What does a Physician Assistant do?
Published 4 min read
A physician assistant is a medical professional who works closely with doctors and other healthcare providers to provide care to patients. Physician assistants typically have a four-year degree from an accredited PA program and must pass a national certification exam to become licensed. They often work in primary care settings, but can also be found in specialty practices, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. Physician assistants perform many of the same duties as doctors, including taking medical histories, performing physical exams, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, and prescribing medications. They also provide patient education and counseling, assist with surgery, and may serve as a patient advocate.
Physician Assistant job duties include:
- Providing direct patient care
- Performing physical examinations
- Ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests
- Counseling patients on health and wellness
- Developing treatment plans
- Prescribing medication
- Assisting in surgery
- Making rounds in hospitals and nursing homes
- Conducting research
Physician Assistant Job Requirements
A physician assistant is a medical professional who works closely with licensed physicians. They must have at least a two-year degree from an accredited institution, although many have four-year degrees. In addition, they must complete a one-year accredited physician assistant program and pass a national certification exam. Many states also require licensure. Physician assistants typically have several years of experience working in a medical setting before becoming a physician assistant.
Physician Assistant Skills
- Analytical skills
- Communication skills
- Detail oriented
- Empathy
- Flexibility
- Interpersonal skills
- Leadership skills
- Medical knowledge
- Organizational skills
- Patience
- Problem-solving skills
- Research skills
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How to become a Physician Assistant
A physician assistant is a medical professional who works closely with licensed physicians and other health care providers. Physician assistants perform many of the same tasks as licensed physicians, including taking medical histories, performing physical exams, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, and providing patient education. They also may assist in surgery and provide postoperative care.
Becoming a physician assistant requires completing an accredited educational program. Most programs take at least two years to complete, although some offer four-year programs that include a bachelor’s degree. Admission to these programs is competitive, and applicants usually need to have completed some college coursework, preferably in the sciences.
Once you have completed an accredited physician assistant program, you must obtain a license in order to practice. Licensure requirements vary by state but generally include passing an exam administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. Some states also require completion of a jurisprudence exam that tests your knowledge of state laws governing the practice of medicine.
Once you are licensed, you will need to find a job with a medical practice or other health care facility that employs physician assistants. Many new graduates start their careers working in primary care, although there are opportunities to work in specialty areas such as surgery, cardiology, or oncology.
Working as a physician assistant can be both challenging and rewarding. It is a demanding job that requires excellent clinical skills and the ability to work well under pressure. But it is also a job that offers great satisfaction in knowing that you are helping people receive the quality medical care they need and deserve.
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