by 
The Curious Bag
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Though many people believe the role of a physician's assistant is identical to that of a medical assistant, the jobs are actually distinct. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the demand for physician's assistants will increase by 27 percent through 2016.
Function
Under the supervision of licensed doctors, physician assistants provide direct patient care, including making diagnoses, ordering diagnostic tests and treating injuries.
Variations
In some states, physician assistants have the right to prescribe medication. Some physician assistants assist surgeons during operations, and also supervise the medical assistants who work in a doctor's office.
Types
Physician assistants often work in a particular field of medicine, such as pediatrics, internal medicine, general surgery, geriatrics, thoracic surgery and emergency medicine.
Education
Physician assistants must hold a minimum of a two-year associate's degree from a school approved by the American Academy of Physician Assistants. Students must also pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination.
Compensation
In November 2009, the average annual salary for physician assistants was $71,000, according to Indeed.com.
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