The American Academy of Physician Assistants defines a physician assistant (PA) as an authorized person who can practice medicine as part of a team with physicians. PAs conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, counsel on preventive health care, assist in surgery and write prescriptions. Currently, most PA programs utilize an application system called the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants otherwise known as the CASPA.
Pre-physician assistant students typically obtain a bachelor of science (BS) or a bachelor of arts (BA) degree while completing the requirements for admission to PA programs. PA programs at the master's level do not require nor prefer a particular undergraduate degree.
It is important for students to check each school's requirements carefully as some schools will require information not listed above. For more information about a specific program, please contact the school directly.