Like physicians, PAs are trained in the medical model in educational programs that are located at medical schools, teaching hospitals, academic medical centers, and in military medical centers. Practicing in physician-directed teams, PAs can be found in all medical and surgical specialties, and in a wide variety of practice, educational and research settings. Mandating protocol-based practice is inappropriate for physician assistants. PAs are educated in the medical model and practice with physician supervision.
Protocols are useful to PAs to the same extent that they are useful to physicians.
This is analogous to pre-med studies required of medical students. Preference is usually given to candidates who have prior experience in health care. Most PA students have earned a bachelor s degree and have an average of 48 months of health care experience before they are admitted to a program. Educators of PAs include physicians, PAs, and basic scientists. Physician assistant education is characterized by an intense, yet practical curriculum, with both didactic and clinical components.