Physician Assistant
Physician Assistants provide diagnostic, therapeutic, and
preventive healthcare services under the supervision of a physician, usually
in a hospital or clinic. Working as part of a comprehensive medical team, they
take medical histories, examine patients, order tests, and prescribe
medications. They also treat injuries, apply splints and casts,
provide other types of therapy and surgical assistance, and may be the
principal care provider in small or rural clinics where a physician is not on
staff every day. They may also have managerial and supervisory duties.
Student Resources
Professional Associations and
Accreditation
Entrance Exam
Most physician assistant schools require
the Graduate Record Exam as an entrance exam. Learn more about the GRE here.
Selected Regional Programs
- University of South Dakota - Graduate Physician Assistant Studies
Vermillion, SD
- Augsburg College - Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies
Minneapolis, MN
- Des Moines University - Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies
Des Moines, IA
- Idaho State University - Dept. of Physician Assistant Studies
Pocatello, ID
- University of Nebraska Medical Center - Physician Assistant
Omaha, NE
- University of Iowa, Carver College of Medicine, PA Studies and Services
Iowa City, IA
- Rocky Mountain College - Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program
Billings, MT
- University of Nebraska Medical Center - Physician Assistant
Omaha, NE - University of North Dakota - Physician Assistant Studies
Grand Forks, ND
(For students with nursing degrees and experience) - University of Utah School of Medicine - Physician Assistant Program
Salt Lake City, UT
- Wichita State University - Department of Physician Assistant
Wichita, KS
Important Note:
Consult the admissions/application web pages of the professional programs for information on required pre-requisite courses and admissions tests, application procedures, and application deadlines. Some professional/graduate programs will not accept AP or CLEP credits, online courses, or correspondence courses for the core science and math pre-requisite requirements. Many programs also require that all pre-requisite coursework be completed within a certain period of time, e.g., within 5 years prior to application. Policies vary by school and program. Be sure you know the requirements