Posts Tagged ‘training programs’

How To Get A Job As A Physician Assistant

Physician Assistants work as part of a medical team.  They  always work under the supervision of a physician or surgeon.  However, in some isolated rural and inner city locations, where a physician may only be available occasionally, a Physician Assistants will, at these times, act as the principal medical care provider.

The laws and regulations determining what Physician Assistants may and may not do, vary from state to state.  Among other things,  Physician Assistants are able to take medical histories, treat minor injuries, order lab tests and x rays,  prescribe some medications, splint, cast, and suture as necessary, keep medical records, counsel patients, order supplies, and keep patient records.  They may also visit patients in other areas such as hospitals, seniors’ homes and patients’ homes, observing patient progress, and reporting back to the supervising physician.

Physician Assistants work in all facilities where physicians work, private hospitals, clinics, hospitals, seniors’ homes, and long term care facilities.  They may work a forty hour week, but also may work evenings, weekends, and holidays, when their services are needed.

Physician Assistants may work for general care physicians or may work for physicians who specialize in such things as pediatrics, emergency care, geriatrics, surgery, or orthopedics.  Duties will vary accordingly.

The work of Physician Assistance is demanding.  The hours are long and the work may be stressful.   Physician Assistants are mature individuals, physically and mentally fit, patient, compassionate, hard-working, have good people skills and are able to respond quickly and appropriately in cases of emergency.  The practice of a Physician Assistant depends on their ability to maintain and update a vast store of medical knowledge.  Successful Physician Assistants are dedicated to a lifetime of learning and service.

Education

To begin training as a Physician Assistant, a High School Diploma is necessary. With this diploma, a student may then be eligible to enter an accredited training program for Physician Assistants.  Admission requirements to these courses vary.  Some applicants may already have a degree or some form of medical experience.  Depending on the course taken, graduates will receive either a diploma, an Associate Degree, a Bachelor’s Degree, or a Master’s Degree.

Courses are available in Colleges, Medical Schools, the Armed Forces, and in some Community Colleges.  Courses take at least two years.  These courses include both academic courses in subjects such as anatomy, psychology, pharmacology, microbiology, emergency medicine, and surgery, as well as supervised clinical experience.

After graduating from an accredited training program, all Physician Assistants must pass a National Certification Exam in order to practice.  To maintain certification, continued  medical training must be taken.

In the rapidly expanding medical field, there is a growing demand for skilled Physician Assistants.  With additional education and experience, Physician Assistants may advance into areas of specialization.

Employment opportunities, for Physician Assistants, are excellent, and will continue to be so as the field of medicine grows.  Opportunities for advancement are available to education and management positions, and, with further education, to positions in medical technology and nursing.