From WVIT-TVIf you haven't already, you're bound to be treated by a physician's assistant in the future. First licensed in 1970 to accommodate the returning hospital corpsmen from Korea and Vietnam, today it's one of the fastest growing medical professions as medicine looks to contain costs.
There are now 136 programs nationwide. The newest class of physician’s assistants at Albany medical college started their 28-month program in January. Sixteen months were spent in class, twelve in clinic. Only 30 students are selected and the competition is stiff. There are ten applicants for every slot.
When they graduate, they'll work with a doctor's supervision, providing diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive care. And yes, they can prescribe medications.
"So the physician is allowed to delegate to the P.A. whatever they're comfortable with allowing them to do, as long as it's within the scope of their practice," said David Irvine, Director of the Center for P.A. Studies.
To get into the program, students need a college degree and must complete one thousand hours in some type of medical setting. Like many physician's assistants, Jovanna Stepan had another life before medicine. She was an equestrian. An accident gave her an appreciation of the profession.
After six years of night school to get the pre-requisites, she was ready to apply. Now, just weeks from graduation, she can't imagine another course for her life.
"I think as the economy and the economics of medicine keep evolving, I think that our role is increasing and it's important to make medicine more affordable and more available to everybody." said Stepan.
