Physician assistants are licensed health
professionals that practice under the supervision of a physician.
Physician assistant (PA) certificate programs are rare and diploma
programs are currently unavailable. The most common online program
training physician assistants is at the master's level.
Online Master's Degree Program for Physician Assistants Overview
Online Master of Science (M.S.) in
Physician Assistant
Studies or Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) programs are
typically aimed at current medical professionals, such as physician
assistants and registered nurses (RNs), who already have a bachelor's
degree and wish to progress to a graduate program. Students examine
health care
policy, physician assistant duties and medical ethics. Students can
focus on clinical studies or concentrate on health education and
leadership. With a bachelor's degree, these programs generally take 1-2
years.
Acceptance to a master's degree program for physician assistants
requires a bachelor's degree, preferably in a health care subject.
Students currently employed as medical professionals can complete a
program's clinical hours requirements at their place of work. To
complete the program, students must conduct scholarly research on a
medical issue and write a paper. Some programs are offered entirely
online, while others have clinical classes that require travel to
campus.
Reliable high-speed Internet access is required. Some schools require
a Windows operating system and Microsoft Office. Security software is
recommended. Personal computers should be equipped with a microphone,
speakers and a webcam for videoconferencing. Students may need to
download some media software and plugins to access class materials.
List of Common Master's Level Physician Assistant Courses
Prerequisite coursework includes pharmacology, anatomy and
physiology. Programs involving clinical practice teach skills in
treating chronic conditions and provide experience for a variety of
settings, including primary care, hospitals, emergency rooms and nursing
homes.
The Role of the Physician Assistant Course
Students gain interviewing skills to determine a patient's medical
history with respect to cultural and ethnic backgrounds. This course
outlines state and national PA organizations. Other legal and
professional concerns include liability, credentials, licensure and
insurance. This class also discusses the function of a PA in rural and
underserved areas.
Investigative Studies Course
This course trains physician assistants to conduct tests, make
clinical decisions, diagnose illnesses and determine courses of
treatment. Students become familiar with normal test results and learn
to recognize abnormals for each test. This course provides the requisite
knowledge of chemistry, microbiology, hematology and immunology for
interpreting test results.
Current Ethical Issues Course
Students review and analyze bioethics and medical trends for the
practicing physician assistant using case studies. Topics include
bioterrorism, palliative and end of life care, alternative medicine and
rehabilitative care.
Physicians assistants are employed by hospitals, physician's offices,
mental health providers, outpatient treatment centers and schools.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (
www.bls.gov),
physician assistants had a mean annual wage of $84,830 in May 2009. The
BLS predicts employment in this field will increase by 39% between 2008
and 2018.
Certification and Continuing Education
Physicians assistants are required to pass the Physician Assistant
National Certifying Examination and must take a recertification exam
every 6 years. Continuing medical education occurs every 2 years.
Professional development courses for physician assistants are often
offered online. Graduates who wish to pursue higher levels of education
can earn a research-focused Doctor of Physician Assistant Studies or a
Doctor of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (DScPA).
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