Bachelor Degree: Physician Assistant Degree and Programs

In order for physicians to focus on providing better care to patients, they need an excellent support staff that includes physician assistants. Physician assistants essentially practice medicine under the supervision of the physician. They are licensed to obtain patient histories, perform examinations, make diagnoses, order and interpret tests, prescribe treatment, and make referrals to specialists. Most physician assistant degrees take 2-3 years of graduate work following a bachelor's degree. Coursework can include oncology, gynecology, anatomy, microbiology, pharmacology, hematology, pathology, geriatric medicine, and other areas of medicine. Residency programs are not required but are available in some specialties. Employment prospects for physician assistants are excellent; growth of 27 percent is expected through the decade ending in 2016 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Online programs are conveniently available to obtain a physician assistant degree for those who have work or family responsibilities.