Physician Assistant Salaries: A Day in the Life of a Physician Assistant

Name: Teresa Holler
Job Title: Physician Assistant
Where: Roanoke, Virginia
Employer: Self-Employed, Holler4Yourhealth.com
Years of Experience: 12
Education: Siena College, BA in biology, Touro College, BA physicians assistant program, Alderson-Broaddus, MA in medicine
Salary: See the PayScale Research Center for median physician assistant salaries.

Physician Assistant Salaries: A Day in the Life of a Physician Assistant

For readers who don't want to endure years and years of medical school, but still want to work in medicine, this interview with physician assistant Teresa Holler may be the right prescription. She gave us an overview of different physician assistant jobs, direct entry physician assistant programs, the required education of a physician assistant and a day in the life of a physician assistant.

This interview also covers cardiology physician assistant jobs, colleges with physician assistant programs, how to find physician assistant jobs, physician assistant salaries, and the outlook for a physician assistant career today. Teresa told us what factors can affect physician assistant salaries and the typical physician assistant salary range. For those interested in physician assistant jobs or a medical career, keep reading!

Physician Assistant Job Description:

I function under the supervision of a doctor. Each state has different regulations over what physican assistants are able to do. Usually, we diagnose, prescribe medication and treatment, and manage patients under the supervision of a doctor. Like a physician, we can also specialize in areas, such as surgery. I specialize in cardiology. I perform stress tests, admit patients and do follow up visits. Duke University actually started this profession.

What were the steps of your physician assistant career?

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I always wanted work in medicine. I worked in a hospital one summer, on a college internship, and while I was there I saw physician's wives would bring their families to the hospital to see dad. I didn't want that kind of schedule, where you rarely see your family. One of those nurses told me about working as a physician assistant.

I went to the hospital library, looked it up and decided that was what I wanted to be. Some are on-call and paged to work, but you can choose not to be the kind who are paged. I was pre-med in college, so I completed my pre-med and applied to colleges with physician assistant programs.

My physician assistant program was 2 years, but some are 3. There's a big variable in training. Physician Assistant training is like condensed medical school; we basically do 3 semesters to 4. I did my rotation my second year.

I worked for the National Health Service Corps, a government agency that helps the under-served in North Carolina. Then I went to a nearby city and worked in cardiology for a large practice; I worked in the hospital and office.

Then I moved to Virginia to teach. Now, I'm a professional speaker on health and wellness for corporations and community groups. I feel like I can accomplish more by teaching groups of people instead of one person at a time.

Based on your physician assistant career, what do you think is the greatest threat to our health today?

Toxic chemicals in our environment and homes. Legislation is not protecting us. Toxic chemicals are in shampoo and cleaning supplies, many name brand products, etc. Only 7 percent of chemicals are tested for children, so we don't know how the other products affect kids. I would also include food with additives to those chemicals.

There is a Ten Step Action Plan in my book, Holler For Your Health. In the book, I recommend helpful websites, eating organic food, starting community co-ops. Holler For Your Health is available at my website.

Do you recall any memorable moments from your cardiology physician assistant jobs?

I had a patient who I had to draw blood from everyday and she was really out of it, never spoke to me. I always introduced myself before I took her blood. Then her sister came  to visit, walked up to me and said, "I've always wanted to meet you" and called me by name. My patient actually introduced me to her family members. That taught me that even when you're in a rush, you should always talk to your patients.

What is the required education of a physician assistant?

It varies program to program, state to state. If someone wants be a physician assistant, they need to have had some kind of experience being around patients. They can intern at a hospital, volunteer, or even shadow a physician assistant. Most programs require a BA, but a few will take you without a degree. Its rigorous coursework, like a condensed medical school.

What is the employment outlook for physician assistant jobs?

Money Magazine ranked physician assistant jobs very high, in the top 5. The heath care industry has a great, outstanding outlook for physician assistant jobs, especially with the push these days for cheaper health care. Physician assistant jobs are at hospitals and private practices. Join the American Academy of Physician Assistants, that's the best place to find physician assistant jobs. There are also medical journals with physician assistant job listings.

What factors can affect physician assistant salaries?

You need real good salary negotiation skills. You also need experience, so for the first few years you can't really ask for a big salary. With more experience, you can ask for more money because you need less supervision. Specialties bring a larger physician assistant salaries, such as orthopedic surgery. If you specialize, you can actually earn six figures.

How does your salary compare to physician assistant salaries?  The PayScale Salary Calculator is a quick and easy way to compare positions. But when you want powerful salary data and comparisons customized for your exact position, be sure to build a complete profile by taking PayScale's full salary survey.

• Median Physician Assistant Salaries by Years of Experience
• More on Physician Assistant Jobs - bls.gov
• Life as a Physician Assistant Student - PAStudentLife.blogspot.com
• My Journey - TheLindseyHayesComplex.wordpress.com

Comments

[Pinakin Patel]

Hi there,

Myself, Pinakin Patel, a physician from India (finished 6 years medical scholing frooom India in 2001) having a Masters in Health Care Administration from Kentucky, USA.
I have one year of rotatory clinical hands on clinical experience acquired while doing medical internship .
Also I worked as clinical research assistant in clinical trials after graduating in India.

I want to pursue my career as a Physician Assistant, as getting into medical residency nowadays is very competitive and time consuming.
At present I am shadowing a PA (chief) in cardiothoracic department in a hospital in NY as well as doing externship (hands on clincial) at one private internal medicine clinic.
My GRE score is already expired (taken in 2002 jan).

I need to know about my chances of getting into PA schools (masters program) with this background.
I need your guidance in terms of applying to the PA schools. I know the websites as well as Caspaonline.org but does not know how to start applying.

I will really appreciate if you can guide me with my concerns at drpinakin@gmail.com

Have a nice Holidays.

Regards.

Pinakin Patel
MB BS ., M.H.A
270-535-3090 (cell)

[melody]

Hi, I am interested pursuing a career in medicine but I'm wondering how does the work of a PA compare to a physician especially in surgery?Do PAs get to help with operations, or just prepare and hand equipment to the physician?

[amilia ( FUTURE PA STUDENT)]

TO ANYONE WHO WANTS TO BE A PHYSICIAN ASSITANT. YOU CAN GO ONLINE AND LOOK AT SOME SCHOOLS YOU ARE INTERESTED IN GOING TO.
THEY HAVE ADMISSION INFO. ON HOW TO GET IN AND SOME SCHOOLS HAVE INFORMATION MEETINGS WHICH ARE VERY HELPFULL. I JUST WENT TO ONE AT WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY AND THEY HAVE A P.A. COME IN AND TALK TO YOU AND YOU CAN ASK QUESTIONS. THEY EVEN HAVE STUDENTS CURRENTLY IN THE PROGRAM THAT YOU CAN ASK QUESTIONS ABOUT HOW THE PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT PROGRAM IS. THE INFORMATION MEETINGS AR VERY HELPFULL IF YOUR AREA YOU LIVE IN HAS ONE GO. YOU CAN SIGN UP FOR THEM ONLINE AT WHICH EVER SCHOOL YOU HAVE OR JUST SHOW UP TO ONE.

[Angie]

I'm currently a student in the Physician Assistant program at St. Francis University in Pennsylvania. I read through some of the comments and I would like to share with you what I know.
First off most universities that offer a physician assistant program will take you your freshman year of college. At the end of your fourth year you will earn a B.S. in health science. At the end of your fifth year you will earn your master's in physician assistant science. At my school there is a pre-professional and a professional phase of the program. The pre-professional stage is years 1-3 which will make up entirely of general edication requirements and the sciences that you need for the professional phase. The professional phase is the 4th and 5th years. This is the very intense part. If you want to make it, you won't have a life outside of school. The fourth year is spent entirely in one classroom from 8 am to as late as 5 pm, and sometimes Saturday labs. It is extremely demanding but it is worth it in the end. If you already have a B.S. the graduate part of the program is 4-5th years (professional phase). Also for those of you who are undecided about which school to attend, I suggest my school. It is ranked in the top 20% in the nation and is first in Pennsylvania. It is hard though, only about 50-60 students are accepted as incoming freshmen. If you are interested the website is www.francis.edu
I hope this helps some of you and good luck!

[amy lee]

I'm undecided right now. I want to be a registered nurse but at the same time I want to be a physcian assistant. What would be your advise?

[Kimberly Pilling]

Hi ,

To all those students in high school who already decided they want to be P.A's you may want to consider St. John's University in Jamaica, New York. I am currently enrolled in their P.A. program. Its ALOT of work but the campus is beautiful and they are generous with scholarship.

-Kim

[Emily]

I am 15 years of age and am interested in pursuing a career as a physician assistant. I am almost positive this is what I want to be. I am a sophomore in high school. Quinnipiac is my first choice of college, but since I have not explored too many colleges, I don't fully understand their website. They have a "dual-degree program" for a Physician Assistant. Does this mean I can immediately start out doing this? It is a six year program so I would hope so. Or do I attend basic college and get a few biology classes under my belt first? Anyone's help would be greatly appreciated.

[Aubrey]

For those asking about what PA school is like, I found this student blog to be very helpful:

http://dailymeds.wordpress.com

He/She offers a very good idea on what PA school is really like. It also offers up some study tips, etc.

[nikki rodriguez]

Hello,
I am a senior in high school, and i have decided that I would like to become a Physician's Assistant. Is is possible for me to get accepted into a program for training directly out of high school?

Thanks,
Nikki

[Fahad]

Hello ,
I graduated from iowa state about a year back with a 2.9 GPA overall. I am nowadays taking the science pre reqs for the PA program but was wondering about a few things.
DO i really need to shadow a PA and if yes then how?
What are the other ways to gain hands-on patient experience?

Do i have a good chance of getting in to any school as i know below 3.0 becomes a bit diffcult.

Thanks

[Mekenna Crouse]

Hi, I just graduated from UCSB with a B.A. in psychology and am now working as a medical assistant. I want to go to grad-school for physician assisting but am worried about the price and intensity of the program. How difficult is P.A. school, will I have a life? Thank you!
Also: This website is great! Very inspiring!

[Habibah]

Teresa your information was very fulfilling and surely intend on attending the pa program soon. One question I was wondering though, was what name is a PA addressed as in the workplace by patients? For instance doctor, mister......?

[Monica Healy]

Kirk, you should just graduate with your marketing degree and then do a one year post bacc at a local university. In the mean time-while finishing you degree-you need to turn it up and do a serious amount of volunteer hours! goodluck.

[Kirk Jacques]

I am 26 years old. Well, 25 turning 26 in a month. I know I am starting to come to an age that ever decision that I make is very important. I am graduating in fall '08 with a degree in Marketing. I have no previous classes in the arts but have been inspired to give PA school a chance; looking towards the direction of the Physician Assistant program at Barry University. I have four classes remaining: Two upper division and two upper electives. I have a 3.5 G.P.A which is all right I guess. I already applied for graduation in the fall and just don't know what to do. Should I just postponed my graduation and take the additional classes, assuming that it will be another two years or should I graduate and then apply for a Non-degree seeking program, take all the classes that are required and then apply for the school of choice. Problem with this alternative is that financial aid will not cover the cost. I am currently not working, and looking into volunteering hours at a hospital. Most schools rather have a student that has taken all these classes. Should I just graduate with the bachelors in Marketing and start all over at 26? I have already chosen my classes for fall. They are two marketing classes, two Political science courses and added one biology II course as well. What do you think I should do. Please help.....

[Iris Lebron]

HI, I was wondering. I will like to be a plastic surgeon assistant. Do one need to go to college? If I study to be a nurse and earn the experience in medicine (studing in a intitute, wich takes like 2 to 3 years), then when I fininsh study estetics (skin care), meen while geting experience in health. Do you bealive it will posible for me? I live in Puerto Rico and I want to study here. I need your personal opinion, please!

[Kristin]

There is a new website: www.howtogetintoPAschool.com offering a FREE database of all the PA programs - now there are over 135 programs!! All you have to do is register and you can download a PDF spreadsheet of all programs (with links to each school's website), admission requirements, tuition, deadline, etc. This is very helpful for anyone applying or thinking of applying to PA school.

[tara]

Here's another interesting blog about PA school.

www.pastudentlife.blogspot.com

[MSK]

I'm pre-medical and was planning on going to med school but I started considering PA school instead because family is important to me and I feel like being a doctor would not allow me to devote a sufficient part of myself to my family. So I have the choice of getting a BS in physiology or molecular genetics, but all of the programs I am looking at for PA school require 8 or more courses with 28 or more credits outside of the major that I need to complete.. any advice?? would any PA school look past this since I would have a degree from a very respectable university?

[Kia]

Great article! I'll be entering the physician assistant program myself, and I've chosen to specialize in obstetrics and gynecology. I plan to pursue my PA postgraduate training at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton, CA. I've seen PA salaries ranging from $35-$75 per hour.

[dear larry]

Dear Larry,
you should follow your dreams and do what makes you happy, do not listen to what other people want you to do or tell you what is best for you. Only you know. If you love animals do something related to that field. If you can't afford school and are in debt just like millions of other Americans than work with animals on the side. You could volunteer at an animal shelter or do something related. Don't let anybody tell you what to do, unless you want to wonder "what if I would have" for the rest of your life.

[Andrea Samuels]

I've always been an animal lover growing up and still. My dream was to be a veterinarian, which my father destroyed. I currently have a Bachelors Degree and considering strongly going back to school to pursue a DVM degree or Physician Assistance. I believe my love my animals is my driving force, however, with the salaries that I've seen for DVM based on research, I won't be making enough to pay on my student loans each month. Not only that, to earn a Physician Assistance degree is 27 months, to earn a DVM degree I'm looking at approximately 5 years. I am 32 years of age and honestly do not forsee me completing a DVM degree at this time.

Based on this, can someone please share there expert opinion?

[larry]

Loved the article. Great read. I thought I would pass on a site I ran across the other day that I think is a little more informative than the ones listed at the bottom of the article. It seems a soon to start PA student is starting a website that is going to chronicle every single day of PA school. Should be interesting. They are also giving advice and answering questions. Just thought I would pass it on. I have linke it in my name, but here it is again:

http://www.lifeofapa.com

Great article. Thanks for read Teresa.

[bill@paworld.net]

Teresa, well done-please contact me about placing a blurb about your mission...thank you, bill@paworld.net

[terry]

i read this to find out about physician assistant salaries, but i'm intersted that you have taken your career to another level. good for you for following what you beleive in.

[wmr]

You are right. I have the same view on this issue, but I do not know how to write so beautifully. Subscribed to your blog.