Physician Assistants
Provide healthcare services typically performed by a physician, under the supervision of a physician. Conduct complete physicals, provide treatment, and counsel patients. May, in some cases, prescribe medication. Must graduate from an accredited educational program for physician assistants.
Related job titles:
Physician Assistant (PA), Physician Assistant Certified (PAC), Physician's Assistant, Family Practice Physician Assistant, Midlevel Provider, Neurosurgical Physician Assistant, Orthopaedic Physician Assistant, Cardiology Physician Assistant, Cardiothoracic Surgery Physician Assistant, Cardiovascular Physician Assistant
Annual Median Wage: $88,660
Related Colleges:
Projected growth: Much faster than average (29% or higher)
Tasks:
Examine patients to obtain information about their physical condition.
Interpret diagnostic test results for deviations from normal.
Obtain, compile and record patient medical data, including health history, progress notes and results of physical examination.
Make tentative diagnoses and decisions about management and treatment of patients.
Prescribe therapy or medication with physician approval.
Administer or order diagnostic tests, such as x-ray, electrocardiogram, and laboratory tests.
Perform therapeutic procedures, such as injections, immunizations, suturing and wound care, and infection management.
Instruct and counsel patients about prescribed therapeutic regimens, normal growth and development, family planning, emotional problems of daily living, and health maintenance.
Provide physicians with assistance during surgery or complicated medical procedures.
Visit and observe patients on hospital rounds or house calls, updating charts, ordering therapy, and reporting back to physician.
Supervise and coordinate activities of technicians and technical assistants.
Key Skills:
Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Science - Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Service Orientation - Actively looking for ways to help people.
Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Related Carees:
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Chiropractors
Dentists, General
Nuclear Medicine Technologists
Optometrists
Orthodontists
Podiatrists
Respiratory Therapists
Source: O*NET OnLine information for Physician Assistants.
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