Physician Assistant Information
Thompson Building, Rm 200
University of Nevada, Reno
Phone: (775) 784 - 4678
Fax: (775) 784 - 1884
careers@unr.nevada.edu
A physician assistant (PA) is a professional who practices medicine under the supervision of a licensed physician. Physician assistants are trained and certified to take medical histories, order and interpret laboratory tests, make diagnoses, perform physical exams, assist in surgery and determine treatments. Generally, PAs are qualified to provide many services that physicians ordinarily provide to patients. Physician assistants are also qualified to write prescriptions in many states. The duties PAs perform do vary according to state laws, the practice, and the training of the PA. PAs have a tradition of serving in areas of need, providing care to those who might otherwise have little or no access to quality health care. PAs work everywhere, from remote rural settings to major urban centers, in doctor's offices, hospitals, clinics, HMO's, in the armed forces, in federal agencies and correctional facilities.
The growth of the profession has been substantial. In 1975 there were fewer than 15,400 practicing PAs; today there are over 23,000. The Department of Labor projects a 44% increase in the number of jobs available for PAs between 1990 and 2005. *
Most PA programs require applicants have at least two years of college credits and some exposure to the health care field prior to admission. A college degree is not always required; however, courses should be taken in chemistry, social sciences, humanities, English, college math, and biology.
PA programs have developed in a wide variety of settings: community colleges, hospitals, colleges and universities. Depending on the institution offering the program and the educational background of the student, a certificate and/or academic (associate, bachelor's, or master's) degree is awarded upon graduation. All accredited programs must maintain the same set of standards developed by a special committee of medical associations, including the American Medical Association.
Most accredited programs take 24 months to complete, often compared to the 1st and 3rd year of medical school. The first 9-12 months are generally comprised of classroom studies - the essential medical sciences like biology and chemistry - followed by a year of clinical rotations in private practice and institutional settings that provides hands-on experience.
Prospective students are encouraged to apply to various programs since all have a limited number of positions available and selection criteria differ among individual institutions, along with their philosophy of qualifications. Some programs focus on training individuals that have extensive backgrounds in medical professions, while others will accept students with little medical experience.
Those who desire to attend a PA program are advised to send for an application by writing to the institution(s) of their choice. It is best to do this at least one year before the anticipated matriculation date.
In most programs, three letters of reference are required as an aid in the selection process. Therefore, one letter should be from a physician, a PA, or another health care provider with an advanced degree. The second letter should be from an employer from a student's current or past occupation. The third letter should be from a faculty member of a college or university; science professors are preferred.
Upon graduation from an accredited program, PAs may take a national certifying examination administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. Many states require this certification. Only those passing the test can use the title "Physician Assistant - Certified (PA-C)." PAs keep up with medical advances through continuing medical education courses. To maintain certification PAs must complete 100 hours of CME every 2 years and take a recertification exam every 6 years.
