One of the main differences between PA education and physician education is not the core content of the curriculum, but the amount of time spent in school. The length of a PA program is about two-thirds that of medical school. Physicians also are required to do an internship, and the majority also complete a residency in a specialty. PAs do not have to undertake an internship or residency. A doctor has complete responsibility for the care of the patient.
PAs share that responsibility with the doctors.
Doctors are independent practitioners. PAs practice medicine with the supervision of a physician. Nurses study nursing and not medicine. A PA is taught to diagnose and treat illnesses. In the mid-1960s, physicians and educators recognized there was a shortage and an uneven distribution of primary care physicians.