A physician assistant works under the supervision of a licensed physician, providing a range of medical services including diagnosis, treatment, and prescribing medication. They can act as a primary care provider in certain situations and must complete an accredited PA education program and pass the National Physician Assistant Certification Exam.
A physician assistant (PA) works under the supervision of a licensed physician or surgeon. The job of a physician assistant is to practice medicine according to the needs and wishes of a supervising physician or surgeon. Therefore, the job duties of a Physician Assistant can vary depending on a number of factors, including the type of medical practice or facility in which the PA chooses to work.
Physician assistants are trained to provide a range of services, including those of a diagnostic, therapeutic and preventive nature. However, all services provided by a physician assistant must be under the delegation and supervision of a physician. Under that supervision, physician assistants take and record medical histories; and examine, diagnose, and treat patients. They also order diagnostic tests and x-rays, interpreting the results of those tests as instructed. In the United States, physician assistants can also prescribe drugs in most jurisdictions.
A physician assistant can perform suturing tasks, as well as splints and castings. Physician assistants record progress notes and advise patients. They also order therapy for patients, often providing prescribed therapy, depending on the needs of the doctors they work for. In some cases, they are responsible for ordering medical supplies and equipment. Often, Physician Assistants also have managerial duties in medical offices or facilities.
While a physician assistant must work under the supervision of a physician, they can actually act as a primary care provider for a patient. This typically occurs in rural or inner city clinics where a supervising physician may only be present a couple of days a week. In such cases, physician assistants consult with the supervising physician about the care of the clinic’s patients, but provide much of that care themselves.
The responsibilities of a physician assistant are determined by both individual state law and the requirements of the supervising physician. Some states and doctors offer individuals in this field a wider scope of practice than others. Pay rates also vary depending on the state and the type of practice the Physician Assistant chooses to work in.
In the United States, an individual interested in a career as a physician assistant must complete an accredited PA education program. These programs usually require full-time attendance and take a minimum of two years to complete. After completing an accredited PA program, an individual must pass the National Physician Assistant Certification Exam to become certified. The National Commission for Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) administers this exam. Once certified and practiced, continuing education requirements can be enforced as specified by state law.
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