Physician Assistant – The link between the two in the treatment team
An academic health profession that relieves female doctors of tasks and connects them with patients, nursing care, and medical services. As a bachelor's degree program adapted to the Swiss healthcare system.
What is a Physician Assistant?
A young, academic medical profession – in Switzerland as «Physician Associate» designated.
Physician Assistants take on delegable medical tasks and perform them independently – in patient care as well as in organization and administration. This allows female doctors to gain more time for their core responsibilities. Established internationally for decades, it is still new in Switzerland.
Works on a medical delegation – but is neither a doctor nor an assistant doctor.
What tasks does a PA perform?
From direct patient care to documentation – the assigned tasks are performed independently.
History & Examination
Medical history, physical examination, and examinations such as ultrasound.
Participating in interventions
Assistance in the operating room and participation in complex medical procedures.
Diagnosis & Treatment Plan
Participation in the diagnosis and treatment plan – and its implementation.
Communication
Conversations with patients and their relatives – as the constant point of contact in the team.
Documentation & Medical Certificate
Documentation and medical certificates – a tangible relief for the medical service.
Organization & Quality
Process coordination, administration and contributions to quality management.
The path to the Physician Assistant B.Sc.
The course developed in Germany by the Fachhochschule des Mittelstands (FHM) – further developed for the Swiss healthcare system.
Admission requirements
Three years of completed training in a health-care profession, e.g. nursing assistant (HF).
And/or university entrance qualification, such as Matura or Berufmatura Gesundheit.
USA & AnglO-American region: a permanent part of the supply.
Netherlands: established, also available on an outpatient basis.
Germany: today there are over 20 universities in more than 40 locations.
Switzerland: Start of the adapted B.Sc. course.
A profession with a future
The shortage of doctors and the increasing number of patients require new professional profiles – demand and training supply are growing.
Growing demand
More and more clinics and outpatient facilities are looking for Physician Assistants.
Outpatient & inpatient
In addition to hospitals, practices and health centers are becoming increasingly important.
Further education & Master's degree
The Bachelor degree opens the way to master's degrees and specializations.
Everything about the Swiss PA course on PA-Info
Area of activity, study content, frequently asked questions, and expert contributions – plus registration for the free online information event and ordering of study materials.