Physician Assistants (PAs) are medically trained and licensed to provide high quality health care, treat illnesses, plan prevention strategies, and write prescriptions.
As nationally certified and state-licensed medical professionals, PAs are recognized as one of three primary care providers (PAs, Nurse Practitioners, and Physicians). PAs lead patient-centered medical teams and can practice autonomously or in collaboration with other members of a patient’s healthcare team. PAs undergo rigorous medical training to become certified as medical generalists with a foundation in primary care. Still, they also have the unique opportunity to practice in various specialty areas (surgery, pediatrics, dermatology, orthopaedics, etc.), giving them deep and fulfilling professional experiences and the flexibility to meet the changing needs of their patients, employers, and communities.
Department of Physician Assistant
Health Sciences Campus
987 St. Sebastian Way
Room 3304
706-721-3247
Established in 1972, Augusta University’s Physician Assistant Program offers a comprehensive education that allows graduates to become employed in many specialty areas. Our Master of Physician Assistant emphasizes classroom and clinical practical experience, with the heaviest emphasis on clinical work with patients. Upon completing our program, students earn a master’s degree in physician assistant.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in May 2020, the median annual salary for Physician Assistants was $115,390. The BLS projects that PA jobs will increase by 31% between 2020 and 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. 2022 US News and World Report rank PA as the #2 Best Health Care Job and the #4 Best Job overall.