How to Become a Physician Assistant in Connecticut
The healthcare industry is expected to grow by as much as 38 percent over the next decade. Whether you’ve just graduated from high school or are looking for a career change, physician assistants enjoy a wide range of benefits, including extended job security and higher than average salaries.
What does a Physician Assistant Do?
Physician assistants are employed under the direct supervision of qualified and licensed doctors in a variety of specialties. They often work in teams, diagnose patients, treat injuries and recommend proper medicine dosages.
While many work in a variety of private clinics, physician assistants are commonly found in major hospitals and government medical facilities where doctors are often overwhelmed. The actual work that they perform varies greatly and depends on what their specialty is, how much experience they have and what state they live in. Regardless, all physician assistants will make rounds, diagnose patients and record medical histories.
How Much Do Physician Assistants Make in Connecticut
The physician assistant salary Connecticut averages out to about $75,000 per year for entry level graduates. Those who work in a specialized unit such as neurology can expect to garner a salary in excess of $110,000 on an annual basis.
Assistants in Connecticut are fond of working close to New York because much of the expected salary levels find their way from Manhattan to the suburbs. The average physician assistant salary in Connecticut was found to be above average than those working in other areas of the country.
The Education, Training and Certification Required to Become a Physician Assistant
Physician assistant programs in Connecticut are very rigorous for a reason. Assistants often perform similar job duties to those of actual physicians.
Individuals who wish to become physician assistants must complete an undergraduate degree program currently accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant. In addition to a four year degree, students are encouraged to completed a Master’s program to help them get a leg up on the competition for employment.
Once they’ve completed the basic schooling to become a physician assistant, graduates must pass the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants examination. This certification must be in good standing for the entirety of their career. Once they’ve passed the exam, physician assistants then must complete a minimum of 60 hours of didactic instruction in a post education environment, and should be able to provide proof of this to the state of Connecticut.
Finally, the student will be able to apply for a state license with the Department of Health. A fee must be paid, all documents must be verified and an application must be completed.
Continuing Education
Like many professions, continuing education is essential to becoming a successful physician assistant.
Once you’ve completed your Bachelor’s degree, take a look at some of the following physician assistant schools in Connecticut that offer Master’s degrees:
- Quinnipac University – This school is located in Hamden, CT and offers both graduate and undergraduate degrees for aspiring physician assistants.
- University of Bridgeport – Located in Bridgeport, CT, this is a participating CASPA school and offers a Master’s degree for both full and part time students.
- Yale University – Yale, located in New Haven, CT, makes its Master’s degree program a top priority for the School of Medicine. Yale is a top rated school and has an exceptional physician assistant course curriculum.