Physician Assistants, Physician Associates

If you are interested in exploring the profession, talk with school counselors, practicing physician assistants, PA students, and various health care employees at local hospitals and clinics. You can also obtain information by contacting one of the organizations to which PAs belong. Working as a volunteer in a hospital, clinic, or nursing home is a good way to get exposure to the health care profession. In addition, while in college, you may be able to obtain summer jobs as a hospital orderly, nurse assistant, or medical clerk. Such jobs can help you assess your interest in and suitability for work as a PA before you apply to a PA program.

Other ways to learn more about this career include getting involved in summer exploration programs in health care that are offered by colleges and universities and joining HOSA-Future Health Professionals (https://hosa.org), a membership organization for middle school, high school, and college students who are interested in pursuing health care–related careers