in Physician Assistant program, to learn some of the benefits of becoming a physician assistant: “Physician assistants are fully licensed medical providers who can diagnose, treat, and follow up with patients in virtually any area of medicine,” – Program Director Christy Hanson PAs often work with a team of physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, and other physician assistants—and new Optimal Team Practice standards have removed the requirement of a supervising physician in Minnesota and many other states.