B.Sc. Physician Assistant
B.Sc. Physician Assistant
About the Course
The Bachelor of Science in Physician Assistant is a four-year undergraduate program, including a mandatory one-year internship, designed to train students to become skilled healthcare professionals capable of supporting physicians in clinical settings. This course emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical exposure in diagnosing, managing, and treating patients under the supervision of doctors and specialists.
Physician Assistants are vital members of the modern healthcare team. They are trained to conduct physical examinations, assist in surgeries, order and interpret lab investigations, develop treatment plans, and provide preventive care. The program prepares students to work across various specializations, including internal medicine, surgery, emergency care, cardiology, pediatrics, and more.
About the Department
The Department of Physician Assistant Studies at Arunai Paramedical College is dedicated to developing competent, ethical, and compassionate professionals. It is staffed with experienced faculty members, including doctors, surgeons, and clinical instructors who bring real-world knowledge to the classroom and lab.
The department is integrated with Arunai Medical College & Hospital, a 1000-bedded healthcare facility, offering students hands-on experience in a multidisciplinary environment. This clinical exposure is an integral part of the learning process, helping students apply their knowledge in real-time scenarios under expert guidance.
The department focuses on a student-centered teaching approach and constantly upgrades its curriculum to match advancements in medical science and technology. Students are trained not only in clinical techniques but also in communication, patient ethics, medical record keeping, and interdisciplinary teamwork.
Curriculum & Academic Coverage
The B.Sc. Physician Assistant program follows the academic regulations of The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University. The curriculum is structured over three academic years followed by one year of compulsory internship in affiliated hospitals.
Key areas of study include
- Human Anatomy & Physiology
- Pathology & Microbiology
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Medicine
- Surgical Techniques & First Aid
- Emergency and Critical Care
- Diagnostic Methods & Interpretation
- Patient Communication and Medical Ethics
- Hospital Administration & Record Management
- Community Medicine
The internship year involves rotation through various departments such as General Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Orthopedics, ICU, Casualty, Cardiology, and more. This helps students to:
- Gain hands-on experience in patient care
- Assist physicians in diagnostic procedures
- Observe surgical procedures
- Learn clinical documentation and patient follow-up
Students are assessed through regular internal exams, practical assessments, university examinations, and clinical evaluations.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the B.Sc. Physician Assistant program have a wide array of career paths open to them in both the public and private sectors. The demand for trained Physician Assistants is steadily increasing due to advancements in healthcare and the need for professional support to doctors.
Career options include
- Physician Assistant in Hospitals & Clinics
- Surgical Assistant in Operation Theatres
- Emergency and Critical Care Units
- Medical Research Assistant or Clinical Trial Coordinator
- Clinical Coordinator or Patient Care Executive
- Healthcare Administrative Roles
- Cardiology & Internal Medicine Departments
- Teaching Faculty in Paramedical Institutions
Further education opportunities include pursuing Master’s degrees in Physician Assistant Studies, Public Health, or Hospital Administration,…