What Does a Physician Assistant Do?
A physician assistant (or PA) is a medical professional who is nationally certified and state-licensed to practice medicine. All PAs are graduates of an accredited PA educational program. PAs are licensed to practice and authorized to prescribe medication in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and all U.S. territories with the exception of Puerto Rico. They practice medicine in all settings and specialties. In light of a projected physician shortage estimated at 90,000 by 2020, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges America’s more than 95,000 PAs have the training, flexibility and agility to respond immediately to the demands placed on the US healthcare system.
A Physician Assistant’s responsibilities depend on state laws, practice setting, their experience and the scope of practice of the physicians on their healthcare team. PAs obtain medical histories conduct physical examinations, diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medication, order and interpret lab tests, perform procedures, assist in surgery, provide patient education and counseling and make rounds in hospitals and nursing homes. Yet this is not a comprehensive list of how PAs practice by any means.
NMSU does not offer a PA program.
What should I major in?
Although the majority of PA Schools do not require a specific undergraduate major, due to the academic preparation required for the PA School application, the GRE, and the PA-CAT; the most common Pre-PA majors at NMSU are: Biology, Chemistry, Kinesiology
Required Courses:
General Psychology (PSYC 1110G)
Introductory Sociology (SOCI 1110G)
General Biology (BIOL 2610G/2610L and BIOL 2110G/2110L)
General Chemistry (CHEM 1215G and CHEM 1225G)
College Algebra (MATH 1220G)
English Composition (ENGL 1110G)
Biochemistry (BCHE 395)
Anatomy & Physiology: BIOL 353/BIOL 353L and BIOL 354/BIOL 354L or SPMD 2210/2210L and SPMD 3210/3210L
Organic Chemistry (CHEM 313, 314 and 315L)
General Microbiology (BIOL 311/311L)
Statistics (MATH 1350G, STAT 371 or A ST 311)
Genetics (BIOL 305 or ANSC 305)
Recommended Courses:
Technical Writing Trigonometry Calculus Spanish Abnormal Psychology Developmental Psychology
*Although coursework listed is recommended by most Physician Assistant Schools, admissions requirements may vary from school to school. Please check specific physician assistant school admission websites for detailed prerequisite requirements.
