Trends in healthcare reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reveal that a growing number of physicians are leaving general practice to pursue specialty medicine. They leave behind openings that are being filled by physician assistants. In fact, the BLS reports that the field is growing at an impressive rate of 30% and is expected to continue to grow at this rate throughout the decade. Most physician assistant training programs take approximately two years to complete. After completion of formal training, these highly skilled medical professionals can practice medicine, but must do so under the guidance of a fully licensed physician or surgeon.
Approximately half of all physician assistants work in private medical practices, while one-fourth work in hospitals. The remaining group is distributed between a wide range of other healthcare settings and teaching centers. The hours can be long and may include being called into work on short notice. At the same time, the nature of the work is rewarding and the pay averages close to $90,000 per year, according BLS data.
In addition to having sound medical knowledge, physician assistants need to exhibit compassion and be able to remain calm under pressure. They must also be able to keep impeccable records and be able to work effectively with other medical personnel. They must also be able to meticulously follow complex treatment plans when instructed to do so by supervising physicians.
For more adventurous professionals, there are many growing opportunities for traveling physician assistants to fill vacancies on medical teams both in the United States and in other countries. Required years of experience and specialties, as well as license requirements may vary from state to state and from country to country. Therefore, it is important for those interested in traveling opportunities to check with local chapters of professional organizations or agencies that manage traveling medical programs in order to be sure all qualifications are up to date.
Through the convenience of online learning, physician assistants can attain additional skills and knowledge to prepare for the future while still working in their current position. As the medical industry continues to shift, physician assistants will take on a more central role in primary medicine across healthcare settings.
