Brief Description

A physician assistant (PA) is a medical professional who works as part of a team with a doctor. A PA is a graduate of an accredited educational program who is nationally certified and state-licensed to practice medicine with the supervision of a physician.

PAs perform examinations, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret lab tests, perform procedures, assist in surgery, provide patient education and counseling, and make rounds in hospitals and nursing homes. All 50 states and the District of Columbia allow PAs to practice and prescribe medications.

Because of their general medical background, PAs have flexibility in the types of medicine and settings they can practice ranging from primary care to pediatrics to surgery. In addition, PAs work in physician-PA teams and are educated in a collaborative approach to healthcare, which improves the coordination of care and can improve outcomes. In addition, PAs extend the care that physicians provide and increase access to care.

Common tasks that a PA may perform include, but not limited to:

  • Examination of patients
  • Interpretation of diagnostic test results
  • Make tentative diagnoses and decisions about management and treatment of patients
  • Prescribe therapy or medication with physician approval
  • Administer or order diagnostic tests such as x-ray, electrocardiogram, and laboratory tests
  • Perform therapeutic procedures such as injections, immunizations, suturing and wound care, and infection management
  • Provide physicians with assistance during surgery or complicated medical procedures
  • Educate patient on their disease and management of their disease

Tools and Technology Used in this Occupation:

  • Central venous catheters
  • Head or neck traction supplies (i.e. HALO)
  • Spirometers
  • Surgical clamps and dissectors

Practice Settings:

  • Private practices and clinics
  • Hospitals
  • HMOs
  • The armed forces and other federal government agencies

HOW DO I BECOME A PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT?

PA program applicants must complete two years of college courses in a basic and behavioral sciences as prerequisites. Most students have a bachelor’s degree and about three years of health care experience before entering a PA program. Below are the requirements for the three PA programs in Louisiana.

PA Programs in Louisiana:

  • Our Lady of the Lake
  • Louisiana State University – New Orleans
  • Louisiana State University – Shreveport

Minimum Requirements to be Accepted:

Our Lady of the Lake (Baton Rouge, LA)

  • Earned a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited US College or University
  • Earn a grade of C or better in pre-requisite courses (including Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, Psychology, Statistics, Genetics, and Medical Terminology)
  • Direct patient contact experience (a minimum of 6 months)
  • Completion of the GRE within the last 5 years

LSUHSC – New Orleans

  • Earned a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited US College or University
  • Minimum overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 and an overall science GPA of 3.0 at the time of application.
  • Minimum GRE scores:
    • 153 on the verbal  component
    • 144 on the quantitative component
    • 3.5 on analytical writing component
  • Earn a grade of C or better in pre-requisite courses (including Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, Psychology, Statistics, Genetics, and Medical Terminology)
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • A minimum of 80 hours of documented healthcare experience
  • Current CPR certification

LSUHSC – Shreveport

  • Earned a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited US College or University
  • Minimum overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.9
  • Minimum GRE score of 286
  • Earn a grade of C or better in pre-requisite courses (including Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, Psychology, Statistics, Genetics, and Medical Terminology)

WHAT WILL I LEARN IN SCHOOL?

Once accepted into an accredited program, the coursework will consist of classroom and laboratory instruction in subjects such as pathology, human anatomy, physiology, clinical medicine, pharmacology, physical diagnosis, and medical ethics. The programs also usually include hundreds of hours of supervised clinical training in several areas, including family medicine, internal medicine, emergency medicine, and pediatrics. The PA program is typically 27 months.

HOW DO I BEGIN MY CAREER AS A PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT?

Once graduated from an accredited PA program, you will be eligible to take the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).

Work Schedule

Most physician assistants work full time. In hospital, physician assistants may work nights, weekends, or holidays. They must also be on call, meaning that they must be ready to respond to a work request with little notice.

Most physician assistants work in health practitioner offices, hospitals, and outpatient care centers.

Salary Information

Average Salary in Louisiana: $81,290

  •  New Orleans area: $97,260
  • Baton Rouge- $85,860
  • Hammond- $74,690
  • Lake Charles- $77,350
  • Shreveport- $79,970
  • Note: this can vary based on setting and location

JOB OUTLOOK

According to the US Department of Labor, employment of physician assistants is projected to grow 38% from 2012 to 2022, which is much faster than average. In addition, from 2012 to 2022, it is projected that there will be 48,900 job openings. Increased demand for healthcare services from the growing and aging population and widespread chronic disease, combined with a shortage of physicians, will result in increased demand for healthcare providers, such as physician assistants.

Contact Information

PROFESSIONAL INFORMATION SOURCES:
American Academy of Physician Assistants
950 North Washington Street
Alexandria, VA  22314-1552
(703) 836-2272

www.aapa.org