Conduct complete physicals, provide treatment, and counsel patients. May, in some cases, prescribe medication. Must graduate from an accredited educational program for physician assistants.
Make a Difference
A Typical Day
- Examine patients to obtain information about their physical condition.
- Make tentative diagnoses and decisions about management and treatment of patients.
- Prescribe therapy or medication with physician approval.
- Administer or order diagnostic tests, such as x-ray, electrocardiogram, and laboratory tests.
- Interpret diagnostic test results for deviations from normal.
Recommended Credentials
Master's Degree
Education & Training
Regional employers often hire graduates of these programs.
Northwest Lower Michigan
Northwestern Michigan College: Associate in Science and Degree
Transfer into a Bachelor's Degree of Science, Engineering or pre-med focus
- Transfer to Western Michigan University
- Transfer to Wayne State University
Elsewhere in Michigan
Saginaw Valley State University: Pre-Physician Assistant
Western Michigan University: Physicians Assistant
Wayne State University: Physicians Assistant Studies
Grand Valley State University: Physician Assistant Studies
Explore This Career
Try it before you buy it!
You enjoy learning advanced biology, chemistry and technology.
- Take AP science classes in high school
- Job shadow a physician's assistant or doctor
The Local Advantage Learning Pathway
Pathway 1
Take AP or advanced biology, chemistry, physics and coursework recommended for pre-college.
Consider joining a program such as Northwest Education Services’ Health Sciences Program to start your journey.
Pathway 2
NMC Arts and Sciences Associates and transfer to 4-year college for a Bachelor's Degree as a Physician's Assistant
Pathway 3
Pursue a Master's Degree and then complete 3 - 5 years of on the job training
Sample Employers in Our Region
Click the logos below to learn more.
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TIP
Contact one of these companies and ask for an informational interview, to see if you can job shadow, or to find out if they hire interns.
Sample Job Titles...
- Certified Physician Assistant (PA-C)
- Clinical Physician Assistant
- Family Practice Physician Assistant
Hear It From The Pros
10-Year Job Growth Projections
Employed Regionally
Wage Range & Median 10-County Region
Annual Hires Regionally
Other Regional Career Resources
Learn more about Physician’s Assistants at O*NET Online.
Sample Career Pathways
Click to download a PDF of this diagram.
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