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Physician assistant: the path

Provide healthcare services typically performed by a physician, under the supervision of a physician. Conduct complete physicals, provide treatment, and counsel patients. May, in some cases, prescribe medication. Must graduate from an accredited educational program for physician assistants. Description from O*NET

Also called: Cardiology Physician Assistant, Certified Physician Assistant (PA-C), Emergency Medicine Physician Assistant (Emergency Medicine PA), Family Practice Physician Assistant, Orthopaedic Physician Assistant

Typical pay$135,880Median yearly pay, BLS 2025
Job outlook+21.1% jobsProjected change, 2025–35. All jobs: +3.5%.
Time after high schoolAbout 6 to 8 yearsTypical full-time study and training
  1. Step 1Bachelor’s degree4 years, with science prerequisites
  2. Step 2Patient-care experienceMany programs ask for hands-on hours before applying
  3. Step 3PA master’s programAbout 2 to 3 years
  4. Step 4Certification exam and state license

Typical education to start: Master's degree · More on the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook

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Colleges for this path

Related majors: Biology, General · Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology · Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness · Chemistry

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1,394 colleges match

College Scorecard, 2024 data. Earnings are the median for graduates of the related majors, 4 years after graduating. All figures are estimates.

Best value = earnings ÷ (net price × years of study). Net prices under $1,000 count as $1,000.

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