| There is a lot of confusion it seems between nursing | | | | - ordering tests interpreting tests |
| and physician assistant jobs. The reality is that they | | | | - making a diagnosis |
| are very different and the purpose of this assistant is | | | | - conducting physical examinations |
| closer to that of a doctor than a nurse is. But what | | | | - make medical decisions based on what their |
| does a physician assistant do? | | | | supervising doctor determines |
| A physician assistant, also known as a PA or physician | | | | - complement physical medicine |
| associate, is a professionally licensed professional in | | | | - do not do basic clinical or administrative tasks |
| the health care industry that can practice medicine | | | | If you compare physician assistant jobs to nursing |
| under the supervision of a real doctor or physician. | | | | ones, the differences are obvious. Mainly, nurses |
| They are trained similarly to a doctor, but they cannot | | | | cannot prescribe medicines or perform some of the |
| act alone. | | | | more detailed tasks that doctors would normally do. |
| So, what do physician associate jobs entail? Firstly, | | | | Though the physician assistant is a professional |
| they can provide a broad range of health services that | | | | position in its own right, it is also a stepping stone by |
| usually are offered by a regular doctor. In addition, they | | | | which many choose to use prior to entering further |
| are responsible for: | | | | training to become a fully-fledged doctor. However, |
| - preventing illnesses and diseases | | | | they take a different path, not going through the doctor |
| - maintaining patient good health | | | | training levels that normally would be seen in hospitals |
| - treating injuries, disorders, diseases and conditions | | | | and other medical institutions. Therefore, if you are |
| - assisting a doctor during surgery | | | | looking for a job as a physician assistant, ensure that |
| - writing prescriptions | | | | you have the proper training as it is not to be confused |
| - giving health care counselling | | | | with a junior doctor or a high ranking nurse. |