What Are Your Career Options As A Physician Assistant?

Last Updated on May 25, 2023 by Andrew

The healthcare field offers an array of rewarding career paths, with the role of a physician assistant (PA) being one of them. PAs can significantly impact patient care, working alongside doctors to diagnose and treat various health conditions. 

However, the career options for PAs extend beyond the traditional roles, offering a diverse range of opportunities for advancement and specialization. This article explores these career opportunities, starting with understanding the difference between a PA and a medical doctor.    

Similarities and Differences Between MDs and PAs 

While medical doctors (MDs) and physician assistants (PAs) are crucial players in healthcare delivery, there are fundamental differences between the roles in terms of education, training, responsibilities, and autonomy. 

MDs undergo extensive education and training, including a four-year undergraduate degree, four years of medical school, and a residency program lasting three to seven years, depending on the specialty. They’re fully licensed to practice medicine independently, diagnose complex conditions, devise treatment plans, and perform surgeries.

On the other hand, PAs are trained under a model similar to medical school, but their program is typically about two to three years, following a bachelor’s degree. They practice medicine under the supervision of a physician. 

Although they exercise considerable autonomy, the complexity of cases they handle and their decision-making authority are generally less than those of an MD and vary based on their agreement with supervising physicians and state laws. PAs can diagnose illnesses, develop and manage treatment plans, perform certain procedures, and prescribe medications (with restrictions in some states).

For some PAs, the desire to deepen their medical knowledge and expand their responsibilities leads them to consider transitioning to a role as an MD. This transition can be done by enrolling in an institution covering bridge school programs designed to build upon the PA’s existing medical knowledge and clinical experience.

Career Options and Specialization Areas

Physician assistants can work in various medical specialties and settings, offering many career paths to explore. Whether one’s passion lies in primary care, emergency medicine, psychiatry, or policymaking, a PA has a place. Each specialty offers unique experiences and challenges, allowing PAs to tailor their career to their interests and skills.

• Primary Care and Family Medicine

In primary care and family medicine, PAs often serve as patients’ first point of contact. They provide preventive care, conduct routine check-ups, manage chronic conditions, and diagnose illnesses. This setting allows PAs to build long-term relationships with patients, offering a rewarding aspect of continuity in care.

• Surgery and Emergency Medicine

Surgery and emergency medicine can attract those drawn to fast-paced, high-stakes environments. In these roles, PAs assist in surgical procedures, manage pre- and post-operative care, and provide critical care in emergency situations.

• Psychiatry and Mental Health

With the growing focus on mental health, PAs specializing in psychiatry are crucial in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders. They work alongside psychiatrists, offering therapy, prescribing medication, and providing comprehensive mental health care.

• Pediatrics and Other Medical Fields 

For those who enjoy working with children, a career as a PA in pediatrics can be rewarding. In this role, PAs conduct routine check-ups, administer vaccinations, diagnose and treat common childhood illnesses, and provide health education to both children and their parents.

These medical professionals can perform similar tasks in other settings, depending on the clinic or hospital’s specialization, whether dermatology, oncology, occupational medicine, etc.   

• Research and Development

Opportunities exist for PAs with a keen interest in medical research within pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, and universities. These roles may involve clinical trials, drug development, or medical writing.

• Global Health

PAs with a passion for service and travel can work in global health. Such roles may involve providing care in underserved areas, disaster response, or working with international health organizations.

• Correctional Facilities

PAs can also work in correctional facilities, providing necessary medical care to inmates. It often involves managing chronic conditions, mental health issues, and acute illnesses or injuries. 

• Advancement Opportunities in Leadership and Education

Beyond clinical practice, PAs can advance into leadership and educational roles. With experience, PAs can take up positions such as lead PA, oversee other PAs, or even move into administrative roles within healthcare institutions. In education, experienced PAs can contribute to training the next generation of healthcare professionals by teaching in PA programs.

• Roles in Public Health and Healthcare Policy

PAs interested in population health and healthcare policy can leverage their expertise in roles within public health organizations or government agencies. These positions may involve developing public health initiatives, advocating for healthcare policies, or contributing to health research.

Final Thoughts

Being a physician assistant isn’t just a job; it’s a dynamic and fulfilling career with ample opportunities for growth, specialization, and advancement. The possibilities are vast, whether working in different medical specialties, leading in administrative roles, or even shaping public health policy. 

The option to transition to a medical doctor role further adds to the potential career paths. Moreover, the flexibility to switch specialties and the widespread demand for PAs make it a career with substantial mobility and growth.