Introduction
Physician assistants are formally trained to work under the supervision of physicians. Responsibilities include taking medical histories, performing physical exams, ordering and interpreting laboratory tests and x-rays, making preliminary diagnoses, treating minor injuries, and in some states, prescribing medication. Opportunities exist in areas such as surgery, emergency medicine, intensive care medicine, psychiatry, geriatrics, neurology, obstetrics/gynecology, inpatient medicine, and pediatrics.
The supervising physician may delegate to the physician assistant those medical procedures and other tasks that are performed within the normal scope of the physician's practice. The physician assistant is subject to the limitations set forth by the supervising physician in addition to the laws, rules, and regulations determined by the state. Registration or licensure of physician assistants varies from state to state. Qualifications set by the state licensing authority must be met. Typically, certification is for six years and must be accompanied by 100 hours of continuing medical education every two years.
This is a six-year program sponsored jointly by the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) and Rutgers University, Livingston College. Upon completion of the program graduates receive a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biological Sciences from Rutgers University and a Master of Science degree from UMDNJ.
A Sample of Related Occupations
| Child Health Associate | Nurse Practitioner | Physical Therapist |
| Clinical Psychologist | Nursing Aide | Physician Associate |
| Community Health Medic | Occupational Therapist | Respiratory Therapist |
| Dental Assistant | Occupational Therapy Assistant | Speech and Hearing Clinician |
| Emergency Medical Technician | Ophthalmic Medical Assistant | Surgeon's Assistant |
| Home Health Aide | Optometric Assistant | Surgical Technician |
| Medical Assistant | Orthopedic Physician Assistant | Urological Physician Assistant |
Types of Employers
| Private & Non-profit Organizations | ||
| Academic medical centers | Medical groups | Research organizations |
| Extended care facilities | Nursing homes | Resorts |
| Health maintenance organizations | Private practices | Satellite clinics |
| Hospitals | Public health clinics | Student health services |
| Industrial clinics | Rehabilitation centers | Urban community centers |
| Internal medicine offices | ||
| Government Agencies | ||
| Armed Forces | Peace Corps | Veterans Administration |
| Federal Bureau of Prisons | Public Health Service | |
Jobs Obtained by Rutgers Graduates
| First Jobs of Recent Graduates | |
| Grad. Student, Rutgers University, MA in Adult & Continuing Education | Physician Assistant, The Work Recovery Center |
| Health & Nutrition Advisor, Mennonite Central Committee | Physician Assistant-Pediatrics, Jersey City Medical Center |
| Physician Assistant, Industrial Health Care | Physician Associate, Grace Hospital Medical Center |
| Physician Assistant, Johns Hopkins University Hospital | Sales Representative, Travel Dynamics |
| Physician Assistant, Mt. Sinai Hospital | Teacher, School District of Philadelphia |
| Jobs of Experienced Alumni | |
| Analyst, AT&T Corporate Headquarters (PhD) | Physician Assistant, Mayo Clinic |
| Clinical Coordinator, UMDNJ | Physician Assistant, Pediatrics, Kings County Hospital |
| Physician Assistant Educator/Assoc. Professor, UMDNJ (PhD) | Research & Development, AT&T Corporate Headquarters (PhD) |
Additionally, you may:
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Last Updated: 04/24/2009
Last Updated: 04/24/2009