Medical jobs in the US are one of the most rewarding and fastest growing professions, both in terms of monetary gains and job satisfaction. Physician Assistants, or PA's perform several duties similar to that of a doctor. Apart from the most challenging and complex cases, all tasks of a doctor are carried out by PA's. Some of the works that physician assistants perform include examination of patients, prescribing medications and treating minor ailments. Physician assistants must have a desire to serve patients and be self-motivated. PAs also must have a good bedside manner, emotional stability, and the ability to make decisions in stressful emergencies. Physician assistants should have an enthusiasm for lifelong learning, because their eligibility to practice depends on continuing education.
Salaries of all professions, including Physician Assistant, depend on some common factors including work experience. Income varies by specialty, practice setting, geographical job location, educational qualifications, employer type, and years of experience. Employers often pay for their employees' professional liability insurance, registration fees with the Drug Enforcement Administration, State licensing fees, and credentialing fees.
Employment is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations. Employment of physician assistants is expected to grow by 49 percent from 2008 to 2018, much faster than the average for all occupations. Projected rapid job growth reflects the expansion of healthcare industries and an emphasis on cost containment, which results in increasing use of PAs by healthcare establishments. Many physicians' offices want to take on more patients without hiring additional physicians or surgeons. Job opportunities project 20,000 new jobs to be created through 2016. Opportunities are expected to be best for states in which physician assistants can prescribe medications and have a wider scope of practice, especially in rural and inner-city healthcare facilities. The field's largest employer of Physician Assistants are physician's offices. Depending on the interest area, a PA can pursue some courses in internal medicine, surgery, and health care at home. Value addition is a great way to enhance physician assistant salary. Physician assistant salary and other benefits are sure to follow with advancements in this career.
Patsy Partin, M.Ed
Director, Virtual School
Vanderbilt University
2007 Terrace Place
Nashville, TN 37203
(615) 322-6384
www.vanderbilt.edu/virtualschool
