Physician Assistants Explained: Role, Training, and How to Launch Your PA Career

In today’s fast-evolving healthcare landscape, physician assistants (PAs) are in high demand. These versatile professionals bridge the gap between doctors and patients providing diagnostic care, performing procedures, and ensuring continuity of care in diverse settings. If you’re considering a healthcare career, understanding the PA profession is a great place to start.

This guide explores what physician assistants do, how they differ from other medical professionals, and how Go Elective can support your journey through immersive international internships.

What Does a Physician Assistant Do?

A physician assistant is a licensed healthcare provider trained to examine patients, diagnose illnesses, prescribe medications, assist in surgeries, and more—all under the supervision of a physician. PAs work in nearly every medical specialty, including primary care, emergency medicine, surgery, and psychiatry.

Their responsibilities may include:

Taking medical histories and conducting physical exams
Diagnosing and treating illnesses and injuries
Ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests
Creating and managing treatment plans
Prescribing medications
Assisting in surgical procedures
Educating and counseling patients
Coordinating with physicians and other healthcare providers

How Is a PA Different from a Doctor?

PAs and physicians often share overlapping duties, but their educational paths and levels of autonomy differ. Physicians complete medical school and a residency program, while PAs complete a master’s program in physician assistant studies, typically lasting 2–3 years.

PAs always practice under the supervision of a physician, though the degree of oversight varies by state and setting. In contrast, physicians practice independently and often take on broader responsibilities, including leading entire healthcare teams.

Why Become a Physician Assistant?

PAs enjoy a unique blend of job flexibility, competitive salaries, and meaningful patient impact. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, PA employment is projected to grow by 27% from 2022 to 2032—much faster than average.

Benefits of becoming a PA include:

High job satisfaction and impact on patient care
Ability to switch specialties without additional certification
A shorter and more affordable education path compared to medical school
Strong earning potential (median salary in 2023: $126,010)
Work-life balance in various clinical settings

Education Pathway: How to Become a PA

The path to becoming a physician assistant includes a mix of education, clinical experience, and licensing:

Bachelor’s Degree: Focus on science courses like biology, chemistry, anatomy, or health sciences.
Healthcare Experience: Most programs require 500–2,000 hours of direct patient care. Roles like EMT, CNA, or MA can count.
Master’s Program: Apply to an ARC-PA-accredited physician assistant program, typically lasting 24–36 months.
PANCE Exam: Pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam to become a certified PA (PA-C).
State Licensure: Apply for licensure in your desired state of practice.
Ongoing Certification: Maintain your credentials through continuing education and periodic recertification exams.

Want a closer look? Explore the PA School Map to find accredited programs and admission requirements near you.

Global Experience: Pre-PA Internships with Go Elective

Looking to gain competitive patient care hours while exploring the world? Go Elective’s Physician Assistant Internships Abroad are designed for students like you. Our immersive programs offer hands-on experience in high-volume hospitals, where you’ll shadow experienced clinicians and engage with real patients across specialties like:

Emergency medicine
Surgery
Pediatrics
Obstetrics and gynecology
Internal medicine

Visit our Pre-PA Internships page to learn how international experience can strengthen your PA school application—and your global perspective.

How Go Elective Enhances Your PA Journey

In addition to clinical exposure, Go Elective provides:

Mentorship from licensed physicians and PAs
Group orientation and academic support
Safe, fully coordinated housing and transport
Cultural excursions and public health outreach

This isn’t just a shadowing program. It’s a chance to build global competence, sharpen your clinical instincts, and demonstrate leadership in unfamiliar settings.

FAQs About the Physician Assistant Profession

#1. What’s the job outlook for PAs in 2025 and beyond?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, PA jobs are expected to grow significantly due to physician shortages, increased demand for healthcare services, and expanded access to care.

#2. Can PAs specialize?

Yes. PAs can transition into specialties like dermatology, cardiology, orthopedics, or psychiatry without attending residency. Some earn additional credentials such as a Certificate of Added Qualifications (CAQ).

#3. How do PAs collaborate with physicians?

PAs work closely with supervising physicians to provide coordinated, efficient care. They often manage follow-ups, perform procedures, and handle patient education—freeing up physicians for more complex cases.

#4. How is a PA different from a Nurse Practitioner (NP)?

Both roles provide advanced care, but PAs follow the medical model (like physicians), while NPs follow the nursing model. NPs may have more independent practice rights in some states, but PAs often enjoy broader specialty flexibility.

Preparing for PA School: Tips for Future Applicants

To become a competitive applicant:

Maintain a strong GPA (especially in science coursework)
Accumulate meaningful clinical hours
Get letters of recommendation from healthcare professionals
Craft a compelling personal statement
Prepare for PA school interviews with mock sessions and program research

Consider exploring PA admissions prep resources, such as PAEA’s official CASPA guide.

Final Thoughts: Is a PA Career Right for You?

Becoming a physician assistant offers a fulfilling balance of clinical responsibility, patient interaction, and career flexibility. Whether you're just beginning your healthcare journey or seeking meaningful pre-PA experiences, Go Elective is here to help you build a strong foundation for success.

Ready to start your journey? Explore our Pre-PA programs or contact us to learn how you can intern in Kenya or Tanzania.