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questions on physicians assistant (PA)?

Im searching for a career in the medical field and i want to know more about this proffesion. What are the duties of a (PA)? Other than good pay, what are the benefits? How many years of schooling do you need? What are some good, affordable schools that have this program? What are the bad things about becoming a (PA)? Is it very difficult to get into this proffession? *****If a real (PA) or someone in a similar field could give me advice, it would be greatly appreciated***** PLEASE NO LINKS-THANK YOU

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1. 1. the duties of a PA depend entirely on the field of medicine you take up--you can take up any specialty that a doc will hire you--from first assist in surgery to ortho, ER, internal med, derm, cosmetics, etc. In general PAs can make diagnoses, write & order labs, radiographic exams, tests, and Rxs. They can interpret tests & films. They do procedures, trauma, suture, tap joints, chest tubes, etc. 2. This is a good mid level field with all kinds of jobs & positions available in the entire US. Interesting & challenging. You can work when & where you like. I only work summers in the Chesapeake Bay but live in Ca. You can branch into related fields. You can change specialties if you wish. 3. The best (and will become the standard) will be a masters level program (2.5 years) after a bachelors in a pre-med type program & some experience. The national orgaization is the aapa.org and has general requirements & schools. 4. You will have to do this research yourself as to what fits your needs. 5. Difficult to get in? Yes it is competitive--you are practicing medicine--no mistake that, so you need to be of that caliber. 6. Bad things? Not many really, unless you really wanted to become a MD and did this as a second plan B--then you might be frustrated. You do have to deal with the threat of malpractice, making a mis-diagnosis, dealing with death, illness & problem patients.