Physician Assistant The physician assistant, or P.A., harvests the vein in the leg (saphenous vein) that is used for the bypass. The P.A. assists the surgeon throughout the procedure. Education: A physician assistant earns a four-year college degree. P.A. programs require some type of medical experience such as paramedic training, or a job as a patient care technician, respiratory therapist or registered nurse. Most P.A. programs are two years long. © 2007 Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago. All rights reserved.