Physician assistants may be involved in diagnosing patients, administering medicine, maintaining patient records, and a number of other duties. The most commonly known example of a PA are those seen around a doctor during surgery. They assist the surgeon by providing him with the necessary tools, performing procedures, administering drugs, and closing incisions.

This career can be both challenging and rewarding and many people find themselves happy in this profession. Here we will look at the top 10 reasons to become a physician assistant.

1. Helping People

The medical industry is often impugned with a reputation for not being people-friendly, and that it can be a mess of insurance claims and bureaucracy. Every day a PA shows up to work they know they’re truly helping people, many who need it very badly.

2. Fast-Paced

Many jobs are boring and the days seem long. A standard day as a physician assistant is fast-paced and demanding. There is always something to do or someone to see. Many people enjoy this aspect of the job.

3. Variety

Unlike other medical professions there varying roles one can take on as a PA. “Because of the way the education is structured, a PA is not tied to a specific area of medicine. While most work with a surgeon there are a number of other areas one can easily move into if they feel like a change” writes Karla Sequeo, a health writer at Britstudent and Nextcoursework. This aspect of the profession is very appealing to many individuals.

4. Career Advancement Opportunities

The world has an aging population; and with lower birthrates, there will be fewer people to tend to the sick. This will create opportunities for those working in healthcare, such as physician assistants.

5. Salary Expected to Grow

Salaries for skilled physician assistants are expected to grow over the next 10 years. “As the population ages and the birth rate remains below the replacement rate, the skills of qualified medical professionals will grow in demand,” writes Jeanine Shaw, a medical blogger at 1day2write and Write My X.

6. Job Security

Because of the high demand for PAs, those who complete the required training are less likely to find themselves without a job than most fields. There is also little trouble for those with no or limited work experience when looking for employment.

7. Low Debt

While being a physician is considered a more lucrative career, and for good reason, there is a high amount of debt that comes with nearly a decade of medical school and residency. Physician assistants do not go into nearly as much debt as other health care professionals. Any educational loans they may have taken out are usually paid off within a few years, leaving them debt-free and ready to save for their future.

8. Learn Practical Skills

A common complaint people have when going through education is the lack of real-world applicability much of their studies give them. A PA will find that they are required to use all of the knowledge learned during their training and educational process.

9. Relatively Short Training Period

Compared to many other medical professions, PAs go through a short training process. One of the largest barriers that people face when considering a career path is the financial burden of being in education for extended periods of time, usually while earning little to no money. As previously stated, this burden is greatly reduced for PAs, as the standard educational period usually lasts between 2 and 3 years. This means less debt, less time spent in school, and a quicker track to employment.

10. It’s an Interesting and Exciting Job

Many people who lament their career choice do not do so because of financial reasons. They do so because they feel unfulfilled and disinterested in their work. This is not the case for physician assistants. Not only is the subject matter interesting, no day is entirely like the last. There is no telling what a workday will bring. For those who are concerned about long term work satisfaction becoming a physicians, assistant is a great way to ensure this.

Source – https://www.healthecareers.com/aad/article/career/top-10-reasons-to-become-a-physician-assistant