PAs are beginning to fill roles that were not anticipated when the profession began. Branching out from the traditional family practice setting, they are now being hired to work in nursing homes, HMOs, correctional institutions and in occupational medicine. PAs even serve on the White House medical staff. They are represented in nearly all medical and surgical specialties. One third of PAs practice in towns with fewer than 50,000 people.
Some programs offer a part-time option for working students.
Traditionally, these programs have accepted students with two years of college and substantial clinical experience with patients. They are moving to professionalize, however, and are beginning to admit students with a bachelor's degree and less patient experience. Nearly all states require PAs to pass a national certifying exam before they begin practicing. Completion of an accredited program, with a certificate of completion, qualifies applicants to sit for the exam. Twenty-three PA programs offer a master's degree or master's option.