Physician Assistant
Many students interested in medicine and who excel in the sciences often see only some of the many paths available to them: medical/dental/podiatry school. However, pursuing an M.D., D.O., D.P.M. or D.D.S. are not the only options to practice medicine and work with patients. Physician Assistants (PAs) examine patients, diagnose injuries and illnesses, prescribe medicine, and perform a host of other duties that M.D.'s do.
How does a PA differ from an MD/DO?
Source: The Physician Assistant Life
| Category | PA (Master's Degree) | MD/DO |
|---|---|---|
| Years of Study post-Dartmouth | 2 years | 4 years |
| MCAT Required | No | Yes |
| Residency | Optional, 1-2 years depending on specialty | Required, 3-8 years depending on specialty |
| Base Salary- U.S. National Median 2015 | $95,750 | $208,880 |
Years of Study post-Dartmouth
2 years
4 years
MCAT Required
No
Yes
Residency
Optional, 1-2 years depending on specialty
Required, 3-8 years depending on specialty
Base Salary- U.S. National Median 2015
$95,750
$208,880
| Duty | PA | MD/DO |
|---|---|---|
| Complicated or High Risk Cases | Assists physician | √ |
| Performs surgery | Assists physician | √ |
| Delivers babies | Varies by state | √ |
| Prescribes controlled substances | Varies by state | √ |
| Writes prescriptions | √ | √ |
| Conducts physical exams | √ | √ |
| Diagnoses injury or illness | √ | √ |
| Treats illness or injury | √ | √ |
| Orders and interpret test | √ | √ |
| Patient Counseling | √ | √ |
Complicated or High Risk Cases
Assists physician
√
Performs surgery
Assists physician
√
Delivers babies
Varies by state
√
Prescribes controlled substances
Varies by state
√
Writes prescriptions
√
√
Conducts physical exams
√
√
Diagnoses injury or illness
√
√
Treats illness or injury
√
√
Orders and interpret test
√
√
Patient Counseling
√
√
Pre-physician Assistant's Requirements
Prerequisites and Entrance Exam: Vary a lot by program, so students should research PA programs early by using the American Academy of Physician's Assistants (AAPA) directory and reviewing PA program websites.
Application: Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA)
Physician Assistant Education
Degree: A PA Master's degree and Physician Assistant Certification (PA-C)
Years of Study: At least 2 years of full-time study.
Students take courses in basic sciences, behavioral sciences and clinical medicine across subjects such as anatomy, pharmacology, microbiology, physiology and more. They then complete a total of more than 2,000 hours of clinical rotations. More information can be found the AAPA website.