FAQ(Frequently Asked Questions)

  1. What is a physician assistant (PA)?

  2. How do doctors and PAs work together?

  3. Which areas of medicine can PAs work in?

  4. What are differences between physicians and PAs?

  5. What is a CNA and where can I go to get CNA certification in this local area?

  6. What service/volunteer opportunities are available locally with a pre-health focus?

  7. How do I find out more information about various programs?


1. What is a physician assistant?


PAs are health care professionals who are licensed to practice medicine with physician supervision. PAs conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, counsel on preventive health care, assist in surgery, and in virtually all states can write prescriptions. PAs are trained in intensive education programs accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). Physician assistants receive a broad education in medicine.

Source: http://www.physicianassistantforum.com/


 

2. How do doctors and PAs work together?

Because of the close working relationship the PAs have with physicians, PAs are educated in the medical model designed to complement physician training. The relationship between a PA and the supervising physician is one of mutual trust and respect. The physician assistant is a representative of the physician, treating the patient in the style and manner developed and directed by the supervising physician. The physician and PA practice as members of a medical team.


 

3. Which areas of medicine can PAs work in?

PAs work in all areas of medicine, not just primary care. General rotations in PA school include (family medicine, internal med, general surgery, pediatrics, women’s health, emergency medicine, psychiatry, and electives); PA’s can work in any area of medicine including: neurology, dermatology, etc.


 

4. What are the differences between physicians and PAs?

The scope of the PA's practice corresponds to the supervising physician's practice. In general, a physician assistant will see many of the same types of patients as the physician. The cases handled by physicians are generally the more complicated medical cases or those cases, which require care that is not a routine part of the PA's scope of work.

Physician assistants are educated in the "medical model"; in some schools they attend many of the same classes as medical students. One of the main differences between PA education and a physician’s education is not the core content of the curriculum, but the amount of time spent in formal education. In addition to time in school, physicians are required to do an internship, and the majority of physician’s also complete a residency in a specialty following that. PAs do not have to undertake an internship or residency. A physician has complete responsibility for the care of the patient. PAs share that responsibility with the supervising physicians.

Source: http://www.physicianassistantforum.com/


5. What is a CNA and where can I go to get CNA certification in this local area?

A certified nursing assistant, or CNA, helps patients or clients with healthcare needs under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or a Licensed Practical Nurse.

Things to consider for CNA training:

Community College: Hours/schedule are more full-time in nature and college credit is also awarded along with certification. Therefore, cost might be higher for credit/certification.

Other Organization: Course offerings tend to be more part-time in nature to accommodate working/students schedules. Cost might also be slightly lower because of no academic credit earned.

Nursing Assistant Training and Test Sites (search by city) MN Department of Health

American Red Cross courses: Nurse Assistant Training, Basic Life Support (BLS) and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

American Heart Association: CPR & First Aid courses


6. What service/volunteer opportunities are available locally with a pre-health focus?

Gusatvus Service Programs: https://gustavus.edu/servantleadership/communityservice/serviceprograms/

Gustavus Service Programs pre-health focus: Wednesday Friends, Gustie Buddies, Elders, Hoffman Learning Center

Mayo Clinic Caring Hands Program


7. How do I find out more information about various programs?

Attending an information session, preview day, or visiting campus is a great way to learn more. Here are links to various opportunities.


Updated 4/21/2021 HAB