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• Enjoy helping and working with people?

• Interested in the medical field, but don't want to spend years in school?

• Want high pay?

Then becoming a Physician Assistant (PA)

might be the perfect job for you.

Working Conditions:
Schedules vary according to the practice setting and often depend on the hours of the supervising physician. The workweek of hospital-based PAs may include weekends, nights, or early morning hospital rounds to visit patients. These workers also my be on call. PAs in clinics usually work a 40-hr.

Training and Other Qualifications:
All states require that new PAs complete an accredited, formal education program. Admission requirements vary, but many programs require 2 years of college and some work related experience. PA programs usually last about 2 years and are full time. Upon completion of program, PAs will have to pass the Physician Assistants National Certifying Examination. In order to remain certified, PAs must complete 100 hours of continuing medical education every 2 years.

California State Jobs

Fresno County

Federal Jobs

U.S. Postal Service

United Nations

Part-time jobs for students and recent college graduates

State Center Community College District: jobs at

Fresno City College,

Clovis Community college,

Reedley, Madera

Job Search

Quick facts:

• A typical physician assistant program lasts about 2 years and requires at least 2 years of college and some healthcare experience for admission. 

• Most applicants that enter the program hold at least a bachelor's or master's degree.

• Job opportunities are really good, especially in rural and inner city areas.

• Earnings are high! In 2002 the median earnings were $65,000, highest were about a little over $90,000.

Nature of Work:
Physician Assistants (PAs) provide healthcare services under the supervision of physicians. PAs are formally trained to provide diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive healthcare services. As members of the healthcare team, they take medical histories, examine and treat patients, order and interpret laboratory tests and x rays, and prescribe medications. Many PAs work in primary care specialties, such as general internal medicine, pediatrics, and family medicine.

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Every 6 years, they must pass a recertification examination or complete an alternative program combining learning experiences and a take-home examination. Physician assistants need leadership skills, self-confidence, and emotional stability. They must be willing to continue studying throughout their career to keep up with medical advances.

Job Outlook:
Employment of PAs is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2012, due to anticipated expansion of the health services industry.

Related Occupations:  

§         Audiologists 

• Occupational therapists 
• Physical therapists 
• Speech-language pathologists

For further information:

http://www.aapa.org  or http://www.nccpa.net

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