Physician assistant jobs are in demand as there is a growing need for these preventive and chronic care professionals. With an increase in the demand for quality medical facilities and services, people prefer to consult with a physician assistant (PA) for their routine health check.

A PA is qualified and licensed to practice in all the states and generally work in collaboration with a licensed physician who will supervise specific tasks assigned to the PAs. PAs can practice medicine better than nurse practitioners as they study general medicine that provides them with a comprehensive understanding of healthcare.

To apply for physician assistant jobs, one must possess the following prerequisite qualifications and expertise.

• Aspiring candidates must complete and obtain a bachelor’s degree with a focus in science and healthcare.
• Applicants must also assist medical professionals and gain work experience in the field.
• The work experience will help a candidate learn professional skills and gain practical knowledge that will be handy while applying for physician assistant jobs.
• There are over 250 accredited master’s programs in the country available for applicants to complete a suitable 3-year academic course.
• After qualification, certification is the next step and applicants must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE).
• Applicants can also apply for additional certification in popular fields of study that include nutrition support, vascular access, ultrasound, surgery technician, and neurofeedback among others.

Job skills necessary to practice as a PA

Compassion
During practice, physician assistants must be compassionate towards their patients and do their best to provide any medical assistance and guidance possible. It is also the responsibility of the physician assistant to recommend and direct patients to proper medical attention by specialists. However, the PA must reserve specialist consultation for the more severe cases.

Attention to detail
This is an essential prerequisite that will also help candidates clear PANCE. Through a series of questions, the exam tests a candidate’s ability to assess medical situations and respond accordingly. Attention to detail will enhance one’s logical reasoning ability to make a decision and react accordingly.

Emotional stability
All doctors and medical professionals must be able to stay calm and help patients who are in trauma or are enduring pain and suffering at varying levels of severity. Physician assistants often help physicians in emergency rooms where it is important to stay calm and composed and not give into one’s emotions.

Other vital skills include clinical competence, effective communication and interpretation, operational management, the ability to adapt and work flexibly. Most importantly, the applicant must be service-oriented.