Table of ContentsCareer HistoryCareer DescriptionCareer Advantages and DisadvantagesEducational RequirementsJobsCareer HistoryIn the mid-1960s, many professionals health authorities realized that there was a shortage of qualified primary care physicians. Proposals for an advanced medical assistant surfaced in the early 1960s. For example, Charles L. Hudson in the Journal of the American Medical Association proposed advanced medical assistants with training greater than that of a technician but less than that of a physician, in an article published in 1961. To combat this deficit, Eugene A. Strad Jr. of Duke University Medical Center formed the first class of physician assistants (or physician assistants) in 1965. He accomplished this by selecting 4 Navy Hospital Corpsman recruits who had received extensive medical training during their military service. Because of this background, Stead based the training of medical assistants on the rapid training procedures used for military medics during World War II. This class, the first group of APs to graduate, received their AP degree from Duke University on October 6, 1967. Say no to plagiarism. Get a Custom Essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get an Original EssayThe relevance of physician assistance is due to the lack of physicians present in most areas. Medical assistants can take on some of the responsibilities of doctors and allow them to focus on more complex matters. According to the American Academy of Physician Assistants, PAs are health care professionals who diagnose illnesses, develop and manage treatment plans, prescribe medications, and frequently serve as the primary health care provider for patients. They play an important role in the growing field of healthcare. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the PA job market will grow 31% between 2020 and 2030. The reason I chose to study this profession is because I want to learn more about an integral part of the healthcare system and on a possible future career choice. . Most PA programs last between 23 and 18 months, allowing PAs to immerse themselves in a medical profession at a younger age than physicians. Additionally, I am interested in the versatility of specialty options. While physicians are stuck in subspecialties, PAs can more easily change. Career DescriptionPhysician assistants work in a wide range of medical settings. They may work in offices, hospitals, outpatient clinics and other health care settings. They work full-time, with the typical PA working about 40 hours per week. They often have to work overtime because many are on call. Medical assistant shifts can vary, and they may be required to work nights, weekends, or even holidays. They spend the majority of their time making rounds and working with patients. Some medical assistants are also responsible for administrative tasks such as updating patient records, communicating with patients online, or taking notes. One of the benefits of having a PA role is their versatility in specialization. PAs can work in all areas of medicine, including anesthesia, cardiology, dermatology, emergency medicine, family medicine, general medicine, internal medicine, neurology, pediatrics and surgery. AAdvanced training is often required to specialize in a particular field, and responsibilities, requirements, and salary vary depending on specialization. What is the connection between this career and biosciences? This career works with biosciences using scientific methodologies and procedures on a regular basis. While performing diagnostic tests on patients, medical assistants use bioscience tools to observe behaviors unusual in human biology, such as responses to stimuli. With their knowledge of basic biology, a required course in PA training, physician assistants can review medical records and make diagnoses. The medical assistant career also works in conjunction with biotechnology because it uses advances in medicine, medical equipment, and procedures developed by biotechnology companies. A recent development in the medical assistant career is related to education levels. Many new PAs begin earning doctorates in related fields. This is so that PAs are “on par with other healthcare professionals with a doctorate.” Many will seek a doctorate in physician assistant or DPA while working full-time in health-related jobs. The pros and cons of this career choice are the inconvenient and unfamiliar working hours on a daily basis. PAs also make less money than similarly employed physicians. Another disadvantage, similar to most medical careers, is the costly and extensive schooling required as well as the academic rigor of these courses. The advantages far outweigh the disadvantages. There are many specialties to choose from, making it feel less limiting than most. There is job security due to the rapidly growing need for healthcare professionals and the above-market average need for medical assistants, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Physician assistants also required less education than physicians and acquired on average much less debt than their physician counterparts, while still being able to perform hands-on procedures and engage in patient affairs. Educational Requirements In high school, most courses taken are required for college courses. . To become a medical assistant, students will need extensive training in science and mathematics. Classes like trigonometry and advanced physics classes will be helpful. Additionally, to gain access to accredited colleges, advanced courses in programs such as Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate are helpful and may even provide college credit. Some elective courses during the secondary school years that are useful for the PA profession include courses in anatomy and physiology, computer science, health education, and CTE in nursing. Group activities, hobbies, and volunteer internship hours also contribute to acceptance into pre-physician assistant colleges. Many educational programs for medical assistants have college prerequisites. Many of these schools require two years of college courses in behavioral and basic sciences. Many must additionally take courses such as chemistry, physiology, anatomy and biology. Almost all programs require 2 years of general chemistry with laboratory experience or organic chemistry courses to demonstrate knowledge of organic functions. 2 semesters of biology courses with laboratory implications are required, as well as one semester ofphysiology, human anatomy and microbiology. 2 semesters of advanced English and mathematics in the form of Calculus, Statistics, and Algebra are required. Two semesters of physics courses are also a prerequisite for medical assistant programs. The level of education required for medical assistant school is a minimum of a bachelor's degree in a specialization related to healthcare careers. However, it is recommended that individuals obtain a master's degree in an accredited educational program. Data shows that the most common degrees for aspiring APs are in biology and health sciences, although it is not necessary to earn a relevant degree as long as the required credits are earned. Although your choice of undergraduate degree doesn't matter much, students with more relevant majors like medical and science courses make better candidates for PA schools. Accredited medical assistant schools are important in training future PAs because they provide connections to potential workplaces. and connections with others in the same field. Some colleges that provide good opportunities for students are Northeastern University, Baylor School of Medicine, and Arizona State University. Northeastern helps future PAs achieve their career goals by allowing students to earn a dual master's degree in PA and a master's degree in public health or health.Information. Northeastern has also been a top-ranked physician assistant master's program since 1971. The Baylor School of Medicine offers an advanced biomedical facility on its campus. This can make it easier for students seeking a master's degree at a top medical school to continue their studies. Finally, ASU offers a 4-year Pre Physicians Assistant Pathway plan that allows students to take the GRE during their first year. Additional benefits of this program include internship and volunteer opportunities at local outreach programs and hospitals. There are many skills needed to become a licensed medical assistant. Before enrolling in a PA program, many students need about three years of healthcare experience, working with patients. Many do this by working as a registered nurse, EMT, or EMT. While pursuing their PA, students also complete up to 2,000 hours of clinical rotations in clinics, physician offices, and long-term care facilities. Once you graduate from a PA program, students are eligible to take the Physician Assistant National Certification Examination (PANCE) administered by the NCCPA. If this is successful, you need a state license to practice. Currently, all states in the United States require PAs to pass the PANCE after graduating from a PA program. Employment The first step in the employment process is to prepare for PA school. Because these programs are very competitive, interested students should begin gaining health care experience and completing prerequisites as early as possible. Healthcare experiences may include volunteering at hospitals, becoming an EMT or paramedic, or becoming a nurse at local medical centers. In college, courses in behavioral and basic sciences lasting approximately two years are required, a requirement shared with most premedical studies. Many AP programs have prerequisites in chemistry, anatomy, biology, English, and math. Most students have a bachelor's degree, but a diploma..