Physician assistants practice medicine under the direction of a physician. They often assist physicians by treating patients in a clinic setting, assisting in surgery, or providing follow up care after a medical event.
How do I become a physician assistant?
Experience is a huge asset for admission into physician assistant school. Many students worked as a paramedic or nurse, while others volunteered in a hospital setting. Such medical experience provides an edge to the applicant. Although programs vary, most require two to four years of undergraduate work in a science field.
Once admitted, most programs take two years of full-time study, with most accredited programs offering a master’s degree upon completion. Coursework includes subjects like pharmacology, human anatomy, pathology, and medical ethics. Supervised clinical rotations are an important element of a PA’s training. These rotations help you become well-rounded and include training in family medicine, internal medicine, surgery, and emergency medicine, among others.
All states require PA licensure. In order to do so, candidates must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE). After successfully passing the exam, the physician assistant may use the credential Physician Assistant-Certified (PA-C).
What does a physician assistant do?
Physician assistants (PA) work under the direction of a physician to provide quality medical care for patients. This often includes examining patients, ordering and reading labs, looking at x-rays, and providing treatments. Some PA’s work with surgeons by providing pre-surgical and post-surgical care. While in the operating room they may assist the surgeon. In addition, PA’s promote wellness by educating patients on healthy habits and lifestyles.
PA’s work in all areas of medicine. Many PA’s are employed in family practice or outpatient clinics specializing in a specific area of medicine. Hospitals, emergency rooms, surgical centers, and mental health facilities also hire PA’s. Some PA’s also visit the homes of patients to provide medical care.
In the case of patients with complex medical conditions, PA’s often collaborate with other healthcare professionals. For example, they may refer a patient with a physical disability to physical therapy or occupational therapy. They consult with physicians and pharmacists on medication decisions.
Interestingly, physician assistants play an important role in provide medical care in rural areas and underserved communities. Typically, a PA will practice medicine in these areas and consult frequently with a physician in a nearby town or city.
What is a physician assistant’s salary?
The average annual salary for a physician assistant in the United States is $112,260. PA’s that work in outpatient care centers and hospital settings tend to make more money, averaging between $119,090 and $115,190. The average salary for a PA in a physicians office is $110,670 a year. Amazingly the top earning PA’s are make over $157,000 annually.
What is the job outlook for physician assistants?
Physician assistants play an increasingly valuable role in healthcare, with growth projected at 31% over the next 10 years. The need for better access to medical care, improved awareness of chronic diseases, and a growing population are all contribute to this growth. To provide quality medical care at an affordable cost to patients and insurers, many communities are looking to PA’s. As a result PA’s are in high demand across the country.
Best Physician Assistant Programs
University of Kentucky
- Location: Lexington, Kentucky
- Undergraduate enrollment: 20,239
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 11:1
- Undergraduate acceptance rate: 96%
- Two-year employment rate: 94%
- National PA exam pass rate: 98%
- Median PA earnings: $96,010
University of Washington
- Location: Seattle, Washington
- Undergraduate enrollment: 29,350
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 6:1
- Undergraduate acceptance rate: 56%
- Two-year employment rate: 91%
- National PA exam pass rate: 87-90% *Depending on campus
- Median PA earnings: $136,130
Southern Illinois University
- Location: Carbondale, Illinois
- Undergraduate enrollment: 6,796
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 6:1
- Undergraduate acceptance rate: 94%
- Two-year employment rate: 94%
- National PA exam pass rate: 100%
- Median PA earnings: $117,480
D’Youville University
- Location: Buffalo, New York
- Undergraduate enrollment: 6,796
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 7:1
- Undergraduate acceptance rate: 92%
- Two-year employment rate: 93%
- National PA exam pass rate: 93%
- Median PA earnings: $131,810