The document discusses the role and career path of a physician assistant. It begins by introducing PAs and their responsibilities in assisting physicians. It then covers the history of the profession, originating in the 1960s to address physician shortages. The text outlines the educational requirements, including a bachelor's degree and 26-month PA program. It describes the applicant's qualities, such as being social and curious. Finally, it discusses the growing field and salary range, making PA a stable and fulfilling career choice.

1. M A D I S O N M I R A N D I
H L T H 4 1 9
J A N U A R Y 2 8 , 2 0 1 5
Physician Assistant

2. Introduction
 Physician Assistant is a job on the rise. With the
decline of the economy and the daunting years of
medical school, many students are turning to PA
school as an alternative to still join the medical field.
 PA’s hold many of the same responsibilities as
physicians and can work directly under the
supervision of a doctor.
 This job is appealing because of the patient contact
and treatment, without the years of med school,
student loans, and responsibilities that go along with
owning a practice.

3. History
 In 1965, the first PA program was established at
Duke University when the US was presented with a
shortage of physicians.
 Dr. Eugene Stead, chairman of the Department of
Medicine at Duke, created the two year program to
quickly educate students based on a fast-track
curriculum to train doctors after World War II, with
the influence of new undergraduate medical studies.
 The first PA’s were trained mainly for rural areas and
other medically undeserved populations under the
supervision of a physician.

4. History (continued)
 PA programs have grown exponentially since 1965,
with 141 accredited programs throughout the country
as of 2007.
 PA’s are now able to practice medicine under the
supervision of a physician in all 50 states.

5. Growth Potential and Salary
 There has been increase in demand for PA’s in the
medical field as physicians deal with the
overwhelming duties of running a practice.
 The Association of American Medical Colleges
(AAMC) projects there will be a shortage of approx.
125,000 doctors by 2025. Thus, the need for PA’s is
predicted to keep increasing.
 Salary Range: 60,000 to 130,000 per year.
 Average annual salary: 94,000

6. Program Requirements
 Most require the following courses:
 Chemistry
 Anatomy and Physiology
 Biology
 Microbiology
 Healthcare experience with hands-on patient care.
 Bachelor’s Degree
 GRE Standardized Test score

7. What the Program Looks Like
 Approx. 26 months, which includes classroom
instruction and clinical rotations
 Classroom instruction in Anatomy and Physiology,
Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Physical Diagnosis,
Pathophysiology, Microbiology, Clinical laboratory
science, Behavioral science, and Medical Ethnics.
 2,000 hours of clinical rotations, with an emphasis
on primary care in ambulatory clinics, physician
offices, and acute or long-term care facilities.
 Required to pass the Physician Assistant National
Certifying Exam

8. Duties
 A Physician Assistant can:
 Take medical history
 Conduct physical exams
 Diagnose and treat illnesses
 Order and interpret tests
 Develop treatment plans
 Counsel on preventative care
 Assist in surgery
 Write prescriptions
 Make rounds in hospitals and nursing homes

9. Characteristics of a PA
• Outgoing & comfortable with new experiences
• Friendly
• Humble – little or no overt competition or trying
to impress others
• Collaborative – willing to help others by sharing
learning resources, notes, strategies, etc.
• Curious
• Analytical
• Scientific

10. Skills/Qualities I Possess
 Social
 Taught outdoor skills, such as backpacking, canoeing, and
climbing
 Camp Counselor: ability to work with and mentor young
children
 Lifeguard, CPR, and First Aid Certified
 Volunteered for a church youth ministry
 Studied abroad in Italy for 4 months
 Artistic
 Love for most types of music
 Narration of play

11. Academic Requirements
 Academic classes taken that are relevant for PA
school:
 Biology
 Chemistry
 Microbiology
 Organic Chemistry
 Anatomy and Physiology
 Determinants of Health Behavior
 Women’s Health Issues
 Health Promotion of the Aged
 Lifespan Developmental Psychology

12. Conclusion
 With the aspirations of starting a family and having a
relatively normal personal life while still being part
of the medical field, physician assistant seems the
perfect job for me.
 Additionally, my major skills and qualities involve a
social aspect, which PA school can give me. This job
provides direct patient contact, fulfilling this social
need.
 It is a continually growing field, which ensures
security and stability in a job and benefits.

13. Sources
 “As Physicians Deal with Growing Demand, Physician-PA Teams Key to
Meeting New Challenges.” MD News -, N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Jan.
2015. http://www.mdnews.com/news/2013_06/physician-pa-
teams-key-to-meeting-new-challenges.aspx
 “Become a PA” AAPA. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Jan. 2015. https://
www.aapa.org/twocolumnmain.aspx?id=288
 “Do You Have the Physician Assistant Personality?” Inside PA Training,
N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Jan. 2015. http://www.mypatraining.com/do-
you-have-the-physican-assistant-personality
 “History of the Profession.” Physician Associate Program. N.p., n.d.
Web. 28 Jan. 2015. http://medicine.yale.edu/pa/profession/
history_profession.aspx
 “Physician Assistant: Salary.” Physician Assistant Salary Information.
N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Jan. 2015. http://money.usnews.com/careers/
best-jobs/physician-assistant/salary