Describe the care/service provided by the healthcare professional, (used correct APA ciations)

I. JOB DESCRIPTION

A Physician Assistant (PA) is a healthcare professional who provides primary care services under the supervision of a licensed physician. They are trained to perform physical examinations, diagnose illnesses, develop treatment plans, and prescribe medications. They can also perform minor procedures and assist in surgeries. PAs work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, private practices, and other healthcare facilities (American Academy of Physician Assistants, 2022).

The limits of authority and responsibility legislated “scope of practice” for PAs vary by state. However, PAs must always work under the supervision of a licensed physician. In most states, PAs are authorized to perform many of the same tasks as physicians, including prescribing medications and ordering diagnostic tests. PAs must also maintain accurate patient records and follow standard procedures and protocols (National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants, 2022).

The “Code of Ethics” for PAs is established by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. The code is based on the principles of integrity, professionalism, confidentiality, and patient-centered care. PAs are expected to follow ethical guidelines in all aspects of their practice, including patient care, professional conduct, and interactions with colleagues (National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants, 2022).

II. EDUCATION/REGISTRATION/CERTIFICATION

To become a PA, individuals must complete a master’s degree program accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). The program typically takes two years to complete and includes both classroom instruction and clinical rotations (American Academy of Physician Assistants, 2022).

There are various educational institutions offering PA programs, including universities, medical schools, and community colleges. The cost of these programs varies depending on the institution and location. According to the American Academy of Physician Assistants (2022), the average cost of tuition and fees for a PA program is approximately $79,000.

Upon completion of a PA program, individuals must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) to become certified. Certification must be renewed every ten years through continuing education and passing a recertification exam (National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants, 2022).

III. EMPLOYMENT

The job availability for PAs is projected to grow rapidly in the coming years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2022), employment of PAs is projected to grow 31% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Salaries for PAs vary depending on the location and setting of their practice. The median annual wage for PAs in May 2020 was $115,390 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022).

Advancement opportunities for PAs include pursuing a specialty area of practice, such as surgery or emergency medicine. Additional education and training may be required for these specialties (American Academy of Physician Assistants, 2022).

IV. PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES

There are numerous professional organizations for PAs, including the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. The cost to join as a student varies by organization.

Professional journals for PAs include the Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and JAAPA. Subscription costs for these journals vary.

CEUs are required for PAs to maintain certification. PAs must earn 100 hours of continuing education every two years and pass a recertification exam every ten years (National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants, 2022).

Members of professional organizations can gain continuing education requirements and earn CEUs through attending conferences, online courses, and workshops.

V. REFLECTION / PERSONAL CAREER PLAN

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