What is a Physician Assistant?
Physician Assistant (PA) Example Provide healthcare services typically performed by a physician, under the supervision of a physician. Conduct complete physicals, provide treatment, and counsel patients. May, in some cases, prescribe medication. Must graduate from an accredited educational program for physician assistants.
Physician Assistant (PA) Responsibilities
- Supervise and coordinate activities of technicians and technical assistants.
- Perform therapeutic procedures, such as injections, immunizations, suturing and wound care, and infection management.
- Provide physicians with assistance during surgery or complicated medical procedures.
- Examine patients to obtain information about their physical condition.
- Make tentative diagnoses and decisions about management and treatment of patients.
- Instruct and counsel patients about prescribed therapeutic regimens, normal growth and development, family planning, emotional problems of daily living, and health maintenance.
Featured schools near , edit
Things a Physician Assistant (PA) Should Know How to Do
These are the skills Physician Assistants say are the most useful in their careers:
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.
Types of Physician Assistant
- Anesthesiologist Assistant
- Physician Assistant (PA)
- Family Practice Physician Assistant
- Surgeon Assistant
- Surgery Technician (Surgery Tech)
Is There Job Demand for Physician Assistants?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 106,200 jobs in the United States for Physician Assistant. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 37.4% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 39,700 new jobs for Physician Assistant by 2026. The BLS estimates 10,600 yearly job openings in this field.
The states with the most job growth for Physician Assistant (PA) are Arizona, Utah, and Florida. Watch out if you plan on working in Rhode Island, Mississippi, or Alaska. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Physician Assistant (PA) Salary
The average yearly salary of a Physician Assistant (PA) ranges between $69,120 and $151,850.
Physician Assistants who work in Connecticut, Washington, or Alaska, make the highest salaries.
How much do Physician Assistants make in different U.S. states?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $92,880 |
| Alaska | $122,260 |
| Arizona | $101,590 |
| Arkansas | $99,280 |
| California | $117,230 |
| Colorado | $102,770 |
| Connecticut | $125,610 |
| Delaware | $105,300 |
| District of Columbia | $114,740 |
| Florida | $105,930 |
| Georgia | $103,190 |
| Hawaii | $121,120 |
| Idaho | $109,090 |
| Illinois | $108,260 |
| Indiana | $96,090 |
| Iowa | $110,550 |
| Kansas | $104,720 |
| Kentucky | $91,010 |
| Louisiana | $85,990 |
| Maine | $110,030 |
| Maryland | $108,180 |
| Massachusetts | $108,700 |
| Michigan | $110,240 |
| Minnesota | $116,200 |
| Mississippi | $81,130 |
| Missouri | $94,480 |
| Montana | $106,130 |
| Nebraska | $106,700 |
| Nevada | $116,850 |
| New Hampshire | $111,080 |
| New Jersey | $116,270 |
| New Mexico | $108,610 |
| New York | $117,000 |
| North Carolina | $104,680 |
| North Dakota | $107,340 |
| Ohio | $105,410 |
| Oklahoma | $104,200 |
| Oregon | $113,570 |
| Pennsylvania | $98,510 |
| Rhode Island | $103,710 |
| South Carolina | $103,710 |
| South Dakota | $102,830 |
| Tennessee | $87,700 |
| Texas | $109,590 |
| Utah | $102,710 |
| Vermont | $106,520 |
| Virginia | $99,340 |
| Washington | $123,980 |
| West Virginia | $104,180 |
| Wisconsin | $107,920 |
| Wyoming | $116,890 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Physician Assistants
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Physician Assistants may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Web browser software
- Word processing software
- Spreadsheet software
- MEDITECH software
- Medical procedure coding software
- Epic Systems
- Healthcare common procedure coding system HCPCS
- Medical condition coding software
- Electronic medical record EMR software
- ChartWare EMR
- Teleconferencing software
- Teleradiology systems
Becoming a Physician Assistant (PA)
Education needed to be a Physician Assistant:
How many years of work experience do I need?
Similar Careers
Those thinking about becoming a Physician Assistant might also be interested in the following careers:
Are you already one of the many Physician Assistant in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
Image Credit:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
HealthcareDegreeSearch.com provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© HealthcareDegreeSearch.com – All Rights Reserved.