Career Awareness

Physician Assistant

 Daily Tasks
With physician supervision and close working relationships, physician assistants conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and read test results, assist in surgery and in most states can write prescriptions. Physician assistants may also practice within education, research and administrative services.
Strong interpersonal skills, compassion, leadership skills, self-confidence, analytical skills and the desire to be a life-long learner. Physician assistants require a strong math and science background.
 Work Setting
Work either directly with patients within the hospital and clinical healthcare settings, or in an education or administrative setting with no direct patient care.
 Work Hours
Clinical and administrative positions typically have a more routine work schedule of Monday- Friday. A hospital setting position usually requires varying shifts of days, evenings and weekends.
Must have a Bachelor's degree and complete a 2-year accredited physician assistant program.
Requires national certification and state licensures. To maintain national certification, physician assistants must log 100 hours of continuing medical education every 2 years and sit for a recertification exam every 6 years.
 Recommended High School Classes
College prep, business, computer applications, English composition, health education, health sciences, advanced sciences (biology and chemistry), anatomy/physiology, second language, and psychology

Explore the real life of a Physician Assistant