Specifically, what is the difference between a physician assistant and a medical assistant?

What's the difference between a Physician's assistant and a Medical assistant?

• As far as education, wage, hours, benefits, and responsibilities. Any information appreciated. Thanks.

• Answer:

  A Physician Assistant (PA) is an advanced practice clinician licensed to practice medicine with the supervision of a licensed physician. PAs are advanced practice clinicians, and obtain medical histories, perform examinations and procedures, order treatments, diagnose illnesses, prescribe medication, order and interpret diagnostic tests, refer patients to specialists when appropriate and first-assist in surgery. They are employed in primary care or in specialties in urban or rural regions, as well as in academic administration. PAs may practice in any medical or surgical specialty, and have the ability to move to different medical and surgical fields during their careers. Physician assistant programs usually last at least 2 years. Admission requirements vary by program, but many require at least 2 years of college and some health care experience. All States require that PAs complete an accredited, formal education program and pass a National exam to obtain a license. PA's average earnings start around 65K then go up based on exp. and location of job. Most PA's are employed FT (40 hrs a week), though there are PT jobs that can be found. Medical Assistants can be licensed or unlicensed but requires a certificate, they are health care workers who perform the administrative and clinical tasks that keep the offices of health practitioners running smoothly. Medical assistants perform many administrative duties, including answering telephones, greeting patients, updating and filing patients’ medical records, filling out insurance forms, handling correspondence, scheduling appointments, arranging for hospital admission and laboratory services, and handling billing and bookkeeping. Duties vary according to state law and include taking medical histories and recording vital signs, explaining treatment procedures to patients, preparing patients for examination, and assisting during diagnostic examinations. Medical assistants collect and prepare laboratory specimens or perform basic laboratory tests on the premises, dispose of contaminated supplies, and sterilize medical instruments. They instruct patients about medications and special diets, prepare and administer medications as directed, authorize drug refills as directed, telephone prescriptions to a pharmacy, draw blood, prepare patients for X-rays, take electrocardiograms, remove sutures, and change dressings. Last but not least they serve as direct link and communicator between patient and other health care professionals whenever there is a need. MA is one of fastest growing occupations, but surprisingly the compensation is low, there is a high turn over and finding a job right after school can be more than challenging. Formal education of medical assistants usually occurs in vocational schools, technical institutes, community colleges, proprietary colleges, online educational programs or junior colleges. The curriculum presented should be accredited if its graduates plan to become either certified or registered. Medical Assistant's are employed largely at Physician Offices, followed by hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics. W/training as a MA you can also find other jobs that you will be qualified for such at Medical Secretary, Receptionist, Unit Secretary, Patient Care Tech's, Registration Clerk, Medical Biller, Medical Records Clerk, and with years of experience you could eventually work as an Office Manager. MA's and most the other job titles you can do under this training make only a few dollars more than minimum wage. MA jobs are more available on PT status 32 or less hours a week and usually don't include benefits. There are FT jobs out there though they will be harder to find. Hours that you work vary by what organization you work for Physician Offices will schedule you according to their hours of operation which usually includes Saturdays or rotating Saturdays and some late evenings. Hospitals Staff w/1st, 2nd and 3rd shifts unless it's in an Office environment. There are a lot of MA's and not enough jobs, schools turn out MA's almost every month so competition will be tough when searching for a job. If you have a choice; what career to choose, then go w/PA this is a Professional job and they pay extremely well. MA jobs are just a step above entry level. Hope this Helps! Healthcare HR Manager