Overview
The Post Graduate Diploma in Physician Assistant (PGDPA) is a specialized program designed to train healthcare professionals to assist doctors in patient diagnosis, treatment, and management. This course is crucial for improving healthcare accessibility, especially in underserved areas, by creating skilled support personnel for physicians.
Quick Highlights
| Duration | 2 Years |
| Level | Post Graduate Diploma / Certification |
| Eligibility | B.Sc. in Physician Assistant or related science degrees with minimum 50% marks. Sometimes MBBS graduates also pursue this. |
| Entrance Exam | Varies by institute; some conduct their own. |
| Avg Fees | INR 50,000 - 3 Lakhs per year |
| Sarkari Jobs | Available |
Why Study This Course?
Market Demand:
High/10
- Gain essential clinical skills to assist in patient care.
- Bridge the gap between doctors and patients, improving healthcare delivery.
- Opportunity to work in diverse healthcare settings, from hospitals to clinics.
- Contributes to alleviating the shortage of medical professionals in India.
Who should study?
This course is ideal for individuals who have a background in life sciences (like B.Sc. in Physician Assistant, B.Sc. Nursing, B.Pharm, BPT, or even MBBS graduates looking for a specialized role) and are passionate about patient care. They should possess strong communication skills, empathy, and a desire to work collaboratively within a medical team.
Eligibility & Admission
Minimum Qualification:
Bachelor's degree in Physician Assistant, B.Sc. with relevant life science subjects (Biology, Chemistry, Physics), B.Sc. Nursing, B.Pharm, BPT, or equivalent with at least 50% marks. Some institutes may have specific subjects as prerequisites.
Entrance Exams
| Exam Name |
Conducting Body |
| Institute-Specific Entrance Exams |
Individual Colleges/Universities |
| NEET (for some select programs) |
National Testing Agency (NTA) |
Top Institutes
Selection Criteria:
Merit-based on qualifying examination scores, followed by an institute-level entrance exam and/or personal interview. Some might consider NEET percentile.
Government Hubs
| Government Institutes |
| All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi |
| Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh |
| Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry |
| Kasturba Medical College (KMC), Manipal (Deemed University) |
Notable Private Hubs
| Government Institutes |
| Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore |
| SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai |
| Saveetha Medical College, Chennai |
| Amity University, Noida |
Top Cities Offering This Course
New Delhi
Chennai
Vellore
Chandigarh
Lucknow
Bengaluru
Mumbai
Career Opportunities
Private Sector Scope
Top Industries: Multi-specialty Hospitals,
Private Clinics and Diagnostic Centers,
Healthcare Startups,
Medical Tourism Companies
| Hiring Industry | Job Title | Typical Salary (INR Per Month) |
|---|
| Multi-specialty Hospitals | Physician Assistant | 40,000 - 70,000 |
| Private Clinics | Clinical Assistant | 35,000 - 60,000 |
| Diagnostic Centers | Medical Assistant | 30,000 - 50,000 |
| Healthcare Startups | Patient Support Specialist | 40,000 - 65,000 |
Government Sector Jobs
Graduates are eligible for exams conducted by:
Central Government Hospitals (e.g., Safdarjung, Dr. RML),
State Government Hospitals,
Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs),
Armed Forces Medical Services
| Recruiting Body | Job Title | Typical Salary (INR Per Month) |
|---|
| Central Govt Hospitals | Physician Assistant | 50,000 - 80,000 |
| State Govt Hospitals | Physician Assistant | 40,000 - 70,000 |
| PSUs | Medical Assistant | 45,000 - 75,000 |
| Armed Forces | Medical Assistant / Physician Assistant | 55,000 - 90,000 |
IndCareer Editorial Take
Ideal Candidate:
Motivated individuals with a strong science background, excellent interpersonal skills, a empathetic nature, and a commitment to supporting physicians and improving patient outcomes. Prior experience in healthcare, even as an intern, is beneficial.
Critical Checks before Admission:
- Verify the recognition and accreditation of the course by relevant medical bodies (NMC/State Medical Councils).
- Check the faculty's qualifications and clinical experience.
- Inquire about the clinical rotation placements and the quality of supervised practical training.
- Understand the scope of practice defined by the offering institution and state medical regulations.
Common Misconceptions:
Some might confuse the role of a Physician Assistant with that of a Nurse or a Doctor. A Physician Assistant works under the direct supervision of a physician and assists them in their duties, rather than practicing independently.
State-Specific Note:
The scope and regulation of Physician Assistants can vary slightly by state. It's advisable to check specific state medical council guidelines regarding the practice of Physician Assistants.
Content Accuracy: This content is
curated by experts and verified against current educational standards. While we strive for
accuracy, fees and admission criteria may vary by institute. Please verify with official
sources.
