Physician Assistants Go Back to List Provide healthcare services typically performed by a physician, under the supervision of a physician. Conduct complete physicals, provide treatment, and counsel patients. May, in some cases, prescribe medication. Must graduate from an accredited educational program for physician assistants.

Tools & Technology
Tools used in this occupation:
	Lancets
	Tourniquets
	Vacuum blood collection tubes or containers
	Binocular light compound microscopes
	Glucose monitors or meters

Technology used in this occupation:
	Medical software
	Internet browser software
	Word processing software
	Video conferencing software
	Storage media loading software

Tasks
		Examine patients to obtain information about their physical condition.
		Interpret diagnostic test results for deviations from normal.
		Make tentative diagnoses and decisions about management and treatment of patients.
		Obtain, compile and record patient medical data, including health history, progress notes and results of physical examination.
		Administer or order diagnostic tests, such as x-ray, electrocardiogram, and laboratory tests.
		Prescribe therapy or medication with physician approval.
		Perform therapeutic procedures, such as injections, immunizations, suturing and wound care, and infection management.
		Instruct and counsel patients about prescribed therapeutic regimens, normal growth and development, family planning, emotional problems of daily living, and health maintenance.
		Provide physicians with assistance during surgery or complicated medical procedures.
		Supervise and coordinate activities of technicians and technical assistants.

Skills
		Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
		Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
		Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
		Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
		Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
		Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
		Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
		Science - Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
		Service Orientation - Actively looking for ways to help people.
		Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Knowledge
		Medicine and Dentistry - Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
		Biology - Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
		Psychology - Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
		Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
		Therapy and Counseling - Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
		English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
		Chemistry - Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
		Sociology and Anthropology - Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures and their history and origins.
		Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
		Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

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Education & Training     Education:   Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).   Related Experience:   Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.

View Related Programs on Connecticut's Education & Training ConneCTion site.

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Wage Information
	Region Average Entry Level  Mid-Range  Annual  Hourly  Statewide Units $101,778 $48.93  $38.05  $41.98 - $56.12  Bridgeport/Stamford $99,266 $47.72  $36.70  $39.73 - $56.57  Danbury $107,086 $51.48  $46.56  $48.16 - $56.44  Hartford $107,238 $51.55  $40.04  $44.28 - $57.31  New Haven $102,264 $49.17  $41.39  $43.03 - $54.82  New London/Norwich $84,314 $40.53  $26.91  $28.02 - $52.09  Springfield, MA $94,971 $45.66  $36.14  $39.84 - $53.39  Waterbury $106,762 $51.33  $41.89  $44.21 - $57.29  Worcester, MA $92,661 $44.54  $30.83  $37.71 - $54.27  Torrington $89,733 $43.14  $28.19  $29.53 - $48.64

Occupation Outlook ( 2010 - 2020 )   Average Annual Job Openings:   63   Employment in this occupation is expected to grow much faster than average, but the number of annual openings will offer good or favorable job opportunities.

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	Some of the occupational information on this page is formulated from O*NETTM v17.0 data. O*NETTM is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.