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
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.