The growth rate for physician assistants as a profession is booming thanks to the growing demand for healthcare services. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, it’s among the top five fastest growing careers, and it’s expected to grow by 37% by 2026.

Physician assistants (PAs) aren’t required to complete as much education or training as physicians; however, they can still diagnose and counsel patients, develop treatment plans and prescribe medicine. They’re able to work in hospitals, out-patient settings and surgery centers. PAs aren’t allowed to run their own practices and must work under the supervision of another physician.

As physician shortages increase, states are easing restrictions on PAs as team-based care model becomes more accepted. Today, there are nearly 114,000 physician assistants working the United States.

Read more about why PAs are growing in numbers.