Physician assistants, or PAs, are individuals who work under the direction of surgeons and physicians. The duties are very different from those of a medical assistant who is responsible for performing routine clerical and clinical jobs. A PA provides preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic services as directed by a doctor. Qualified individuals are in demand, especially in inner city and rural areas with physician assistant pay scales depending on geographical location and place of employment.
Individuals in this position will report to and take direction from licensed doctors. They must be able to diagnose diseases, suggest possible remedies and inform patients about preventive measures they can take to avoid health problems. They have the knowledge needed to examine x-rays and review patient laboratory reports.
A qualified PA is familiar with various types of medical equipment. They know how to use numerous diagnostic tools and work closely with medical technicians when conducting tests. They often supervise lower level employees in proper cleaning of equipment and safe methods of medical waste disposal to eliminate the risk of infection.
Many people who train for this job have some background experience in the medical field. Medical therapists, registered nurses, paramedics and equipment technicians often transition to this type of work. Before seeking a job, applicants must pass a certification examination. Continuing education is required after certification and exams must be taken and passed every six years to renew certification.
Good candidates for this work are self-motivated and exhibit a strong desire to help patients who are injured or ill. Successful PAs are cool under pressure and able to make quick decisions during emergencies that can mean the difference between life and death for the patient. They are able to interact effectively with people in distress and be a calming influence to those around them.
The medical industry is constantly evolving with new breakthroughs and all healthcare workers, including PAs, must stay updated on the latest techniques and knowledge available. People entering this field must have a desire to continue learning throughout their career. Their ability to stay employed depends on their willingness to participate in furthering their education.
Qualified PAs will find room for advancement depending on where they accept employment. There are obviously more opportunities to move around in a larger facility with many employees and fewer options for those working in a private practice. The position demands supervision by licensed physicians but many assistants are trusted with more responsibilities and given the opportunity to earn more as they gain clinical experience and knowledge. The scope of the practice is under constant review and occasionally the scope expands to permit PAs to perform additional procedures.
Some people in this profession will have more than one job. Some work with practicing physicians and do additional work in a local healthcare facility. Job applicants often find the greatest number of job openings in private doctors' offices. Professional schools, universities and community colleges hire PAs to serve as instructors.
Certified PAs can find jobs at large healthcare facilities, including public and private hospitals. Additional job opportunities exist in outpatient care centers and with health maintenance organizations. Jobs are also available in public clinics and institutional settings.
Many individuals will start out as generalists and later on choose to train for work in a specialty field. Specialty positions often pay more and the scope of practice will match that of the supervising doctor or surgeon. Some specialty fields to consider are orthopedics, emergency medicine and cardiovascular surgery.
Those people who choose to work as a surgical PA will have duties related to preoperative and postoperative care of patients. Individuals with the proper training may even provide assistance during major surgical procedures. Additional specialties in surgery include anesthesia, critical care and transplants.
Healthcare facilities and doctors employ assistants because they are cost effective and capable of handling so many different duties. They can free up the doctor's time for other tasks by performing routine procedures. The doctor will assign more duties as assistants gain experience in a clinical setting.
Communication between the supervising doctor and PA does not necessarily have to be face to face, depending on where they practice. Members of the a medical team may work in different locations to increase efficiency in treating patients as long as they can speak with each other by some form of telecommunication.
PAs have direct contact with patients and spend considerable time during the first visit to document a patient's medical history. They can conduct physical exams and diagnose medical problems by interpreting laboratory test results, x-rays, electrocardiogram and other diagnostic tests. Developing and implementing treatment plans for minor illnesses and injuries with doctor approval is also part of the job description.
A PA has the authority to administer injections and, in some states, can legally prescribe medications to patients. Emergency duties include wound care, suturing and infection management. These individuals will consult with the patient about preventive healthcare practices, family planning, therapeutic regimens and healthy lifestyle choices. They may refer some cases to a specialist as needed.
Very few of the duties are clerical in nature with the exception of those related to patient records. After obtaining the patient's history the PA will compile, record and file all data related to that patient. Reports include physical examination results, treatment protocols and progress notes gathered from follow up visits. Other duties may include ordering medical and laboratory equipment, diagnostic machines and supplies.
The career outlook for this profession is expected to increase as the healthcare industry undergoes changes. As state regulatory committees increase the types of procedures PAs can perform, the demand will continue to grow. The average age of the population in general is increasing, which also puts great demands on the healthcare industry to provide services for older patients.
Income levels vary according to place of employment and geographical locations. Those with specialties and several years experience will find higher physician assistant pay opportunities. Individuals with the right training and the desire for a challenging job will find this profession to be lucrative as well as fulfilling.
Individuals in this position will report to and take direction from licensed doctors. They must be able to diagnose diseases, suggest possible remedies and inform patients about preventive measures they can take to avoid health problems. They have the knowledge needed to examine x-rays and review patient laboratory reports.
A qualified PA is familiar with various types of medical equipment. They know how to use numerous diagnostic tools and work closely with medical technicians when conducting tests. They often supervise lower level employees in proper cleaning of equipment and safe methods of medical waste disposal to eliminate the risk of infection.
Many people who train for this job have some background experience in the medical field. Medical therapists, registered nurses, paramedics and equipment technicians often transition to this type of work. Before seeking a job, applicants must pass a certification examination. Continuing education is required after certification and exams must be taken and passed every six years to renew certification.
Good candidates for this work are self-motivated and exhibit a strong desire to help patients who are injured or ill. Successful PAs are cool under pressure and able to make quick decisions during emergencies that can mean the difference between life and death for the patient. They are able to interact effectively with people in distress and be a calming influence to those around them.
The medical industry is constantly evolving with new breakthroughs and all healthcare workers, including PAs, must stay updated on the latest techniques and knowledge available. People entering this field must have a desire to continue learning throughout their career. Their ability to stay employed depends on their willingness to participate in furthering their education.
Qualified PAs will find room for advancement depending on where they accept employment. There are obviously more opportunities to move around in a larger facility with many employees and fewer options for those working in a private practice. The position demands supervision by licensed physicians but many assistants are trusted with more responsibilities and given the opportunity to earn more as they gain clinical experience and knowledge. The scope of the practice is under constant review and occasionally the scope expands to permit PAs to perform additional procedures.
Some people in this profession will have more than one job. Some work with practicing physicians and do additional work in a local healthcare facility. Job applicants often find the greatest number of job openings in private doctors' offices. Professional schools, universities and community colleges hire PAs to serve as instructors.
Certified PAs can find jobs at large healthcare facilities, including public and private hospitals. Additional job opportunities exist in outpatient care centers and with health maintenance organizations. Jobs are also available in public clinics and institutional settings.
Many individuals will start out as generalists and later on choose to train for work in a specialty field. Specialty positions often pay more and the scope of practice will match that of the supervising doctor or surgeon. Some specialty fields to consider are orthopedics, emergency medicine and cardiovascular surgery.
Those people who choose to work as a surgical PA will have duties related to preoperative and postoperative care of patients. Individuals with the proper training may even provide assistance during major surgical procedures. Additional specialties in surgery include anesthesia, critical care and transplants.
Healthcare facilities and doctors employ assistants because they are cost effective and capable of handling so many different duties. They can free up the doctor's time for other tasks by performing routine procedures. The doctor will assign more duties as assistants gain experience in a clinical setting.
Communication between the supervising doctor and PA does not necessarily have to be face to face, depending on where they practice. Members of the a medical team may work in different locations to increase efficiency in treating patients as long as they can speak with each other by some form of telecommunication.
PAs have direct contact with patients and spend considerable time during the first visit to document a patient's medical history. They can conduct physical exams and diagnose medical problems by interpreting laboratory test results, x-rays, electrocardiogram and other diagnostic tests. Developing and implementing treatment plans for minor illnesses and injuries with doctor approval is also part of the job description.
A PA has the authority to administer injections and, in some states, can legally prescribe medications to patients. Emergency duties include wound care, suturing and infection management. These individuals will consult with the patient about preventive healthcare practices, family planning, therapeutic regimens and healthy lifestyle choices. They may refer some cases to a specialist as needed.
Very few of the duties are clerical in nature with the exception of those related to patient records. After obtaining the patient's history the PA will compile, record and file all data related to that patient. Reports include physical examination results, treatment protocols and progress notes gathered from follow up visits. Other duties may include ordering medical and laboratory equipment, diagnostic machines and supplies.
The career outlook for this profession is expected to increase as the healthcare industry undergoes changes. As state regulatory committees increase the types of procedures PAs can perform, the demand will continue to grow. The average age of the population in general is increasing, which also puts great demands on the healthcare industry to provide services for older patients.
Income levels vary according to place of employment and geographical locations. Those with specialties and several years experience will find higher physician assistant pay opportunities. Individuals with the right training and the desire for a challenging job will find this profession to be lucrative as well as fulfilling.
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