The role of a physician assistant is as essential to the medical field as any other healthcare profession. At hospitals, patients are usually checked over and cared for by doctors and nurses. They will take care of emergencies, prescribe medications, start IVs etc. However, it is not possible for the doctors and nurses to be around the whole day.

As a result, physician’s assistants have the perfect job where they help the doctor by working under his or her supervision to take care of moderately ill patients. Although PA’s are not as qualified as doctors, the job can still provide a substantial income and the training required is much less than getting an M.D.

What Is A Physician Assistant?

Generally, trained physician’s assistants are trained to prevent, maintain and treat human illnesses under the supervision of a doctor or a trained nurse. Here is a general job description of their duties and responsibilities in the healthcare field.

• They usually work in medical facilities such as hospitals or private clinics to care for the sick and aged.
• They can carry out physical examinations, diagnose medical conditions and treat them under the supervision of a medical professional.
• They can carry out medical tests, order and interpret the test results and consult with doctors to carry out the treatment plan prescribed by the medical professional
• A trained assistant can also counsel patients on preventive health care procedures and help in outpatient care for the elderly
• They can assist in limited surgeries and then write prescriptions for a limited amount of medications for certain medical conditions only
• They can treat minor injuries by setting fractures, suturing injuries, splinting fractures and casting them.
• The PA may also be responsible for several medical managerial duties like ordering medical supplies, checking charting and supervising medical technicians and assistants.

PA Career Interview

In large hospitals, PA’s have to work under the medical supervision of a physician. However in rural locations, it may become essential for a trained physician assistant to be able to work alone. However, they will still have to confer with physicians and report back to them for treatment changes. Please note though that the exact duties of a PA are already set up by state regulations or the American Association of Physicians Assistants.

Physician Assistant Programs

The exact format for the educational programs for the PA is already set by the State Medical Board. There are approximately 150 physician assistant programs nationwide and they are divided into graduate programs and master’s degrees in Health and Medical Science or Physicians Assistant Studies. Doctorate degrees are also available and students can apply for them. However, they are not mandatory for clinical practice and students are encouraged to work and study at the same time.

Clinical doctorate degrees are also offered in a few colleges which will have undergraduate programs in medical assistant. After sitting for the program and passing it, students will have to sit for medical licensing exams that are set up in each individual state. Most of these programs can be completed in under 3 years and they can be up to 7 years for a post graduation. The students follow the same pattern as a medical student with training in medical sciences followed by laboratory and clinical rotations.

After the medical training program, they do not have to complete a mandatory residency program but a few students do opt for training programs to learn additional niche skills. The final exam for each student will also involve a board exam called the NAACP-administered Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE). This will help to apply for additional licensure in the chosen state of practice. Professional licensure is regulated by the AAPA.

Physician Assistant Salary

MONEY magazine has rated the physician assistant profession as the fifth best profession in American drawing an annual salary of about $100,000–200,000. However, the exact physician assistant salary will depend on experience and job expertise. Additionally, your geographical location will play a part, for example higher populated cites like Los Angeles will pay higher salaries.

Physician Assistant Jobs

There are no dearth of jobs for physicians assistants in the US and the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that expected 27% vacancies are anticipated to be available for all fresher PA candidates. There are also a huge range of vacancies in the US Army, Navy and Air Force Medical Specialist Corps.

There are a large range of jobs in rural hospitals and inner-city clinics as these places do not have full-time physicians on call. Job openings are plenty in these locations and there are a large range of opportunities that are available for trained PA’s in large cities too. The growth for this particular field is exploding a U.S. News even deems it one of the 50 Best Careers of 2011. It is more important than ever to find an occupation that will be around for the long run and will have a wide pool of jobs available.

Physician Assistant Schools

There are a large range of PA schools that are spread out all over the US. If you are searching for a school, we suggest that you check with your state educational board to find accredited programs. Please note that it is not possible to do a PA’s training part-time or through correspondence. You will have to be attached to a hospital to get clinical or hands-on training. It is also necessary to have an accredited program so that your degree is recognized by the state board for licensing exams.

Overall this is a great occupation to get into and many people choose it because they want to be more than just a nurse, but becoming a doctor can take to long. This career is the perfect middle ground and if you are still trying to decide what career path to take or you know you want to join the medical field, becoming a PA might be the right choice. Being able to enter the workforce quickly after a short training program and the high salary, make becoming a physician assistant one of the best jobs available.

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