Physician Assistant

Career Breakdown:

Role: Physician Assistants (PAs) are healthcare professionals who practice medicine under the supervision of a licensed physician. They conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and prescribe medications.
PAs also perform procedures such as suturing wounds, administering injections, and assisting in surgeries. While they work collaboratively with physicians, PAs often serve as primary care providers, managing patient care independently within their training and supervision scope.

Undergrad:
- Health science, biology, or related fields (4 years)
- 1,000+ Healthcare experience hours as (EMT, medical assistant, etc.) before applying for PA programs
PA Program:
- Includes classroom instruction and clinical rotations (2-3 years)
Licensure:
- Pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE).
Continuing education:
- 100 hours of continuing medical education (CME) every 2 years
- Recertify every 10 years through the Physician Assistant National Recertifying Exam (PANRE).

Median Salary: ~ $124,000
- New graduates may start at ~$95,000
- Surgical PAs can make upwards of $150,000
- Salary can vary on location as well

Medical Knowledge & Clinical Skills: Strong foundation in anatomy, physiology, and disease processes.
Analytical & Problem-Solving Abilities: Diagnostic skills
Communication Skills: Clear and empathetic communication with patients and healthcare teams.
Empathy & Compassion: Building trust and understanding with patients.
Emotional Resilience & Stress Management: Remaining calm under pressure and managing high-stress environments.
Attention to Detail: Thoroughness in diagnostics and procedural accuracy.
Adaptability & Continuous Learning: Staying updated with medical advancements and new techniques.
Ethical Judgment & Integrity: Making sound ethical decisions and maintaining patient confidentiality.
Time Management & Efficiency: Balancing patient load and delivering timely care.

~ Mahatma Gandhi