What is a Physician Assistant?

What is a physician assistant’s role, and how does it fit into the healthcare system? Physician assistants (PAs) help provide care across specialties — in turn expanding access to medical services. With a shorter educational pathway than that of physicians, this offers a flexible, in-demand position for those pursuing healthcare. Understanding what a PA does and the path to becoming one can help aspiring medical professionals determine if this career is the right fit. 

What Does a Physician Assistant Do? Understanding the Role of a PA 

Physician assistants deliver medical services in various areas under a physician’s supervision. Their ability to deliver high-quality patient care while reducing the burden on physicians makes them essential in expanding access to healthcare and improving healthcare efficiency. 

What Is a PA’s Key Responsibilities and Duties? 

So, what is a physician assistant, exactly? PAs handle a wide range of responsibilities, frequently collaborating with physicians and other healthcare professionals to provide coordinated, high-quality patient care. 

They conduct physical examinations, diagnose illnesses, and develop treatment plans tailored to individual patient needs. These highly trained medical professionals are authorized to order and interpret diagnostic tests (such as X-rays and bloodwork) to inform clinical decisions. In many settings, PAs assist in surgeries by providing critical support during procedures. Additionally, they prescribe medications and educate patients on preventive care to help ensure the comprehensive management of health conditions. 

What Is a PA’s Scope of Practice in the Healthcare System? 

PAs play a central role in expanding access to medical care, often serving as primary healthcare providers in clinics, hospitals, and specialty practices. Their scope of practice is determined by state regulations and the needs of their supervising physicians — allowing them to diagnose conditions, prescribe medications, and perform medical procedures. In many settings, PAs take on leadership roles in patient management, bridging gaps in care and improving efficiency. Their work autonomously as well as in collaboration with physicians makes them integral to delivering comprehensive healthcare. 

Educational Pathway to Becoming a Physician Assistant 

Becoming a physician assistant involves advanced medical training, typically through a graduate or master's degree program after earning a bachelor's degree. Clinical experience and certification exams are required before entering practice. 

Required Academic Background 

A strong academic background in health sciences prepares aspiring PAs for the demands of the profession. Most PAs earn a bachelor's degree in a related field, completing coursework in biology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, and microbiology.  

Unlike physicians, who undergo more than a decade of education and residency, PAs can begin practicing after earning a master’s degree from an accredited program. Admission to these programs often requires prior hands-on patient care experience, which can be gained through roles like EMT, nurse, or medical assistant. 

Overview of PA Programs and Certifications 

PA programs provide intensive medical training, typically lasting between 24 and 30 months. Students begin with classroom-based instruction in subjects such as anatomy, pharmacology, and clinical medicine, followed by over 2,000 hours of supervised clinical rotations in specialties from primary care to emergency and internal medicine. These rotations offer hands-on experience, preparing graduates to manage patient care across various medical settings. 

After completing an accredited PA program, graduates must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) to become licensed. Certification is maintained through continuing education and periodic re-testing to ensure clinical competency. Many states require ongoing training and license renewals, keeping PAs up to date with evolving medical practices. 

The Importance of Physician Assistants in Healthcare 

Physician assistants help address provider shortages and improve access to medical care, particularly in underserved areas. Their role in managing patient treatment and supporting physicians ensures more timely and effective care. 

Addressing the Shortage of Healthcare Professionals 

The United States faces a significant shortage of healthcare professionals, with more than 75 million people living in areas lacking sufficient primary care providers. Projections indicate a shortfall of up to 124,000 physicians by 2034.  

Physician assistants have emerged as a vital part of the solution to this crisis. Since their inception in the 1960s, PAs have been instrumental in filling gaps in primary care (especially in disadvantaged regions). They are trained to diagnose illnesses as well as prescribe medications and treatments to support physicians across specialties. Their integration into healthcare teams improves access, reduces wait times, and alleviates physician workloads. This collaborative approach helps address provider shortages while elevating the efficiency and effectiveness of patient care. 

Enhancing Patient Care and Accessibility 

PAs play a key role in improving patient care by increasing access to timely medical treatment. Their ability to diagnose conditions, manage treatment plans, and coordinate with physicians helps reduce wait times and enhance continuity of care. In expanding healthcare accessibility, a physician assistant bridges gaps in medical services to ensure that more patients receive the attention they need without overburdening existing providers. Their flexibility across specialties enables healthcare systems to operate more efficiently. 

Career Prospects and Advancements for Physician Assistants 

Career prospects for physician assistants continue to grow in various specialties that include leadership and advanced clinical roles. Strong job demand and flexibility across primary care, emergency medicine, and internal medicine offer diverse career paths. 

Employment Opportunities Across Specialties 

PAs have employment opportunities within numerous medical specialties, reflecting the versatility of their training and skills. This adaptability allows PAs to meet the evolving needs of the healthcare system, ensuring all kinds of patients receive the care they need. For instance:  

What is the difference between a physician assistant and a nurse practitioner? 

PAs and nurse practitioners (NPs) are both advanced practice providers; however, they differ in education, scope of practice, and clinical approach. PAs are trained in a medical model, often alongside physicians, and are educated as generalists. They work under a physician's supervision, diagnosing and treating illnesses across various specialties. In contrast, NPs follow a nursing model, focusing on a specific population (like pediatrics or geriatrics) and often practice independently — especially in states granting full practice authority. While both roles involve patient care, PAs typically have a disease-centered approach, whereas NPs emphasize a holistic, patient-centered model.  

Forge Your Path to Becoming a Successful Physician Assistant   

Physician assistants play a pivotal part in healthcare, diagnosing conditions, managing treatment plans, and improving patient access to medical services. Looking to learn more about what a physician assistant is and how to become one?  

University of the Cumberlands offers a pre-physician assistant track and a master's in physician assistant studies to prepare students for this rewarding career.https://www.ucumberlands.edu/academics/undergraduate/pre-physician-assistant Take the next step toward becoming a PA: Request more information about either of these programs today.