How to Become a Physician Assistant in Wyoming
The medical field is filled with a number of career opportunities that many people would like to know about. The Physician Assistant is one such career. Get started by attending accredited Physician assistant programs in Wyoming. Often, people mistakenly believe that the Physician Assistant and Medical Assistant are the same. They are not. The Physician Assistant or PA is a highly skilled and educated individual that works along side the doctor and surgeon in a medical facility. They perform a number of very important duties that might include taking medical histories to providing treatment for injuries.
Physician Assistant Education
First, it is important to understand that the applicant must attend a fully accredited master’s degree program to join this very rewarding career field. Accredited Physician assistant schools in Wyoming should teach all the required courses that make it possible for the applicant to handle all the tasks involved with the occupation. Most that apply to the programs have already earned a bachelor’s degree. This is great because the programs requirements are for at least an undergraduate degree with a science major. Furthermore, most of the programs take about 2 years to complete. All programs include a combination of class work, lab work, and clinical experience.
Physician Assistant Duties
The duties that are performed by the Physician Assistant depend on the type of medical facility and their specialization. However, the typical individual in this occupation performs these duties: take patient medical history, examine patients, order lab test, diagnose injuries or illness, provide treatment, counsel patients, prescribe medicine, record medical information, check patient’s progress, research, educate.
Physician Assistant Certification
After graduation, the applicant should obtain a license as soon as possible. The majority of states require that the applicant has a license. However, one exception is the District of Columbia. Generally, a license is required to get hired. However, in order to obtain a license, the applicant must take and pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE). After passing the exam, the applicant may use the tittle Physicians Assistant Certified or PA-C.
Continued Education
Attending accredited Physician assistant programs in Wyoming is only the beginning. All those in the occupation are required to take continuing education courses. Continuing education is important and necessary to maintain their license or certification. In fact, the Physician Assistant is required to complete 100 hours of continuing education every 2 years. in addition, the re-certfication exam is required every 10 years. Certainly, continuing education is very important to career growth and advancement. Continuing education keeps the applicant fully aware of all the new laws, regulations, and changes in the medical field.
Physician Assistant Salary in Wyoming
First, let’s take a look at the national median salary for the Physician Assistant. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national median salary is $90,930. The average Physician assistant salary in Wyoming is $87,000, which is slightly lower than the national median salary. However, it is important to realize that a number of factors determine the salary earned. The factors include experience, size of the facility, general responsibilities, and location.
Physician Assistant Job Outlook
The job outlook for those in this career field is exceptional. The need for qualified medical personnel to answer the demand for more medical services is growing. Generally, this is due to the aging population and the dwindling number of doctors available to treat patients. The need for more healthcare has led to the Physician Assistant assuming some of the general routine care formally performed by a physician. The best job outlook is for those that work with rural patients or in primary care.