Physician Assistant Course: Admission 2023, Fees, Syllabus, Entrance Exam, Career Scope

Physician Assistant course is for all prospective individuals who want to pursue a profession in healthcare. A physician assistant is one such person who works under the supervision of a physician.

The duties include providing services such as illness diagnosis, primary treatment, drugs, first-aid, and other services in the absence of a physician. Enrol in a reputable institute to pursue a medical speciality for a Physician Assistant course. The Physician Assistant course training prepares candidates to meet the medical demands of a patient. 

A Physical Assistant's position is frequently confused with that of a nurse practitioner. While they perform the same function, their training and specialisation options are vastly different. A Physical Assistant receives general medicine training and is educated in a disease-centred curriculum approach similar to that of a medical student. They can also specialise in a variety of fields after receiving their degree.

Nurse practitioners, on the other hand, are trained in advanced nursing roles using a patient-centred education and practice model. In addition, before beginning their graduate programme, they usually choose a primary speciality and work with that specific patient population.

No, a BSc Physician Assistant is not equal to a doctor. While PAs are trained to provide a range of medical services and work closely with physicians, they do not have the same level of training or scope of practice as doctors.

The Physician Assistant works under the supervision or in collaboration with a physician. PAs can perform many of the same tasks as doctors but must work within the scope defined by their supervising physician or practice regulations. Whereas, the ddoctore has full autonomy to diagnose, treat, and manage all aspects of patient care. Doctors are also responsible for making complex medical decisions and leading healthcare teams.

While PAs play a crucial role in the healthcare system and can provide high-quality care, they do so within a framework that supports and supervises their work.

No, in India, NEET is not typically required for admission into Physician Assistant courses. Admission to PA programs usually depends on Class 12 scores.

However, requirements can vary between institutions, so it's always best to check the specific admission criteria of the programme you are interested in.

Yes, it is possible to pursue a BSc in Physician Assistant after completing a BSc in Visual Communication, but it depends on the admission requirements of the institution. Most BSc Physician Assistant programs require a Science background, especially in subjects like Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, at the 10+2 level.

If you meet the eligibility criteria and are willing to make the switch to the healthcare field, you can apply for this course. Additionally, some institutions may require you to appear for an entrance exam or have prior knowledge in science-related subjects to ensure a smooth transition.

If you are interested in a broader role in patient care and a variety of medical fields, a Physician Assistant might be the better choice. If you are particularly passionate about cardiovascular health and want to work closely with surgical teams in a specialised capacity, Cardiac Perfusion Technology could be more suitable. 

A Physician Assistant programme offers a broad range of medical training, preparing you to assist physicians in diagnosing and treating patients across various specialties. In contrast, Cardiac Perfusion Technology focuses specifically on operating heart-lung machines and other equipment during cardiac surgeries.

No, in India, NEET is not typically required for admission into Physician Assistant courses. Admission to PA programs usually depends on Class 12 scores.

However, requirements can vary between institutions, so it's always best to check the specific admission criteria of the programme you are interested in.

The BSc Physician Assistant course typically lasts for three years, depending on the institution and country. BSc Physician Assistant is designed to provide a comprehensive education in medical sciences, clinical skills, and patient care.

During this period, students undergo both theoretical learning and practical training through clinical placements to gain hands-on experience. 

Because Physician Assistant have the chance to succeed in practically any specialist field of medicine, the roles, specialisations, and sub-specialities of physician assistants are diverse. Throughout their careers, Physician Assistants can choose to specialise in one or more areas. The versatility of the Physician Assistant function is a significant asset. Some of the more prevalent specialities are:

• Anaesthesia

• Anaesthesia

Anaesthesia

Emergency medicine

• ENT/Otolaryngology

• Family medicine

• General practice

• Internal medicine

• Neurology

• Obstetrics and gynaecology (OB/GYN)

• Anaesthesia

Paediatrics

• Surgery

Major subjects for Physician Assistant courses often include:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Pathology
• Pharmacology
• Clinical Medicine
• Physical Examination Techniques
• Medical Ethics and Professionalism
• Surgical Procedures
• Pediatrics
• Internal Medicine
• Emergency Medicine
• Preventive Medicine
• Psychiatry and Behavioral Health
• Clinical Skills and Patient Care

Physician Assistant students typically study a range of subjects to prepare for their roles in healthcare. 

Major subjects often include:

• Anatomy and Physiology

• Pharmacology

• Clinical Medicine

• Pathology

• Microbiology

• Physical Diagnosis

• Medical Ethics and Law

The following colleges offer Diploma and Certificate in Physician Assistant courses:

Hi, St. Francis College for Women | Begumpet, Hyderabad provides Advanced Post Graduate Diploma in Physician Assistant, PG Diploma Full Time.

Duration - 2 years. 

https://www.shiksha.com/medicine-health-sciences/paramedical/colleges/physician-assistant-colleges-india?uaf[]=credential&ts=81619233&rf=filters&sp[]=404&cl[]=15&cr[]=10.

In India, the annual fees for a Physician Assistant (PA) course generally range from INR 50,000 to INR 1,50,000, depending on the institution.

Private institutions may charge higher fees compared to government colleges.

Yes, after 12th in PCB, candidates can pursue the Physician Assistant course. Following are the best colleges to pursue Physician Assistant course from:

A physician assistant is a health care practitioner who works with a doctor. While they have many of the same responsibilities as doctors, they do not have the same amount of authority. Physician assistants work in all fields of medicine, examining, diagnosing, and treating a wide range of patients. The following are some of the primary responsibilities of a medical assistant:

• Examine the medical histories of the patients

• Examine patients in order to provide an accurate diagnosis.

• Order and evaluate diagnostic testing like X-rays.

• Diagnose injuries or illnesses in patients

• Create and oversee patient treatment strategies.

• Help with patient surgeries

• As needed, prescribe drugs.

Physician Assistants provide diagnostic and therapeutic patient care in practically all medical disciplines and settings, working together with physicians. Patients' histories are taken, physical examinations are performed, laboratory and diagnostic testing are ordered, drugs are prescribed, and treatment programmes are developed.

Clinical practice, patient education, team leadership, medical education, health administration, and research are all part of their job descriptions, which are as varied as those of their supervising physicians.

As with other medical professionals, working as a physician assistant can be demanding and stressful. This position essentially makes you responsible for the lives of your patients. Given the nature of the job, you may feel stressed even while caring for patients under the supervision of a physician.

Physician assistants are often forced to execute a number of duties on a tight timeline, which adds to the job's stress. Fortunately, there are various ways to promote relaxation, such as having dinner with friends after work or going for a brief walk outside for some fresh air.

It can be slightly tough to become a physician assistant in a specialised course.

Advanced training is frequently required to specialise in a specific subject. In order to practise in a speciality or sub-speciality, Physician Assistants must typically undergo a fellowship or residency. Additional training requirements, certifications, roles, and responsibilities, as well as factors such as pay, differ by speciality field.

For a variety of reasons, a physical therapist may wish to progress to the position of physician assistant. To become a physician assistant, a physical therapist must either fulfil or complete the prerequisites and higher education criteria required to apply to a physician assistant programme.

They will need to become qualified as a physician assistant after completing a two-year physician assistant programme.

Physician Assistants in India generally earn varying salaries based on their specialization, experience, and the sector they work in. Physicians, including specialists and general practitioners, tend to earn higher salaries compared to other healthcare professionals. 

Candidates can check the level-wise salary of a Physician Assistant in India.

• Entry-Level: INR 2 - 3 LPA

• Mid-Level: INR 3 - 4.5 LPA

• Senior-Level:  INR 4 - 5 LPA

Yes, you can pursue a Master's in Occupational Therapy (MOT) after completing a B.Sc in Physician Assistant, provided you meet the eligibility criteria set by the institutions offering the program.

Some universities may require you to have a background in specific healthcare courses, but many accept students from allied health disciplines like Physician Assistant.

In terms of high salary potential, some of the best PG courses in India include:

Many physician assistants work full-time and work more than 40 hours each week. As a physician, you may be required to work odd hours, such as at night, on weekends, and even on holidays. Your company may also ask you to work on call, which means you must respond to work requests at any time.

A Physician Assistant's particular responsibilities are established by their supervising physician and state law, however, they perform many of the same functions as a primary care physician. They work in all 50 states and in a wide range of clinical settings and specialities.

A Physician Assistant's functions and responsibilities on a normal day include:

• Making rounds and examining patients

• Illness diagnosis

• Providing assistance during surgery

• Ordering and interpreting laboratory and X-ray tests

• Medication prescriptions

• Creating and implementing treatment plans

• recommending preventative care and healthy lifestyle options to people

No, while Physician Assistants collaborate with a supervising physician, this does not imply that they are directly supervised by a physician.

Most work on their own, under the confines of a state-defined scope of practice. For example, each state has its own set of rules and regulations governing the types of medications that a Physician Assistants may prescribe. Anything not on that list necessitates extra consultation with a physician.

After completing a Physician Assistant (PA) course in India, several options can enhance your career prospects or align with your interests.

Here are a few possibilities:

• Master’s in Physician Assistant
• MPH
• MBA in Hospital Administration
• Clinical Research