Want a health-career, but no idea what avenue to pursue? One of the most rewarding jobs is being a physician assistant. A physician assistant is a significant aspect of the health working team that encompasses everything from examining patients, treating them, ordering tests, carrying out said tests or aiding an operation, and many more. So, if you want to learn how to become a physician assistant, then this blog is the place to start. We break it down for you, step-by-step, from qualifications and education for physician assistants to opportunities, salary, and much more so that you know exactly what to look for when pursuing your dream!
What Does a Physician Assistant Do?
A physician assistant (PA) is a medical professional who reports directly to a licensed physician for direct medical activities. They share their roles and responsibilities with doctors. Who is a physician assistant? This individual has been educated in evaluating an illness, providing a prescription medication, conducting physical examination, and participating in surgery. They work very closely with medical teams to ensure a patient receives total care. The physician assistant job description varies from state to state and with their associated healthcare facilities, but common duties include obtaining medical histories, diagnosing and treating diseases, ordering and interpreting lab tests, prescribing medications, and providing health counseling. PAs may also specialize in pediatrics, emergency medicine, or orthopedics among others, making this a versatile and impactful role.
Is Physician Assistant a Good Career in India?
Do you wonder whether the career of being a physician assistant (PA) is a good one in India? Well, the answer to that question is “yes” Here’s why:
- A physician assistant in India promises to be very promising due to the increasing requirements for healthcare.
- The profession assures competitive physician assistant salaries, around ₹4,00,000 to ₹8,00,000 per annum, and would be much more in specialized streams.
- PAs have a proper work-life balance, with part-time opportunities if required by an employer and flexible hours on other days.
- PAs also have high job satisfaction as they are responsible for important tasks in patient care. They diagnose, treat, and enhance patient outcomes.
- This is very rewarding and very much in demand in India’s vast and ever-increasing healthcare market.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Become a Physician Assistant
So, how does one become a physician assistant? Here are the step-by-step procedures as outlined below showing the steps one must take.
1. Complete your Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Candidates should complete a baccalaureate degree prior to entry into PA programs. That said, the overwhelming majority of PAs do indeed major in health-related fields like biology, chemistry, or health sciences, but that is not required. The rationale for this is so that they would take the pre-PA coursework consisting of anatomy, physiology, and microbiology which comprise most of your education as a PA.
2. Healthcare Experience
Physician assistant qualification experience in health care is very broad. Most PA programs require applicants to have a clinical work background, which may include being either a nurse, medical assistant, or EMT. The minimum required hours may be between 1,000 and 3,000 hours, depending on the program.
3. Physician Assistant Course
Once you have passed the educational requirements and experience level, you then have to enter an accredited physician assistant course, which usually will last 2-3 years, including lectures and hands-on clinical training on anatomy, pharmacology, pathology, clinical medicine, and surgery. You will do clinical rotations as part of your learning experience in medicine specialties.
4. Pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam PANCE
This includes passing the PANCE after one has completed their PA program as a requirement of licensure. The exam simply ensures that there is qualification towards clinical medicine as well as towards patient care requirements.
5. State Licensure
Each state has its licensing process. While most states accept PANCE, you will apply separately for a state license, where you might even be required to include proof of your education and the results of the exam you passed.
6. Practice and Continuing Education
With a license as a physician assistant, you’ll be able to work in any kind of healthcare setting. You have to continue with continuing medical education, however, to maintain your certification and licensure.
Physician Assistant Salary in India
Let’s explore salary breakup for PA
| Positions | Average Annual Salary |
| Critical Care | 6.20 L |
| BAMS | 4.50 L |
| Nursing | 6.20 L |
| ICU | 7.10 L |
| Surgical | 8 L |
How to Get a Physician Assistant Job
Once you are fully licensed, you can start looking for physician assistant jobs. Here’s how you can get your first job:
- Network through your rotations, professors, and mentors to know job openings and where to apply for PA positions. Use the time spent at conferences and workshops by going to some events to network with possible employers.
- Search for PA jobs online by using popular websites such as Indeed, Glassdoor, or LinkedIn.
- Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your PA qualifications, clinical experience, and any relevant certifications. Remember to list your soft skills, such as communication and empathy, that will be useful for the PA role.
- Interview Preparation: Be prepared to discuss your medical training, clinical experiences, and enthusiasm for patient care. Employers are interested in PAs who are both clinically proficient and nurturing to their patients, and a great team player.
Conclusion
Being a physician assistant is an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling profession for someone interested in health. The benefits of this career are an above-average physician assistant salary, security at work, and actually making a real difference in the lives of individuals. Following these steps within the guide will be an excellent starting point for becoming a qualified physician assistant. It doesn’t matter if you work within a hospital, clinic, or private practice- the opportunities just go on forever.
Companies like Nursing Shala are advancing careers for healthcare professionals with resources and support. If you wish to continue on the path of becoming a physician assistant Organizations like this can help mentor and guide you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the physician assistant qualifications?
This bachelor’s degree will need to come with some experience in a clinical setting and will need to lead to graduation from an accredited Physician Assistant program, followed by a PANCE passing exam, and eventually, licensure by the state.
Is being a physician assistant a good career?
Absolutely! The job is secure, well paid, and rewarding to work in healthcare and see patient outcomes improve.
What are some skills required for a physician assistant?
Medical knowledge, good communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and working under stress.
What does a physician assistant do?
A PA performs medical diagnosis or treatment, orders drugs, performing a physical examination; they assist in doing surgery at the physician’s discretion.
How’s the physician assistant job market?
The future job prospects of PAs appear outstanding, with projected growth at an estimated rate of 31% from 2020 through 2030, much higher than the average for all other occupations.
