Career: Physician Assistants
You won’t have a “Dr.” in front of your name as a physician assistant (PA). But it’s the next best thing to being there. As a PA, you’ll do much of what doctors do, from giving checkups and diagnosing illness to prescribing medication. While technically you’ll be under a doctor’s supervision, you’ll work very independently most of the time.
If you’re passionate about health care and have the personality and desire to be out there on the front lines, becoming a physician assistant may be just the path for you.
Physician assistants practice medicine under a doctor's supervision, doing almost everything that doctors do.
Did You Know?
- Most applicants to PA programs already have a bachelor's degree.
Are You Ready To...?
- Examine and treat patients
- Diagnose illness
- Prescribe medication
- Work under a doctor’s supervision
- Continue studying throughout your career
It Helps to Be...
A science whiz who likes school -- you’ll be there for quite a while. An ability to work on your own with confidence is also critical.
Make High School Count
- Let science be your guide. Building a solid foundation in challenging biology, chemistry, and physics courses will put you ahead of the game when you start college.
- Take speech. Being able to communicate clearly with patients and coworkers is an important part of a PA’s job.
- Enroll in a university health sciences summer program for high school students or compete for a free place in your state’s Governor’s School for the sciences.
- Volunteer with the local hospital or another health care provider to see if this is really the life for you.
- Become a peer counselor at your school.
Did You Know?
- PAs can prescribe medications in forty-eight states and the District of Columbia.
Outlook
Government economists expect physician assisting to be the fourth-fastest-growing field through 2016.
The most opportunities will be found in rural and inner-city clinics, which have trouble attracting physicians.
Compensation
The average yearly income for physician assistants in 2007 was $77,800, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
