Physician assistants (PAs) practice medicine under the supervision of physicians and surgeons. PAs are formally trained to provide diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive health care services, as delegated by a physician. Working as members of the health care team, they take medical histories, examine and treat patients, order and interpret laboratory tests and x rays, and make diagnoses. They also treat minor injuries, by suturing, splinting, and casting. PAs record progress notes, instruct and counsel patients, and order or carry out therapy. In 48 States and the District of Columbia, physician assistants may prescribe some medications. In some establishments, a PA is responsible for managerial duties, such as ordering medical supplies or equipment and supervising technicians and assistants.

Many PAs work in primary care specialties, such as general internal medicine, pediatrics, and family medicine. Other specialty areas include general and thoracic surgery, emergency medicine, orthopedics, and geriatrics. PAs specializing in surgery provide preoperative and postoperative care and may work as first or second assistants during major surgery. The duties of physician assistants are determined by the supervising physician and by State law. Aspiring PAs should investigate the laws and regulations in the States in which they wish to practice.

Career Outlook and Salary
This is a promising and rewarding career choice. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of physician assistants is expected to grow 27 percent from 2006 to 2016, much faster than the average for all occupations. Projected rapid job growth reflects the expansion of health care industries and an emphasis on cost containment, which results in increasing use of PAs by health care establishments. Median annual earnings of wage-and-salary physician assistants were $74,980 in May 2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $62,430 and $89,220. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $43,100, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $102,230.

Licensure
All States and the District of Columbia have legislation governing the qualifications or practice of physician assistants. All jurisdictions require physician assistants to pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination, administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) and open only to graduates of accredited PA education programs. Only those successfully completing the examination may use the credential “Physician Assistant-Certified.” To remain certified, PAs must complete 100 hours of continuing medical education every 2 years. Every 6 years, they must pass a recertification examination or complete an alternative program combining learning experiences and a take-home examination.

Education
Physician assistant programs usually last 2 years. Applicants are often required to have 2 years of college and some work experience in healthcare. So, many PAs have prior experience as RNs, EMTs, paramedics, or allied health professionals. Education is vital to remain competitive in this field and for career advancement. In a 2008 survey by the AAPA, 40% of respondents had a bachelor's level PA degree and 43% had a master's level PA degree. >> More about the 2008 AAPA Survey

Advanced Physician Assistant Studies Program (M.H.S.)
The ARC-PA Accredited Advanced Physician Assistant Studies Program (M.H.S) is designed for physician assistants seeking graduate credentials for career advancement. This online program covers topics such as public health, health policy, education, pharmacology, medical ethics, practice management and several clinical specialties. This program seeks to strengthen analytical thinking by providing a foundation for scholarly inquiry and mentor physician assistants in personalized professional development to enhance the PA profession, its members and the communities they serve. This online program does not require a residency requirement. Drexel's Physician Assistant program is ranked among the nation's top 25 by U.S.News & World Report.

• Research Methods and Designs
• Principles of Evidence-Based Practice
• Clinical Application of Epidemiology
• Health Policy
• Leadership and Stewardship

Advanced Physician Assistant Studies - MS
This curriculum has been designed for graduates of Physician Assistant training programs who wish to expand their clinical knowledge and academic status while continuing to work in their respective field. The didactic portion of the program is 100 percent online. The only campus requirement is attendance at graduation once all coursework has been completed.

The online advanced Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Physician Assistant Studies is a 40-credit hour course of study which is offered through distance education. Candidates may choose a concentration in either Clinical Medicine or Education/Leadership. This degree-seeking program is only available to physician assistants who previously have graduated from a physician assistant program. For the PA without a bachelor's degree, a non-bachelor degree option is available (additional admission requirements apply).

Courses offered in the Clinical Medicine concentration are designed to broaden the clinical knowledge of practicing PAs.Students may choose from a list of clinical medicine courses based on their individual educational needs. In addition to the didactic course work, the Clinical Medicine concentration requires 400 hours of direct patient care. This is typically completed at your current place of employment. Graduates will have demonstrated a competence in clinical medicine along with a strong academic foundation that enhances their ability to practice as a PA.

The Education/Leadership concentration is designed for the physician assistant who is involved in education and wishes to gain advanced training in the theory and practice of educating healthcare professionals.

All courses offered through the Advanced Physician Assistant Program have been designed and developed for delivery via the Internet. Students will be able to receive materials, and interact with faculty and other students without traveling to the campus. A High-Speed Internet connection and required books for some courses are all that is required.