What are the job duties of a Physician Assistant?
1. Take medical histories and perform physical exams to diagnose illness and injury 2. Order and interpret diagnostic tests, such as lab work, x-rays, and electrocardiograms 3. Prescribe medications and treatments 4. Assist in surgery, deliver babies, and provide follow-up care 5. Educate patients and families on preventative care and healthy lifestyle habits 6. Manage patient care by coordinating with other healthcare professionals 7. Document patient care services by charting in medical records 8. Provide emotional support to patients and families
Other Questions about Physician Assistant
- How long does it take to become a Physician Assistant?
It typically takes two to three years of full-time study to become a physician assistant. Most students earn a bachelor’s degree in a health-related field and then complete a two-year physician assistant program at an accredited school. They must also pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) to become certified.
- What types of patient populations do Physician Assistants typically work with?
Physician Assistants typically work with a wide range of patient populations, including adults, children, and seniors. They may specialize in certain areas such as family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics/gynecology, dermatology, psychiatry, and emergency medicine.
- Are there any additional certifications or specializations available to Physician Assistants?
Yes, there are several additional certifications and specializations available to Physician Assistants. These include certifications in Pediatrics, Emergency Medicine, Orthopedic Surgery, Psychiatry, and Internal Medicine, as well as more specialized certifications in areas such as Cardiology, Dermatology, Oncology, Neurology, and Obstetrics/Gynecology.
- What kind of education and training is required to become a Physician Assistant?
To become a Physician Assistant (PA), an individual must complete an accredited PA educational program. These programs are typically two to three years in length and are most commonly found in colleges and universities. Students must also have a minimum of a bachelor's degree prior to entering a PA program. In addition to completing the educational program, PA students must also pass a licensing exam after graduation in order to practice.
- What are the benefits of working as a Physician Assistant?
1. Competitive Pay: Physician Assistants can often make a very competitive salary depending on their specialty, experience, and geographic location. 2. Job Security: The job outlook for physician assistants is very positive and expected to grow much faster than average over the next decade. 3. Flexibility: Physician Assistants have the flexibility to work in many different settings, from hospitals, private practices, and clinics. 4. Autonomy: Physician Assistants are often able to work independently, and have the ability to diagnose and treat patients on their own. 5. Variety: Physician Assistants have the opportunity to work in a variety of specialties, such as pediatrics, family medicine, and emergency medicine.
- Can Physician Assistants work independently or do they need to be supervised by a doctor?
Physician Assistants must be supervised by a doctor when providing patient care. The supervising physician must be available for consultation with the Physician Assistant, review the Physician Assistant's work, and be responsible for the overall management of the patient's care.