Earning a physician assistant degree will provide you with the pre-requisite certification to practice medicine under direct supervision of a registered nurse or licensed physician. While initial comparisons to a medical assistant show know major differences, it is worth noting that while the medical assistant focuses on the administrative duties in a health facility, a physician assistant supports the physician across a range of clinical services, which include but not limited to:
- Treating sores, wounds and minor injuries
- Examining patients
- Overseeing medical prescription
- Taking patient medical histories
- Overseeing and analyzing x-rays and lab tests
Enrolling into a physician assistant degree program at an accredited school will prep you for a career after two years study and after completing an exam by the National Commission on Certification of Physical Assistants you will then become fully licensed to practice.