Medical Careers Guide
Medical Career Guides:
Advanced Nurse Career
Alternative Medicine Careers
Anesthesiologist Careers
Cardiologist Career
Cardiovascular Technology Career
Dental Assistant Career
Dental Hygiene Career
Dental Lab Tech Careers
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Career
Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound Careers
Dietetic Careers
EKG Tech Career
Emergency Medical Technician Careers
Physical Fitness Careers
Forensic Nurse Careers
Gerontologist Careers
Health Career
Health Education as a Career
Health IT careers
Health Science Career
Healthcare Career
Health Care Management Career
Massage Therapy Career
Medical Admin Career
Medical Assistant Careers
Medical Assisting Careers
Medical Billing Careers
Medical Billing & Coding Career
Medical Coding Careers
Medical Engineer Careers
Medical Insurance Career
Medical Office Administration Career
Medical Tech Careers
Medical Transcription as a Career
Mental Health Career
Natural Health Career
Nursing Career
Nutrition Career
Paramedics Career
Pediatrician Nurse Career
Pharmacist Career
Pharmacy Tech Career
Phlebotomist as a Career
Physical Therapy Assistant Career
Physical Therapist Careers
Physician Assisting Career
Psychologist Careers
Public Health as a Career
Radiation Therapy Career
Radiologist Careers
RN Careers
Respiratory Therapist Career
Sonography Careers
Sport Medicine Careers
Surgical Technologist Career
Veterinarian Careers
Vet Tech Careers
Xray Technician Career


Physician Assistant Career

Introduction
Physician Assistants provide healthcare services under the supervision of a physician. The duties of a physician assistant are usually determined by the supervising physician, but their responsibilities typically include taking medical histories, examining and treating patients, ordering and interpreting laboratory tests and x rays, making diagnoses, recording progress notes, and instructing and counseling patients. Physician assistants also are equipped to treat minor injuries by suturing, splinting, and casting, and in 47 states, PAs can also prescribe medications. Physician assistants may also have some managerial duties such as ordering laboratory supplies and equipment and supervising technicians and medical assistants. Physician assistants should not be confused with medical assistants, who perform more routine clinical and clerical tasks.

Training/Education
All 50 states require that physician assistants complete an accredited, formal PA program before embarking on a physician assistant career. These programs usually last at least 2 years, and include instruction in biochemistry, pathology, anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, disease prevention, and medical ethics. A PA program will also include supervised clinical training opportunities in several areas of medicine through various "rotations."

Licensing
All physician assistants are required to pass a nationally recognized licensing exam in order to practice, and must complete at least 100 hours of continuing medical education every 2 years in order to remain certified.

Physician Assistant Career Opportunities
Many physician assistants work in primary care fields such as general internal medicine, pediatrics, and family medicine. However, as physician assistant you could specialize in any area of medicine including surgery or emergency medicine. Physician assistants do work under the supervision of a physician, however, in some rural or inner city clinics where a physician is only present part of the time, PAs may be the principal care provider.

The Following Schools Provide Educational Programs For Physician Assistant Careers:
  Keiser University eCampus Online

Keiser University eCampus Online offers degrees in fields that are in high demand and provides job placement assistance to all its students and alumni. We research trends for growing fields and tailor our curriculum to prepare students for entry and advancement to rewarding careers.

Locations:
Online
Medical Education Programs:
Medical Assisting
Request more information from Keiser University eCampus Online.
  Independence University

Advance your healthcare career 24/7 at Independence University. Our online programs in Allied Health, Respiratory Therapy, Health Services, and Nursing are specially designed to provide you with the cutting-edge skills you need to thrive in your new career. Earn your certificate, associate, bachelor's or master's degree. Independence University makes it easy for you to succeed.

Locations:
Online
Medical Education Programs:
Allied Health
Request more information from Independence University.
  A.T. Still University of Health Sciences

Attention health care professionals - now you can earn your Master of Public Health degree 100% online from The School of Health Management (SHM) at the A.T. Still University of Health Sciences. This fully accredited institution offers comprehensive health management instruction which incorporates the osteopathic principles of mind, body, and spirit. Health care professionals looking to advance their career choose SHM.

Locations:
Online
Medical Education Programs:
Advanced Physician Assistant
Request more information from A.T. Still University of Health Sciences.
  ECPI College of Technology

A tech degree from ECPI means success in the real world. For over 36 years, ECPI has taught courses that focus on the skills employers need. Accredited programs such as Networking, Software Development, or Electronics are available. ECPI has locations in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina. Complete your Tech degree in as little as 16 months. For information on Accreditation for ECPI Technical College and ECPI College of Technology, click here.

Locations:
Columbia, SC
Medical Education Programs:
Diploma in Medical Assisting
Request more information from ECPI College of Technology.
  The Career Institute of American International College

Whether you're looking to get a new job, switch careers or move up in your current job, The Career Institute of American International College has a career-training program that's just right for you. Choose from over 20 job-focused programs in Healthcare, Information Technology, and Digital Media. Classes are offered in the morning, afternoon, and evening to fit in with your busy schedule.

Locations:
Braintree, MA Cambridge, MA Framingham, MA
Woburn, MA
Program availability may vary depending on campus.
Medical Education Programs:
Medical Assisting
Request more information from The Career Institute of American International College.
  Academy of Healing Arts

At the Academy of Healing Arts, our mission is to prepare students just like you for rewarding careers in the medical industry. We place a high priority on your success, and offer the hands-on training and skills you'll need to realize your career aspirations and dreams. Financial assistance is available for students who qualify.

Locations:
Las Vegas, NV
Medical Education Programs:
Medical Assistant
Request more information from Academy of Healing Arts.
  Allied College

Allied College offers practical, real-world training that can prepare you for an exciting, rewarding career in the health care or criminal justice fields in less time than you might think. Choose from a variety of career-focused programs including Dental Assistant, Massage Therapy, Medical Assistant, Medical Billing & Coding, Pharmacy Technician, Surgical Technologist, and Criminal Justice.

Locations:
Fenton, MO Maryland Heights, MO
Program availability may vary depending on campus.
Medical Education Programs:
Medical Assistant
Request more information from Allied College.
  Allied Medical & Technical Institute

Are you ready to reach for your career goals? Allied Medical & Technical Institute offers qualified and caring instructors, specialized career training, and flexible day and evening class schedules. Study at one of our two campus locations in Pennsylvania, and choose from a variety of career-focused programs, including Medical Assistant, Medical Transcriptionist/Billing Specialist, Medical Pharmacy Technician, Dental Assistant, Massage Therapist and more.

Locations:
Forty Fort, PA Scranton, PA
Program availability may vary depending on campus.
Medical Education Programs:
Medical Assistant Technician, Medical Assisting
Request more information from Allied Medical & Technical Institute.
  American Career College

American Career College (ACC) is one of the largest and most respected vocational training schools in the country. With campuses in Los Angeles and Orange County, ACC can provide you with the skills to become a Pharmacy Technician, Medical Assistant, Medical Biller/Health Claims Examiner, Optical Technician, Dental Assistant, Vocational Nursing, Computerized Business Specialist, or Surgical Technician. The best part? ACC can provide you with the skills you need in less than a year.

Locations:
Anaheim, CA Los Angeles, CA Norco, CA
Program availability may vary depending on campus.
Medical Education Programs:
Certificate - Medical Assistant
Request more information from American Career College.
  Antonelli College

At Antonelli College, you'll gain the practical skills employers demand while receiving individual attention in our small classes. Antonelli College offers you (and your parents/spouse) an extensive individual tour of the school and a detailed explanation of your chosen program. You will have the opportunity to speak to teachers and current students or graduates if you wish. Antonelli College's well-staffed Job Placement departments help you find part-time work while you're in school, and an entry-level job for when you graduate.

Locations:
Hattiesburg, MS Jackson, MS
Program availability may vary depending on campus.
Medical Education Programs:
Medical Assisting
Request more information from Antonelli College.
  Apollo College

A rewarding career in healthcare begins with a degree from Apollo College. Choose from highly respected programs in Healthcare, Dental Assisting, Massage Therapy, and Veterinary Services. Our faculty of real-world professionals will provide you with the knowledge you need to succeed. Each of our six conveniently located campuses feature state-of-the-art laboratories. Apollo has helped over 45,000 graduates realize their dream of a career in healthcare. Now it's your turn.

Locations:
Mesa, AZ Phoenix, AZ Phoenix (Westside), AZ
Tucson, AZ Boise, ID Albuquerque, NM
Portland, OR Spokane, WA
Program availability may vary depending on campus.
Medical Education Programs:
Limited X-Ray, Medical Assistant /Limited X-Ray
Request more information from Apollo College.
  Argosy University

To succeed in today's competitive workforce, you need a solid foundation of knowledge - and the power to put it to work. And that's exactly what an Argosy University education offers. Drawing upon our more than 30-year history of granting degrees in professional psychology, Argosy University has developed a curriculum that focuses on interpersonal skills and practical experience alongside academic learning. Because getting a degree is one thing. Succeeding, quite another.

Locations:
Phoenix, AZ Inland Empire, CA Los Angeles, CA
Orange County, CA San Diego, CA San Francisco, CA
Denver, CO Washington, DC Sarasota, FL
Tampa, FL Atlanta, GA Honolulu, HI
Chicago, IL Schaumburg, IL Twin Cities, MN
Nashville, TN Dallas, TX Seattle, WA
Program availability may vary depending on campus.
Medical Education Programs:
Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting
Request more information from Argosy University.
  Baker College

Founded in 1911, Baker College has helped hundreds of thousands of graduates achieve career fulfillment over the years. We provide job-specific training designed to help students launch a more personally rewarding career right out of college. And with Baker in their corner, they do — 98% of Baker College's available graduates are currently employed. Choose from convenient campus locations across the state of Michigan.

Locations:
Allen Park, MI Auburn Hills, MI Cadillac, MI
Clinton Township, MI Flint, MI Jackson, MI
Muskegon, MI Owosso, MI Port Huron, MI
Program availability may vary depending on campus.
Medical Education Programs:
Associate - Medical Assistant, Certificate - Medical Assistant
Request more information from Baker College.
  Berdan Institute

Looking to start a rewarding career in the rapidly growing healthcare field? The Berdan Institute can give you the skills, confidence, and hands-on training you need to succeed. Challenging, career-focused programs include Massage Therapy, Medical Assistant, Medical Coding and Billing, Dental Assisting, Pharmacy Technician and more. Job placement assistance is offered, and financial aid is available for qualified students.

Locations:
Wayne, NJ
Medical Education Programs:
Medical Assisting
Request more information from Berdan Institute.
  Berks Technical Institute

Locations:
Wyomissing, PA
Medical Education Programs:
Medical Assistant Sciences, Medical Certifications
Request more information from Berks Technical Institute.
  Bohecker College

Take your career to the next stage at Bohecker College. Bohecker offers a variety of programs designed to help you reach your career goals faster. Take advantage of small class sizes, hands-on training, and flexible scheduling. Associate and diploma programs include: Medical Assisting, Medical Coding and Billing, Accounting, Administrative Assisting (Executive, Legal, or Medical), Business Administration, Criminal Justice, and Sales and Marketing.

Locations:
Ravenna, OH
Medical Education Programs:
Medical Assisting
Request more information from Bohecker College.
  Brown Mackie College

Brown Mackie College Schools can help you learn the skills you need for your career and future. We have many convenient locations across the Midwest, Southeast and Southwest, and we offer a unique one-course-a-month delivery format that's specifically tailored to fit into your busy lifestyle. Take advantage of small class sizes, flexible scheduling, an outstanding faculty, and financial aid for those who qualify. Choose from a range of diploma, certificate, associate's and bachelor's in the areas of Accounting and Business, Healthcare, Legal Studies, and Computer Technology.

Locations:
Tucson, AZ Miami, FL Atlanta, GA
Moline, IL Fort Wayne, IN Indianapolis, IN
Merrillville, IN Michigan City, IN South Bend, IN
Lenexa, KS Salina, KS Fort Mitchell, KY
Hopkinsville, KY Louisville, KY Akron, OH
Canton, OH Cincinnati, OH Findlay, OH
Program availability may vary depending on campus.
Medical Education Programs:
Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting, Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology, Associate of Science in Medical Assisting, Associate of Science in Surgical Technology, Certificate in Medical Assistant, Diploma in Medical Assistant
Request more information from Brown Mackie College.
  Cambridge College

Want to jump-start your career in health care or criminal justice? Cambridge College can help. We offer practical, hands-on training that will prepare you for real-world success. Choose from a range of degree programs, including Criminal Justice, Dental Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, Massage Therapy, Surgical Technology, Medical Assistant, Medical Billing & Coding, and X-ray Technician.

Locations:
Aurora, CO Beaverton, OR
Program availability may vary depending on campus.
Medical Education Programs:
Massage Therapy
Request more information from Cambridge College.
  Career College of Northern Nevada

CCNN prepares you for the career you want with hands-on training that provide the confidence and skills employers want. You won't just finish your program knowing you can get the job. You'll know that you can keep the job and succeed at the job. CCNN teaches Microsoft Office to the Microsoft Office Specialist Certification level and offers short diploma programs in Medical Assisting and Electronics Repair Technician. Associate's of Occupational Studies Degree Programs are offered in the following fields: Medical Assistant, Paralegal and Electronic Engineering and Computer Technology.

Locations:
Reno, NV
Medical Education Programs:
Medical Assistant
Request more information from Career College of Northern Nevada.
  Central Florida College

At Central Florida College, we understand that students need every possible competitive advantage in the current employment environment. With education focused on meeting the needs of our graduates' employers, Central Florida College prepares students for careers in specialized technical professions. Not only do we use strategies that enable students to develop their skills, we also help them build a professional image.

Locations:
Largo, FL Winter Park, FL
Program availability may vary depending on campus.
Medical Education Programs:
Medical Assisting
Request more information from Central Florida College.
  Certified Careers Institute

Looking for a better, more prosperous career and a brighter future? Certified Careers Institute, with two Utah locations in Clearfield and Salt Lake City, can help. We offer hands-on career training in a variety of fields. Programs offered include business administration, network administrator, website/graphic design specialist, medical assistant, medical office specialist, dental assisting, and massage therapy

Locations:
Clearfield, UT Salt Lake City, UT
Program availability may vary depending on campus.
Medical Education Programs:
Medical Assisting
Request more information from Certified Careers Institute.
  Everest College

Advance your education and your career by earning your college degree. Everest College can help train you for a rewarding, long-term career in areas such as business, healthcare, legal studies, or technology. Get the skills employers are looking for and succeed beyond your wildest dreams. Financial aid is available to students who qualify.

Locations:
Phoenix, AZ Alhambra, CA City of Industry, CA
Gardena, CA Hayward, CA Los Angeles, CA
Ontario, CA Reseda, CA San Bernardino, CA
San Francisco, CA San Jose, CA Torrance, CA
Burr Ridge, IL Merrillville, IL Merrionette Park, IL