The occupation of physician assistant originated in the 1960’s when Army medics received additional education enabling them to help physicians with routine medical tasks. Since that time, employment opportunities for PA’s (“pea-a’s), as they’re called, have expanded rapidly. That’s because physician assistants have the training to take medical histories, give physicals, order and interpret lab tests, and stitch up minor injuries—among many other things. In most states, physician assistants are also permitted to prescribe medication. PA’s are always supervised by a physician. But by relieving doctors of routine tasks, they help deliver high-quality health care in a cost-effective manner. And, thanks to the Internet and “tele-medicine” which make it easy to consult with a supervising physician, PA’s can bring medical services to rural and inner city clinics unable to attract a full-time doctor. Forty-nine states require PA’s to be graduates of an accredited physician assistant education program. And, although certificates and associate degrees are offered, most PA’s have at least a bachelor’s degree. Becoming a physician’s assistant isn’t easy. But it can be one of the most satisfying of all medical occupations.