While a physician assistant practices medicine, they do so under the supervision of a certified physician. A PA however, is like a physician in many ways. It is not necessary that the PA be under the direct supervision of the physician, but instead, must work with them in a practice. The physician, as well as the PA is responsible for the care which the PA gives to the patient or client.
The educational requirements for both are quite different, and a PA will attend school for a shorter period of time. The PA however can have the same responsibilities, and they will be able to fulfill many of the same job requirements.
The Physician Assistant differs significantly from the medical assistant, and it is well known that the medical assistant spends very little time in school. In the office of a physician, the PA has several responsibilities. These responsibilities are diverse, and it is often that the physician does not become involved. What this means is that while the PA may be functional in the practice of the physician, in most cases the PA is not directly overseen by the doctor and may hold their own office hours in the practice of the physician, seeing patients independently unless they determine that another opinion is in order. Patients will occasionally ask to speak with the PA at the office instead of the physician. The reason for this of course is the prevention of 'white coat syndrome' in most patients.
Each state has different requirements set for PA's. However as a general rule, the following tasks are expected of the PA, and fall within their scope of practice and physician assistant job description: diagnosis, x-ray interpretation, lab result analysis, prescription treatment, therapeutic decisions, patient examination and treatment and wound care.
The PA will need to watch the patient and determine their level of health along with taking their medical history for the diagnosing of immediate problems. Further, they can prescribe a plan of treatment for the patient, as well as prescribe medication for the patient. The actual job the PA will obviously vary. This is determined not only by the state in which they practice, but also by the physician assistant job description of the physician for whom they work.
Most individuals who want to be in a PA training program will hold a degree. The course will move much faster if the individual in question already holds a bachelor's degree. Most will have some kind of experience in medical fields, such as EMT, Nursing, or Paramedic training, although again, this is not a prerequisite to become a PA.
The course will likely require two years to finish. The PA program can and will lead to several different degrees. In some cases, you may obtain your Associate degree, your Bachelor’s degree, or the masters. The degree you gain will depend on your prior education.
There are specific requirements for each PA course. Medical courses of course will be the most commonly attended, but there are other courses required that will improve communication. Additional courses will include: nutrition, pathology, chemistry, physiology, medical surgical treatments, immunology, and even biology.
Every school will differ in their courses and each school will require different things prior to your attendance. Remember that many colleges will offer PA courses, but it is important to attend an accredited course. These programs can be offered by medical colleges, allied health programs, or physical colleges.
For the most part, the Physician assistant is well compensated for his or her work. In general, a PA will be paid around $85,000 USD per year. The new graduate can expect to make 5-7K less than that fee upon graduation. It has been found that the lowest pay is 50k per year, which is nothing to scoff at.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics is clear on the fact that the health care fields are extremely critical of those who work in the field. Over time the profession will grow along with the salary.
The educational requirements for both are quite different, and a PA will attend school for a shorter period of time. The PA however can have the same responsibilities, and they will be able to fulfill many of the same job requirements.
The Physician Assistant differs significantly from the medical assistant, and it is well known that the medical assistant spends very little time in school. In the office of a physician, the PA has several responsibilities. These responsibilities are diverse, and it is often that the physician does not become involved. What this means is that while the PA may be functional in the practice of the physician, in most cases the PA is not directly overseen by the doctor and may hold their own office hours in the practice of the physician, seeing patients independently unless they determine that another opinion is in order. Patients will occasionally ask to speak with the PA at the office instead of the physician. The reason for this of course is the prevention of 'white coat syndrome' in most patients.
Each state has different requirements set for PA's. However as a general rule, the following tasks are expected of the PA, and fall within their scope of practice and physician assistant job description: diagnosis, x-ray interpretation, lab result analysis, prescription treatment, therapeutic decisions, patient examination and treatment and wound care.
The PA will need to watch the patient and determine their level of health along with taking their medical history for the diagnosing of immediate problems. Further, they can prescribe a plan of treatment for the patient, as well as prescribe medication for the patient. The actual job the PA will obviously vary. This is determined not only by the state in which they practice, but also by the physician assistant job description of the physician for whom they work.
Most individuals who want to be in a PA training program will hold a degree. The course will move much faster if the individual in question already holds a bachelor's degree. Most will have some kind of experience in medical fields, such as EMT, Nursing, or Paramedic training, although again, this is not a prerequisite to become a PA.
The course will likely require two years to finish. The PA program can and will lead to several different degrees. In some cases, you may obtain your Associate degree, your Bachelor’s degree, or the masters. The degree you gain will depend on your prior education.
There are specific requirements for each PA course. Medical courses of course will be the most commonly attended, but there are other courses required that will improve communication. Additional courses will include: nutrition, pathology, chemistry, physiology, medical surgical treatments, immunology, and even biology.
Every school will differ in their courses and each school will require different things prior to your attendance. Remember that many colleges will offer PA courses, but it is important to attend an accredited course. These programs can be offered by medical colleges, allied health programs, or physical colleges.
For the most part, the Physician assistant is well compensated for his or her work. In general, a PA will be paid around $85,000 USD per year. The new graduate can expect to make 5-7K less than that fee upon graduation. It has been found that the lowest pay is 50k per year, which is nothing to scoff at.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics is clear on the fact that the health care fields are extremely critical of those who work in the field. Over time the profession will grow along with the salary.
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