Physician assistants can practice medicine in any specialty from family medicine to surgery to cardiology. If they work in a hospital setting, a PA gains clinical privileges in much the same way as a physician would.
Physician assistants complete a wide range of duties, ranging from performing an exam to prescribing medicine, and running tests to handling medical emergencies. PAs can be found in many different settings, including hospitals, doctors' offices, nursing homes, prisons, community health clinics and rehabilitation centers. They work in primary care areas, such as family medicine, general practice or pediatrics, as well as specialty areas, such as surgery, emergency medicine and geriatrics
Many people prefer having a PA as a primary care provider because of their commitment to education and individualized care. They also have greater availability and can spend more one-on-one time with patients. A physician is always available for a consult when necessary. Just like physicians, physician assistants must complete higher-level education and intense clinical training. PAs must complete a Master of Science program in physician assistant at an accredited school.
Physician assistants must pass licensing exams before they can practice medicine. They may also be certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants; to maintain certification, PAs must fulfil continuing educations requirements.
