Physician Assistant ( P.A. )
By: Heather Pinnix
Description of the job
- Review patients’ medical histories
- Conduct physical exams to check patients’ health
- Order and interpret diagnostic tests, such as x rays or blood tests
- Make diagnoses concerning a patient’s injury or illness
- Give treatment, such as setting broken bones and immunizing patients
- Educate and counsel patients and their families—for example, answering questions about how to care for a child with asthma
- Prescribe medicine when needed
- Record a patient’s progress
- Research the latest treatments to ensure the quality of patient care
- Conduct or participate in outreach programs; talking to groups about managing diseases and promoting wellness
Education Required
It usually takes a four year program to become a Physician's Assistant and prices can range anywhere from $60,000 to $80,000 to get a degree in this field. You must acquire a license from the North Carolina Medical Board to get a job in North Carolina. You must also pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE). In this field most hospitals would like for you to have your masters degree or higher education for them to hire you.
Colleges That Offer This Degree
- Campbell University
- Duke University
- East Carolina University
- Elon University
- Methodist University
- Wake Forest University
- Wingate University
Salary
In North Carolina
- Hourly- $44.71
- Annually-$93,000
Expected Growth of Career
- Learn how it feels to work along side a doctor or surgeon
- Satisfaction of treating and curing patients for long term time periods
- Promotions
- Salary raises
PA vs. Physician: Interview with a Physician Assistant