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

Mar 9, 2021 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Surgical Physician Assistants (PAs) are an important part of the medical team in a hospital or clinic. They work closely with surgeons to provide clinical and technical services that assist in the delivery of patient care. PAs provide a valuable resource by taking on a variety of different roles in the operating room, such as providing medical history and physical assessments, administering medications, setting up surgical instruments, assisting surgeons during procedures, and providing post-operative care.

As a result of their contributions, PAs can help reduce surgical delays, improve operating room efficiency, and enhance the quality of patient care. they provide a cost-effective solution for healthcare providers as they are often less expensive than hiring additional physicians or nurses. PAs are an invaluable asset to the medical field and help ensure that patients receive the best possible care.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelors Degree. The first step to becoming a Surgical Physician Assistant (SPA) is to obtain a four-year bachelors degree from an accredited college or university. During your studies, it is important to take courses in biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology, as these will be beneficial when applying to a Surgical Physician Assistant program.
Apply to a Surgical Physician Assistant Program. After completing your bachelors degree, you will need to apply to a Surgical Physician Assistant program. Most of these programs are competitive and require applicants to have a minimum GPA and score well on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). You will also need to provide letters of recommendation, transcripts and other personal statements.
Complete the Surgical Physician Assistant Program. Once accepted into a Surgical Physician Assistant program, you will complete a two-year program in which you will gain skills in surgery and medical treatment. You will take courses in medical terminology, pharmacology, anatomy, physiology and medical ethics. You will also gain hands-on experience in the operating room.
Pass the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants Exam. After completing your Surgical Physician Assistant program, you will need to pass the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) exam. This exam tests your knowledge of medical terminology and clinical practices.
Obtain a License. Once you have passed the NCCPA exam, you will need to obtain a license from your state or local board of medicine in order to practice as a Surgical Physician Assistant. You may need to take additional courses or exams in order to become licensed, depending on where you live.
Find Employment. After obtaining your license, you can begin looking for employment as a Surgical Physician Assistant. You may be able to find positions in hospitals, clinics, private practices and other healthcare facilities. Many employers prefer applicants who have experience in the field or certification from an accredited program.

One of the best ways for a Surgical Physician Assistant to stay ahead and qualified is to continually pursue education and training. Staying up-to-date on the latest developments in surgical techniques and medical procedures is essential for any medical professional, and this is especially true for a Surgical Physician Assistant. it is important to maintain certification or licensure through the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).

This will ensure that a Surgical Physician Assistant can keep their qualifications current. networking with other medical professionals and engaging in continuing education programs can help to ensure that a Surgical Physician Assistant is kept abreast of the latest advancements in surgical technology. By taking these steps, a Surgical Physician Assistant can not only stay ahead in terms of qualifications, but also ensure that they are well-equipped to handle any medical situation they may encounter.

You may want to check Surgical ICU Nurse, Surgical Services Manager, and Surgical Technologist Supervisor for alternative.

Job Description

Provide patient care under the supervision of a surgeon in the operating room.
Assist in pre and post-operative care, including wound care, suture removal and patient education.
Assist in obtaining informed consent for surgical procedures.
Assist with minor procedures such as casting and suturing.
Assist with surgical instrumentation and equipment set-up.
Monitor vital signs, administer medications and document patient progress.
Order, interpret and evaluate diagnostic tests.
Provide patient and family education on pre and post-operative care.
Participate in quality improvement initiatives.
Maintain patient records, order supplies and ensure compliance with safety standards.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Clinical assessment and diagnosis
Performing physical exams
Surgical technique proficiency
Documentation and record keeping
Patient education and counseling
Competency in patient safety protocols
Knowledge of aseptic technique
Ability to recognize abnormal lab values
Ability to interpret medical imaging
Ability to recognize and manage potential complications
Ability to provide appropriate pre- and post-operative care
Knowledge of pharmacology and medication administration
Knowledge of anatomy and physiology
Knowledge of pathology and laboratory tests
Ability to interpret diagnostic tests
Knowledge of disease processes and treatments
Ability to perform minor surgical procedures
Ability to assist in major surgical procedures
Ability to provide wound care and debridement
Ability to provide pain management

Having excellent communication skills is the most important skill for a surgical physician assistant to possess. Good communication helps build trust between the surgeon and the patient, resulting in more effective care. It also allows the physician assistant to clearly explain the procedure and assess the patient's understanding of what is to be done.

Furthermore, effective communication can help to ensure that all members of the surgical team are on the same page and understand their roles in the operating room. Good communication also allows the physician assistant to effectively coordinate care with other members of the medical team and to provide timely feedback to the surgeon about any changes in the patient's condition. Finally, good communication enables the physician assistant to provide clear instructions and guidance to the patient after surgery, which is essential for successful recovery.

Surgical Technician, Surgical Center Administrator, and Surgical Technician Lead are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in the surgical field?
What qualifications do you have that make you an ideal candidate for this position?
How do you stay up to date with the latest advances in surgical techniques and technologies?
Describe a successful surgical case or procedure you have been a part of.
What challenges have you faced in the surgical field, and how did you resolve them?
What strategies do you use to ensure patient safety during surgical procedures?
How would you handle a difficult situation with a patient or colleague?
What skills do you possess that make you a great team player?
Describe a time when you had to work under pressure or tight deadlines.
What sets you apart from other candidates for this position?

Common Tools in Industry

Surgical Instruments. A variety of specially designed instruments used to perform surgical procedures. (e. g. scalpel, forceps, retractors)
Suture Materials. Various materials used to close wounds or incisions during surgery. (e. g. thread, staples, adhesives)
Endoscopes. Long, thin instruments with a camera and light used to view and operate on internal areas of the body. (e. g. laparoscope, colonoscope, arthroscope)
Imaging Technology. Equipment used to create images of the body for diagnosis and monitoring. (e. g. MRI, CT scan, ultrasound)
Monitoring Devices. Equipment used to measure and monitor important body functions during surgery. (e. g. pulse oximeter, electrocardiogram, blood pressure cuff)
Anesthesia Machines. Machines used to administer anesthesia to patients during surgery. (e. g. inhalation anesthesia machine, intravenous anesthesia machine)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA)
Association of Surgical Physician Assistants (ASPA)
National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)
Society of Emergency Medicine Physician Assistants (SEMPA)
American Medical Association (AMA)
American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)
American College of Surgeons (ACS)
American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA)
American Urological Association (AUA)
The Joint Commission (TJC)

We also have Surgical Services Director, Surgical Scheduler, and Surgical First Assistant jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Surgical Consent. The process of obtaining permission from a patient before performing a surgical procedure.
Preoperative Assessment. The evaluation of a patient before surgery to ensure that the patient is physically and mentally prepared for the procedure.
Postoperative Care. The ongoing care of a patient after surgery, such as monitoring vital signs and providing pain relief.
Anesthesia. The use of drugs or other agents to induce loss of sensation or consciousness during a medical procedure.
Wound Care. The management of open wounds, including cleaning, dressing, and monitoring for infection.
Operative Techniques. The use of specialized instruments and techniques used during a surgical procedure.
Surgical Instruments. The tools used during a procedure, such as scissors, forceps, scalpels, and sutures.
Medical Terminology. The language used by healthcare professionals to describe medical conditions and procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Surgical Physician Assistant?

A Surgical Physician Assistant is a healthcare professional who works in collaboration with surgeons to provide surgical care to patients.

What qualifications are required to become a Surgical Physician Assistant?

To become a Surgical Physician Assistant, a candidate must have a Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) degree from an accredited program, have successfully completed the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) and have at least two years of clinical experience.

What type of duties will a Surgical Physician Assistant typically perform?

A Surgical Physician Assistant is responsible for preparing patients for surgery, providing pre- and post-operative care, assisting during surgery, and performing other duties as assigned by the surgeon.

What is the average salary of a Surgical Physician Assistant?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for Surgical Physician Assistants was $112,260 in 2019.

What organizations can I join to learn more about Surgical Physician Assistants?

The American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Association of Surgical Physician Assistants are two organizations that provide information and resources for Surgical Physician Assistants.

Web Resources

Physician Assistant Surgical Residency Program - Duke University surgery.duke.edu
Physician Assistant - Surgery Residency - Albany Medical College www.amc.edu
Physician Assistant - Explore Health Care Careers - Mayo Clinic college.mayo.edu