Joining Physician Assistant Schools There are many ways through which an individual can pursue a career in medicine. Most people know of medical doctors, nurses and pharmacists. There is however another important group of medical professionals known as physician assistants. These medical professionals are mandated to provide treatment for illness and injuries while under the supervision of a licensed physician. In some countries they are also known as clinical officers, assistant medical officers or clinical associates. Their roles include conducting physical examinations, diagnosis and treatment, assisting in surgeries, issuing prescriptions, ordering and interpreting laboratory tests and providing medical advice and counseling. From the job description provided, it is quite obvious that the physician assistant can undertake most of the roles that a physician is required to handle. There is a difference however since the physician assistant though having autonomy to make decisions, is required to work under the supervision of a physician. This means frequent consultation and communication with the physician in charge. Physician assistants are found in all kinds of medical institutions where they are expected to be the assistants of the physician. To undertake a career with such huge responsibility requires quality training that will equip the student with the skills and knowledge required to competently support a physician. Physician assistant schools are there to provide the necessary training which covers almost all areas of medical practice. To enroll for the programs offered in these schools will require excellent grades as the course is highly attractive and thus admission id highly competitive. An overall GPA of at least 3.3 is the minimal score required to join most physician assistant schools. Each candidate is also expected to have very good GPA in natural science subjects as well as GRE General Test scores. In addition to the academic qualifications required, anyone joining physician assistant schools will also need to have the right personality. While some may be drawn into the career due to its prestige and reputation, a physician assistant must have compassion and a willingness to help
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those who need medical care. Working as a physician assistant also demands working long and odd hours with occasional interruptions to holidays or days off when emergencies arise. In addition to all of these, a physician assistant must be ready to deal with death which will inevitably occur at various times during their careers. Before enrolling into physician assistant schools it is therefore necessary to make sure that you are willing and able to deal with all of these demands and any others that might arise. Most people joining physician assistant schools will often come from a medical background and include professionals such as nurses, paramedics and medical technicians. These candidates will in many cases have the advantage of previous medical training and work experience. This however does not mean that those without experience or training in other fields of medicine do not stand a chance. Having excellent academic qualifications will also get you into physician assistant schools. However those who are working in a medical profession will find taking the courses easier and for them, online physician assistant schools will work just fine.
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