Physician Assistant
How to become a Physician Assistant
Physician Assistant Job Duties
Skills and Qualities of Physician Assistants
Salaries for Physician Assistants
Influential Professionals in the Physician Assistant Field
Leading Physician Assistant Organizations
Top Cities for Physician Assistant Jobs
Other Careers of Interest
How to become a Physician Assistant
Physician assistants are licensed, advanced practice clinicians who practice medicine under the supervision of a licensed physician, whether it's direct supervision or through other means such as telecommunications. A physician assistant is not to be confused with a nurse, as they have more knowledge, responsibilities and power than nurses.
This is a relatively new profession, being invented in the mid 60's due to a shortage of primary care physicians in the United States. The first class of graduated physician assistants started their internships in 1965, under the guidance of Dr. Eugene Stead of Duke University. He used his knowledge in the rapid training of doctors during World War Two as the basis of the new profession. A physician assistant can practice medicine in all fields available to licensed physicians, and it is common for them to switch specializations during their careers.
There were 141 accredited physician assistant programs in the United States as of May, 2008, the vast majority being graduate programs that lead to a master's degree in Physician Assistant Studies. To become a physician assistant you need to have a bachelor's degree and GRE or MCAT scores to be eligible for the continuation of your education. Some of these programs offer a clinical doctorate degree, Doctor of Science Physician Assistant.
Physician assistant education is based, of course, on the medical school model, lasting only two or three years instead of the usual four. It has a generalist approach on the curriculum, but it consists of courses in all major medical sciences, disciplines and fields. Unlike physicians, physician assistants are not required to go through the three years of residency after the completion of medical school. Even though they're not required to do so, they still have the opportunity to enlist in a residency program, should they wish to.
After graduation, physician assistants have to also pass the NCCPA administered Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam before being licensed. This is required in all states.
This is a relatively new profession, being invented in the mid 60's due to a shortage of primary care physicians in the United States. The first class of graduated physician assistants started their internships in 1965, under the guidance of Dr. Eugene Stead of Duke University. He used his knowledge in the rapid training of doctors during World War Two as the basis of the new profession. A physician assistant can practice medicine in all fields available to licensed physicians, and it is common for them to switch specializations during their careers.
There were 141 accredited physician assistant programs in the United States as of May, 2008, the vast majority being graduate programs that lead to a master's degree in Physician Assistant Studies. To become a physician assistant you need to have a bachelor's degree and GRE or MCAT scores to be eligible for the continuation of your education. Some of these programs offer a clinical doctorate degree, Doctor of Science Physician Assistant.
Physician assistant education is based, of course, on the medical school model, lasting only two or three years instead of the usual four. It has a generalist approach on the curriculum, but it consists of courses in all major medical sciences, disciplines and fields. Unlike physicians, physician assistants are not required to go through the three years of residency after the completion of medical school. Even though they're not required to do so, they still have the opportunity to enlist in a residency program, should they wish to.
After graduation, physician assistants have to also pass the NCCPA administered Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam before being licensed. This is required in all states.
What does a Physician Assistant do?
A physician assistant is an advanced practice clinician, and obtains medical histories, orders treatments, diagnoses patients, prescribes medication and refers patients to specialists. They even assist in surgery, if they have the specialization. They do everything a normal physician does, only they're employed in places that lack physicians, like rural regions or crowded hospitals, satellite clinics or remote areas.
However, that doesn't mean that they can't be found in urban settings or wherever you'd expect to find a medic. Since their profession permits changes of fields and specializations, they can work wherever they want, and wherever there's a need for them.
However, that doesn't mean that they can't be found in urban settings or wherever you'd expect to find a medic. Since their profession permits changes of fields and specializations, they can work wherever they want, and wherever there's a need for them.
What skills or qualities do I need to become a Physician Assistant?
A physician assistant needs to have all the skills a licensed physician has, like attention to detail, the will to help those in need and knowledge to support his career. However, since physician assistants deal more closely with the patients, they should have excellent interpersonal skills, lots of patience and empathy and a willingness to do good whatever the circumstances.
Of course, computer knowledge is a must, as you'll be using the computer to find information and enter data about your patients. You don't have to be a hacker, but basic knowledge is a must.
You'll need to have great resistance to stress and an optimistic take on life, as you'll be dealing with people that are in pain on a daily basis. You must be strong and composed, and must be able to maintain a professional attitude no matter the circumstances.
Of course, computer knowledge is a must, as you'll be using the computer to find information and enter data about your patients. You don't have to be a hacker, but basic knowledge is a must.
You'll need to have great resistance to stress and an optimistic take on life, as you'll be dealing with people that are in pain on a daily basis. You must be strong and composed, and must be able to maintain a professional attitude no matter the circumstances.
How much do Physician Assistants make?
A certified physician assistant will be making a median salary between $73,608 and $89,046, depending on the geographical location, the employer, work experience and certifications. An entry level salary will be at about $67,117, whilst a very, very good one will be at $96,612. Again, this all depends on the circumstances of your employment, and are not to be taken for granted. You may make more, or you may make less than these averages.
Who are some influential professionals in this field?
Since there are as many influential physician assistants as there are medical disciplines to choose from, it would be very hard to list all of the influential professionals for this field here. We can name a few select ones though, people that inspire by living example, people who have put their jobs ahead of themselves, and don't hesitate to do what it takes to get the job done with the utmost courtesy and professionalism.
As you'd have expected, these great professionals are all on the board of American Academy of Physician Assistants, men and women that have dedicated their lives to the improvement of the profession and of their fellow physician assistants. Daniel T. Thibodeau, M.H.P., PA-C, is the Director at large of the Academy. Cynthia B. Lord, M.H.S., PA-C, is the President of the Academy. Last, but not least, we have Gregor F. Bennet, M.A., PA-C, Chair BOD / Immediate Past President of the Academy.
As you'd have expected, these great professionals are all on the board of American Academy of Physician Assistants, men and women that have dedicated their lives to the improvement of the profession and of their fellow physician assistants. Daniel T. Thibodeau, M.H.P., PA-C, is the Director at large of the Academy. Cynthia B. Lord, M.H.S., PA-C, is the President of the Academy. Last, but not least, we have Gregor F. Bennet, M.A., PA-C, Chair BOD / Immediate Past President of the Academy.
What are some leading organizations in this field?
It's no wonder that the most influential organization of physician assistants in the United States is the American Academy of Physician Assistants, which has the mission to promote quality, cost-effective, accessible health care, and to promote the professional and personal development of physician assistants, as they so declare on their website.
Other organizations are the Physician Assistant Education Association, a national organization for physician assistants, and State Physician Assistant Associations.
Other organizations are the Physician Assistant Education Association, a national organization for physician assistants, and State Physician Assistant Associations.
What are some top cities for Physician Assistant jobs?
Because of the nature of this job, you will not have a problem in finding a job as a physician assistant anywhere in the United States of America. However, we've compiled a list of three cities where you're more likely to find work in the field. Currently, the best city to be a physician assistant in is Phoenix, Arizona. This is followed closely by Chicago, Illinois. Last, but not least, is Houston, Texas, where you're sure to further your career.
Other Careers of Interest
Cardiovascular TechnicianCardiovascular Technicians and technologists assist cardiologists with patients. They may schedule appointments, perform procedures such as ultrasounds...
Emergency Medical Technician / Paramedic
EMTs are often among the first emergency responders to a scene and sometimes work with fire fighters and police workers. Their primary role is...
Home Healthcare Nurse
Home healthcare nurses provide a vital patient to medical care giver link by visiting patients in their homes. This sometimes done on a one-time...
Laboratory Technician
On a broad scale, a Laboratory Technician performs a variety of tasks delegated by a superior medical professional. There are many different areas...
Licensed Practical Nurse / LPN / Licensed Vocational Nurse
LPN's perform various medical procedures that range from simple to complex. These procedure include: gathering patient health information, taking...
Medical Assistant
Medical assistants who tackle administrative duties normally carry out tasks that include organizing hospital admissions, organizing for laboratory...
Medical Coder
Medical coders are also referred to as medical record coders, coders/abstractors, health information coders or coding specialists. Medical coders...
Medical Records Technician
A medical records technician is sometimes known as a medical transcriptionist because their job is to transcribe various medical records such as...
Medical Transcriptionist
Keying medical information from a Dictaphone or similar device and these days increasingly via the internet, onto computer, is the job of the medical...
MRI Technician
MRI technicians, use a magnetic resonance imaging (an MRI machine) to get an internal look at both hard and soft tissues within a human body. The...
Neonatal Nurse
A neonatal nurse may perform a variety of job functions. Many of the infants in the neonatal intensive care unit are extremely vulnerable and need...
Nurse / Registered Nurse
Nurses performs a variety of functions that are essential for patient recovery. Regardless of their specialty or workplace setting, he or she treats...
Nurse Practitioner
An NP is trained in diagnosis and management of common and complex medical conditions. The core philosophy is individualized care and focus on patients'...
Nursing Aide
Nurse aides assist and care for others. Workloads can be physically demanding. Aides are on their feet all day, moving patients in and out of bed...
Nursing Assistant
Nursing assistants are mainly responsible for providing medical support to doctors and nurse in hospitals and other health care facilities. They...
Occupational Health Nurse
An occupational health nurse specializes in providing and monitoring emergency care services while helping employers to implement health and safety...
Operating Room Technician
Hospitals employ about 70 percent of the estimated 86,000 operating room technicians working in the United States. Operating room technicians would...
Pediatric Nurse
Pediatric Nurses promote health and manage illnesses among children, youths, and their families. Pediatric Nurses are a specialty of clinical nurse...
Radiologist
While radiology was once thought of as simply taking and interpreting X-rays the field has become far more advanced; today the Radiologist uses...
Rehabilitation Nurse
A rehabilitation nurse can be found in a variety of settings. They can work directly in a hospital or sign on at an inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation...
Surgical Technician
Surgical technicians assist in various surgical operations, always under the supervision of professional surgeons, registered nurses or other more...
Trauma Nurse
Trauma nurses are employed by acute-care and specialty hospitals where they attend to emergency situations. They might be based in a hospital, on...
Ultrasound Technician
An ultrasound technician works predominantly in hospitals and physician offices and clinics. Ultrasound is most commonly associated with pregnancy...
X-Ray Technician
X-ray technicians use a variety of equipment to produce images known commonly as x-rays or radiographs so that doctors can diagnose or better understand...
