Post Graduate Diploma in Physician Assistant

A Post Graduate Diploma in Physician Assistant (PGDPA) is a specialized healthcare program designed to train individuals to assist physicians in diagnosing and treating patients. 

The course equips students with advanced medical knowledge, clinical skills, and practical exposure in various medical specialties, preparing them to provide comprehensive care to patients under the supervision of doctors.  

It’s ideal for those looking to work in hospitals, clinics, or healthcare settings with the expertise to support medical teams. 

To be eligible for PGDPA, candidates must have completed their Bachelor’s degree in Physician Assistant, Nursing, or any related healthcare field. 

Typically, candidates must have secured at least 50% marks in their undergraduate degree, with some institutions requiring relevant work experience in healthcare settings. A valid medical background is often essential for admission. 

The course generally spans 1 to 2 years, depending on the institution. It involves both theoretical learning and clinical training.

The fees for PGDPA typically range from ₹50,000 to ₹1.5 lakh per year, depending on the institution and facilities provided. 

• Individuals interested in healthcare and patient care. 
• Graduates in medical or allied health fields. 
• Those seeking to work alongside doctors in clinical settings. 
• Individuals passionate about assisting in medical procedures and treatments. 
• Those aiming for a stable career in healthcare with excellent job opportunities.

• Offers advanced knowledge and practical experience in healthcare. 
• Provides a rewarding career in the medical field with good salary prospects. 
• Opportunities to work closely with physicians and other healthcare professionals. 
• High demand for skilled Physician Assistants in healthcare institutions. 
• Scope for career growth in both private and government healthcare sectors. 

The entrance exams for PGDPA may include both written tests and personal interviews. These exams assess the candidate's knowledge of medical science, reasoning ability, and communication skills.  Some colleges may also conduct their own entrance exams, while others may consider scores from national-level medical entrance exams. 

Admission to PGDPA is typically done through an entrance exam followed by a counseling process. In some cases, candidates may be admitted based on merit, i.e., their performance in the qualifying undergraduate program.  After clearing the entrance test and interview, students are required to complete formalities like document verification, fee payment, and selection of specializations. 

The Post Graduate Diploma in Physician Assistant subjects covered in the syllabus are:  

1. All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi 
2. Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore 
3. Kasturba Medical College, Manipal 
4. Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram 
5. Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune 
6. Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow 
7. JIPMER, Puducherry 
8. Sri Ramachandra Medical College, Chennai 
9. BHU, Varanasi 
10. Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University (BHU) 

The scope for Physician Assistants in India is expanding due to the growing healthcare industry. With an increasing demand for medical professionals, PGDPA graduates can work in various sectors including hospitals, clinics, medical research, and emergency care.  Moreover, there’s a need for skilled assistants in rural and underserved areas, making this profession highly sought after.

After completing PGDPA, candidates can pursue further studies in: 

1. Master’s in Physician Assistant (if available) 
2. Medical Specializations (Cardiology, Orthopedics, etc.) 
3. Healthcare Management programs 
4. Postgraduate diplomas in Emergency Care or Trauma Management 
5. Research-based courses in Medical Sciences 

• Physician Assistant 
• Medical Research Assistant 
• Healthcare Manager 
• Emergency Medical Technician 
• Medical Technologist 
• Clinical Research Coordinator 
• Surgical Assistant 
• Rehabilitation Specialist 
• Medical Consultant 
• Health Educator

The salary for a Physician Assistant in India starts at around ₹3 lakh per annum and can rise to ₹6 lakh for those with experience. In senior roles, professionals may earn up to ₹10 lakh or more, depending on expertise and hospital type.