How to Become a Physician Assistant

Intro Physician Assistant

About Physician Assistant

Physician Assistant works under the supervision of doctors and physicians and provide support to healthcare teams. They are commonly known as PA and they usually provide primary medical services. The job role of a Physician Assistant is diverse as it includes meeting with patients, making a treatment plan, and coordinating between doctors and patients. A career as a Physician Assistant has become popular among students with an educational background both in paramedics and medical as they offer great salary packages and promising future scope.

Eligibility to become Physician Assistant

Physician Assistant Course at UG Level:-

B.Sc in Physician Assistant Course Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility for B.Sc in Physician Assistant course is as follows:

• Must have passed 10+2 or equivalent with a minimum of 50% marks.

•  Must have studied Physics, chemistry, biology as their main subject in the qualifying examination

• In some cases, candidates do also need to need to appear for the entrance exam conducted by the institution.

Physician Assistant Course at PG Level:-

Post Graduate Diploma in Physician Assistant Eligibility Criteria:-

• Must have a bachelor’s degree in the respective field.

• In order to secure admission, the applicant needs to secure at least 60% marks in bachelor’s degree.

M.Sc in Physician Assistant Course Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility for M.Sc in Physician Assistant course is as follows:​

• Must have obtained a B.Sc. degree in Physician Assistant from any recognized university.

• Besides this candidates need to secure a one-year job experience to be qualified.

Types of Job Roles Physician Assistant

Some of the popular job profiles available for the Physician Assistant are given below:

Medical Assistant:-

The medical assistant 's job is to provide support to the doctor and record the history and personal information of patients. In addition, they also evaluate patient vital signs, provide medications to patients, arrange patient appointments, prepare blood samples for laboratory testing, etc.

Drug Safety Associate:-

The Drug Safety Associate's job is to keep a check of drug use and drug quantity. A Drug Safety Associate is also responsible for evaluating the safety of drugs before they go out in the market to ensure their quality. 

Orthopaedic Physician Assistant

Orthopaedic Physician Assistants are experienced, qualified healthcare professionals who work alongside licensed orthopaedic surgeons in the surgery room. The field of orthopaedics focuses on the bones, joints, ligaments and muscles, especially injuries to those parts. They also perform tasks such as applying and removing splints, removing sutures, dressings and joint aspirations. Orthopaedic physician assistants are often required to determine the need for physical therapy for a patient and may be responsible for appointments.

Pediatric Physician Assistant

Pediatric physician assistants (PAs) work with paediatricians to diagnose and treat infants and children. A pediatric PA can help examine a patient, prescribe medication, vaccinate, diagnose an injury, etc.

Radiology Practitioner Assistant

Radiology Practitioner Assistant is a certified health care professional who provides primary health care services in medical imaging with physician supervision. They work under a radiologist. They can also conduct a range of medical imaging tests including CAT and x-ray scans.

Employment Sector/Industry for Physician Assistant

There are plenty of career opportunities one may consider after completing a Physician Assistant course. Below are some of the top employment sectors for them:

• Private and Government Hospitals

• Diagnostic Centres

• Health Care Centre

• Emergency Care Units

• Educational services

• Nursing Homes

Top Recruiting Companies for Physician Assistant

A physician assistant is one of the most popular careers options after-doctor. In the healthcare sector, the demand for Physician Assistant is very high. Some of the popular companies are:

• Artemis Hospital

• HR Capsule LLP

• Aditya Hospital

• Bharati Hospital

• Medanta Hospital

Pay Scale/Salary of Physician Assistant

The salary of a Physician Assistant varies as per their educational and professional experience. At the start of the career, the average salary of a PA ranges between Rs. 3 LPA to Rs. 4 LPA. However, with the years of experience PA, enjoys a good salary package.

Books & Study Material to Become Physician Assistant

Some of the best books for Physician Assistants career are as follows:-

1. The Ultimate Guide to Getting Into Physician Assistant School-  Written by Andrew J. Rodican

2. How to "Ace" the Physician Assistant School Interview-  Written by Andrew J. Rodican

3. Physician Assistant: A Guide to Clinical Practice

4. How to Write Your Physician Assistant Personal Statement

5. The Applicant's Manual of Physician Assistant Programs provides

Pros of becoming a Physician Assistant

• Responsibility is almost equal to a doctor.

• Education is shorter than doctors

• Decent demand for jobs and growth

• Make some really good money

• Can work in a wide range of specialities.

• Help Patients in their Time of Need

Cons of becoming a Physician Assistant

• Physician Assistant may be required to see patients in the evenings, on weekends, and on holidays

• It can be a frustrating and highly demanding job.

• Working hours can be awful

• Pay Raises and Advancement are Limited

• You will see Patients Die