In times of today, clinics, surgical teams and any healthcare team employs physician assistants to aid them in ensuring that they give patients the quality services and treatments they deserve. If you’ve got your heart set on enrolling into a Physician Assistant Program (PAP) around Alabama but don’t know where to go, here are a couple of handpicked institutes with programs suited for your interest.

The University of South Alabama has a course for the Master’s Degree in Physician Assistance Program which will give you full qualification to pursue a career in the said field. The program runs for 27 consecutive months and classes commence in the middle of May each year.  This program has got both preclinical and clinical components which are specially formulated to give students a strong base for a career in a clinical environment. What’s more, during the course, students will find that their medical knowledge and skills will be refined to suit the need for professional practice.

The minimum requirements to enroll for the course are a 3.0 GPA (3.5 for early admission), completion of pre-requisitions, graduate record examination scores of at least 1000 in total, three references and a complete application form which can be acquired from the school itself or from their website. Course fee structure varies according to the needs of the student. Such information can be found on the school’s website.

Besides that, there is also the University Of Alabama (UAB) that offers a course in physician assistance.  Accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA), they provide students the basic foundation of learning all the way to the skills, knowledge and practical abilities required to be a practicing professional in the medical industry.

Requirements to enroll into this school include a minimum 3.0 GPA in any natural science course, GRE scores, baccalaureate degree from a regionally-accredited college/university, a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 in the program prerequisite courses, with a minimum grade of C in each area, satisfactory health screening results and the technical ability to perform in the sector.  To gain licensure to be a practicing physician assistant, students would have to complete the entire course followed by a number of exams.

With so many places to go, you can pursue your dream to help in the medical field and become a physician’s assistant.  While these institutes offer full time and part time learning courses, there are also come that provide online/distance learning programs and express courses as well. Find one that suits you best and you will be on your way to holding an important role in the healthcare industry.

1. It is a rewarding career as you will be able to use your skills to save people lives, heal their wounds, and sometimes, change their life for the better. Though you will be surrounded by patients, but the emotional support you can lend to them is worth than a million dollar.

2. You do not need to worry about job hunting as report had shown that demand of physicians is high as using a PA is cheaper than a physician or doctor for less complex cases. The growth in PA employment is also due to the need to improve the health services in rural areas.

3. If your ambition is to become a doctor but due to financial constraints you are unable to become one, then PA is an alternative for you. PA does most of the daily tasks of a doctor except for the complicated tasks. You can get yourself certified by sitting for certifications and then you will be able to use the credentials “Physician Assistant-Certified (PA-C).

4. Research shows that the average salary of a PA in the United States is $71,000 as at 6 November 2009 and is rank 2nd Best Jobs in America in 2009.

5. Last but not least, becoming a PA will enhance your knowledge and skills in healthcare and indirectly benefiting yourself and families as you become more health awareness and know how the necessary steps to be taken when emergencies occur.

For more information about physician assistant career and physician assistant schools, visit PhysicianAssistantGuide.com.

In brief, a PA is alike a doctor, or to be more specific, a PA helps to lessen the burden of a doctor, except that the cases a PA handles are not as complex as a doctor. This is logical given the shorter medical education a PA attends compare to a doctor. Hence, PA needs to be supervised by a doctor and PA routine duties include taking medical histories, examining and treating patients, ordering and analysing lab tests and X-rays, prescribing medication, diagnose and treat minor medical conditions and injuries, involving in day-to-day managerial duties, supervising subordinates. They even assist in surgery, and are allowed to prescribe drugs in some states. So, isn’t it the job scope of a PA very wide? It is indeed yes.

PAs can at special circumstances, act as the principal care providers. This is due to shortages in physicians in rural, inner city and other medically shortages areas. In order to improve access of health care for population in these areas, PAs will be based there and a visiting physician will only be present once a while, depending on the state laws. In the event of any doubt or complicated cases arise, PAs will consult the physicians immediately.

Though PAs only spend an average of 25 months studying, a shorter figure than duration spend in traditional medical education, numerous studies have shown that the quality of care given by PA is at the level of that given by physicians in comparable situations.

For more information about medical assistant duties and medical assistant exam, visit MedicalAssistantAssistant.com.

1. First of all, do you have what it takes to become a PA? You must be someone who has the “heart” to help others with great “patience” and “determination”. You believe in “Difficulties make miracles”. Your passion towards the job is very essential as people’s lives are on your hand.
2. Similar to most of the other professions, get an associate, bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in related programs such as the Physician Assistant Studies, Health Science or Medical Science.
3. Before enrolling, do carry out research on the programs offer by medical schools in terms of accreditation, recognition, admission requirements, fees, location, licensure, and etc.
4. Consult the student counselors when in doubt. Talk to people in the same industry or graduates for their views and experiences. Ask yourself whether can you cope with the real working environment which needs you to be 100% alert and focus.
5. After graduated, you can opt to obtain the national certifying examination administered by your state. Check out what are the exams you are eligible to sit for in order to use the title “Physician Assistant-Certified (PA-C) and what are the requirements to maintain your national certification as regulations differ in every state.
6. As a PA, you need to keep yourself up-to-date to the medical issues. Hence, use your free hours to attend continuing medical education courses to stay competitive in the industry.
7. Remember that hands on experience will make you a smarter PA. Hence, accumulate experience when you have the opportunity even during your college/university days to broaden your medical knowledge.
8. Last for not least, get ready for your interview session and read the Do’s and Don’ts during interviewing session.

For more information about physician assistant career and physician assistant schools, visit PhysicianAssistantGuide.com.