Becoming a physician assistant (or physician’s assistant) is exactly as the name states- you would be working under the supervision of a licensed physician. A physician assistant (PA) gets to practice medicine in this capacity. You will perform the same duties as a physician, except for some of the more complex and advanced cases.
In general most physician assistants have four years of work experience in the healthcare field before they become a PA. It is important to be aware that a physician assistant is not the same as a medical assistant. The latter is more of an administrative position. Medical assistants perform routine clinical tasks, as well as clerical duties while physician assistants assist doctors with the medical concerns of their patients.
Duties of a Physician Assistant
As a PA you will be required to perform these typical duties on a regular basis:
· Examine and treat patients
· Take down information about the medical history of patients
· Treat minor injuries
· Prescribe medication
· Order, as well as analyze x-rays and laboratory tests
Physician assistants are sometimes made responsible for supervising medical staff as well as ordering supplies. They may also be asked to take on some managerial duties as required.
PA’s are invaluable in the medial profession. They can provide an incredibly valuable resource to emergency care facilities, primary care physicians, and internists. This is an up and coming profession that is expected to become more and more in demand in the coming years. Physician assistants are paid less than doctors but this makes it possible for more patients who might not be able to receive care to receive it at a lower cost.
Do You Have What it Takes to be a PA?
In order to become a physician assistant you need to possess both good communication skills, as well as an exceptional ability to reason. You must also have a strong desire to be of service to those in need.
This is an excellent career choice for those who qualify for it. Here are some pertinent tips to bear in mind if you wish to become a physician assistant:
· During your undergraduate training, obtain a grade of 3.0 or higher
· It is recommended that you study for a bachelor’s degree in the sciences. Biology or chemistry are two of your best options
· Seek out an individual already in the PA field to mentor you
· Choose an area within the field that interests you the most and seriously consider choosing a specialty
· During the summer months, intern at a doctor’s office or at a hospital
· Prepare as much as possible to take the PANCE examination. Do so by studying and then taking the self-assessment test
At the present time there are in excess of 50,000 physician assistants who are practicing medicine in a variety of healthcare venues throughout the United States.
PA programs can be awarded by way of associate degrees and certificates, as well as bachelor’s degrees and master’s degrees. The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) deems it a necessity for all programs for physician assistants to offer degrees at the graduate level.
Work Opportunities for PA’s
The work options for a person who learns how become a physician assistant are many. These skilled individuals can work in practically any area of the medical field that they choose. More than 50 percent work in primary care medicine while an estimated 20 percent work in surgery or a subspecialty of such.
Here are some options for work opportunities:
· Private practice offices / clinics (56 percent)
· Hospitals (32 percent)
· Public health clinics
· Schools
· Temporary help agencies
· Home healthcare agencies
· Prisons
· U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs