Physician Assistant
Why Is a Physician Assistant a Job of Tomorrow?
The healthcare industry will always be recession proof. No matter what state the economy is in, or what trends come and go, there will always be a need for healthcare professionals. Inevitable illnesses and other health-related conditions keep physicians, nurses, and other medical staff in constant demand. As the world population increases, this demand will only heighten, making healthcare one of the fastest growing industries today. With more patients to handle, the role of physician assistants will also grow to help physicians cope with the increased workload. Employment positions for physician assistants expect to see a 27 percent growth in opportunities by 2016, a much faster growth than the average rate, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The average annual salary for physician assistants is $74,980.
What Does a Physician Assistant Do?
Physician assistants are not like medical assistants. While medical assistants perform clerical tasks, such as updating and filing patient records, physician assistants carry out much of the same responsibilities as a doctor, but under the supervision of a physician. Physician assistants examine and diagnose patients, treat minor injuries such as suturing wounds, and implement therapeutic treatments. In every state but two, as well as the District of Columbia, physician assistants can also prescribe medications. Oftentimes, physician assistants can act as a primary health provider for patients in rural areas or the inner city where physicians are only present for a few days out of the week. The assistants, because they are trained to perform the same basic tasks as a physician, are able to fill in and provide quality healthcare in the physician’s absence. The most common workplaces for physician assistants are in family medicine clinics, pediatric offices, and other primary care facilities.
What Kind of Training Do I Need to Become a Physician Assistant?
Although physician assistants function as doctors for the most part, they do not have to undergo the same schooling that physicians must complete. Prospective physician assistants must complete an accredited physician assistant program, which typically lasts about two years. Applicants must have at least two years of college experience, as well as a substantial amount of healthcare knowledge, although in many cases, physician assistant program students have a four-year bachelor’s degree in a healthcare-related major. Registered nurses, emergency medical technicians, and paramedics make up a large portion of the physician assistant student population, according to Colby College. Physician assistant programs cover biochemistry, anatomy, family medicine, and many other related topics. Program graduates then must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination before they can begin practicing. Assistants must also complete 100 hours of continuing medical education every two years, as well as take a recertification examination every six years. This rigorous process ensures that all physician assistants are still relevant and knowledgeable.
