Physician Assistants
Physician assistants provide healthcare services typically performed by a physician, under the supervision of a physician. They conduct complete physicals, provide treatment, and counsel patients. In some cases, they prescribe medication. One must graduate from an accredited educational program to become a physician assistant.
A doctor’s assistant is a professional who handles both managerial and daily clinical tasks in a healthcare setup. Doctor assistants commonly work in physicians' offices, outpatient clinics, hospitals, assisted living facilities and private and government-run healthcare centres. Apart from maintaining data entry and patient documents, physician assistant career opportunities include coordinating daily office activities like greeting patients and checking patients in and out for their appointments.
How to become a physician assistant? Completion of high school with a focus on natural science subjects. After that, you must complete a bachelor's degree (preferably in a closely related area), and earn three years of work experience. Finally, once you have graduated from a PA program with the requisite knowledge and practical experience, you may apply to the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants to take the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam and earn a decent physician assistant salary.
A doctor’s assistant should be proficient in their administrative work and have a deep understanding of clinical procedures and maintaining the records digitally. To be successful in the role of a doctor’s assistant, you should possess interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with patients at all times with a courteous and friendly approach.
Qualifications
Every career requires an element of study and academic qualification, and there can be several study routes and pathways you can take. In following any academic pathway you will study subjects that contribute to the specialised knowledge required to achieve your career goals. These qualifications provide a future employer with the evidence that you have the desired knowledge, understanding and experience of their industry, so it’s important to consider the various types of qualifications available to you and to understand how they can boost your career and create opportunities for you.
- Ph.D. Preventive and Social Medicine
- M.D. Preventive and Social Medicine
- MBBS Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery
- Diploma Preventive Medicine
Tasks
- Examine patients to obtain information about their physical condition.
- Interpret diagnostic test results for deviations from normal.
- Make tentative diagnoses and decisions about management and treatment of patients.
- Obtain, compile, and record patient medical data, including health history, progress notes and results of physical examination.
- Administer or order diagnostic tests, such as x-ray, electrocardiogram, and laboratory tests.
- Prescribe therapy or medication with physician approval.
- Perform therapeutic procedures, such as injections, immunizations, suturing and wound care, and infection management.
- Instruct and counsel patients about prescribed therapeutic regimens, normal growth and development, family planning, emotional problems of daily living, and health maintenance.
- Provide physicians with assistance during surgery or complicated medical procedures.
- Supervise and coordinate activities of technicians and technical assistants.
Progression Routes
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