If a high paying position within the healthcare community is interesting to you, you may want to look into becoming an Orthopedic Physician Assistant. Physician Assistants in any area of healthcare are a valuable part of the healthcare team and therefore command good salaries. At the same time these professionals are reducing the costs associated with good healthcare because they save time for patients as well as doctors.

One of the reasons Orthopedic Physician Assistants are able to help reduce the cost of health care is that they attend to the ordinary needs of patients which leaves higher paid physicians to work with the more needy clients. This also serves to reduce the amount of time patients have to spend waiting to be seen by a professional. Since Physician Assistants earn less than a licensed doctor, the savings is passed throughout the healthcare system. Here is some information which may help you decide whether you would like to pursue a career in this field of healthcare.

What Orthopedic Physician Assistants Do

Physician Assistants work under the supervision of a licensed physician. They examine patients, diagnose illnesses, order tests, communicate effectively with both the doctor and patient, and prescribe treatment including any medications required. They command more in terms of compensation than others in the healthcare field because of the many services they provide. Below are additional duties performed by Orthopedic Physician Assistants.

• Order appropriate tests like lab workups, ECGs, and x-rays
• Gains an understanding of a patient’s condition by doing a physical exam
• Reviews patient medical histories, helps them understand treatment plans, and communicated effectively
• Administers therapeutic procedures like sewing up wounds, infection management, and giving immunizations
• Assists during surgeries as well as other medical procedures
• Provides supervision for technicians

Traits of Orthopedic Physician Assistants

Physician Assistants understand that they will be working in high pressure situations where they might have to remain on their feet for extended periods. They also understand that they may have to lift patients which requires muscle strength. This makes it necessary to be strong both mentally and physically with great endurance.

An Orthopedic Physician Assistant as well as others in this field of healthcare must have nerves of steel because they must be able to maintain steady hands during the performance of their duties. Shaky hands can make it look like you are not confident in your ability to perform your duties.

Orthopedic Physician Assistant Salary

The anticipated salary of most Physician Assistants is somewhere around $90,000 per year. Sometimes sign on bonuses apply and others can expect performance bonuses as well which can be as much as $20,000. There are many other benefits when one is working in this healthcare field such as retirement benefits, vacation pay, malpractice insurance and others.

After five to ten years, Orthopedic Physician Assistants can expect to earn in the area of $150,000.

If this all sounds attractive to you, and you feel that you can meet the physical and mental challenges of such a position, you may want to run not walk to the nearest registration center and apply to an accredited program. 

Factors such as field specialties can affect the physician assistant salary by state. At this time, the demand for physician assistants continues to increase, as evidenced by the increase in salary. Recent surveys show that the typical physician assistant salary has surpassed that of a nurse practitioner. People interested in this field enjoy helping people toward a healthy life, as well as the opportunity to earn a potential six-figure income in an interesting career. 

Although the public tends to think of hospitals as the high point for physician assistant salary by state, other areas such as schools offer competitive wages. Many large companies include a physician assistant salary in their budget, as it reduces clinic visits for employees. There is a vast area of opportunity for the physician assistant. 

Most states allow physician assistants to assist doctors in surgery, diagnose medical situations and write prescriptions, earning the prestige that comes with this career. Although much of the training is book learning, hands- on training is also essential. Taking the proper classes is essential, so check out state requirements and school requirements for a license.

Heavy on the sciences, study includes proficiency in physiology and anatomy, as well as biochemistry. Like many career fields, continuing education is required after completing the program, as well as supervised clinical training for every student in the beginning. Learning continues for a physician assistant, including recertification every so many years involving an exam and your medical experiences. 

Anyone that has watched a medical show on television, from MASH to House, should have an idea of the extended walking and standing required of medical personnel. Follow that up by recognizing your schedule will be full, sometimes requiring extra hours while keeping a cheerful, pleasant attitude. Continue to research the latest discoveries in your field and realize you will frequently put in a long day and week. he physician assistant salary is high, although the job is demanding. The supervising physician and state law determine the amount of responsibility a physician assistant has. Check the laws in the state you wish to work in so you know what to expect. 

The option of a physician assistant rather than a doctor provides financial relief to businesses. The ability for physician assistant to move within specialties in the medical field is easier than for a doctor. Doctors are more limited working in their specialties, while physical assistants have choices beyond the hospital. Physician assistants are great assets out on a job site. Rhode Island and Alaska are two of the locales luring those PAs that check on physician assistant salary by state, since the wages are frequently higher. 

A very important role in the operating room is the anesthesiologist assistant and as a result, this position does command a higher level of pay. You will find that the typical anesthesiologist assistant salary ranges from $95,000 - $180,000. Since this is going to be a rewarding career that has great pay attached to it, you will most likely want to start with your educational requirements right away.

For the role of the anesthesiologist assistant, you will note that their overall purpose is to ensure that the operation process remains simple and safe. Patient safety will be the main goal of this individual and they will need to review medical histories and ensure that operation checklists are handled properly.

During an operating, they are taking the time to ensure that the anesthesia is being properly administered and they alert the anesthesiologist if a medical concern arises. It is with all this in mind that you can understand how a considerable amount of critical thinking comes into play as well as knowledge.

This means that someone just can't walk in off the street and become an anesthesiologist assistant. Not only will you need to obtain your bachelor's degree, but you will also need to become certified through the National Commission for Certification of Anesthesiologist Assistants. This entire process can take around six years to complete and this can be time consuming for some. You will need to ensure that you are remaining dedicated to the process during this time. 

In the operating room, you will always be under the direction of a certified anesthesiologist. You will need to understand that means that you will never be put in a position where you are in charge. Instead, you will be operating under the license of this professional and you will need to ensure that you have a respectful working relationship in place with them. You are going to find that this is important since you will have patients that will depend on the cooperation of the both of you.

If the job of an anesthesiologist assistant sounds like a match for you, then begin to explore the education opportunities you have. You will need to remember that the sooner you meet your educational requirements, the sooner you can begin to take home your anesthesiologist assistant salary. This is going to be a position that always remains in demand and will help you to make a difference as well. As you will discover, this is a position that gives you a chance to feel great while earning a decent salary. 

The pathologist assistant salary can be anywhere between $70,000 and $100,000 per year. As the years go by, with increased skill level and experience, a pathologist assistant can make more than $100,000 per year. Despite what others have experienced as a result of the recession, the pathologist assistant professional is in a high paying career that is rewarding and continuing to grow.

Pathology involves the studying and diagnosing of diseases by examining organs, cells, body fluids and tissues. The pathologist assistant practices under the guidance of a licensed pathologist. He is responsible for doing the following: 

The responsibilities that the licensed pathologist deems necessary and authorizes him to do, which is normally based on the previous experience of the pathologist assistant.

Whatever responsibilities the state authorizes or either says that he is not authorized to do.

Similar to other physician assistants who work in the medical field, pathologist assistants practice within a basic system of checks and balances. If he orders tests then the testing institute must have a mechanism in place to ensure that the PA's recommendation is in the best interests of the patient. Conditions and limitations like these vary from state to state.

This because the job is so important overall. Simply put, pathology is what determines what caused the disease in the first place. Everything else (treatment, therapeutics, etc.) is based on the pathology and other diagnostic reports. Pathology helps healthcare professionals to determine and get rid of illnesses that might affect society.

A pathologist assistant performs tasks that relate to both pathology and anatomy while practicing under the direction of a licensed pathologist. There are three types of anatomic pathology assistants - cytopathology assistants (involves examination of cells), surgical pathology assistants (examination of tissues), and autopsy assistants (examination of body).

A pathologist assistant has a log of job responsibilities such as conducting post mortems, taking pictures of samples, performing administrative functions and getting tissue samples prepared for various procedures.

Due to the fact that it has the highest earning potential, many pathologist assistants select surgical pathology as a career choice.

You should ideally hold a bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, or medical technology. People with such degrees are encouraged to apply to an accredited Pathologists Assistant Program. You could possibly have a degree in another applicable area of science.

The training is normally done in two parts. The first part consists of the actual training that takes twelve months to complete. Then, the program consists of ten to twelve months of clinical duties that must be completed. Many students join the program after gaining experience in clinical laboratory science and cytotechnology.

After the program is complete, students must pass the national certification exam and obtain a license from the state. After completing the program, the graduate is conferred a Master's degree.

The ASCP is the official organization of pathologist assistants. The members of this organization received additional education. Every practicing pathologist assistant must keep his license current and active at all times.

The demand for pathology assistants is not going down any time soon. The United States has designated more work related duties for physician assistants. The doctors too look up to their PAs and allot them duties based on their training, experience and limitations specified by the state. Pathologist assistants start working at the range of 70k per year. The demand for such assistants outstrips their supply and all graduates can expect to receive employment letters before leaving their program. These pathology assistants practice in places such as research centers, pathology labs, medical examiner offices, hospitals and educational facilities.

This article provided a little information about the PA designation and why these professionals are paid so handsomely. This career path helps to diagnose diseases and eliminate them to create a healthy society. 

A physician assistant's duties are based upon his job knowledge, skill level and the laws of the state.Basically, a physician assistant main function is to assist the physician.So, it can be said that the physician performs complicated procedures while the PA performs simple and routine procedures.However, the PA practice is growing rapidly.Due to this fact, many doctors allow their physician assistants to handle patient cases by themselves.Also, the individual states are assigning more job duties to physician assistants.Physician assistants that practice in surgical processes can also conduct medical procedures on their own. As the physician assistant gains experience, the doctor starts relying more on him.The job responsibilities of a physician assistant start to get co-mingled with that of his physician and gets blurred.So, how do you know which job responsibilities are approved for physician assistants?

A physician assistant is a medical professional that is dependent on others.This means that he has to be supervised by a licensed health practitioner.The licensed health practitioner is liable for the actions of his physician assistant.He tells what to do every week , according to his skill level and time on the job.A physician assistant is responsible for many things which include the following: 

Evaluate patientsA physician assistant has the ability to look at a patient's records, ask him about is medical circumstances, do physical tests , write up reports and forward them to the doctor.

Monitoring patients : A physician assistant has the ability to initiate patient monitoring plans, treat patients in both hospitals and other healthcare facilities.He can also help the doctor in his hospital rounds, and record the patient's progress.

Analyzing patients: He can perform and interpret the results of lab, radiology, cardio, and other procedures.

Perform therapeutics:Physician assistants can conduct injections and immunizations.They have the training to sew up injuries and handle medical conditions that were the result of distress or infections. They can assist while the doctor manages complex and life-threatening conditions.They can overlook and guide blood withdrawal in a DUI/DWI case.

Counseling patients : Physician assistant can tell patients about the benefits of sticking to the doctor's planned treatment.They also have the ability to give patients information about basic health, emotional problems and healthy guidelines.

Refer patients: PAs can refer patients to other medical professionals and social service agencies as required.

What a physician assistant cannot do: 

A physician assistant cannot initiate tasks for other professions such as optometry and radiologic.They cannot sign a death certificate, but can make a death pronouncement.

How the law puts restrictions on the reach of the physician assistant's practice.

The reach of a physician assistant's practice is just an idea basically.Even the theory is not clear because it states that these services are a part of the physician's range of practice.Take for instance the way that a particular North Carolina law places limitations on a physician assistant's scope of practice.Other states may end up doing the same thing.However, before discussing what is allowed by a physician assistant and what is not, please note that he cannot conduct any medical procedures if his license is not current.So, this is how he is limited: 

Drug prescriptions written by a PA must contain his identification number issued by the state. The PA's doctor must give him written instructions about indications and contraindications about prescribing drugs.If the PA does not have these in writing, he cannot prescribe drugs.The doctor also has to provide his physician assistant written guidelines for drug prescriptions.If no such document exists, the PA cannot prescribe drugs.If he issues the prescription without it, then this is against the law.The state has the ability to restrict a physician assistant's authority to prescribe drugs.Therefore every PA must check the state laws before writing a prescription.

A PA can compound and dispense drugs if the action is performed under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist and as per the regulations laid down by the state's Board of Pharmacy.

A physician assistant can ask for certain hospital and healthcare facilities if his direct supervising physician as written down precise directives on how it should be done.If the case is complex then the order written by the PA must be reviewed by the physician within a reasonable time frame as specified by the state.Each medical facility that provides patient care should have written documents set in place that will ensure that physician assistant orders will be authenticated.They must confirm that these requested orders are advantageous for patients.The state too may prescribe specific restrictions on what kind of tests or treatments a PA can order.

Every physician assistant has to keep his license up to date, be registered with the state, and possess an up to date Intent of Practice on file with the state.

Now, as you can see, a PA can perform all the duties that lie within his scope of practice.This is only acceptable if it is approved by his supervising doctor and follows the state's rules.What a physician can do and what he cannot do therefore boils down to : 

(a) The laws of the state

(b) The scope of a PA's work as defined in general and by the state

(c) His physician authorizes this actions and it is okay with the state.

The PA is also subjected to checks and balances because his orders are double-checked by other healthcare facilities.Simply put, this is what physician assistants are able to do , as well as restrictions. 

Physician assistants work in various medical specialties like family medicine, internal medicine, obstetrics, surgery, pediatrics, psychiatry, orthopedics, anethesiology and other surgical sub-specialties. Physician assistants are very much in demand and have not problems getting jobs in the administration, education, government and research sectors.Here are the duties and responsibilities of physician assistants involved in different medicine areas.

When working with the family medical discipline, physician assistants are usually under the guidance of a practicing family doctor. These PAs do not specialize in an area of medicine.Rather, they help treat regular, everyday diseases and illnesses.They also focus on diagnosis, preventive health care and health maintenance.They help to treat patients, write medicine prescriptions, and give follow-up medical care.

Physician assistants who work in the field of internal medicine know how to take care of those who are diagnosed with diseases of the internal organs.Patiens that are under the care of a physician assistant who practices in internal medicine are normally treated for critical care conditions that require continual medical treatment. The physician assistants in this discipline also give advice on how to eat on a daily basis and lifestyle tips.Physician assistants who work in internal medical can also work in sub categories such as liver, blood,intestines and heart.

If a physician assistant works in the area of surgery, then he has special abilities.They are skilled at surgical procedures and assist doctors perform surgeries.Such PAs must complete a surgical residency program and attend programs at the graduate level.Physician assistants who work in the area of surgeries know how to treat the patients from beginning of diagnosis straight on thru the surgery itself.They know what it takes to be prepared for a surgery.As a result, many surgeons even allow their PAs to perform some surgical procedures.

Within the area of preoperative care, these physician assistants assist their hospital patients before the surgery begins.They also reassure and comfort patients and answer all their surgery-related questions.These responsibilities can range anywhere from producing medical reports for surgeons, doing physical examinations on patients, writing down the preoperative medical history of patients and initiating diagnostic tests.They also know how to write postoperative reports and in some cases may even be required to help the surgeon perform an operation.

PAs specializing in pediatrics are trained to treat children.They have to take the same courses as that of a physician assistant who does not specialize in family medicine.They are able to give outpatient as well as inpatient medical care. In addition, they are skilled to work in both hospitals and in similar medical locations.These types of physician assistants are trained to assist with surgeries and neonatal care.Pediatric physician assistants help to take care of patients with minor illnesses.The serious cases are left to the doctor.

When it comes to medical equipment, physician assistants know how to operate ABIs, Holters, echocardiograms, Untrasounds and EKGs.In error, cardiology is many times considered to be a surgical specialty when it is actually a medical one.The doctor and not the physician assistant handles the insertion of pacemakers and does cardiac catherization.However, these physician assistants are still very skillful when it comes to the cardiovascular system.

Orthopedic physician assistants are not only capable of administering local anesthesia, but they can also prescribe test and care and analyze patient histories.In addition, physician assistants are very knowledgeable when it comes to smaller surgical procedures like hardware removal, drainage, tendon repair and needle biopsies. They are adept at performing diagnostic and therapeutic procedures like joint aspirations, dislocation reduction, and splint applications.They are also involved with orthopaedic surgeons and help patients in turns of giving postoperative treatment and dealing with regular responsibilities such as patient care, patient advice and evaluations.

Anesthesiology physician assistants assist anesthesiologists and administer the prescribed anesthetics.In addition to their regular responsibilities, physician assistants are also adept at using specialized devices and procedures such as auto rapid machines, starting IVs, intra-aortic balloon pump machines, cell savers and other anesthesia equipment.Anesthesiology physician assistants can also become experts in sub-speciality fields such as neuro, liver and heart.

So, you can see that physician assistants are very much in demand in all areas of medicine.The states differ when it comes to laws about physician assistants.Physician assistants are to uphold all state laws that pertain to the profession.Because employer insurance is never the right amount, physician assistants are also expected to purchase malpractice insurance for themselves.

PAs train very hard and work under the supervision of a licensed doctor.It’s a rewarding, fulfilling and noble career that keeps the community in good health and promotes national productivity. 

There has been a lot of development over the years with regards the medical profession. As a matter of fact, the growth of the medical professional has been quite fast throughout history. The human survival instinct is the main reason behind this. Apart from finding new cures and medicines, this growth is also about the advancement of the medical profession. A prime example of this growth is the Physician Assistant. The following is some details of the profession of the Physician Assistant.

What is a Physician Assistant?

A Physician Assistant, as the name itself suggests, is a person who assists a physician in his daily work. In effect, a Physician Assistant is a type of health care provider with a license to practice in a state. The majority of Physician Assistants work under a full-fledged physician. Physician Assistants are well paid and respected by the people.

Benefits of being a Physician Assistant

There could be any variety of reasons why a person would want to become a Physician Assistant. There are nevertheless two reasons that seem to stand out. The good pay packet is the first reason. As a result, it can be said that the job of a Physician Assistant provides a lot of financial security. Emotional satisfaction is the other reason why the job of a Physician Assistant is so coveted. As a Physician Assistant can heal people, their career becomes very emotionally rewarding.

How can a person become a Physician Assistant?

Formal training is required by a person to become a Physician Assistant. A Physician Assistant program can take anything from 2.5 years to 3 years depending upon the kind of program you choose. A wide number of Physician Assistant programs can be found in the United States of America. In fact, the number of Physician Assistant programs in the country easily surpasses 100.

Physician Assistant programs exist for all kinds of people and you can take programs to get certifications, associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees and even master’s degrees. Once you have become qualified, you can get a job and start working under a physician. A Physician Assistant’s pay packet can result in him earning up to 90, 000 American dollars. Along with this, hospitals are also in need of Physician Assistants.

What do Physician Assistant programs include?

It is an established fact that Physician Assistant programs are extremely comprehensive in nature. In fact, during your studies you would even find yourself sitting in the same classes as medical students. Despite the fact that course structures vary from one Physician Assistant program to another, it can include simple things like communication and interviewing skills along with complex concepts such as surgical procedures. It is also worth mentioning that it is possible for you to change your specialization even if you have been working in a field for a while.