Physician Assistants (PAs) are licensed health care professionals licensed to practice medicine with physician supervision. PAs conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, counsel on preventive health care, assist in surgery, and in virtually all states can write prescriptions.

Within the physician/PA relationship, physician assistants exercise autonomy in medical decision making and provide a broad range of diagnostic and therapeutic services. A PA's practice may also include education, research, and administrative services. Physician assistants are found in all areas of medicine. They practice in the areas of primary care medicine – family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, and obstetrics and gynecology – as well as in surgery and the surgical sub-specialties.

Portland State University (PSU) offers a strong pre-physician assistant program that enables students to complete their prerequisite coursework, earn a baccalaureate degree, and obtain assistance in preparing for and applying to Master’s level physician assistant programs.

Pre-physician assistant is a professional track (not a major), but common majors for pre-physician assistant students include: Science, Biology, Chemistry, and Health Studies: Health Science. Students can choose any major while also completing their pre-physician assistant coursework.

Prospective students interested in PSU can meet with a pre-physician assistant advisor to learn about the pre-physician assistant track.