A physician assistant is an individual who is formally trained to practice medicine under the supervision of a physician or surgeon.  They provide diagnostic, therapeutic and preventive health care services under the guidance and direction of the physician or surgeon.  They are not to be confused with a medical assistant who perform the clinical and clerical tasks, physician assistants work primarily with the patient in a more advanced setting.

Physician assistants are recognized as a member of the health care team and often participate in examination and treatments of patient’s; they evaluate medical histories and order and analysis lab tests and x-rays.  They are allowed to make diagnoses of patients and also treat minor injuries by suturing, splinting and casting.  A physician assistant is also responsible for keeping accurate progress notes in regards to a patients’ medical condition.  They also instruct and counsel patients and request and treat those who are in need of therapy and rehabilitation.

In addition to the medical tasks, a physician assistant may also be responsible for menial clerical tasks.  In some offices or hospitals it may be necessary for them to order medical supplies and equipment.  Depending on a specific level of education and responsibility, some physician assistants are also asked to supervise the instruction of technicians and other assistants.  In 48 states, the laws also allow physician assistants to prescribe medications.  This may also result in additional duties that are in the job description.

While many physician assistants work primarily in hospitals and clinics under the supervision of physicians and surgeons, some become the primary care provider to rural or inner city clinics that are unable to support a physician full-time.  The physician assistant will work in conjunction with the attending physician on an as needed basis and while also adhering to state and local laws and regulations.  In some situations it may also become necessary for the physician assistant to make house calls or perform regular rounds to maintain the care of patients.  Some nursing homes also require regular visits from a physician assistant to check up on the progress of patients in between their scheduled doctor appointments to the physician.

It is also possible for a physician assistant to work in a specialized field.  These fields may include internal medicine, pediatrics and family medicine.  In the operating room, many physician assistants work in providing preoperative and postoperative care and some may work as first or second assistants to the surgeon.

It is mandatory in all states for a physician assistant to complete formal education from an accredited college and then pass a license examination before becoming certified.  The certification program generally takes about 2-years to complete, if students are able to attend on a full time basis.  There are also programs available at most 4-year colleges and universities, some junior and community colleges, the military and at a few hospitals.  The majority of the programs are in accredited schools of allied health care, academic health centers and medical schools.

In order for the physician assistant to qualify for a license, it is necessary to have enrolled in and completed a program that has been accredited by the Academy of Physician Assistants.  In most instances, applicants to these programs have already earned a bachelor’s degree and enroll into these programs to learn the specifics of this trade.  There are certain admission guidelines that candidates must qualify for before they are allowed enrollment.  Most require a minimum of a 2-year degree and some work experience in a health care field.

The curriculum in these programs requires previous knowledge and instruction of biology, chemistry, English, mathematics, psychology and the social sciences.  Many students who apply to the programs have previous experience as either registered nurses or other health care related work.

Throughout the course students will be instructed in both the classroom and clinical education.  Classroom instruction focuses on many fields related to the medical profession and may include, biochemistry, pathology, human anatomy, physiology, microbiology, clinical pharmacology, clinical medicine, geriatric and home health care, family medicine, internal medicine, surgery, prenatal care and gynecology, emergency medicine, psychiatry and pediatrics.  It is important for a physician assistant to have knowledge of a many fields because they may assistant physicians who are specializing in different practices.

All states require specific qualifications to be met before the license to practice is issued.  It is mandatory for all assistants to pass the certification test implemented by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.  The next requirement is the successful completion of an accredited program.  Once a physician assistant is certified, it is necessary for them to continue the education requirements to keep their licenses current.  They must pass 100 hours of medical units every 2-year and must take a recertification exam every 6 years.

Some physician assistants choose to continue their education to obtain a specialty degree.  Post-graduate education programs are available to those who seek individual careers in the surgery, neonatal or emergency medicine fields.

The variation in the average yearly earnings of a physician assistant will depend on a few factors.  Place of employment, level of experience and education along with the location of employment will be the major in determining an applicants base wages.  Those who seek out additional learning and higher education will be compensated for their increased knowledge.  Assistants who work in clinics and offices as opposed to hospitals will also experience a difference in wage.  State to state wages and yearly earnings will also vary, depending on the cost of living associated with an individual state.

Physician assistants command significantly less money than licensed physicians and doctors, so the growth in this profession has become rapid.  Most employers are choosing to hire physician assistants to cut back on expenses and based on the fact that they are being recognized as integral members of the health care field.

Outside of the traditional workplace such as hospitals and doctor’s offices, more and more physician’s assistants are gaining employment.  Many establishments like academic medical centers; public clinics and prisons are utilizing the services of physician’s assistant as a more cost-effective measure to hiring doctors.

Based on the state of residency, a physician assistant’s salary can fluctuate greatly.  Cost of living relatively to individual states, will determine the average yearly salaries for entry-level positions.  New York boasts the highest paid assistants reporting earnings at $63,140 per year.  South Carolina reports the lowest paid physician assistants at roughly $40,540 per year.  California physician assistants, earn an average of $54,060 per year, while residents of Florida reports earnings of $50,800 per year.

Overall, it is undoubtedly a lucrative career that has the potential to bring in high yearly earnings.  With bonuses, insurance and fringe benefits also associated with the monthly salaries, this is a big addition.  Physician assistants who continue with their education are also able to earn higher wages by possibly seeking specialized degrees and positions of management and supervisory jobs that include additional responsibilities and increased wages.

A physician assistant is much in demand.  They are often rewarded with signing bonuses because of the competition in this field.  As with most professions in the medical field, this is a rewarding career meant to assist in the betterment of people.  Those seeking a career in this industry should be prepared with effective communication skills along with friendly customer service techniques.  A good bedside manner will also prove to help patients in their recovery, which is ultimately the goal of any physician assistant.