If you’re considering a career in healthcare, both Medical Assistants and Physician Assistants offer rewarding pathways, but they come with distinct roles, responsibilities, and career trajectories.
So, in this article, we’ll discuss the Physician Assistants, and then we’ll explore the key differences between the 2 careers.
We’ll try to differentiate them in terms of their key responsibilities, education requirements, scope of practice, job prospects, salary, and so on.
Moreover, we’ve shared a step-by-step guide to help you understand how you could start your career as a Physician Assistant.
Lastly, we’ll introduce a faster, more efficient approach to starting your Medical Assistant journey without driving to medical school or without any student loan debt.
Let’s get started!
What is a Physician Assistant?
A Physician Assistant is a licensed healthcare professional who works under the supervision of a physician to provide medical care to patients.
They are highly trained and capable of performing a wide range of tasks, including diagnosing illnesses, prescribing medications, developing treatment plans, and even assisting in surgeries.
Physician Assistants typically have a master’s degree in physician assistant studies and must pass a national certification exam, the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
The role of a Physician Assistant has expanded over the years, making them versatile practitioners who can specialize in fields such as family medicine, emergency care, pediatrics, orthopedics, and more.
Their scope of practice varies by state, but in many areas, they are granted significant autonomy in diagnosing and treating patients.
Work Environment
The work environment of a Physician Assistant can vary widely depending on their specialty, the healthcare setting, and the region where they practice.
Physician Assistants working in outpatient settings or private practices might have more regular hours, but their work still demands high levels of attention, skill, and the ability to manage multiple patients effectively.
They often have flexible schedules, but the nature of their work can involve long hours, night shifts, or being on call, particularly in hospitals or emergency settings.
They are integral members of the healthcare team, working in various medical settings –
- Hospitals
- Outpatient Clinics and Physician Offices
- Surgical Centers
- Rural and Underserved Areas
- Specialty Areas such as cardiology, orthopedics, emergency medicine, and oncology
Duties of a Physician Assistant
A Physician Assistant plays a vital role in healthcare, performing a range of clinical tasks under the supervision of licensed physicians.
Their duties can vary based on the medical specialty they work in, but they generally include both patient care and administrative responsibilities.
Here’s a breakdown of their common duties:
Patient Examination and Diagnosis
They conduct thorough physical exams to assess a patient’s health and identify potential medical issues.
For instance, in primary care, they might perform routine check-ups, take medical histories, and identify common ailments like respiratory infections or high blood pressure. They gather information and conduct tests to develop a diagnosis.
Developing and Managing Treatment Plans
After diagnosing a patient, they develop treatment plans tailored to the patient’s condition. In collaboration with a supervising physician, they prescribe medications, recommend therapies, and monitor the patient’s progress.
For example, in an internal medicine setting, they may prescribe antibiotics for an infection and schedule follow-up visits to monitor recovery.
Performing Medical Procedures
They are trained to carry out a variety of medical procedures depending on their area of expertise. In an emergency room setting, for example, they may suture wounds, administer injections, set broken bones, or assist in procedures like draining abscesses.
In surgical settings, they may help in pre-and post-surgical care, as well as during the procedure itself, assisting with tasks like wound closure.
Ordering and Interpreting Diagnostic Tests
They often order lab tests, X-rays, MRIs, and other diagnostic procedures to assist in the diagnosis and monitoring of patient conditions.
For instance, a Physician Assistant working in orthopedics might request imaging studies to diagnose a fracture, then interpret the results and work with a physician to determine the best treatment approach.
Counseling and Educating Patients
A significant part of their role involves patient education. They explain diagnoses, discuss treatment options, and provide guidance on managing chronic conditions.
For example, a Physician Assistant managing diabetic patients would educate them about proper diet, exercise, insulin usage, and how to monitor blood sugar levels.
Assisting in Surgery
In surgical settings, they often serve as first or second assistants to surgeons, helping with tasks like retracting tissues, suturing incisions, and ensuring the patient’s safety throughout the procedure.
A Physician Assistant working in cardiothoracic surgery, for example, might assist with coronary artery bypass surgeries by stabilizing the patient during the operation and providing post-operative care.
Writing Prescriptions
They have the authority to prescribe medications in most states, and this is a key aspect of patient management.
Whether it’s prescribing antibiotics, pain medications, or chronic condition management drugs, they play an active role in ensuring patients receive the proper medication.
Skills of Physician Assistant
A Physician Assistant requires a diverse set of skills to manage a wide range of responsibilities in healthcare.
Let’s explore the key skills required for a successful Physician Assistant career:
Medical Knowledge
A solid foundation in medical sciences is essential for Physician Assistants. They need comprehensive knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and pathology to diagnose and treat patients effectively.
For example, understanding the effects of medications and how diseases progress allows them to make informed decisions about patient care.
Clinical Skills
Physician Assistants must be proficient in performing clinical procedures, such as suturing wounds, administering injections, and assisting in surgeries.
Their hands-on skills ensure they can handle emergencies and provide immediate care when needed, such as stabilizing patients in trauma situations.
Analytical Thinking
Problem-solving and critical thinking are vital for interpreting diagnostic tests, identifying illnesses, and formulating treatment plans.
For instance, a Physician Assistant must assess lab results or imaging scans and correlate them with symptoms to diagnose conditions such as diabetes or heart disease.
Communication
Clear communication with patients and healthcare teams is crucial. They must explain complex medical concepts in layman’s terms to patients, ensuring they understand their diagnosis, treatment options, and care instructions. They also need to communicate effectively with physicians, nurses, and other medical professionals to coordinate patient care.
Empathy and Compassion
Physician Assistants frequently deal with patients in distressing or vulnerable situations. Demonstrating empathy helps build trust with patients and ensures they feel cared for, especially when dealing with chronic conditions or delivering difficult news.
For example, comforting a patient undergoing cancer treatment requires a deep sense of compassion and understanding.
Attention to Detail
Precision is essential when diagnosing conditions, prescribing medications, or interpreting test results. A Physician Assistant must be meticulous in patient care, as small oversights can lead to significant consequences.
For example, prescribing the wrong medication dosage could result in adverse effects, so careful attention to detail is critical in all medical tasks.
Adaptability and Flexibility
The healthcare environment is fast-paced, and Physician Assistants often deal with unexpected challenges. Whether working in an emergency room or a primary care setting, they must quickly adapt to new situations, make decisions under pressure, and remain calm in stressful situations, such as during life-threatening emergencies.
Time Management
They juggle many responsibilities, from seeing multiple patients a day to assisting in surgeries. Effective time management ensures that they can provide quality care to all patients without delays or rushed interactions. Balancing administrative tasks with patient care also requires careful organization.
Teamwork and Collaboration
They work closely with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to provide holistic patient care. They must be team-oriented and collaborate efficiently, sharing information and tasks to improve patient outcomes.
These skills enable Physician Assistants to perform their wide-ranging duties effectively, from direct patient care to collaborating with healthcare teams, ensuring they play an essential role in the medical field.
A Day in the Life of a Physician Assistant
A day in the life of a Physician Assistant is dynamic and varied, involving both clinical responsibilities and administrative tasks. They are vital members of the healthcare team, working alongside physicians, nurses, and other medical professionals to ensure patient care runs smoothly.
The day typically begins with patient consultations. Physician Assistants review patient charts and medical histories, often meeting with patients to gather information about their symptoms, medical concerns, or follow-up care.
For example, in a primary care setting, a PA might conduct physical exams, take medical histories, and discuss treatment plans with patients dealing with chronic illnesses like diabetes or hypertension.
If working in a specialized setting, such as orthopedics or cardiology, the PA may perform specialized examinations and tests tailored to that specialty.
Next, the Physician Assistant collaborates with physicians to develop and adjust treatment plans. They interpret diagnostic tests like X-rays, blood tests, and MRIs, making recommendations based on their findings.
For instance, if a PA in dermatology identifies a suspicious skin lesion, they may perform a biopsy and then consult with a supervising physician to determine the best course of action.
In addition to patient care, they often perform procedures. These may range from suturing wounds, giving injections, and casting broken bones to assisting in surgeries.
For instance, a Physician Assistant working in a surgical setting may prep patients, assist during operations, and provide post-operative care, ensuring patients recover well.
Throughout the day, patient education plays a significant role. They spend time explaining diagnoses, treatment options, and preventative care measures to patients.
This can involve educating patients on lifestyle changes to manage their conditions, such as discussing diet and exercise plans with patients diagnosed with high cholesterol or obesity.
In between seeing patients, they handle administrative tasks, such as writing up patient notes, updating medical records, and following up on lab results. This documentation ensures continuity of care and helps other medical professionals stay informed about the patient’s progress.
Emergencies can arise, requiring the Physician Assistant to adapt quickly. If a patient comes in with an acute issue, like a heart attack or a severe allergic reaction, the Physician Assistant may be responsible for stabilizing the patient until the physician or emergency team arrives.
The day typically ends with wrap-up duties, such as reviewing test results that have come in throughout the day, completing patient notes, and preparing for the next day’s appointments.
A Physician Assistant’s day is unpredictable and can shift from routine check-ups to critical care moments, making their role exciting, challenging, and highly rewarding.
Medical Assistant Vs Physician Assistant
When exploring the roles of a Medical Assistant (MA) and a Physician Assistant (PA), it’s important to understand their key differences.
These roles may seem similar at first, but they serve distinct functions in healthcare. So, understanding these differences can help you determine which path aligns best with your career goals.
Let’s explore their key differences:
Education and Training
The educational requirements for MAs and PAs are vastly different. Becoming a Medical Assistant typically involves completing a 6 to 12-month certificate or diploma program, or a two-year associate degree in medical assisting. These programs cover administrative tasks, basic patient care, and medical procedures.
In contrast, becoming a Physician Assistant requires a more extensive education, including a bachelor’s degree followed by a master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies. PA programs often take 2-3 years and include rigorous clinical training across multiple medical specialties.
Certification
Medical Assistants may choose to become certified, with the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) or Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) being common options, although certification is not always a legal requirement.
Physician Assistants, however, must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) to obtain licensure, which is required to practice. PAs must also complete continuing education and periodic recertification.
Job Duties
Medical Assistants primarily perform routine clinical and administrative tasks under the supervision of physicians. This can include taking vital signs, drawing blood, preparing patients for exams, handling paperwork, and managing patient records.
On the other hand, Physician Assistants take on more advanced medical responsibilities, including diagnosing illnesses, developing treatment plans, prescribing medications, and performing certain procedures. PAs work in collaboration with physicians but have much more autonomy in patient care.
Scope of Practice
The scope of practice for MAs is limited to basic patient care and administrative duties. They do not diagnose conditions or prescribe treatments.
In contrast, PAs are licensed to practice medicine under the supervision of a physician. While they do not have the same independence as doctors, PAs can diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medications, and even assist in surgeries, making their scope much broader than that of MAs.
Work Environment
Both Medical Assistants and Physician Assistants work in a variety of healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and private practices.
However, MAs are more likely to work in outpatient settings or smaller medical offices, where their focus is split between administrative duties and patient care.
PAs, on the other hand, work in more specialized and high-pressure environments such as emergency rooms, operating rooms, and specialty clinics, where their advanced skills are required.
Salary and Job Outlook
The salary gap between MAs and PAs is significant. According to the BLS 2023 data, the median annual wage for Medical Assistants was around $42,000, whereas Physician Assistants earned a median salary of $130,020.
The job outlook for both professions is promising, with MAs expected to see a job growth rate of 15% and PAs a growth rate of 28% from 2023 to 2033, reflecting the increasing demand for healthcare services.
Overall, medical assistants are great for those who want to enter the healthcare field quickly and with less schooling, while physician assistants require more advanced training and offer greater responsibilities and higher earning potential.
How to Become a Physician Assistant?
Becoming a Physician Assistant is a multi-step process that requires dedication and a commitment to both academic and clinical excellence. It is a rewarding but intensive process.
Here is a step-by-step guide to becoming a Physician Assistant:
Step 1 -> Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
The first step toward becoming a Physician Assistant is earning a bachelor’s degree, typically in a health-related field such as biology, health sciences, or pre-medicine.
A solid foundation in the sciences (biology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology) is essential, as PA programs have strict prerequisites that require these courses.
Many students also gain relevant experience through volunteer work or jobs in healthcare settings, such as working as a medical assistant, paramedic, or certified nursing assistant (CNA). Hands-on experience can strengthen your application for PA school.
Step 2 -> Gain Healthcare Experience
Most Physician Assistant programs require applicants to have significant direct patient care experience before applying. The amount of experience required varies but can range from 500 to 2,000 hours.
Examples include working as an emergency medical technician (EMT), registered nurse (RN), or other healthcare roles. This experience ensures that applicants are familiar with the healthcare environment and patient interactions.
Step 3 -> Apply to a Physician Assistant Program
Next, apply to a Physician Assistant program accredited by ARC-PA. These are typically master’s level programs and take about 2-3 years to complete.
Admission is highly competitive, so applicants need a strong academic background and healthcare experience.
Applicants will need to submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and proof of healthcare experience.
Step 4 -> Complete a PA Program
PA programs are rigorous and include both classroom instruction and clinical rotations. Coursework covers areas such as anatomy, pharmacology, clinical medicine, and ethics.
Students must also complete clinical rotations in various medical fields, such as family medicine, surgery, pediatrics, and emergency medicine. These rotations provide hands-on training under the supervision of physicians and experienced PAs.
Step 5 -> Pass the PANCE Exam
After graduating from a Physician Assistant program, the next step is to pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE).
This exam, administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) assesses the knowledge and skills required to practice as a PA.
After passing the exam, you’ll be able to use the PA-C designation in your resume.
Step 6 -> Obtain Licensure
Once you’ve passed the PANCE, you can apply for state licensure to practice as a Physician Assistant. Each state has its own licensure requirements, but passing the PANCE is a universal requirement. After receiving your license, you can begin working as a PA.
Step 7 -> Maintain Certification and Continuing Education
PAs must maintain their certification through the NCCPA by completing 100 hours of continuing medical education (CME) every two years and passing the Physician Assistant National Recertifying Exam (PANRE) every 10 years.
So, these are the steps to becoming a Physician Assistant and starting a lucrative career.
Becoming a Medical Assistant Faster
If you’re aiming for a rewarding career in healthcare without a medical degree, or without studying for a longer period then becoming a Medical Assistant is perfect for you.
To become a Medical Assistant, all you need is a high school diploma. If you have that then the next step is enrolling in Preppy’s self-paced medical assistant training program.
This program typically offers the fastest route to becoming job-ready, providing a comprehensive curriculum that includes both theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills.
Here’s what you get with Preppy’s self-paced Medical Assistant Program:
Preppy’s program offers flexibility with online learning, making it possible for students to move through the coursework at their own pace, and on your own schedule, whether you’re balancing work or other commitments.
You’ll receive a certificate backed by Auburn University, a highly respected, accredited institution, adding credibility to your qualifications.
The program costs only $1599, significantly lower than traditional programs. You could complete the training in as little as 4 months, which could get you job-ready faster. Also, the program provides 24/7 support for academic and technical questions.
As a bonus, if you enroll now and pay in full, you’ll also receive a free laptop to keep, even after completing the course. Plus, there are easy monthly payment plans as well.
After the coursework is done, you get an externship opportunity in your local area, giving you real-world experience. Plus, you could become ready for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam, which is recognized by the NHA.
In short, if you want to start a medical assistant career faster, at an affordable price, without driving to a medical school then Preppy’s Self-Paced Medical Assistant Training Program could be the best option.
In Conclusion
We hope this article could enlighten you about the key differences between the two excellent careers in healthcare.
While both Medical Assistants and Physician Assistants play vital roles in the healthcare system, the education, training, responsibilities, and salaries associated with these professions differ significantly.
If you’re looking for a quicker entry into the healthcare field, becoming a Medical Assistant by enrolling in Preppy’s Self-Paced Medical Assistant Training Program could be a great option.
However, if you’re willing to invest more time in education for a broader scope of practice and higher earning potential, the path to becoming a Physician Assistant could be the right fit for you.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your long-term career goals and the level of responsibility you’re seeking in patient care.
Read More:
- Registered Medical Assistant
- Medical Assistant Job Description
- Medical Assistant Scope of Practice By State
