Pre-Physician Assistant Preparation

Physician assistants (PAs) are able to examine, diagnose, and treat patients under a doctor’s supervision. They practice medicine as part of a team that includes physicians, surgeons, and other health-care professionals.

Physician assistants work in all areas of medicine. You can choose a primary care setting or specialize in another area, such as emergency medicine. In some cases, PAs serve as primary care providers. They must still collaborate with a physician on patient treatment. Most PAs work full time—about 40 hours per week. They might work at night, on weekends, and during holidays.

Job Outlook

  • 28%
    projected annual job growth through 2033 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025)
  • $130K
    mean annual wage (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025)
  • #2

    in Best Health Care Jobs (U.S. News & World Report, 2025)

How to Apply

Physician assistant schools are highly competitive. Most applicants have a bachelor’s degree. Most PA schools require applicants to have experience with direct patient care, such as working as a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) or Emergency Medical Technician. In PA school, students earn a master’s degree; this usually takes at least two years to complete. After earning a master's, PAs must be licensed in order to practice, passing a national exam and meeting state requirements.

In Michigan

Meet the Students

Image of Bella Michigan Tech pre-physicians-assistant program student standing and smiling at the camera

Bella Menzel-Smith

  • Pre-Physician Assistant, Human Biology, Michigan Technological University
  • Physician-Assistant Program, Marquette University

My Michigan Tech Abbie Botz