Physician Assistant
Quick Facts
What They Do
A Physician Assistant provides medical care to patients, under the supervision of a physician or surgeon. Works in all areas and specialties of medicine, and is licensed to practice medicine but has less formal certification than a physician. Performs duties delegated by a physician such as recording patient medical histories, ordering diagnostic tests, or giving immunizations. May serve as the primary healthcare provider, in consultation with a part-time physician, in communities with limited health care resources.
Core Tasks:
- Make tentative diagnoses and decisions about management and treatment of patients.
- Examine patients to obtain information about their physical condition.
- Interpret diagnostic test results for deviations from normal.
- Obtain, compile, and record patient medical data, including health history, progress notes, and results of physical examination.
- Prescribe therapy or medication with physician approval.
- Administer or order diagnostic tests, such as x-ray, electrocardiogram, and laboratory tests.
- Instruct and counsel patients about prescribed therapeutic regimens, normal growth and development, family planning, emotional problems of daily living, and health maintenance.
- Perform therapeutic procedures, such as injections, immunizations, suturing and wound care, and infection management.
- Visit and observe patients on hospital rounds or house calls, updating charts, ordering therapy, and reporting back to physician.
- Provide physicians with assistance during surgery or complicated medical procedures.
- Supervise and coordinate activities of technicians and technical assistants.
- Order medical and laboratory supplies and equipment.
What to expect as a Physician Assistant
23% of people achieve this level of education.
See Physician Assistant related courses on Tallo
5625 openings for Physician Assistants
Career Progression
in United States (Nation)
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