A Physician Assistant (PA) has the role of helping Physicians carry out their various roles and responsibilities. This role is independent of Physicians, but it still requires extensive education and experience, and PAs are an integral part of the healthcare system. PAs work directly with patients and other professionals to provide the care and support they may need and practice under a physician's direction.   
  
PAs can work in every medical field, but they also can have specialized knowledge in various disciplines. When this is the case, their roles will be more technical. Some areas that PAs can focus on include ER, military settings, research, correctional facilities, private clinics, and more.       
  
The tasks that PAs carry out can include prescribing medication, performing physical exams, diagnosing illnesses and injuries, interpreting results from diagnostic tests, taking medical histories, and more. As a PA, it is common to collaborate with other healthcare professionals when working with patients to provide the highest quality of care possible. PAs may be tasked with other duties, including documenting patient information and educating patients about maintenance or preventative measures they should consider. 

Roles & Responsibilities for a Physician Assistant 

• Working directly under the supervision of a Physician to help carry out various tasks 
• Performing physical exams on different patients  
• Being in charge of pre-operation and post-operation follow-ups 
• Ordering advanced imaging studies when needed that can involve MRIs and CT scans 
• Interpreting testing with the use of X-rays and EKGs when required  
• Prescribing medication to patients 
• Assisting Physicians during surgeries and other diagnostic or therapeutic procedures  
• Diagnosing injuries and illness 
• Facilitating referrals to patients  
• Recording patient history and documenting all information  
• Developing treatment plans for patients  
• Educating patients about diseases and preventative measures 
• Renewing their certification and license when required as per the regulations in their region