Physician Assistant

Physician Assistant Job Description and Basic Information

If you are interested in becoming a physician assistant, then you need to know what they do and how they do it. Physician assistants are professionals who practice medicine while under the eye of a licensed doctor.

Physician assistants have a lot of responsibilities very similar to what regular doctors do, and a lot of them have to execute many of the same tasks.

What are physician assistants trained to do?

If you want to become a physician assistant you will need extensive training. You will need training so you can provide diagnostic care, training to provide therapeutic care, training for preventive health care services, and other types of training so you can be of the most service to a physician.

What duties do physician assistants perform exactly?

You will be responsible for recording notes and providing counsel to patients while they are at the practice. You will be in charge of executing therapy for certain patients. In the continental United States, you will also be able to prescribe medications to patients. Depending on where you work you may have to perform managerial duties. This would include ordering medical supplies, and even watching over other assistants.

Other types of job duties performed

You may be called upon to help determine what treatments may be used for patients. You will analyze x rays and other lab tests. You will have to record patient’s medical histories and make sure it is easy to interpret. Doctors will rely on you to provide them assistance with surgeries and to help give patients examinations as well.

The difference between physician assistants and medical assistants

Some people get medical assistants confused with physician assistants. They are not the same thing, medical assistants usually do not possess the same level of experience and education as physician assistants do. Medical assistants are responsible for performing work of a clerical nature and other administrative functions. A physician assistant is usually not responsible for any type of clerical duties and their job is focused more on the actual work in medicine and treatment.

Specific duties of a physician assistant will vary state by state

There is no sure fire way to know what type of responsibilities you will have as a physician assistant, because depending on the state you live in and the specific laws of that state you will only be able to perform those duties allowed to you by the actual physician. These duties will not be the same everywhere, so it may be a good idea to research state laws or talk to someone who is actively in the field to find out more.

Physician assistants work hands on with patients, and as a result it is the tasks you perform are very important. You will be representing doctors who are dependent on you for the smooth running of their business.

How To Become A Physician Assistant

In order for you to become a physician assistant you will need to get certain training and other qualifications.

What are the admission requirements to get into a school that trains physician assistants?

The admission requirements are going to be different depending on the prestige of the school you attend as well as the specific program you are trying to enter. In order for you to become a physician assistant you will need to complete a PA program after your undergraduate degree or in conduction with. You will also need to get some associated health care experience in order to make yourself more marketable. All states will require for you to complete a program from an accredited school. Once you have done that you will need to take and pass the national exam in order to get your license.

How long do physician assistant education programs last?

These programs can take about two years to complete, but that is if your only goal is to become a physician assistant and are happy with that. Most of the programs you will find will be in schools of academic health centers, medical schools, and even allied health. Some programs might be available through 4 years universities as well.

What is the exact process in order to get licensed and credentialed?

All 50 states require for you to be licensed. Seeing as how a physician assistant has so many important responsibilities they are regulated by the state the same way as doctors are. The process for obtaining your license is simple.

First you need to finish an accredited physician assistant training program. Once you complete it you must pass a national exam, which is called the Physician Assistant National Certifying examination. If you pass you can then apply for your license in the particular state you want to work in.

What else might be required to become a physician assistant?

You should look into getting all of the experience you can in order to boost your earning potential. Pursing higher degree opportunities in one method. There are plenty of opportunities available while you are still in school and even outside of school, such as volunteer opportunities as well.

Are there any particular prerequisites required?

Some schools you decide to go to may have certain prerequisites, the only way to find out for certain is to make sure you talk to a career counselor at that school before you officially enroll or think about enrolling.

What are the courses taken while in school to become a physician assistant?

Some of the frequent courses you might have to take would include immunology, nutrition courses, biology, physiology, chemistry, clinical medicine, pathology, and other courses that are all related to the medical field.

The number one requirement you should have though is a true desire to serve patients and a deep motivation that is driven by more than financial reward.

Physician Assistant Salary Information And Career Outlooks

If you are thinking about becoming a physician assistant then you need not worry about a lack of opportunity. In 2008 physicians assistants constituted about 7400 jobs. And what makes things even better is the career outlook is expected to increase even more, because physician assistants are not limited to working in any one place. Once they have the proper skills, their options in the work environment increase.

What type of places do physician assistants work in predominantly?

About 50 percent of the jobs in this field are concentrated in offices doctors offices. Another 25 percent are located in general hospitals and surgical hospitals. These places can either be public or private. Although these settings make up the majority of work environments there are many more options out there. You will be qualified to work in outpatient centers and even healthcare organizations. You will have the skills to work for the federal governments if you want. You will be able to work in private universities, public universities, specialty schools, and other places as well.

What types of environments are expected to have the most demand for Physician assistants?

Not only will you have the option of working in regular office based environments. You will also find the demand for your skills if you become a physician assistant will be needed in places like academic medical centers, public clinics, and even prisons.

Career outlook for physician assistants

The career outlook for physician assistants is looking quite good; it is expected to increase by about forty percent from 2011 through 2016. This rate of increase beats the averages of most other occupations.

Why such a rapid level of growth?

The rate of growth is excellent because the healthcare industry is constantly growing and ever changing. With a population who’s average age is always increasing, healthcare professionals are more and more in demand. Doctors and healthcare institutions are projected to hire more physician assistants to provide basic care to patients, and to help with important medical and surgical treatments. Physician assistants help save money for institutions, and they are extremely valuable.

Other reasons for the expected job growth

Physician assistants are so valuable because they take away a lot of the duties that regular doctors would have to perform themselves. Healthcare companies will hire more PAs in the future because states will start allowing for physician assistants to perform even more procedures.

Expected earnings and growth

Right now the median income level for physician assistants would be about $80,000 per year. About half of all physician assistants earned between $68,000 and $97,000 per year. Those who are just starting out can expect to earn little over $50,000 per year. In the coming years as demand increases the average income for physician assistants is expected to rise by 10%. You can check the facts out at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos081.htm for additional information. A physician assistant is a great career path for anyone interested in medicine.