Physician Assistant : Job Description, Education, Work Environment & Salary

As the health industry continues to expand and cost containment is being emphasized, the employment growth rate of physician assistants (PAs) is growing much faster. Usually people confuse physician assistants with medical assistants. There is a huge difference between the job responsibilities of the two. The physician assistant has the responsibility of doing 80% of the doctor's job. The medical assistant, on the other hand, are quite less qualified and perform work like measuring a patient's blood pressure. One of the best careers in America, the physician assistant's work includes diagnosis of patient conditions, conducting exams, assisting in surgery and prescribing medications among others. Assistants perform all these work under the supervision of the physician. Training period is shorter to kick start a career as physician assistants.

Job Description
Job responsibility of a physician assistant is to provide healthcare services. Though these professionals work under the guidance of physicians, they also have considerable autonomy while working. Formal training is required to become a physician assistant. Healthcare services that these professionals provide include diagnostic, therapeutic and preventive. Not only do physician assistants treat patients and perform laboratory tests, but they also diagnose condition and prescribe medication to patients. In the absence of the physician, the assistants look after all the healthcare services, particularly in rural clinics and inner city clinics.

The physician assistant's job description may vary a little from one state to another. Depending on where they take up the job, some assistants may also need to handle managerial work responsibilities and laboratory supply control. Besides assisting physicians, these professionals may also supervise other assistants and technicians in the medical department. The physician assistant (PA) performs duties as delegated by the physician and following the guidelines and rules set forth by the state where they practice.

Education, Training & Qualifications
To become a physician assistant (PA), candidates need to obtain formal training. A premed bachelor's degree is the basic education requirement for the position. Associates degrees are also offered to begin career in this field of healthcare. Master's degrees are obtained for career advancement. Before getting enrolled in the degree program, candidates need to make sure that the education programs have the necessary accreditations. In addition to formal education, a few years of clinical experience as a nurse, paramedic or emergency medical technician can provide candidates with a competitive edge over others.

While being trained, physician assistants (PAs) receive education in subjects including human anatomy, pathology, biochemistry, microbiology, physiology, clinical medicine, geriatric, clinical pharmacology, disease prevention, home healthcare etc. In addition, supervised clinical training is provided to students in areas like surgery, primary care medicine, obstetrics, gynecology, emergency medicine and pediatrics among others. Besides having formal training, physician assistants also need to have skills like leadership capabilities, emotional stability and self confidence among others.

Surgical Physician Assistant
There is a growing demand for these professionals. While working, candidates can also choose to specialize for a career as surgical physician assistant. These assistants assist surgeons during surgical operations and also provide the pre- and post-op care to patients. Around 25% of PAs choose this specialty career.

Work Environment
Most of the PAs do their work in well-lit and comfortable environment. However, they may need to stand for longer duration during surgical operations. Some of the professionals may also need to do considerable walking, depending on their work profile. Work Schedules may vary according to the supervising physician's timings. Those who join in physician's clinic work standard 40 hours a week. Other physician assistants may need to work at weekends, during night hours and in the early morning.

Salary
The median annual salary of physician assistants ranges between $76,600 and $103,000. Those who have more than eight years of experience earn a salary of around $86,200.