Physician Assistant

Physician Assistants are trained in the medical model. Programs usually last two years when taken full-time, and are offered at four-year colleges, two-year colleges, medical schools, academic health centers and hospitals. Students usually already have a background in health care. PTs are trained to carry out many of the same duties as doctors. They can to make diagnoses, give physicals and compose treatment plans for patients, assist in surgery, and read lab results. Necessary classes include medical ethics, human anatomy, biochemistry, pathology, physiology, physical diagnosis, pharmacology, microbiology, internal medicine, pediatric and geriatrics – just to name a few. All PTs must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination, which is given by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.

After Physician Assistant graduate, they work in health care facilities with doctors and surgeons. They assume much more responsibility than medical assistant, with whom they’re often confused. In many cases, they cover the doctor while he or she is not available. It’s a perfect profession for people who always wanted to help others and perhaps weren’t able to become doctors. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for PTs is expected to grow significantly in the coming years – 39 percent by 2018. So, tons of jobs will be available for those looking to enter the field. The pay isn’t bad either: the yearly median salary of physician assistants was $81,230 in 2008.