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Pathway: Diagnostic & Therapeutic Services
Job: Physician Assistant
Job Description
Physician assistants (PAs) provide healthcare services under the supervision of physicians. They are formally trained to provide diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive healthcare services, as delegated by a physician. They may have additional managerial and supervisory duties, as well.
Necessary Education
Typically, the physician assistant program lasts about 2 years and usually requires at least 2 years of college and some healthcare experience for admission. Most PA graduates have at least a Bachelor’s Degree.
Helpful High School Courses
Biology, Chemistry, English, Mathematics, Health, Psychology
Working Conditions
- Usually work in comfortable and well-lit surroundings
- May stand for long periods of time and walk considerably
- Schedules vary according to employer – may include weekends, nights, or early morning hours and may be on call
- Usually work a 40-hour week
Salary Range
- 2003, Delaware average annual salary,
$76,600
- 2003, Delaware average hourly wage,
$36.83
Career Ladder Information
- Jobs can be found at physicians’, dentists’, and other healthcare practitioners’ offices, hospitals, academic medical centers, public clinics, temporary help agencies, schools, and prisons
- PAs may work in primary care areas – such as family practice, or in specialty areas – such as emergency medicine
- Duties are determined by the supervising physician and by State law
- Opportunities will be best in States that allow PAs a wider scope of practice
- All States and the District of Columbia have legislation governing qualifications. PAs must pass the Physician Assistants National Certifying Examination and must continue medical education credits and requirements in order to remain certified
- Earnings are high and job opportunities should be good
Personal Qualities and Interests
You:
- Enjoy helping others with their health needs
- Have leadership skills
- Have self-confidence and emotional stability
- Are willing to continue studying through your career to keep up with medical advances
- Are able to work independently and as a team
Did you know?
Telemedicine – using technology to facilitate interactive consultations between physicians and physician assistants – will also expand the use of physician assistants.
Additional Information
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