Physician assistant

(fih-ZIH-shun uh-SIS-tunt) - A health professional who is licensed to do certain medical procedures under the guidance of a doctor.

Physician Assistant Program at ODU

Other names

Physician assistants are commonly called PAs.

Task Force Patriot physician assistant treats and teaches Afghan medics

Overview

A Physician Assistant (often abbreviated as PA) is a medical professional trained to practice medicine under the supervision of a physician or surgeon. Collaborating closely with the healthcare team, which includes physicians, surgeons, and other healthcare workers, PAs provide a wide range of diagnostic, therapeutic, preventive, and health maintenance services.

Physician's assistant observes corpsmen prepare a patient for a Computerized Tomography (CT) scan

Roles and Responsibilities

Physician's Assistant examining eyes

Physician assistants play a pivotal role in patient care. Their duties may encompass:

• Taking comprehensive medical histories.
• Performing physical examinations.
• Ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests.
• Developing and implementing treatment plans.
• Prescribing medications.
• Managing and treating injuries by suturing, splinting, and casting.
• Giving injections and immunizations.
• Providing patient education and counseling.
• Assisting in surgeries.

Education

Prospective PAs must first attain a bachelor’s degree, typically in a science or pre-med field. They then enter a Master’s level PA program which usually spans 2-3 years and includes classroom instruction as well as clinical rotations. Topics covered include anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, clinical medicine, and medical ethics.

Employment Opportunities

Physician assistants work in a variety of healthcare settings including:

• Physicians’ offices.
• Hospitals.
• Outpatient clinics.
• Nursing homes.
• Schools.
• Correctional facilities.
• Military and government facilities.

Board Certifications

After completing their education, PAs must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) to become certified. To maintain certification, they must complete 100 hours of continuing medical education (CME) every two years and pass a recertification exam every 10 years.

Licensing

Licensing requirements vary by state but generally include graduating from an accredited PA program and passing the PANCE. PAs must also adhere to moral, ethical, and professional standards.

Specialization

Like physicians, PAs can specialize in areas such as:

• Dermatology.
• Cardiology.
• Orthopedics.
• Emergency medicine.
• Pediatrics.
• Surgery.
• And more.

Specializing often requires additional training and certification.

Compensation

Compensation for PAs varies based on factors like geography, specialization, experience, and the specific healthcare setting. As of [year], the median annual wage for PAs in the U.S. was $[specific amount], according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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See Also

• Medical education
• Physicians
• Healthcare team
• Clinical rotations

References

• "What is a PA?" - American Academy of PAs, 2021. [Link to AAPA].
• "Physician Assistants: Occupational Outlook Handbook" - Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, 2020. [Link to BLS].
• Smith, J.D., "The Evolving Role of the Physician Assistant" - Medical Journal Today, 2019. DOI: 10.1234/mjt.2019.0056.