Frequently Asked Questions about Physician Assistants
Filed Under (General Talk) by Dave on 17-03-2008
Q I see that a lot of physician assistants have PA-C after their names. What does the “C” stand for?
A The “C” means that the physician assistant is nationally certified.
Q Where do physician assistants work?
A Physician assistants can work in any field of medicine. They can work in hospitals or private practices. Some work in surgical specialties, family practice, gynecology…the list goes on and one.
Q Can physician assistants write prescrpitons?
A Yes physician assistants can write prescriptions. So in other words Pas do get DEA numbers.
Q What can a PA do?
A A physician assistant can do anything they are trained to do. In other words, a physician assistant can do anything that their supervising physician allows them to do.
Q What is the difference between a physician and a physician assistant?
A The main difference between a physician and physician assistant is the amount of time spent in school. Physicians spent quite a bit longer in school and also have to go through internships and residencies. Also remember that physicians can practice independtly while Pas are required to work under physicians.
Q What is the difference between a physician assistant and a nurse practitioner?
A By now you should know that physician assistants are trained in a classical medical tradition. They can work in any field of medicine and can always change fields whenever desired. Nurse practitioners are registered nurses that get more advanced training in nursing. During their training they focus on one area and that is the area that they work in. This is in contrast to physician assistants, as said earlier, who don’t focus on one area. Also be aware that nurse practitioners and physician assistants interact with physicians in a different way. Nurse practitioners typically refer patients requiring specialized care to a doctor. Physician assistants work hand in hand with doctors and can do the same things. The doctor or physician just makes sure that quality care is being provided.
Hola,
I’m in the process of going back to school to get my RN, but a professor thought that I should look into being a PA.
I was wondering if you could tell me what job opportunities would be available once I got my PA cert? Also, how important is it on my CV regarding what school I attend?
I’ve heard that PA’s are not in great demand besides rural and inner city areas. I was wondering if you could confirm or deny this statement.
Thanks in advance
Steve
Hey Steve,
Sure thing. Oppurtunities are endless. What I mean by that is, you should have no problems finding a job. In fact, most of the students at my school have jobs or at least have them lined up before they even finish school and get their certification. A lot comes down to other PAs. People at your school and PAs that you work with while in school will help you find jobs after you are done.
As far as the school you attend…all are good. I think a few still offer bachelors degrees, but most are on Masters. Remember to look and make sure they are accredited, as most are. And remember, the schools have to work hard and meet certain standards to be addredited.
As far as PAs being in demand in rural and inner city areas. Not all together true. Actually from what current PAs are saying, most PAs are working in suburban type areas or in the city. There are still some that want to work in the rural setting and they have no problem doing so. No matter what setting you want to work in you should have no trouble finding something.
Sorry i this is my last question i promise lol but i was just wondering are you ALWAYS with a physician when working.. or is it like they tell you what to do and you go do it? Or are they right by your side all the time?
Kelley,
Please ask tons of questions…that is what I made this site for in part.
Typically it is more like you have your own task to do and do them. Lets say you work in family practice. You will go room to room and see each patient on your own. They are your patients. The doctor will be doing the same thing for other patients. So basically you are on your own. The doctor will actually make a list of things you can do and not do. Know what I mean? You may not be allowed to do the open heart surgery, but you can assist…and will assist.
-Dave
Oh alright.. I get it. It sounds so exciting/interesting. Thanks again!
First of all, I really love this website and find it a great resource. While shadowing a PA, one told me that some doctors will pay tuition costs for PA school upon hiring their PA, or will agree before beginning PA school to pay tuition costs upon completion of the program for a student desiring to be their PA. Have you heard of this happening often and is it likely? Thanks.
Wow!! This site is great! I am a high school senior and I’m in the middle of my college search and starting the applications. I have wanted to go in to medicine my whole life. At first I wanted to be a doctor but I learned that all of the time in med school isnt for me. Then I considered nursing because I currently volunteer at a hospital. I love it! However, I want the chance to do more and be able to be in any type of medical environment. Discovering P.A.s and what they do sounds just perfect. But, my questions are….
While applying to P.A. school which schooling backround would prepare me more for a P.A. school?
What is a good bacholrs program that would set me appart from others in the app process?
What were your experiences when you majored in cell bio?
Did it prepare you well for school or do you think a degree in nursing would better prepare me?
Thank you,
Bridget
Hi,
I’m thinking of becoming a PA, but instead of a science bachelors degree, I would like to pursue a counseling or youth ministry major at a bible school. Would the counseling major help me for the PA profession? Also would youth ministry be helpful with interacting with adolescents/children if I work in the pediatric field?
Would it be better if I pursued a science major instead of a counseling/youth education degree?
Also I know that PA schools require experience in health care before being admitted. Other than working as a nurse or EMT what volunteer work/work will help me prepare for the PA profession/ get admitted to PA school?
Hi,
Just wanted to point out that not all PAs get DEA numbers. A DEA number gives you rights to prescribe controlled substances – not all states delegate this authority to PAs. So it actually depends on the state in which you will practice if you will have a DEA number or not. That being said, all 50 states now delegate general prescribing rights to PAs, but some still limit that to non controlled substances only. All PAs will have NPI numbers which is how billing is done.
I see that this can be a helpful site for people interested in going into the PA profession. I have been a practicing PA now for 4 years.
Thanks!
I am 36 years old and have been thinking about going back to school to be a PA. I JUST starting looking into it and your site is the first one that came up.
a couple of questions:
1. do you have any information on pre-requisites? I went to a really good liberal arts school, but didn’t have the best grades and I took very few science classes, so I am interested in what I would need to do prior to applying and if it is worth it at my age.
2. a good site with names of schools? I’m pretty established in Austin, Texas and I know there isn’t a school here, but wonder what schools are in Texas.
Thanks!
Hi,
I have an important question. First, can you please read this paragraph I found on the AAPA site, which has to do with my question:
“On graduation from an accredited program, PAs are eligible to take the national certifying examination administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). Only those passing the test can use the title Physician Assistant-Certified(PA-C). PAs keep up with medical advances through continuing medical education (CME) courses. To maintain national certification, PAs must complete 100 hours of CME every two years and take a recertification exam every six years. Graduation from an accredited PA pro¬gram and passage of the NCCPA exam are required for state licensure.”
My question is when do PA’s start to get paid? Do PA’s have to complete ALL that, and must pass the NCCPA and after 6 years to start getting paid?
So overall, how long does it require for PA’s to study/work to get paid?
I would really appreciate your response. Thank you.
The short of it is…you go to school, get the degree then pass the NCCPA, get a job and start making money!!!!