Pre-PA

• What do physician assistants do?

  Physician Assistants (PAs) are medical professionals who diagnose illnesses, develop and manage treatment plans, prescribe medications and may serve as a patient’s principle health care provider. PAs practice in every medical field including surgical settings and most specialties. They are nationally certified and state licensed to practice medicine. 

   

  Generally, PAs have the ability to:

  • Take medical histories
  • Conduct physical exams
  • Diagnose and treat illness
  • Order and interpret tests 
  • Assist in surgery
  • Develop treatment plans
  • Prescribe medication
  • Discuss preventative care
  • Perform procedures 
  • Carry out clinical research
  • Make rounds in hospitals and nursing homes