Career Details :: Physician Assistants
Description
Provide healthcare services typically performed by a physician, under the supervision of a physician. Conduct complete physicals, provide treatment, and counsel patients. May, in some cases, prescribe medication. Must graduate from an accredited educational program for physician assistants.
Experience
A minimum of two to four years of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Education
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Training
Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Tasks
- Examines patient.
- Compiles patient medical data, including health history and results of physical examination.
- Counsels patients regarding prescribed therapeutic regimens, normal growth and development, family planning, emotional problems of daily living, and health maintenance.
- Performs therapeutic procedures, such as injections, immunizations, suturing and wound care, and managing infection.
- Interprets diagnostic test results for deviations from normal.
- Administers or orders diagnostic tests, such as x-ray, electrocardiogram, and laboratory tests.
- Develops and implements patient management plans, records progress notes, and assists in provision of continuity of care.
Related Careers
- Anesthesiologists
- Chiropractors
- Dentists, General
- Nuclear Medicine Technologists
- Optometrists
- Orthodontists
- Podiatrists
- Respiratory Therapists
Important Abilities
General Work Activities
- Assisting and Caring for Others
- Getting Information Needed to Do the Job
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Updating & Using Job-Relevant Knowledge
- Communicating With Other Workers
Important Skills
Frequent Work Context
- Job-Required Social Interaction
- Consequence of Error
- Responsible for Others' Health & Safety
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Indoors
Related Majors
| Major | Add to XapPack |
|---|---|
| Medical Studies/Physician Assistant |  [ add ] |
| Physician Assistance/Health Science | [ add ] |
| Physician Assistant | [ add ] |
| Physician Assistant Practice | [ add ] |
| Physician Assistant Studies | [ add ] |
Institutions Offering Related Majors
No institutions found.