About the Physician Assistant Profession

Physician assistants are highly skilled health care professionals trained at nationally accredited programs. They practice under physician supervision, ensuring high-quality patient care. They provide a wide range of medical and surgical services to diverse populations. Certified physician assistants can practice in any medical discipline and must re-certify every ten years, obtaining 100 hours of continuing education every two years.

Abilities and Common Procedures

Physician assistants elicit medical histories, perform physical exams, order and interpret tests, manage diseases, prescribe medication, provide patient education, make referrals and assist in surgery. They are trained in procedures such as arterial puncture, injections, central line placement, incision and drainage, IV access, lumbar puncture, biopsy, splinting, suturing, catheter placement and more.

Practice Areas

Physician assistants can work in numerous medical and surgical areas, including family practice, emergency medicine, cardiology, surgery, pediatrics, dermatology, internal medicine, orthopedics, women’s health and more.

The UAMS Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program provides a robust and comprehensive education, essential for entering the physician assistant profession. The master’s-level degree in physician assistant studies is a prerequisite for practicing as a physician assistant.

The program offers a unique, cohort-based, lock-step, full-time curriculum that includes an intensive didactic phase and diverse clinical rotations, ensuring well-rounded training. Students benefit from hands-on learning, simulation labs and partnerships with top medical facilities, preparing them to deliver high-quality, compassionate health care.

Employment opportunities for physician assistants include roles in hospitals, clinics, community health centers, the armed forces, government agencies, research, education and more. For a detailed list, please refer to the American Academy of Physician Associates website.

Graduates of the UAMS Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program are well-positioned for a successful career in various medical settings. The program’s rigorous training and strong clinical affiliations ensure that graduates are highly sought after by employers.

The demand for physician assistants continues to grow, with excellent job prospects and opportunities for advancement in the health care field. For more information, visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics PA Profession Outlook.

Physician assistants typically enjoy competitive salaries, with earnings varying based on location, specialty and experience. The comprehensive training provided by the UAMS Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program equips graduates with the skills needed to secure well-paying positions in diverse medical environments, contributing to a fulfilling and financially rewarding career. For more information, please view the Statistical Profile of Board Certified Physician Assistants Annual Report by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.

Prospective students can learn more about the physician assistant profession by visiting the resources on our Professional Links page. The organizations listed on that page provide extensive information on physician assistant roles, certification, educational standards and professional development opportunities.