So, You Want to Be a… Physician Assistant

How much money can you make?

What type of training will it take?

And what does the job actually entail?

Read on to find out whether this is the job for you

What will I be doing all day?

A physician assistant (PA) diagnoses and treats illness, performs physical exams, counsels patients, prescribes medications, orders and interprets lab work, performs minor procedures, assists in surgery, and more. While a physician assistant works under the supervision of a medical doctor, in a typical primary care setting, the physician assistant can perform nearly the same clinical tasks as the doctor.

What will my work environment be like?

Physician assistants can work in a large variety of settings, including medical clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, and other places where medical services are needed. In some states, a PA can practice independently. They work with patients of all ages in nearly all medical specialties, such as pediatrics, surgery, emergency medicine, and psychiatry.

Do I have the personality for it?

A good PA needs to employ critical thinking and creative problem-solving. A PA also needs to be committed, caring and empathetic, have strong interpersonal skills, and have the ability to communicate in a pleasant and clear manner to a wide range of patients.

What kind of schooling do I need?

In order to be licensed, one must graduate from an accredited PA program (typically two to three years), pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE), and receive a license in the state in which you work.