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How it started
The PA profession was created to improve and expand healthcare. In the mid-1960s, physicians and educators recognized there was a shortage of primary care physicians. -
Eugene A. Stead Jr.
Eugene A. Stead Jr., MD, of the Duke University Medical Center, put together the first class of PAs in 1965. He selected four Navy Hospital Corpsmen who had received considerable medical training during their military service. -
PA salary
As of 2012..
Median pay (annual): 90,930 USD (2012)
Median pay (hourly): 43.72 USD (2012) -
Duties of a PA
PAs are formally trained to examine patients, diagnose injuries and illnesses, and provide treatment, order and interpret laboratory tests and X-rays, make diagnoses, and prescribe medications. -
Education required
Most PA programs require to have at least three years of healthcare experience. Choices for gaining this experience include working as an EMT, paramedic, or nurse before applying. After earning a bachelor's degree, some students go on to complete a two year masters physician assistant program. -
Citations
"History." AAPA. Web. 31 Jan. 2016.
Physician Assistants." MyFuture.com. Web. 31 Jan. 2016.
Mayo School of Health Sciences." Physician Assistant. Web. 31 Jan. 2016.
on (PA): MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia." U.S National Library of Medicine. U.S. National
