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School of Medicine Columbia

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Why PA?

Physician assistants play a vital and increasingly important role in today’s health care system. As licensed medical professionals, PAs expand access to high-quality care by working collaboratively with physicians and other health care providers to meet the needs of patients across a wide range of settings.

The Role of a Physician Assistant

Graduates of the USC School of Medicine Columbia Physician Assistant Program contribute meaningfully to health care across South Carolina.

Physician assistants are licensed medical providers who are trained to:

  • Conduct comprehensive physical examinations
  • Diagnose and treat acute and chronic conditions
  • Order, perform, and interpret diagnostic tests
  • Provide patient education and preventive health counseling
  • Assist in surgical and procedural care
  • Prescribe medications

Career Outlook

As the health care landscape continues to evolve, physician assistants are recognized as essential members of the care team. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of physician assistants is projected to grow 28 percent by 2031. To support your transition into professional practice, the program offers a Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) review course immediately prior to graduation, helping prepare you for certification and entry into the workforce.

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