Physician assistant (PA) programs are not considered medical school programs. Medical school programs typically last four years and culminate in the awarding of a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree. These programs are designed to train physicians (doctors) who are responsible for diagnosing and treating patients.
In comparison, PA programs last two years and typically award a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPA) degree. Although PAs receive medical training similar to physicians, their scope of practice is different. PAs are not independent practitioners and work under the supervision of physicians.