Quick Summary
Are you passionate about healthcare and eager to make a real difference in patients’ lives without spending a decade in medical school? A physician assistant course could be your gateway to a rewarding, fast-growing career in India’s changing medical sector. As the demand for skilled healthcare professionals rises in 2025, physician assistants are becoming key team members. They work alongside doctors to diagnose, treat, and care for patients in hospitals, clinics, and specialty practices.
This expert-backed guide covers everything you need to know about physician assistant courses: eligibility, curriculum, practical training, and career prospects. Whether you’re a science student planning your future or a working professional looking for a new path, you’ll find useful insights and current advice to help you choose the right program, develop your skills, and start a successful career as a physician assistant in today’s vibrant healthcare environment.
A Physician Assistant (PA) is a licensed healthcare professional who practices medicine under the supervision of a physician, providing a broad range of medical services such as diagnosing illnesses, prescribing medications, and assisting in surgeries. The Physician Assistant course is a specialized academic and clinical training program designed to prepare individuals for this role. It covers core medical sciences, patient care, and clinical rotations across various specialties, equipping students with the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to work effectively in diverse healthcare environments. This course is ideal for those seeking a challenging yet rewarding career in medicine without becoming a full physician.
| Course | Institute | Location | Duration | Fees (approx.) |
| Diploma PA | MIMS | Coimbatore, TN | 2 years | ₹194,000 total |
| Diploma PA | Silchar Paramedical Institute | Silchar, Assam | 2 years | Govt. (minimal) |
| Diploma PA | NIHM | Chennai, TN | 2 years (1‑year) | ₹60,000 |
| Diploma PA (vocational) | Rhodelhi | New Delhi | 2 years | ₹48–52k total |
| Diploma PA | CMS Rural Health Institute | Lucknow, UP | 2 years | ₹18–21k total |
| Advance Diploma PA | NCTA | India-wide | 1 year | ₹15,000 |
| B.Sc. PA + Internship | Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham | Faridabad, Haryana | 4 years total | ₹167,500 first year |
| B.Sc. PA | SSSMCRI | Kancheepuram, TN | 3–4 years | ₹200,000 |
| B.Sc. PA | SRM Institutions (multiple campuses) | Tamil Nadu | 3–4 years | ₹375,000 |
| B.Sc. PA | DMIMER Allied Health School | Wardha, Maharashtra | 3–4 years | – (check with institute) |
| Course Level | Course Name | Institute | Location | Duration | Fees (Approx.) |
| Diploma | Diploma in PA | OSGU | Hisar, Haryana | 2 years | ₹120,000 |
| Diploma | Diploma in PA | Global Institutions | Various | 2 years | Not specified |
| Diploma | Diploma in PA | Rhodelhi | New Delhi | 2 years | ₹44,000–₹48,000 |
| Diploma | Diploma in PA | Pondicherry University | Puducherry | 2 years | ₹16,790 |
| Diploma | Diploma in PA | Assam Medical College | Dibrugarh, Assam | 2 years | Govt. fee |
| Bachelor’s (UG) | B.PA | Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham | Faridabad, Haryana | 3 + 1-year internship | ₹550 app fee |
| Bachelor’s (UG) | B.Sc. PA | Frontier Lifeline | Chennai, TN | 3 + 1-year internship | Not specified |
| Bachelor’s (UG) | B.Sc. PA | Apollo University | Chittoor, AP | 3 + 1-year internship | ₹449,000 total |
| Bachelor’s (UG) | B.Sc. PA | Dr. D.Y. Patil Colleges | Navi Mumbai / Pune, MH | 3 + 1-year internship | ₹375,000 (Pune) |
| Bachelor’s (UG) | B.Sc. PA | SSSMCRI | Kancheepuram, TN | 3 years | ₹200,000 |
| Bachelor’s (UG) | B.Sc. PA | Datta Meghe Institute | Wardha, MH | 3 years | Not specified |
| Bachelor’s (UG) | B.Sc. PA | SRM IIT & Medical College | TN campuses | 3 years | ₹375,000 |
| Postgraduate Diploma | MPA | OSGU | Hisar, Haryana | 2 years | Not specified |
Some universities (e.g., SRM, Amrita) may conduct entrance exams or consider NEET-UG scores for admission, though most diploma programs don’t require it.
Examples:
| Job Title | Job Role | Average Salary (per annum) |
| Physician Assistant (PA) | Works under a doctor’s supervision, takes medical history, assists in exams, diagnoses, and treatment plans | ₹2.5 – ₹5.5 LPA |
| Clinical Assistant | Provides bedside care, manages patient records, and assists in routine procedures | ₹2 – ₹4 LPA |
| Surgical Assistant | Supports surgeons during operations—handles instruments, sutures, sterilization | ₹3 – ₹6 LPA |
| Emergency Medical Assistant | Works in ERs to assist in trauma cases, stabilize patients, and provide initial care | ₹3 – ₹5.5 LPA |
| Cardiology/Nephrology Assistant | Specializes in aiding cardiologists/nephrologists in OPD, diagnostics, and therapy planning | ₹3 – ₹6 LPA |
| Anesthesia Assistant | Prepares anesthesia setup, monitors vitals, and assists anesthesiologist during surgery | ₹3.5 – ₹6 LPA |
| Medical Officer (Non-MBBS) | In small hospitals/clinics, oversees patient care, prescribes basic meds under protocol | ₹4 – ₹6 LPA |
| ICU Technician / Critical Care Assistant | Monitors patients in ICUs, assists in managing ventilators and other life-support devices | ₹3 – ₹6.5 LPA |
| Outpatient Department (OPD) Coordinator | Manages patient scheduling, doctor coordination, documentation, and minor clinical duties | ₹2 – ₹4 LPA |
| Telemedicine Executive | Conducts virtual consultations, documents symptoms, prepares reports for senior doctors | ₹2.5 – ₹4.5 LPA |
| Medical Scribe / Documentation Specialist | Works with US-based doctors remotely, documents case notes in real-time | ₹4 – ₹7 LPA |
| Clinical Research Associate (CRA) | Involved in trial management, data collection, patient follow-ups for pharma/biotech firms | ₹3.5 – ₹6.5 LPA |
| Healthcare Administrator (With PG) | Manages clinical departments, coordinates staff and operations in hospitals | ₹5 – ₹8 LPA |
| Lecturer/Trainer – Paramedical Colleges | Teaches aspiring PAs in diploma/B.Sc. programs, mentors interns | ₹2.5 – ₹4.5 LPA |
Here are reasons why the Physician Assistant (PA) course is popular:
Choosing a physician assistant course is an essential step for anyone who wants to enter the healthcare field quickly and make a real impact. With the right education and hands-on training, you will be ready to support doctors, provide essential patient care, and respond to the changing needs of modern medicine. In 2025, skilled physician assistants will be in high demand in hospitals, clinics, and specialty centers, which offers strong job security and various career paths.
Remember, success in this role requires more than just academic knowledge. Continuous learning, practical experience, and good communication skills are essential for your career. Stay informed about the latest healthcare trends, find mentors among experienced professionals, and take advantage of growth opportunities. With dedication and the right support, you will succeed as a trusted physician assistant and genuinely improve the lives of patients and the healthcare community.
A Physician Assistant course is often available as a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Physician Assistant or as a diploma in allied health sciences. It usually lasts 3 to 4 years and includes hospital internships.
The curriculum includes anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, clinical medicine, and patient care skills. Students learn to help doctors with diagnosis, treatment, and patient management.
The average starting salary for Physician Assistants in India is around ₹3 to 5 LPA (₹25,000 to 40,000 per month). With experience, salaries can rise to ₹6 to 10 LPA, particularly in private hospitals and multispecialty clinics.
In countries like the USA, PAs are among the highest-paid allied healthcare professionals, with average salaries exceeding USD 100,000 per year, depending on specialization.
No, a PA is not the same as an MBBS degree. MBBS graduates are licensed doctors. Physician Assistants are trained healthcare professionals who support doctors in patient care.
PAs cannot practice medicine independently like doctors. However, they play an essential role in diagnosis, patient monitoring, and medical procedures under supervision.
To enroll in a PA course in India, candidates must complete 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB), typically with at least 50% marks.
Some institutions may also require entrance exams or interviews. Diploma courses may have fewer eligibility requirements, while degree programs generally follow university admission rules.
No, a Physician Assistant is not a medical doctor. PAs are healthcare professionals who work under the guidance of MBBS or specialist doctors.
They can perform physical exams, assist in surgeries, prescribe medications (in some countries), and handle routine healthcare tasks. While they are important in patient care and treatment teams, they do not have the same independent practice rights or qualifications as licensed physicians. This is especially true in India, where MBBS is the main path to becoming a doctor.
Physician Assistants can help with surgeries, but they cannot carry out major surgeries independently. In the operating room, they support surgeons by preparing instruments, suturing, and caring for patients before and after surgery.
In some countries, senior PAs with specialized training and extra certification may perform minor surgical procedures, but they must do so under the supervision of a physician.
Authored by, Gagandeep Khokhar
Career Guidance Expert
Gagandeep is a content writer and strategist focused on creating high-performing, SEO-driven content that bridges the gap between learners and institutions. He crafts compelling narratives across blogs, landing pages, and email campaigns to drive engagement and build trust.
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Chegg India does not ask for money to offer any opportunity with the company. We request you to be vigilant before sharing your personal and financial information with any third party. Beware of fraudulent activities claiming affiliation with our company and promising monetary rewards or benefits. Chegg India shall not be responsible for any losses resulting from such activities.
