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For the career as a physician's assistant what are the skills that are needed in that profession?

I am always told about this career and I was just curious of what is involved in being a physician's assistant. #medicine #healthcare #physician-assistant

physician-assistant
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Romy’s Answer

First of all, I am so glad that you are interested in this profession! So some background: You can think of a physician assistant as a second hand man to the doctor. You are trained to see patients, make diagnoses, order tests, and give treatment to the patient. However, there is always a doctor available either physically or by phone. You can perform a multitude of procedures so as long as the doctor you are working with is comfortable with your skills. The profession itself allows you to explore different interests without having to take additional courses in order to specialize. To get into PA school, you have to have a lot of persistence, and definitely a positive attitude because it's definitely competitive. The technical parts of it in terms of classes you have to take and letters of recommendations that you have to fill out really depends on which program you would like to apply to. Each physician assistant program has their own list of requirements. Most of the time if you go on to their website, they will list exactly what you need in order to qualify to submit your application. Overall, most programs require that you take chemistry , biology, anatomy, physiology, microbiology . Most programs require that you have a bachelor's degree, but I believe there is a couple programs where that is not a requirement. Once you get in, most programs require that you complete a didactic and clinical portion. Programs vary from 22 months to 32 or so, again depending on the program. Your didactic portion will prepare you for clinical situations. During your clinical rotations, depending on who you are working with or which facility you working with, you maybe allowed to experience everything from simple procedures to delivering babies! Once you're done with your courses and your rotation, you are eligible to apply for an national exam specifically for physician assistants called the PANCE. Once you pass, you are officially a PA!

The skills needed various depending on which specialty you end up deciding on. But you are taught everything you need to know during PA School. Advance
skills that may be needed once you get into your specialty can always be taught physician, which is the beauty of being a PA. Pick a doctor that is willing to teach you, and he'll make sure that you know the skills that are required!
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