[ Center for the Health Professions ]

Pre-Physician Assistant

Physician assistants perform much the same work that physicians do. They examine patients, make diagnoses, and plan and implement treatment for a wide variety of illnesses and conditions. In almost every state, they can even prescribe medications. So what’s the difference? Simply put, physician assistants must work under the supervision of a medical doctor. (They also don’t have to complete a residency.) Even so, most PAs enjoy a considerable degree of autonomy.

Are there a lot of jobs for physician assistants?
Will I need further study?
What should I major in?
What are the course requirements?
What about advising?
How do I get certified?
Where can I find additional information?

Are there a lot of jobs for physician assistants?
Yes! And job opportunities are likely to get even better. The U.S. Department of Labor anticipates that employment opportunities for PAs will grow much faster than the average through the year 2012, citing the growth of the health care industry and the increasing emphasis on cost containment.

You’ll have plenty of choices about where you practice, too. Physician assistants work in clinics, physicians’ offices, hospitals, academic medical centers, prisons, and more.

Will I need further study?
Yes, you will need to complete a bachelor of medical science or a master’s degree. You may either complete a bachelor’s degree at Elmhurst and then enter a second-degree physician assistant program, or you may enter a professional physician assistant program after completing two years at Elmhurst.

What should I major in?
You may choose any major, as long as you complete the course requirements of the physician assistant program you’re applying to.

What are the course requirements?
In making admission decisions, physician assistant programs give preference to students who have one year of health care experience. This experience can be in a variety of credentialed and non-credentialed positions, either on a part-time or full-time basis, with compensation or as a volunteer.

Recommended courses include:

• BIO 250, 251, 414, and 107/108 or 418/428
• CHM 211, 212, 311, 312, 315
• ENG two courses, English composition and English literature
• MTH 121 or a higher course and statistics
• Humanities, two courses
• Social sciences, two courses
• Science electives, two courses

What about advising?
Expert advising is an important part of the Center for the Health Professions. We’ll pair you with one of our expert advisors to match your specific academic and professional interests. Your advisor will work with you throughout your Elmhurst career, clearing obstacles and giving expert guidance. Want to know more? See Advisors.

How do I get certified?
Graduates of professional programs sit for the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination.

Where can I find additional information?
You can start by contacting us at Elmhurst’s Center for the Health Professions or check out these websites:

The American Academy of Physician Assistants
http://www.aapa.org
AAPA is a national organization that represents physician assistants in all specialties and all employment settings. On this site, you’ll find information about physician assistant programs, how to apply, and what to expect as a PA.

Physician Associate/Assistant World
http://www.paworld.net/whatpadoes.htm
This site provides information on what a physician assistant does.