Verified answer

NO it is NOT true an MA is a certificate program a PA is a degree program..........

MAs can't do any kind of actual patient care only CMAs can (clinical medical assistants).......

most MAs are receptionist, clerical staff, billing assistants etcetera.....

Absolutely not!

Whoever told you that was extremely misinformed and needs to know there is a huge difference between a Medical Assistant (certified or not) and a PA. That would be similar saying a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) can get right into a Masters-level Nurse Practitioner program without becoming an RN and earning a BSN first.

You need to earn a Bachelor Degree; preferably in a science or health-related field such as Chemistry, Biology, or Allied Health, prior to applying to the Masters-level PA programs.