They assist the doctor in conducting hospital rounds, developing and implementing patient management plans, and performing routine diagnostic procedures. This contribution from the PA enables the doctor to deal with more complex patient problems. These professionals help deliver quality health services to rural and underserved regions of Georgia. Areas of Specialization Physician assistants do not necessarily choose an area of specialization but may work with a physician who has chosen a specialty. Two years of undergraduate study emphasizing the sciences is required.
Many students enter physician assistant programs with bachelor's degrees.
Some programs also require work experience in direct patient care. Other schools grant Masters of Medical Science. All programs include classroom and clinical education. To practice, physician assistants must be nationally certified through the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. Upon certification, they must apply for licensure from the Georgia Composite State Board of Medical Examiners.