Online Physician Assistant Classes Overview

Physician assistant classes are offered in online, hybrid and on-campus formats, generally as part of a graduate-level program. Students study clinical medicine, behavioral science and medical science, while gaining hands-on skills in clinical practice and patient assessment. Online physician assistant classes offer students the opportunity to earn certificates or degrees while continuing to work and live in their local community.

Online Physician Assistant Classes

Physician assistants are skilled members of the heath care industry, who are licensed to practice medicine under the supervision of a physician. As one of the fastest growing professions in the country, physician assistants have excellent employment opportunities working in public clinics, hospitals, academic medical centers and traditional office-based medical settings.
Students enrolled in online physician assistant classes are generally working towards a postgraduate certificate or master's degree in physician assistant studies. Although the didactic portion of physician assistant classes and programs may be available fully online, students are generally required to complete a designated number of hours in a clinical setting. Upon completion of physician assistant classes, students may sit for the national certification exam.

Online Requirements

Students taking online physician assistant classes must have access to a computer with high-speed Internet access and an e-mail address. These classes require students to interact with instructors and other students via e-mail, web discussions and discussion board postings. Learning materials typically consist of audio and video files, PowerPoint presentations, documents and PDF files. An online course management system, like Blackboard, is commonly used to deliver course materials, display grades and turn in tests or assignments.
Most online physician assistant courses require students' computers to run Windows 2000 or higher or Mac 10.2 or higher. Software requirements include a compatible web browser, a word processing program, a video player and Adobe Acrobat Reader. Hardware requirements include a CD/DVD drive, sound card and a monitor.

Popular Physician Assistant Classes

Anatomy and Medical Terminology Class

Students learn medical terminology used by physician assistants along with the basic fundamentals of anatomy. This class prepares students for the clinical portion of the physician assistant program by offering instruction in the processes for medical interviewing, physical assessment and patient charting.

Physician Assistant Primary Care Class

This course focuses on the techniques and theories used in performing a physical examination, obtaining a patient's health history and completing charts on patients of various ages. Emphasis is on variances patients may exhibit due to normal or abnormal development, aging or pregnancy. Students learn effective methods for completing skillful physical exams through clinical skill labs.

Health Care Delivery Systems Class

Students receive an introduction to the U.S. health care delivery system and the financial issues affecting the system, particularly regarding physician assistant positions. This class focuses on such economic and financial issues as reimbursement, health insurance and managed health care.

Role of the Physician Assistant Class

Students learn the various roles and sectors of the physician assistant in the health care industry, including statewide and national physician assistant organizations, malpractice insurance, national certification, licensure requirements, liability, the role of the physician assistant in rural health care settings and other legal issues.