order and interpret diagnostic tests
- Develop and manage treatment plans
- Prescribe medications
- Assist in surgeries
- Educate and counsel patients on preventive care
Can a physician assistant prescribe medication?
Yes, in most U.S. states, PAs can prescribe medications, including controlled substances, depending on state laws and physician oversight.
Types of Physician Assistants
PAs may work in primary care or choose to specialize in areas like:
- Dermatology
- Emergency Medicine
- Orthopedics
- Cardiology
- Surgery
- Psychiatry
These specializations allow PAs to deepen their clinical skills and support physicians in high-demand areas.
Collaboration with Physicians
Although PAs work under the supervision of licensed physicians, they often practice independently within that framework. Their collaboration with doctors ensures high-quality care while expanding access to services.
Are physician assistants doctors?
No, PAs are not doctors. They are highly trained clinicians who work closely with physicians, but they do not hold an MD or DO degree.
Benefits of Physician Assistants in Healthcare
- Expanded access to care: Especially in rural or underserved areas
- Cost-effective healthcare: PAs offer many of the same services as physicians at a lower cost
- Improved outcomes: PAs are trained to deliver high-quality care and contribute to better patient satisfaction and results
Conclusion
Physician Assistants are highly trained, versatile professionals who play a vital role in modern medicine. Through collaboration, training, and compassionate care, PAs enhance patient outcomes, expand healthcare access, and support physicians across specialties.
If you’re looking for a primary care physician in Frisco, Plano, Irving, Las Colinas, McKinney, Prosper, Allen, Coppell, Richardson, Kemp, Seven Points, Gun Barrel City, Mabank, Tool, or Trinidad, call us at 214-666-6259 or schedule an appointment online.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a physician’s assistant?
A physician assistant is a licensed healthcare provider who practices medicine under a physician’s supervision. They are trained to diagnose, treat, and manage patient care across a wide range of medical specialties.
2. What does a physician assistant do?
PAs can perform physical exams, diagnose conditions, prescribe medication, assist in surgery, and provide patient counseling. Their exact responsibilities depend on state laws and the supervising physician.
3. Is a physician assistant a doctor?
No, a physician assistant is not a doctor. PAs have a master’s-level education and practice medicine under physician oversight but do not hold a medical doctorate (MD or DO).
4. Can a physician assistant prescribe medication?
Yes. In most states, PAs are allowed to prescribe medications, including controlled substances, within the guidelines set by their supervising physician and state regulations.
5. What bachelor degree do I need for physician assistant programs?
There’s no specific required major, but common choices include biology, health sciences, or chemistry. The key is meeting the prerequisite coursework required by PA schools.
6. How long does it take to become a physician assistant?
It typically takes about 6–7 years — including a 4-year bachelor’s degree and a 2–3 year accredited PA master’s program.
7. Which is harder: nurse practitioner or physician assistant?
Both are rigorous graduate-level programs, but they differ in training models. Nurse practitioners (NPs) follow a nursing model; PAs follow a medical model. The difficulty depends on the individual’s background and learning preferences.
8. How do you address a physician assistant?
You can address a PA as “PA [Last Name]” or simply as “Mr./Ms./Mx. [Last Name].” Unlike doctors, they do not use the title “Dr.” unless they hold a doctoral degree in another field.
