Physician Assistant Career & Jobs: Training, Salary & Certification Requirements

Given the high demand of the current population on doctors and specialists, it is sometimes difficult for hospitals and private facilities to employ enough doctors to be able to meet the needs of all the patients they are dealing with. To assist these physicians in examining, diagnosing and treating these patients, it is necessary for many medical institutions to employ physician’s assistants to help the doctors with the preliminary examinations and patient preparation before they arrive to visit with the patient. Physician assistants are trained to interview the patients when they arrive to find out about their medical histories and to perform the preliminary examination in order to find out just what is going wrong. These assistants are also trained to take vital signs, administer x-rays, deal with minor injuries and educate the public about ways to prevent illness and injury.

Salary Outlook

Average Annual Salary
$68,900
Salary Range
$61,600 - $77,700

Work Environment

Because the physician assistant is required to work so closely with all types of doctors, they are usually found in any type of medical facility that employs physicians or specialists. The most common work environments are hospitals, public health clinics, nursing homes, research universities and government facilities.

High School Preparation

Those students that are interested in pursuing a career as a physician’s assistant are encouraged to spend their high school career advancing their knowledge in biology, chemistry and anatomy. Supporting courses for this line of work include psychology, sociology, computer skills, medical technology, and geometry. It is also helpful for high school students to spend time volunteering in a medical setting, like a hospital or nursing home.

Requirements

Although the physician assistant is not a position of direct medical authority, they are involved in the treatment and care of injured and ill persons, and as such, they are required to complete a four year degree in an accredited college program for pre-medical training, biology or emergency medicine. After completing their undergraduate studies, students are required to enroll in a physician assistant training program for approximately two years, which usually includes some hands on training. After they have completed their educational requirements, physician assistants are required to pass a certification exam administered by the National Commission for Certification of Physician Assistants.

Career Outlook

As the population continues to increase, there is more and more pressure on hospitals and private practices to be able to offer a high level of care to all of their many patients. The demand for qualified physician assistants is predicted to increase as these facilities struggle to meet the needs of all the people they see with the doctors that they have available.

Professional Organizations

American Academy of Physician Assistants
950 N Washington Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: (703) 836-2272
www.aapa.org