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. A PA program runs approximately 110 weeks, compared to 155 weeks for the typical medical school program. Physicians also are required to do an internship, and the majority also complete a residency in a specialty following that. PAs do not have to undertake an internship or residency. A physician has complete responsibility for the care of the patient.
PAs share that responsibility with the doctors.