The physician assistant, working with physicians and other health professionals, performs many clinical functions that enable the physician to devote more time to duties requiring his/her particular knowledge and skills. The physician assistant performs duties based on guidelines established by the state granting licensure.

In most settings the physician assistant obtains medical histories, performs physical examinations, orders and interprets laboratory results and other information and assesses and treats common illnesses, including writing prescriptions.

Disease prevention and health promotion, counseling, and patient education are other important services provided by the physician assistant.

Successful completion of the National Certifying Examination for Physician Assistants is required to practice as a physician assistant in Georgia.