<p>Back to your original question: The American Association of Physician Assistants (the second of 3 million plus google hits) provides detailed information and links of interest.</p>
<p>For instance, see the NYT article [Fresh</a> Starts - Yes, the P.A. Will See You Now - NYTimes.com](<a href=“http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/10/jobs/10starts.html?ex=1219032000&en=1c1229f629dddd6b&ei=5070&emc=eta1]Fresh”>http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/10/jobs/10starts.html?ex=1219032000&en=1c1229f629dddd6b&ei=5070&emc=eta1) and the description of PA education [General</a> Information](<a href=“http://www.aapa.org/geninfo1.html]General”>http://www.aapa.org/geninfo1.html)</p>
<p>From the AAPA site: " What are the prerequisites for applying to a PA program? PA programs look for students who have a desire to study, work hard, and to be of service to their community. Most physician assistant programs require applicants to have previous health care experience and some college education. The typical applicant already has a bachelor’s degree and approximately four years of health care experience. Commonly nurses, EMTs, and paramedics apply to PA programs. Check with PA educational programs of interest to you for a list of their prerequisites."</p>