There are currently 116 accredited programs, but an explosion of interest in the PA profession is resulting in the establishment of many new educational programs. All PA programs must meet the same curriculum standards. A PA's education doesn't stop after graduation, though. PAs are required to take ongoing continuing medical education classes and be retested on their clinical skills on a regular basis. A number of postgraduate PA programs have also been established to provide practicing PAs with advanced education in medical specialties.
PAs work in every health care setting imaginable.
About 19 percent are in surgery or the surgical subspecialties. Physician assistants receive a broad education in medicine. Their education is ongoing after graduation through continuing medical education requirements and continual interaction with physicians and other health care providers. PAs work under the supervision of a physician. They must meet the entrance requirements of a PA program, but that does not necessarily include a background in medicine or nursing.