<p>does anyone have any information on becoming a PA? pros, cons, anything would be greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>PAs generally are able to do a lot of things physicians do, just with supervision. However, they are limited in the variety of drugs they can prescribe as well as in the procedures they can perform. On the plus side, they don't need to go through as much training as physicians and yet take a very active role in patient care....I guess it all comes down to your personal career goals in terms of making a decision.</p>
<p>Good hours, good pay, no rediculous amounts of schooling, get to do almost everything normal doctors do, can prescribe most medication that is normally needed (i.e amox, etc.). Con's not too many, other than not being able to be 100% independent from doctors and having the ability to prescribe all medications, but I don't see that as being bad.</p>
<p>Physician assistant programs usually last at least 2 years; admission requirements vary by program, but many require at least 2 years of college and some health care experience.</p>
<p>See the department of labor site. <a href="http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos081.htm%5B/url%5D">http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos081.htm</a></p>
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Physician assistants (PAs) practice medicine under the supervision of physicians and surgeons. They should not be confused with medical assistants, who perform routine clinical and clerical tasks. (medical assistants are discussed elsewhere in the Handbook.) PAs are formally trained to provide diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive health care services, as delegated by a physician. Working as members of the health care team, they take medical histories, examine and treat patients, order and interpret laboratory tests and x rays, and make diagnoses. They also treat minor injuries, by suturing, splinting, and casting. PAs record progress notes, instruct and counsel patients, and order or carry out therapy. In 48 States and the District of Columbia, physician assistants may prescribe medications. PAs also may have managerial duties. Some order medical supplies or equipment and supervise technicians and assistants.</p>
<p>Physician assistants work under the supervision of a physician. However, PAs may be the principal care providers in rural or inner city clinics, where a physician is present for only 1 or 2 days each week. In such cases, the PA confers with the supervising physician and other medical professionals as needed and as required by law. PAs also may make house calls or go to hospitals and nursing care facilities to check on patients, after which they report back to the physician.</p>
<p>The duties of physician assistants are determined by the supervising physician and by State law. Aspiring PAs should investigate the laws and regulations in the States in which they wish to practice.
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Median annual earnings of physician assistants were $69,410 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $57,110 and $83,560. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $37,320, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $94,880. Median annual earnings of physician assistants in 2004 were $70,310 in general medical and surgical hospitals and $69,210 in offices of physicians.</p>
<p>According to the American Academy of Physician Assistants, median income for physician assistants in full-time clinical practice in 2004 was $74,264; median income for first-year graduates was $64,536. Income varies by specialty, practice setting, geographical location, and years of experience. Employers often pay for their employees liability insurance, registration fees with the Drug Enforcement Administration, State licensing fees, and credentialing fees.
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<p>N.B. Lack of PA supervision is a cause of state medical board disciplinary action against physicians and PA's alike.</p>