Physician Assistant
| Description |
Physicians Assistants are trained in such tasks as screening patients, taking histories, performing physical exams, performing developmental screening exams for children, managing emergencies, etc. A physician willing to accept responsibility may assign more complicated therapeutic procedures to the PA who has demonstrated ability. |
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| Degree |
P.A. |
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| Program Length |
2 Years |
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| Professional Schools’ Organization |
AAPA (American Academy of Physician Assistants)
http://www.aapa.org |
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| Application Service |
CASPA (Central Application Service for Physician Assistants) – Currently used by 68 schools
http://www.caspaonline.org |
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| Academic Admission Requirements |
Varies with school but may include two semesters each: Biology, Chemistry (some Organic/Biochemistry), Microbiology, Anatomy, and Physiology; one semester Math. Also Psychology. |
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| Admission Exam |
GRE (most), or MCAT
http://gre.org or http://www.aamc.org/students/mcat |
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| Personal Attributes & Experiences |
Most PA programs require health care experience of applicants (e.g. EMT, volunteering in a hospital, orderly, nurses aide, nurse, etc.) MOST programs expect life experience as well as medical experience. |
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| Recommendation Letters |
No standard form. |
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