Western Washington Area Health Education Center
2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
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WWAHEC
2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
Health
Professionals/
Student Placement
Health Career
Information
Health Career Ambassadors
Health Career
Job Descriptions
HOPE
Preceptor & Site Resources
Scholarship Info
Distance Learning
Volunteer/Retired
Providers Program
K-12 Learning Resources
aka Science
Allied Health
Health Career
Information
HOPE
Health Career Ambassadors
Health Career
Job Descriptions
Scholarship Info
Distance Learning
Statewide Office
of Rural Health
Community Health
Assessment, Planning
& Development
Primary Care
Provider Recruitment
Shop
Health Career Information
Physician Assistant
Job description
The physician assistant position was created in response to a shortage of primary care physicians in the mid-1960s. A physician assistant works under the supervision of a physician as permitted by the laws in the state in which she/he practices. The physician assistant often works in rural settings and with medically underserved patients.
Activities may include
●
take detailed patient medical histories
●
perform physical examinations
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diagnose and decide treatment of patients
●
suture wounds and/or assist in surgery
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initiate therapy, prescribe medicine, give vaccinations
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order lab tests, x-rays, and other diagnostic studies
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assist patients at home, in nursing homes, or in other extended care settings
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counsel patients on preventive care and/or medical problems
Salaries and benefits*
Salaries increase with length of employment. Entry-level wages range from $2,800 to $4,500 per month. After five years of experience, salaries range from about $4,000 to $5,000 per month. Top pay for an experienced Physician Assistant in Washington is about $6,000 per month. Working for the State of Washington, a PA earns $3,161 to $4,047 per month, and a Certified Physician Assistant (PA-C) earns $3,240 to $4,146 per month. Statewide, Physician Assistants average $2,844 to $6,290 per month (based on a 40 hour week). Workers who specialize in surgery can earn up to $8,000 per month. PAs working for health care facilities in the Pacific Northwest average $4,730 to $5,533 per month. Nationally, the average is approximately $3,897 per month. Benefits vary and depend on work setting.
Training and requirements
Usually a bachelor's degree (Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science) is required with courses in chemistry and biology. Formal physician assistant courses require previous clinical work experience and involve 24 months of classroom and clinical course work. In Washington, training is available through the MEDEX Northwest program at the University of Washington.
Necessary skills
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ability to work independently
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ability to make good decisions
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critical listening skills and ability to communicate clearly
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commitment to update skills constantly and proficient use of resources
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desire to work with all types of people and work as a team member
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good interpersonal skills
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good eye/hand coordination and precision
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ability to observe differences in shapes and color
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good aptitude for science course work
Licensure/Certification
A physician assistant (PA-C) must pass an exam administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. One hundred hours of Continuing Education every two years are required to retain certification. A recertification exam must be passed every six years.
Helpful high school courses
Include English, math, algebra, chemistry, biology, physiology, physics, psychology, and basic computers. Volunteer work in a hospital or other healthcare facility, or Peace Corps, is beneficial.
Outlook*
In Washington, this occupation is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations. Employment is projected to increase 29 percent by 2008.
Professional Associations
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American Academy of Physician Assistants
950 N. Washington St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 836-2272
http://www.aapa.org
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Association of Physician Assistant Programs
950 N. Washington St.
Alexandria, VA 22314-1552
(703) 548-5538
http://www.apap.org/
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National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants, Inc.
157 Technology Pkwy., Suite 800
Norcross, GA 30092-2913
(770) 734-4500
http://www.nccpa.net/
●
Washington State Academy of Physician Assistants
620 B Industry Drive
Tukwila, WA 98188
(206) 575-4633
http://www.wapa.com
* Note: General career descriptions are updated as necessary, however salary expectations and projected outlooks have not been updated since 2000. Go to Workforce Explorer Washington and search your career for the most up-to-date salary and job growth expectations. Washington Healthcare Careers and Workforce College are also good resources for job information.
For additional information, contact your school's career counselor or
WWAHEC
2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
Page updated 9/15/04