For many people, pursuing a career in healthcare typically revolves around a desire to help others. But with so many jobs in the medical field, it’s often difficult to decide which one is the best for you.
Medical assistants and physician assistants are two positions in high demand that offer plenty of opportunities for personal and professional growth.
While the jobs are close in name and involve working with patients, they have several key differences. Medical assistants are often the first people patients see when they go to a doctor’s office. They typically take vital signs, record patient information and help physicians with examinations. They also perform administrative duties, from scheduling patient appointments to answering phones, depending on the practice.
Responsibilities & Traits
Physician assistants examine, diagnose and treat patients under the supervision of doctors and surgeons. They are formally trained to diagnose injuries and illnesses and provide treatment. They also can order and interpret diagnostic tests, such as x-rays and blood tests.
Candidates who have a passion for helping others and have a knack for details, whether it be evaluating patients properly or measuring accurate vital signs, are ideal for these positions.
Physician assistants, or PAs as they are commonly known, should have strong communication skills for explaining complex medical issues with patients, and working alongside doctors and other medical staff to ensure patients receive the best care possible. They also must be able to diagnose patients’ health issues and work well under pressure, especially those working in surgery or emergency medicine.
Medical assistants require a slightly different skill set. They must have good people skills for interacting with patients in pain or distress and must be comfortable discussing patient information with doctors and other medical staff. They also typical require analytical and technical skills to understand medical charts and take a patient’s vital signs, such as heart rate and blood pressure.
Education
One major difference between the two professions is the amount of education required. Most medical assistants attend post-secondary education programs available through community colleges, vocational schools and universities that usually take about a year to complete. Others can also pursue two-year associate’s degree programs.
Becoming a physician assistant often takes considerably longer. Physician assistants typically require a master’s degree from an accredited program, and many applicants already have experience as a registered nurse, EMT or paramedic. All states require physician assistants to be licensed.
Physician assistant programs include classroom and laboratory instruction in pathology, human anatomy, physiology, clinical medicine and pharmacology among other areas, as well as hundreds of hours of supervised clinical training.
Salary & Job Outlook
If you are willing to put in the time and effort, the payoff is worth it. Physician assistants typically earn significantly more than medical assistants. The U.S. Department of Labor estimated PAs make about $91,000 a year, compared to $29,000 for medical assistants.
Fortunately, the job outlook for both professions is high. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projected a 38% increase in demand for physician assistants through 2022 and a 29% increase in demand for medical assistants. Over that same period, the job market is projected to need approximately 33,000 more physician assistants and 163,000 more medical assistants.
As the population ages and demand for medical services increases, more doctors will turn to medical assistants and physician assistants to expand their practices and manage rising healthcare costs. Careers in either field offers job security and satisfaction but also an opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life.
