High School Diploma or GED;

Graduate from a physician assistant program;

Pass a state licensing exam

Generally have a set schedule each week.

May work full time or part time. Most work more than 40 hours a week.

May work weekends, nights, or early mornings. The hours depend on the practice and the setting.

May be on-call.

PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS will:

Perform a range of medical duties

basic care, such as interview patients, perform physical exams, and order lab tests.

PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS frequently:

set up goals and overall health plans for patients.

Are supervised by doctors

It is important that PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS be able to:

Must be exact in their work. Errors could seriously endanger patients' health

Make decisions on a daily basis that strongly impact patients. They consult doctors for some decisions