It is not unusual for people to say that they know what a physician does, but many have still not heard about the Physician Assistant Profession. Do you understand what the differences are between these two? The following information is sure to give you the information you are looking for if you have been asking.
Physicians are those individuals who have invested many years in medical school where they have learned to diagnose the illnesses of patients, prescribe treatment plans and the medicines required to help them get well.
Physician Assistants on the other hand are not required to obtain that much education and training but are more than just a regular nurse. Since they are a step above a registered nurse, they are allowed to work along with doctors to perform some of their duties. However, they still are able to diagnose diseases and disorders, prescribe medication, and discuss treatment options with patients.
One of the primary differences that can be seen between the Physician Assistant Profession and that of the doctor is in the amount of education it takes to complete the requirements for becoming licensed or certified. Doctors attend medical school for 8 to 10 years and after that they are required to complete a residency with a hospital where they get to practice the skills they have learned under close supervision. After that they are then able to decide whether they wish to set up their own practice, begin to teach or become part of a larger body of healers in a hospital setting or get involved with medical research.
The time required for a Physician Assistants to begin practicing is much shorter generally from 4 to 6 years. This time is all included in the regular nursing training as well as what it takes to get a Master’s degree in nursing. Other education may be required if they desire to enter a specialized field. At this time they are able to perform much the same type of services that a licensed doctor can without all the autonomy that comes with. Physician Assistants work closely with a licensed doctor who shares the responsibility for their work.
The requirement that they work while supervised by a licensed doctor is the main thing that sets them apart from an autonomous physician. Those working in the Physician Assistant Profession are able to assist with surgical procedures, examine patients, diagnose illness, develop treatment plans with patients, suture wounds, and participate in other areas of patient care. These professionals are also allowed to assist during surgical procedures.
The majority of Physician Assistants who are working in the medical profession today are working in areas of primary care. That is they generally take up positions within family practices, pediatrics and internal medicine. By handing over some of the responsibility for patient care to PAs, doctors have more time to perform more important elements of their practice, and patients receive more individualized care.
Physicians are those individuals who have invested many years in medical school where they have learned to diagnose the illnesses of patients, prescribe treatment plans and the medicines required to help them get well.
Physician Assistants on the other hand are not required to obtain that much education and training but are more than just a regular nurse. Since they are a step above a registered nurse, they are allowed to work along with doctors to perform some of their duties. However, they still are able to diagnose diseases and disorders, prescribe medication, and discuss treatment options with patients.
One of the primary differences that can be seen between the Physician Assistant Profession and that of the doctor is in the amount of education it takes to complete the requirements for becoming licensed or certified. Doctors attend medical school for 8 to 10 years and after that they are required to complete a residency with a hospital where they get to practice the skills they have learned under close supervision. After that they are then able to decide whether they wish to set up their own practice, begin to teach or become part of a larger body of healers in a hospital setting or get involved with medical research.
The time required for a Physician Assistants to begin practicing is much shorter generally from 4 to 6 years. This time is all included in the regular nursing training as well as what it takes to get a Master’s degree in nursing. Other education may be required if they desire to enter a specialized field. At this time they are able to perform much the same type of services that a licensed doctor can without all the autonomy that comes with. Physician Assistants work closely with a licensed doctor who shares the responsibility for their work.
The requirement that they work while supervised by a licensed doctor is the main thing that sets them apart from an autonomous physician. Those working in the Physician Assistant Profession are able to assist with surgical procedures, examine patients, diagnose illness, develop treatment plans with patients, suture wounds, and participate in other areas of patient care. These professionals are also allowed to assist during surgical procedures.
The majority of Physician Assistants who are working in the medical profession today are working in areas of primary care. That is they generally take up positions within family practices, pediatrics and internal medicine. By handing over some of the responsibility for patient care to PAs, doctors have more time to perform more important elements of their practice, and patients receive more individualized care.
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