Physician’s Assistant (PA)
Job description, Salary, Resume, and Interview Questions
TABLE OF CONTENTS
WHAT DOES A PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT DO?
A Physician Assistant (PA) is a key contributor to providing comprehensive healthcare, working under the supervision of physicians. PAs conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, prescribe medications, and sometimes assist in surgery. Their role is pivotal in ensuring continuity of care, focusing on preventive health measures, and managing acute and chronic conditions across various healthcare settings.
Successful Physician Assistants are known for their clinical versatility, robust medical knowledge, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary healthcare team. They are adaptable, detail-oriented, and committed to patient advocacy and education.
NATIONAL AVERAGE PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT SALARY
Salaries for PAs vary based on specialization, experience, location, and the type of healthcare facility.
$122,905
PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT JOB DESCRIPTIONS
A clear and comprehensive job description is vital when hiring a PA. Below are examples for different specialties:
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General Practice Physician Assistant
Job Title: General Practice Physician Assistant
Job Description: Seeking a General Practice Physician Assistant to provide broad-spectrum medical care. The candidate will support health maintenance, disease prevention, and patient education, under the direction of a supervising physician.
Responsibilities:
- Conduct comprehensive patient assessments.
- Diagnose and treat common medical conditions.
- Prescribe medications and manage treatment plans.
- Educate patients and families on health maintenance and disease prevention.
Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in Physician Assistant studies with current PA certification.
- Strong foundation in primary care practices.
- Excellent diagnostic and clinical decision-making skills.
- Superior communication and interpersonal abilities.
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Specialty Physician Assistant
Job Title: Specialty Physician Assistant
Job Description: Looking for a Specialty Physician Assistant with expertise in fields such as surgery, dermatology, or emergency medicine to join our team. This role involves providing specialized care, conducting procedures, and collaborating with specialists in comprehensive patient management.
Responsibilities:
- Perform specialized assessments and procedures.
- Collaborate in the development of treatment plans for complex conditions.
- Provide patient education tailored to specialty care needs.
- Participate in research and continuous learning in the specialty field.
Qualifications:
- Advanced degree in Physician Assistant studies with specialty training or experience.
- Valid PA license and certification in the specialty area.
- Proven ability to perform specialized procedures and manage complex cases.
- Commitment to evidence-based practice and ongoing professional development.
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Candidate Certifications to Look For
Certifications demonstrate specialized knowledge and skills:
The National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants offers this certification as the gold standard for PAs, validating their generalist medical and surgical knowledge through a rigorous examination process.
Offered by the NCCPA for PAs who wish to demonstrate advanced expertise in specific areas such as emergency medicine, orthopedic surgery, or psychiatry, requiring additional experience, continuing education, and passing a specialty exam.
These certifications from the American Heart Association confirm a PA’s ability to perform critical life-saving procedures in emergency situations, emphasizing teamwork and high-quality CPR.
This certification, also from the American Heart Association, focuses on acute management and resuscitation techniques for critically ill infants and children, highlighting effective communication within a healthcare team.
PARALEGAL RESUME EXAMPLES
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HOW TO HIRE A PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT
Considerations include:
- Defining the role and its responsibilities clearly.
- Evaluating clinical competence and specialized skills.
- Assessing interpersonal and communication abilities.
- Verifying certifications, licenses, and educational background.
- Matching the candidate’s values with the healthcare facility’s culture.
SAMPLE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
- How do you approach the patient history and physical examination process?
- Describe a challenging case you managed and the outcome.
- How do you keep up with the latest developments and evidence in your field?
- Can you share an example of effective collaboration with physicians and other healthcare professionals?
- How do you handle situations where you and a supervising physician disagree on patient care?
THREE EASY WAYS TO COMPLETE YOUR HEALTHCARE TEAM
TemPositions Health Care can assist you in finding the right PA for your team. Here are three ways to complete your healthcare team:
- Utilize TemPositions Health Care, a specialized healthcare staffing agency.
- Post your job on leading healthcare job boards.
- Leverage your professional network in the healthcare sector. TemPositions Health Care offers access to a network of pre-screened and qualified healthcare professionals, saving time and ensuring the right fit for your team.
NEED HELP HIRING A PA?
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