Physician assistant is a job that has quite the same job scope in comparison to that of a physician's. Such is the case considering that members of this profession do 80 percent of what doctors usually do. Although its job scope bears a close resemblance to a doctor's, the duration of training for PA is shorter, typically lasting two to three years. Listed as one of America's fastest growing professions, this job surely offers a plethora of opportunities.

The prospect for being a PA is bright. As such, it follows that those who intend to pursue a career in the health care industry will consider this job. One way to know whether you are apt to become a physician assistant is to evaluate whether you have a natural liking to subjects such as biology, health sciences, anatomy and others. Such interest is important so that you will enjoy a fulfilling career in helping patients to improve their lives.

Another way to gauge whether being a PA can be your choice of career is to educate yourself about its job scope. This knowledge can give you an idea of whether of not you are comfortable with the nature of the job and its requirements. Essentially, a physician assistant works under the supervision of a physician by assisting him or her in such tasks as treating minor injuries, interpreting laboratory tests and performing therapies. If you work under the supervision of a surgeon, you should be skilful in surgical techniques and be able to perform various tasks that a surgeon usually does.

Here is an example of what a PA does in a day. Upon arriving at you workplace, your physician will discuss with you matters concerning the patients scheduled to receive treatment on that day. After that, you will start seeing patients in separate exam rooms. You evaluate blood tests, X-rays, EKGs and write prescriptions within the specified guidelines. There is one emergency. You then suture the patient who accidentally cuts his knee. After that, you are requested to attend to two patients - one woman who wants to know about contraceptive options and another obese man who wants to start a diet program.