ADMISSIONS: What is a PA?
What do Physician Assistants do?
They practice medicine under the supervision of a physician. They take comprehensive histories, perform complete physical examinations, order and interpret laboratory tests, diagnose and treat illnesses, develop treatment plans, counsel patients and their families, perform minor procedures and assist at surgery.
Where are Physician Assistants employed?
You can find physician assistants in virtually any medical setting where you might find a physician. They work in private physician offices and clinics, hospital inpatient and emergency departments and mental health facilities. They are employed by individual physicians, medical groups, hospitals, clinics and federal agencies.
What does the future look like?
According to the November 2005 Monthly Labor Review, physician assistant is the fourth fastest growing profession in the US. It estimates that an additional 31,000 physician assistants will be needed by 2014, representing an increase of 49.6% over 2004 numbers. Salary data provided by the American Academy of Physician Assistants 2005 Census Survey shows the mean salary for all practicing physician assistants in 2005 was $81,129. The mean for 2005 graduates was $68,611.
LEARN MORE
To learn more about the field of Physician Assistant Studies, visit the American Academy of Physician Assistants web site at: