Physician Assistant Degree and Programs

Career growth for physician assistants is predicted to remain excellent as more of these trained professionals are called upon to handle medical duties traditionally conducted by doctors. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that the total number of physician assistants' jobs will increase by some 27 percent through 2016. That's good news for students considering a degree in this thriving field. Two-year associate's degrees prepare students for entry into the profession.

Physician Assistant Career Training

Physician assistants practice healthcare under direct supervision of licensed medical doctors. Their duties include conducting examinations, charting medical histories, diagnosing illnesses, ordering laboratory tests, treating injuries, and performing other critical physician's duties. Most states allow physician assistants to prescribe medication. Specific duties, education requirements, and licensing provisions for physician assistants vary by state. All physician assistants must pass a national examination before admission into the practice. Job opportunities will be best, according to the BLS, in rural areas or at inner-city clinics.