Pros and Cons of Becoming a Physician Assistant
Under the supervision of surgeons and physicians, physician assistants help examine and treat patients. Learn about the pros and cons of being a physician assistant by reading below.
| Pros of Becoming a Physician Assistant |
|---|
| Yearly income is above the national average (about $97,000 on average in 2014)* |
| Good job prospects (38% employment increase expected between 2012 and 2022)* |
| Occupational advancement options with experience or additional education* |
| Work can be seen as a rewarding experience since you're helping injured or sick patients* |
| Cons of Becoming a Physician Assistant |
|---|
| Night, holiday, on-call and weekend hours can be required* |
| Extensive educational requirements (master's degree)* |
| State license is necessary to work* |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Essential Occupational Information
Job Description
A physician assistant can work in any area of medicine including psychiatry, family medicine, emergency medicine or surgery. Generally, the work of a physician assistant is dependent upon what a supervisory physician requires of him or her. You might examine a patient's medical history or do a physical examination on a patient. Physician assistants can order diagnostics like blood tests or x-rays, then examine that information and interpret it. After diagnosing a patient, you'll provide treatment whether it be through issuing medication or some other means.
Salary Information
In May 2014, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) found that physician assistants earned about $46 an hour on average. This resulted in a yearly income of $97,000 or so. Physician assistants that were in the top tenth percentile of wage estimates made roughly $134,000 or more. The top paying states for 2014 were Rhode Island, Nevada, New Hampshire, Texas and Washington.
Job Outlook
A much faster-than-average employment growth is expected for physician assistants. The BLS reported that a 38% employment growth was expected to occur between 2012 and 2022. The reason for this growth can partially be attributed to more physicians entering into specific areas of medicine. Consequently, there is a greater demand for primary and general healthcare providers; these are areas that physician assistants often enter. Additionally, more physician assistants and other healthcare providers are going to be needed as the population grows.
Vocational Requirements
Training and Education
Most applicants entering physician assistant programs already have bachelor's degrees. However, the exact admission requirements can vary. Though most physician assistant programs result in master's degrees, bachelor's, associate's and graduate certificate programs are also available. Previous experience in a related healthcare field, such as paramedicine or registered nursing, is required by many programs. These programs typically require two years of full-time study. In addition to classroom instruction in the sciences, you'll receive clinical training in multiple areas of medicine.
Before you can actively begin practicing, you'll need to obtain a state license or certification by passing the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. You're eligible for the exam after graduating from an approved program. Every six years, continuing education or an additional examination is required for recertification.
What Are Employers Looking For?
Employers generally desire physician assistants who are compassionate and possess excellent communication skills. In order to keep a general list of clients coming to the same office, a physician assistant has to develop a good reputation with patients. Emotional stability is also crucial for physician assistants since they have to stay calm during stressful events. You can see what real employers were looking for in physician assistants in November 2012 by reading the information below.
- Members of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) were preferred for an opening in California.
- A year of orthopedic and surgical experience was required for a physician assistant position in Ohio.
- An agency in New York desired a physician assistant with experience working in prisons or correctional facilities.
- In Texas, a physician assistant opening called for applicants to have current basic life support certification and advanced cardiac life support certification.
How Can You Stand Out as a Physician Assistant?
By acquiring a specialty, you can set yourself apart from others who don't have that specialized knowledge. Occupational medicine, internal medicine and rural primary care are just some of the topics that can be explored in a postgraduate training program. You normally have to be certified and possess the basic education of a physician assistant prior to entering one of the advanced specialty programs. Previous work experience is beneficial to standing out as a physician assistant as well. You might be able to bring experiences and insights from previous work as a nurse, paramedic or similar position and apply it towards being a physician assistant.
Other Occupational Options
If you don't mind earning a master's degree and a license, you might consider being an occupational therapist instead of a physician assistant. As an occupational therapist, you would use therapeutic exercises and everyday activities to help patients who suffer from disabilities, illnesses or injuries. You'll observe the patient in order to determine the most effective treatment plan. It is important to understand the needs and living situation of the patient so you can ensure that the exercises are geared towards what he or she wants to accomplish. In May 2011, the BLS reported that occupational therapists earned about $75,000 on average annually. A 33% employment growth was projected to occur between 2010 and 2020.
If you're willing to further your education and earn a doctoral degree and a license, you can become a family or general physician. In this role, you would be treating and examining problems that occur in patients that you see on a regular basis. For example, you might see broken bones or infections in your patients. From 2010 to 2020, the BLS projected a 24% growth in employment for physicians and surgeons. Family and general practitioners made an average of around $177,000 in May 2011.
