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Summary: A Career As A Physician Assistant

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What is a Physician Assistant?
A Physician Assistant (PA) is a licensed, nationally board-certified healthcare provider dedicated to patient care through team practice with and under the supervision of a licensed physician. Working as members of the health care teams, they take medical histories, examine and treat patients, order and interpret laboratory tests and x-rays, and make diagnoses. They may also treat minor injuries, by suturing, splinting, and casting, and they may perform or assist in surgeries. PAs record progress notes, instruct and counsel patients, and order or carry out therapy. In 48 States and the District of Colombia, physician assistants may prescribe some medications. Physician …show more content…
It started in the mid 1960’s, when physicians and educators recognized that there was a shortage of primary care physicians. In 1965 Dr. Eugene Stead, Chairman from the Duke department of Medicine, established a program to formally educate physician assistant. He selected four, Navy Hospital Corpsmen who received considerable medical training during their military service. Stead based the curriculum of the PA program according to his knowledge of the fast-track training of doctors during World War II. The first PA class graduated from the Duke University PA program on October 6, 1967 (AAPA, 2015).
How to become a Physician Assistant
To become a physician assistant one must first earn a bachelor’s degree, it doesn’t really matter in what major. A degree in health science would be more preferable, because it provides the background knowledge needed when pursuing an entry-level position or advanced study. An undergraduate program may include the following courses:
• Medical terminology
• Health ethics
…show more content…
Everyday is an opportunity to learn something new from your supervising physician, your colleges, nurse, or the patients themselves. PAs can start their career in the medical workforce 6 to 7 years after high school, whereas it takes 11 to 17 years after high school for physicians to complete their education and training. There is financial stability within the profession and the average annual salary ranges from $62,430-$124,770 depending on the work setting and geographic location. PAs may have lower stress level than physicians because; they have less legal responsibilities under their name. Most PAs job duties focus only on the patient rather than the business aspects of having to hire and firing employees, and dealing with billing and reimbursements and marketing. PAs and physicians are both subject to lawsuits, but when a PA is sued, usually his or her attending physician provides guidance and support through the process. PAs have a positive influence on others as they educate, counsel, and encourage people daily, and the ability to form relationships with patients as a healthcare provider is rewarding. As a Pa, you will have stable career that brings satisfaction at the end of each day. You have the flexibility to increase or decrease your work hours, change subspecialties, or switch to a non-patient care environment such as education, administration, or

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