Physician Assistant Job Description

Physician Assistant Job Description: Physician assistants (PA's) practice medicine under the supervision of physicians and surgeons.  PA's are formally trained to provide diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive health care services, as delegated by a physician. Working as members of the health care team, they take medical histories, examine and treat patients, order and interpret laboratory tests and x rays, and make diagnoses. They also treat minor injuries, by suturing, splinting, and casting. PAs record progress notes, instruct and counsel patients, and order or carry out therapy. In 48 States and the District of Columbia, physician assistants may prescribe some medications. In some establishments, a PA is responsible for managerial duties, such as ordering medical supplies or equipment and supervising technicians and assistants.

In the Physician assistant Job Description a PA works under the supervision of a physician. However, PAs may be the principal care providers in rural or inner city clinics where a physician is present for only one or two days each week. In such cases, the PA confers with the supervising physician and other medical professionals as needed and as required by law. PAs also may make house calls or go to hospitals and nursing care facilities to check on patients, after which they report back to the physician. The duties of physician assistants are determined by the supervising physician and by State law. Aspiring PAs should investigate the laws and regulations in the States in which they wish to practice.

Many PA's work in primary care specialties, such as general internal medicine, pediatrics, and family medicine. Other specialty areas include general and thoracic surgery, emergency medicine, orthopedics, and geriatrics. PA's specializing in surgery provide preoperative and postoperative care and may work as first or second assistants during major surgery.

Working Conditions

Training and Qualifications to be a Physician Assistant

Admission requirements vary by program, but many require at least 2 years of college and some health care experience. All States require that PAs complete an accredited, formal education program and pass a National exam to obtain a license. Physician assistant education programs usually last at least 2 years and are full time. Most programs are in schools of allied health, academic health centers, medical schools, or 4-year colleges.

Licensing and Credentialing

In all 50 states and the U.S. Territories Physician Assistant's are regulated. The usual method to be a credentialed and licensed PA is:
1) Graduate from an accredited Physician Assistant program.  This may be from a college or other accredited organization.
2) Pass the national exams. This is called the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination.
3) Apply for licensure in the state you wish to practice in.

Significant Points

Physician assistant programs usually last at least 2 years; admission requirements vary by program, but many require at least 2 years of college and some health care experience.

All States require physician assistants to complete an accredited education program and to pass a national exam in order to obtain a license.

Employment is projected to grow much faster than average as health care establishments increasingly use physician assistants to contain costs.

Job opportunities should be good, particularly in rural and inner-city clinics.

Advancement - chances for promotion