Non-Specialized Medical Careers - Physician Assistants

Most of these programs require it's applicants to have at least two years of college, as well as some type of experience within a health care scenario. It can be as an EMT (emergency medical technician), ambulance attendant, licensed practical nurse, an associate-degree nurse or as a health educator. However, because it is such a competitive area, the average PA has a bachelor's degree in some field and usually about 4 years or more of health related experience.

The training for physician assistants is usually just over two years in length, with numerous criteria that needs to be met, in order to move on to the next level. In the mid-1960's, the first assistants were mostly military trained medics who took their knowledge gained in the armed forces, on to the primary care public sector. Additionally, although the positions were mostly staffed by men, the roles today are filled by women, by more than half.

The PA's role, which is associated legally with a supervising physician, now allows them to complete tasks that were at one time only performed by doctors; such as diagnosis, taking of history, physical exams and patient management. Now, studies indicate that a physician's assistant has the ability to give superior quality health care (comparable to that of a doctor) for about 75% of the different conditions seen in a primary care setting.

PA's have to be prepared both clinically and academically to provide health care services. This is done under the direction and supervision of a Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) or MD. Their responsibilities may include performing preventative, therapeutic, health maintenance and diagnostic services. This can also expand to working in residential nursing care under the supervision of an MD or DO.

Recently, as early as 2006, PA's cannot receive direct third-party (insurance) reimbursements for their services, but they are billed for and through their supervising employer or doctor. They practice in a variety of settings in almost every medical and surgical specialty area. The majority (approximately 45%) of them practice within primary care areas, with 28% of those being in family practice. Other common areas of practice are general surgery, emergency medicine and other surgical sub-specialties. However, many of the assistants are also involved in research, teaching, administration and other non-clinical roles.

Like many other professions, physician assistants are regulated at different levels. Licensing takes place at the state level according to specific laws. Certification, however, is established through a national organization, with requirements for minimal practice standards for working in any medical sector from a nursing care facility to any other medical assistant position.