Job Description for Pediatric Physician Assistant
In terms of authority, a pediatric physician assistant is second only to a doctor. A physician assistant works under the doctor's supervision, despite performing many of the same medical tasks. A pediatric physician assistant treats children under the supervision of a pediatric physician. It is a challenging though rewarding career choice; read on to learn more about this health care position.
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Instructions
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Know that despite the title of "assistant," a physician assistant is a medical practitioner who can perform most of the same tasks as doctors. Like a doctor, a physician assistant can perform exams and prescribe a treatment plan. A pediatric physician assistant, therefore, treats children with a wide range of conditions.
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Understand that pediatric physician assistants work at a variety of medical facilities. They work at clinics, intensive care units, emergency rooms and pediatric cancer wards. In all cases, they treat children from ages 1 to 18. Like doctors, they can specialize in a type of pediatric care, such as pediatric cancer.
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Realize that pediatric physician assistants are trained in diagnostics, pathology, pharmaceuticals and preventative health measures. They are able to assess a child's symptoms and prescribe the appropriate medical treatment. For instance, if a child has a third-degree burn, a pediatric physician assistant may prescribe a skin grafting treatment. The only cases in which they may have to refer a patient to a doctor is if the patient has a high-risk condition, such as a rare form of cancer.
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Realize that all pediatric physician assistants must have certification. Many pediatric physician assistants earn their certification through a two-year program, found at many colleges or technical schools. Physician assistants can also go on to obtain their bachelor's or master's degrees.
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Understand that in order to obtain certification, all physician assistants attend a program accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). They also take a national exam called the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE). Certified physician assistants must also take continuing education courses to maintain their certification.
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Tips & Warnings
It is generally recommended that pediatric physician assistants have a medical background, whether through pediatric nursing or some other field. Generally, physician assistants have 4 years of medical experience before earning their certification.
Don't confuse a physician assistant with a medical assistant. A physician assistant performs hands-on medical work, while a medical assistant performs mainly administrative work.
