Physician Assistant Career Essay

Most college students desire to get into the health care field but many are unsure on which course of action to take especially when professions such as the Physician Assistant might look very appealing. Some might consider the traditional doctor option but cannot commit to the long and strenuous years of work to become a doctor. The profession was created in the late 1960’s to mitigate the shortage of primary care physicians. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics, physician assistants are set to grow “30% from 2014 to 2024, which is much higher than average”. The Physician Assistant profession can be a great alternative in the health care industry based on years/rigor of undergraduate course load, and the benefits to society.

Commonly, it takes a bachelor degree in no specific major in undergraduate studies but highly concentrated courses in biology, math, and chemistry to become a MD. Also, it is highly expected to attain health care experience to become competitive in the application
Physician Assistant are not able to practice medicine on their own but under the lenient supervision of a Physician. They also receive probably one half of the pay of an MD. The Bureau of Labor Statistics show that PA’s earn a great median salary of $98,180 a year while doctors may earn a whopping $187,200 a year. Also, there is a common misconception that PA’s are glorified nurses and that they work for doctors, but that is far from the truth. Delece Smith-Barrow from US News And World report says that “Physician assistants can examine patients, prescribe medicine, order diagnostic tests and perform a host of other duties that doctors also do”. Physician Assistants are not missing much at all. They are incredibly inherently capable of the task they are given. When patients come into hospitals, they seek to receive quality care. Quality care that PA’ s can supply, they have the patient care experience and