If you want to become a physician assistant, then you have most definitely chosen a good career path that will allow you to help others. Before we talk about the specialties of a physician assistant however, it is important to discuss precisely what a physician assistant is.

The first thing you need to know is that a PA is similar to a physician, and often has the same responsibilities. A PA will need to work under the supervision of an actual doctor, which could be considered the biggest difference. This however does not entail that they will be babysat the entire time. They will often work alone and attend to patients in the manner of a true doctor. There are a few different physician assistant advancement to take into account, some of which are more exciting than others.

Emergency Medicine -- Only eight percent of all physician assistance work in this area due to the fast paced nature. You could find yourself dealing with trauma or even surgery.

Pediatrics -- When it comes to physician assistant specialties, this is a rare one. This will of course involve dealing with patients on the in-patient floor in addition to deliveries. They will assess newborns and even cover the ER when they need to.

Psychiatry -- In addition to patient evaluation, one would also recommend dosages. A psychiatry physician assistant will generally work in the hospital. 

Obstetrics -- There are a few different jobs in this field, for example an inpatient clinic or even a maternity ward. They would also help in the operating room, take care of patient counseling, and even receive women for prenatal appointments.

Internal Medicine -- There are many ways to describe this position, but it invomes cardiology, dermatology, and others. Making rounds with the chief resident is another duty that you will have in this position, and assessing lab results.

Surgery -- This is the most common of the physician assistant specialties and it claims twenty-two percent of all physicians assistants. There are several different duties in this specialty which include care before, during, and after surgery. They will also take patient history and perform physical exams.

What we have listed are the current primary responsibilities of a physician assistant, but there is a strong chance that it will begin to expand soon. This is a pretty new position in the medical field and the specialites will constantly change. Within the PA position, you will need to make sure that you review the newest material, the techniques, and of course the methods of treatment.

You will not be paid as much as a regular doctor, but it can be a stepping stone for the next phase of your career. If this is the experience you want in a career, then you should write your resume and prepare for the best. It is not going to be an easy position to enter, but it will be worthwhile. It is hard to tell where it may lead.