Physician Assistants

Bright Outlook

Career outlook for

Physician Assistants

What's it like?

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.

Working conditions

Tasks

Make tentative diagnoses and decisions about management and treatment of patients
Interpret diagnostic test results for deviations from normal.
Prescribe therapy or medication with physician approval.
Obtain, compile, and record patient medical data, including health history, progress notes, and results of physical examination.
Examine patients to obtain information about their physical condition
Administer or order diagnostic tests, such as x-ray, electrocardiogram, and laboratory tests
Instruct and counsel patients about prescribed therapeutic regimens, normal growth and development, family planning, emotional problems of daily living, and health maintenance.
Perform therapeutic procedures, such as injections, immunizations, suturing and wound care, and infection management.
Visit and observe patients on hospital rounds or house calls, updating charts, ordering therapy, and reporting back to physician.
Provide physicians with assistance during surgery or complicated medical procedures.
Supervise and coordinate activities of technicians and technical assistants.
Order medical and laboratory supplies and equipment.

Top Skills

Reading Comprehension.
Instructing.
Writing.
Speaking.
Active Listening.
Critical Thinking.
Persuasion.
Learning Strategies.
Monitoring.
Judgment and Decision Making.
Complex Problem Solving.
Service Orientation.
Social Perceptiveness.
Time Management.
Coordination.
Management of Personnel Resources.
Negotiation.
Active Learning.
System evaluation.
System analysis.
Mathematics.
Science.

Programs

Bachelor degree in Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions , Physician Assistant , Health professions and other related programs , Medical Preparatory Programs , Pre-Medical Studies , Health Aides