PA Basics
What does PA stand for?
Physician Assistant
How long is PA school?
2-3 years
T/F: PAs don't work in surgery.
False!
PAs work in many surgical areas including: General Surgery, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Vascular Surgery, Neurosurgery, Orthopedic Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Trauma Surgery
Who does a PA work under?
Supervising doctor
In what year do PA students do hands-on medicine/learning?
Clinical year
T/F: The work hours for every PA are the same.
False!
It depends on the specialty
T/F: PAs can change specialties without going back to school.
True!
T/F: You have to get a science-related college degree to go to PA school.
False!
You can get any bachelor's degree as long as you complete the classes required to go to PA school
This place is where over half of PAs work. You might go there for a school physical or sick visit.
Medical office
How do PAs impact wait times for medical treatment?
They lower wait times
What kind of experience do you need before PA school?
Patient care hours
Name one specialty a PA works in
Pediatrics, ER, Surgery, etc.
When was the first PA program established?
1965 at Duke University
How many patient care hours will you need before PA school?
500-2000
What spot does a PA tap to check your knee reflex?
Just below the kneecap
What is the name for a community that does not have many doctors and medical supplies available?
Medically underserved community
Name one thing PA students learn in their didactic (classroom) year.
How people get sick/how the human body works, how to examine a patient, how to talk to patients, how to treat patients, etc.
Name one task a PA does during their work day
Review test results, see patients, etc.