How to Become a Physician Assistant and Earn a Generous Salary

It’s not always easy to become a health care professional, and it’s even harder to become a physician assistant. From addressing serious illnesses to helping provide preventative care, it’s a job that requires skill, dedication and commitment. But with all the hard work it takes to become a physician assistant comes an opportunity to earn a great salary.

Here’s what you need to know about becoming a physician assistant and the salary you can expect to earn.

What Does a Physician Assistant Do?

A physician assistant, sometimes called a PA, is a health care professional who works under the supervision of a doctor. PAs typically take medical histories, perform physical exams, diagnose illnesses, order tests, interpret results, and develop treatment plans. They may also prescribe medications, provide patient education and counsel families of patients. In addition, they may be responsible for arranging for follow-up care and assisting in surgery and other medical procedures.

Educational Requirements for Becoming a Physician Assistant

Becoming a physician assistant requires education and training. Most individuals who want to become physician assistants complete a two-year master’s degree program in physician assistant studies approved by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant. Programs include coursework in pharmacology, anatomy, physiology, medical ethics, diagnosis and treatment, and pathology.

Although a two-year master’s degree is the most common educational path, those interested in becoming a physician assistant may also pursue a four-year bachelor’s degree program or four-year doctoral program in physician assistant studies. Depending on the individual’s career goals, they may also gain additional experience in a specialty area, such as family medicine, geriatrics, cardiology or emergency medicine.

Licensing Requirements and Certification

In order to practice, physician assistants must become licensed in the state in which they plan to practice. Licensing requirements vary widely, but generally include successful completion of the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam, which is administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. Some states may also require further licensure or certification examinations and additional continuing medical education courses.

How Much Does a Physician Assistant Earn?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported in May 2022 that the median annual salary for physician assistants was $126,010. Those in the lowest 10th percentile earned $83,820, while the highest 10th percentile earned more than $168,120. Factors that can affect a physician assistant’s salary include experience level, specialty area, work setting, and geographic location.

AI and the Future of the Physician Assistant Profession

The field of health care is changing rapidly due to advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and automation. As AI technology becomes more sophisticated, it is likely to have an impact on the duties physicians assistants perform. AI could allow PAs to take on tasks that have traditionally been done by physicians, such as diagnosing illnesses and recommending treatment. In addition, AI-driven technologies could help streamline administrative processes, such as scheduling and billing, allowing PAs to focus on providing direct patient care.

Conclusion

The field of physician assistant is in demand and will continue to grow over time. With the right education, licensing and certification, individuals interested in this profession can look forward to a rewarding career with a generous salary.