Degree Option Admission Prerequisites Sample Curriculum for Physician Assistants Costs Financial Assistance Role of the Physician Assistant Physician assistants are well-recognized and highly sought after members of the health care team, who, working with physicians, provide diagnostic and therapeutic patient care in virtually all medical specialties and setting PAs take medical histories, perform physical examinations, and order laboratory tests. After diagnosing a problem, the PA develops and implements a treatment plan in consultation with the supervising physician. Patient education and counseling are important aspects of a PA's function. PAs advise patients on preventive health care as well as the treatment and management of health problems.
PAs often make important decisions regarding the use of medications.
In a growing number of states, PAs prescribe medication. One distinctive feature of the PA profession is that PAs are dependent practitioners. PAs perform medical tasks and procedures that are delegated to them by their supervising physicians. Employment Settings Physician assistants are currently employed in a wide variety of settings such as hospitals, health centers, industrial clinics, health maintenance organizations, emergency rooms, college health services, group practices, doctor's offices, and specialty clinics. An increasing number of PAs help provide hospital care for surgical patients, and in some instances assist in surgery.