College of Nursing and Allied Health
Department of Physician Assistant Studies
The Physician Assistant Profession
The American Academy of Physician Assistants defines Physician Assistants "as health care professionals licensed to practice medicine with physician supervision". As part of their comprehensive responsibilities Physician Assistants provide patients with services ranging from primary care medicine to specialized surgical care. Physician Assistants are often the first health care provider to examine patients. They perform a variety of tasks including collecting historical data, performing physical examinations and ordering preliminary laboratory tests.
Working with the physician, the physician assistant summarizes this information and participates in formulating and executing a treatment plan to meet the patient's needs. Under physician supervision, the physician assistant makes assessments and provides therapy for basic health-related problems. Also, the physician assistant can evaluate the psychological aspect of a patient's problems. With physician approval, the physician assistant makes referrals when indicated. The physician assistant can perform technical skills such as EKG's, venipuncture, minor suturing and giving injections.
The Physician Assistant program at the University of St. Francis offers a Master of Science degree through the College of Nursing and Allied Health.
