How to Be Physician Assistant Practitioner - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jun 7, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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Physician Assistant Practitioners (PAPs) are an important part of the healthcare system, as they provide vital support to primary care providers and other medical professionals. This support helps to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the healthcare system overall, by allowing for more patients to be seen in a shorter amount of time. The impact of PAPs can be seen in a number of ways, including an increased number of patients seen in a given day, improved access to care, better quality of care, and a decrease in healthcare costs.

In addition to these tangible benefits, PAPs also provide vital emotional support to patients, helping to create more meaningful relationships between the patient and their healthcare provider. The presence of PAPs in the healthcare system is a key factor in improving overall patient care and satisfaction.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. The first step to becoming a physician assistant (PA) is to earn a bachelor's degree. Most PA programs require applicants to have a bachelor's degree in a related field; however, some programs may accept applicants with an associate's degree and additional coursework.
Complete Prerequisites. All PA programs require that applicants have completed certain prerequisites, such as college-level coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and English. Some programs may also require coursework in psychology or anatomy and physiology.
Take the GRE. Most PA programs require applicants to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). The GRE is a standardized test that measures critical thinking, analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative skills.
Apply to a PA Program. After completing the necessary prerequisites and taking the GRE, you can apply to a Physician Assistant program. Most programs require applicants to submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
Earn a Master's Degree. Once accepted into a program, you will need to complete a Master's degree in Physician Assistant Studies. This typically takes two to three years to complete and includes both didactic and clinical studies.
Obtain Certification. Upon graduation, you will need to obtain certification by passing the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE). This exam is offered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
Obtain State Licensure. In order to practice as a PA, you must obtain a state license. Requirements vary by state but generally include submitting an application for licensure and passing an exam.

Being a skilled and capable Physician Assistant Practitioner requires extensive training and education, including a masters degree. they must complete a rigorous licensing examination to demonstrate their proficiency. Once they have obtained their license, they must stay up to date on the latest medical advances and procedures through continuing education courses and seminars.

With this knowledge, they are able to diagnose and treat illnesses, order tests, interpret results, educate patients about their health, and collaborate with physicians to provide the best care possible. This level of expertise and dedication ensures that physician assistant practitioners are skilled and capable healthcare providers, who contribute a great deal to the medical community.

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Job Description

Provide comprehensive primary and specialty care to patients, including obtaining medical histories, ordering and performing tests, making diagnoses, prescribing medications, and educating patients
Perform physical examinations and develop treatment plans based on assessments of patient health
Manage acute and chronic conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and infectious diseases
Conduct wellness visits and physicals, including vaccinations
Coordinate patient care with other medical professionals, such as physicians, nurses, psychologists, social workers, and other specialists
Provide education and counseling to patients and families on disease prevention, treatment options, and healthy lifestyle choices
Monitor patient progress and adjust treatment plans accordingly
Interpret laboratory results and other diagnostic tests
Document patient care and maintain medical records
Act as a liaison between physicians, nurses, health care providers, and patients

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of medical terminology and anatomy
Understanding of clinical guidelines, protocols, and standards
Ability to interpret laboratory results, imaging studies, and diagnostic tests
Skill in conducting physical examinations
Proficiency in communicating with patients and families
Knowledge of pharmacology and proper medication administration
Ability to accurately diagnose and treat illnesses
Skill in developing patient management plans
Competency in performing minor procedures
Ability to recognize emergency situations and respond appropriately
Knowledge of documentation requirements for patient care
Ability to collaborate with other healthcare professionals
Understanding of legal and ethical principles governing patient care
Proficiency in computer technology and medical software applications

Being a Physician Assistant (PA) Practitioner requires a variety of skills, but the most important one is the ability to effectively communicate with patients and other healthcare professionals. Communication is important in order to accurately assess a patient's condition, diagnose any potential illnesses, and create an appropriate treatment plan. Furthermore, strong communication skills are also necessary to ensure that all parties involved have a clear understanding of the plan of care and any risks associated with it.

good communication helps to foster positive relationships between the PA and the patient, which is essential for providing quality care. Other important skills for a PA Practitioner include critical thinking, knowledge of medical terminology and coding, clinical skills, interpersonal skills, and the capacity to stay organized and multitask. All of these skills together are necessary for providing high quality patient care.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What inspired you to become a Physician Assistant Practitioner?
How do you stay current on medical advances in your field?
What techniques do you use to ensure patient safety and high standards of care?
Describe a challenging situation you encountered as a Physician Assistant Practitioner and how you handled it.
What is your experience with performing physical exams?
How do you handle a patient who is resistant to treatment or advice?
What do you feel are the most important qualities of a Physician Assistant Practitioner?
How do you maintain a professional and collaborative relationship with other healthcare providers?
What strategies do you use to ensure accuracy in medical documentation?
How do you ensure you are providing the best care possible for your patients?

Common Tools in Industry

Electronic Medical Record System (EMR). An electronic charting system that stores patient information in a secure cloud-based platform. (eg: Epic, Cerner, Athenahealth)
Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS). A computer-based system that provides clinicians with evidence-based recommendations and guidance to assist in patient diagnosis and treatment. (eg: UpToDate, DynaMed)
Clinical Practice Guidelines. An evidence-based document that provides recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with specific conditions. (eg: American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Cardiology)
Telehealth Platforms. Software that enables remote patient visits via video conferencing. (eg: Doxy. me, Teladoc)
Medical Imaging Software. Software that assists providers in viewing and interpreting medical images such as X-rays and MRIs. (eg: OsiriX, 3D Slicer)
Drug Reference Software. Software that provides clinicians with information on medications and their interactions. (eg: Epocrates, Medscape)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA)
National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)
Association of Physician Assistants in Oncology (APAO)
Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants (SDPA)
American College of Osteopathic Physician Assistants (ACOPA)
Society of Emergency Medicine Physician Assistants (SEMPA)
Association of Surgical Physician Assistants (ASPA)
Academy of Orthopaedic Physician Assistants (AOPA)
American Urological Association (AUA)
American Association of Surgical Physician Assistants (AASPA)

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Common Important Terms

Supervising Physician. A licensed physician who is responsible for providing oversight to a Physician Assistant Practitioner.
Medical Records. A record of the patient's medical history, diagnoses, medications, treatments, and other pertinent information.
Diagnosis. A medical professional's assessment of a patient's medical condition.
Prescribing Medication. The ability to write prescriptions for drugs, including controlled substances.
Clinical Practice Guidelines. Guidelines that provide direction on best practices in patient care.
Collaborative Practice Agreement. A written agreement between a Physician Assistant Practitioner and a supervising physician that outlines their roles and responsibilities.
Patient Education. The process of providing information to patients about their medical condition, medications, and treatments.
Informed Consent. A patient's agreement to a medical procedure or treatment after having received information about the risks and benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Physician Assistant Practitioner?

A Physician Assistant Practitioner (PAP) is a medical professional who provides medical services under the supervision of a licensed physician.

What types of services do Physician Assistant Practitioners provide?

Physician Assistant Practitioners provide a variety of medical services including diagnosis and treatment of illnesses, ordering and interpreting laboratory tests, prescribing medications, performing minor surgeries and performing physical examinations.

How long does it take to become a Physician Assistant Practitioner?

It typically takes two to four years of education and clinical training to become a Physician Assistant Practitioner.

What is the average salary for a Physician Assistant Practitioner?

The average salary for a Physician Assistant Practitioner is around $108,000 per year.

What qualifications are required to become a Physician Assistant Practitioner?

To become a Physician Assistant Practitioner, one must obtain a master's degree in physician assistant studies, pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination, obtain licensure in a state or jurisdiction, and complete continuing medical education requirements.

Web Resources

Physician Assistant - Explore Health Care Careers - Mayo Clinic college.mayo.edu
Physician Assistant Requirements Education www.physicianassistantedu.org
Physician Assistant Education Requirements & Prerequisites www.usa.edu