Science & Mathematics Division

Careers

PHYSICIAN'S ASSISTANT

Physician's assistants provide routine and emergency medical care under the supervision of physicians.

Areas of Specialization:

• Physician's Assistant

Work Activities:

• Obtain patients' medical histories
• Give physical examinations
• Order and interpret laboratory, x-ray and other tests
• Diagnose and treat common medical problems
• Refer complicated problems to physicians
• Initiate emergency treatment in life-threatening situations
• Assist in surgery
• Apply and remove casts
• Counsel patients and families

Skills and Aptitudes:

• Work with people
• Good observation abilities
• Make decisions based on facts
• Ability to keep accurate and complete records
• Strong science abilities
• Good verbal and written skills
• Computer skills

Work Settings and Employers:

• Offices of physicians
• Nursing homes and extended care facilities
• Clinics and hospitals
• Government agencies

Related Occupations:

• Licensed Practical Nurses
• Physical Therapists
• Medical Assistants
• Physicians
• Nurse Anesthetists
• Registered Nurse
• Nurse Practitioners
• Surgical Technologists
• Occupational therapists

Hiring Practices:

• Completion of high school, two years of undergraduate work and training are the minimum requirements
• Apprenticeship or internship, technical preparation, or cooperative learning experience may be the most competitive
• Licensing is required to practice in Georgia

Wages:

• Average entry wage is approximately $36,240 per year in Georgia

Program of Study at Darton College to Pursue Career