Medical Assistants (RMA) and Physicians' Assistants(PA)

You don't have to be a doctor (or even a nurse) to have a great career in the medical field.  Consider, for instance, the growing career fields of the physician assistant (PA) and medical assistant (RMA).  Let's take a look at their typical days and then we'll discuss getting into the field.

A physician assistant practices medicine while supervised by an actual physician or surgeon.  The PA is trained to provide therapeutic, diagnostic and preventive health services, always while delegated to do so by a physician.  During a typical day, they will take a patient's medical history, examine and treat him, order lab tests, interpret x-rays, and make some diagnoses.  They might also treat some  minor injuries, such as by splinting, casting and suturing.  In some small rural clinics, the PA might actually be the primary care-giver, where a doctor is there only a day or two during the week.  In fact, the PA sometimes even makes house calls in these small communities.  Usually a PA works in a comfortable environment, though if they're in surgery, they'll stand for hours at a time.

So the PA often feels for all the world like a doctor, performing many of the same functions.  Some might even come to regard him as the “real” doctor!  However, remember that the physician assistant's duties are determined by the supervising doctor (and of course, by state law).

And then there's the medical assistant.  Her day largely consists of performing routine clinical and clerical duties to help maintain the efficiency in the office of a physician, podiatrist, chiropractor, and others.  This is a good job for someone who wants to be part of the medical team, but without the stress of actual medical practice.  She loves being the support beam that holds things up!

For training, the physician assistant goes through a program that usually lasts a minimum of two years.  Admission into the program sometimes requires two years of college as well as previous health-care experience.  In every state, there is a requirement that a PA completes an accredited education program—followed by passing a national exam for his or her license.

More than half of the accredited programs for training physician assistants are able to lead to a master's degree, while the rest lead to an associates or bachelors degree. If you're interested in pursuing this career path and are still in high school or early college years, be sure to take courses in biology, chemistry, math, psychology and social sciences.  Some also like to see some English.

And speaking of career paths, many people first become registered nurses and then try getting into the PA field.

Some other things to remember: As with doctors, a good physician assistant will have a desire to serve others, have a good bed-side manner and  be self-motivated.

Now let's look at how the medical assistant trains for her career path.  Formal training is preferred for a good medical assistant, but it's not required.  But remember that most employers will pick the person with the training—and usually they'll select those who have been through recognized programs.  These programs can be found at vocational schools and junior and community colleges. A diploma or certificate can be obtained in a year or an associates degree in two years.  The courses you'll want to focus on include physiology, anatomy,typing / transcription, medical terminology, accounting, record keeping and insurance processing.

There are plenty of job prospects between these two fields.  Remember that health costs are skyrocketing, which means health care establishments are looking for ways to contain costs.   Both physician assistants and medical assistants (but especially Pas) offer a way of doing this.  In fact, it's projected that more and more Pas will provide primary care to patients.  Therefore, you could find a job in a hospital, a public clinic, an academic medical center, or even a prison.  You'll especially find it easy to find employment at rural or inner-city clinics, since these settings have traditionally had a harder time attracting physicians.  Plus there will be more and more need to replace those Pas who are retiring or leaving the occupation permanently.

As for the medical assistant, she will find a wide-open career field because of advancing medical technology and an aging and increasing population.  If this is a career field for you, you might find a career path within group practices, medical centers or clinics.  Look for those where you sense an informal friendly atmosphere among the staff and you'll be more likely to find a place receptive to your resume.

Ready to join the growing medical field?  Consider assisting and you might find real fulfillment, real money—and a real future.

Medical Assistant (RMA) Certification Information and Study Guide
Medical Assistant Job Listings

Physicians Assistant (PANRE) Certification and Study Guide
Physician Assistant Job Listings