If you have a passion for helping people and an interest in the medical industry, this might be the choice for you. Have you dreamed of becoming a doctor but worry about the rigors of medical school? Physicians assistants do many of the same thing’s physicians do and work under the supervision of a physician. However, the cost and time to become a physician’s assistant are often less and shorter than medical school. Some physicians’ assistants specialize in women’s health or psychiatric health. Others work in clinics as generalists or family care. Nearly every area of healthcare needs qualified physicians’ assistants. Another route to becoming a PA is to obtain a master’s and then a Doctorate degree in Nursing. This route can be costly and requires a much longer time commitment than completing a PA program. One exception would be those people who already have nursing degrees. For them, the process is much the same as someone making any other career switch.
How do I become a Physician’s Assistant?
According to Wikipedia, “As of May 2019, there were 243 accredited PA programs in the United States, and dozens more in development, represented by the Physician Assistant Education Association.” With so many programs available using any PA School Finder online is the easiest way to find a program near you. A mixture of coursework and residencies are required to become a physician’s assistant, and like most master’s programs, take between 2-3 years to complete. Courses focus on anatomy, physiology, biology, and chemistry. Grueling two-day shifts with no sleep are not standard like they are in most medical schools. The training to become a physician’s assistant is doable even if you are working full time already. Many adults today want to change profession. After 10 or 15 years sitting in an office, a change of pace could be great for your health. Maybe you want a job where you walk around more or don’t have to lift heavy objects. Or, you want to make a difference. There are many great reasons to consider a career as a physician’s assistant.
How much money do Physicians Assistants make?
An important consideration when deciding to embark on a new profession is, how much money can you make? Several years ago, The New York Times reported that on average physicians assistants make $86,000 a year. In 2019 most full-time physicians’ assistants make over 100K. Besides great pay, this job allows you to move from one specialty to another depending on your needs and interests. Maybe you begin as a Family Practitioner, then decide to specialize in Dermatology. You don’t have to get a new degree or go back to school. Many specialties allow you to train during a residency and continue learning from your supervising Physician. Physicians assistants are in high demand in the U.S. Our aging population will require more health care workers in all fields in the future. Maybe becoming a physician’s assistant is the path for you!
