Becoming a Physician Assistant

Answer 1

A physician assistant, or PA, is someone who works under the direct supervision of physicians to provide direct patient care and diagnostics to people who are ill or going for surgery. You will also be responsible for dispensing medical prescriptions to your patients. As a physician assistant, you can work in a variety of different locations. Most PA's work in private doctor's offices and have a close professional relationship with the physician they work under. Others may choose to work in an emergency room or on a hospital floor. And although you will work under a physician's orders, you will also be on your own at times to practice medicine yourself. Physician assistant's can further their careers by becoming physicians.

To become a physician assistant, it is recommended that you attend college in order to receive a bachelor's degree in hard science. Though this is not required when enrolling in a physician assistant program, most physician assistant students have a bachelor's degree. Since all programs are different, always learn about the requirements that you must meet before attending the program you are looking into. Most programs are about two years long. The first year, expect to attend classes on biochemistry, anatomy, and pharmacology. Your second year will be a little more intense and will include clinical practice in a hospital setting. Many times, this clinical experience may lead to future job prospects.

Being a physician assistant can be a rewarding career for you and your family. Because they are in high demand, physician assistants can make about $42 an hour if they work in a primary care office. Hospital workers can expect a smaller salary amount, but not horribly smaller. In fact, most physician assistants make, on average, $80,000 a year. More seasoned assistants, those who have over ten years experience, can earn about $10,000 more a year. Because the course is usually rather short, many people are deciding to become physician assistants as opposed to nurses because of the higher salary pay.

After you have passed the national exams to become a physician assistant, you can expect to earn a fantastic living by caring for those who need it. Your career will be one that is full of compassion and tender loving care.

Answer 2

Becoming a physician assistant requires about two years of additional education for those in the health care industry. Obtaining education to become a physician assistant is a great opportunity for professionals such as registered nurses, paramedics, EMTs and others with experience in health care or pharmaceutical industries. It requires applying to an accredited physician assistant educational program, completing the program and passing the national certifying exam to practice professionally.