Want to work in the medical field? Become a physician assistant.
Physician's assistants practice medicine under the supervision of medical doctor. Working in a broad range of specialties and delivering various services to patients, physician assistants diagnose and treat illness, conduct exams, assist surgeons, counsel patients, prescribe medication and order and interpret tests, according to the American Academy of Physician Assistants. They find employment in private practices, hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and other facilities in the medical field. In certain rural areas with few doctors, physician assistants are primary providers for routine matters.
Basic Education
Physician assistants take a 26-month course, which includes instruction in medical and behavioral sciences in both the classroom and laboratory. However, those applying to a physician assistant program must already have a minimum of two years of college credits and some experience in the health care field. The majority of applicants have bachelor's degrees and many have earned a master's degree. Most accredited physician assistant programs are affiliated with medical schools, allied health centers or four-year colleges. Students do clinical rotations in various specialties, including emergency, internal and family medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, surgery and gerontology. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 142 institutions offering physician assistant training in 2008.
Continuing Education
Physician assistants must take continuing education classes and undergo regular tests on clinical skills. Postgraduate study is also available. To retain certification, physician's assistants must complete 100 hours of continuing education in a two-year cycle. Every six years, they must also pass a re-certification test. In some instances, an alternative re-examination program may be used, which combines practical experience and a test done at home.
Licensing and Certification
Physician assistants must be licensed by the state in which they practice and must pass a national exam. To obtain licensing, they must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination. Once this exam is passed, the person may use the title of certified physician assistant.
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