Understanding the Growing Demand for Physician Assistants
There’s a common misconception in the healthcare sector that the demand for primary care physicians spikes in intermittent phases, outshining all other medical care professions. While this may have been true for decades, recent changes in the healthcare bill have triggered a shortage of national doctors and by extension, carved a path for physician assistants.
The Affordable Care Act has allowed American citizens to enjoy greater health benefits, raising the demand for experienced healthcare professionals to fill the spot for physicians. This is an unprecedented game-changer in the medical profession. Most importantly, it marks the dawning of a new era in healthcare as the rising demand for physician assistants has quickly led to a noticeable shift in medical career options.
Breaking Down the Stats
One of the most important reasons underlying an overwhelming surge in the demand for physician assistants is the increasingly qualified nature of the job. Since changes in the healthcare act have taken effect, physician assistants are required, without exception, to fulfill a specific set of professional qualifications, accompanied with substantial practice.
According to the American Academy of Physician Assistants, there’s a criteria of at least 3 years’ worth of healthcare training and a 2-year master’s qualification. In addition, they are required to have professional work experience at legitimate clinics or hospitals, specializing in preventive illness, patient counseling and diagnosis. During their time in healthcare training, individuals are expected to undergo a rigorous process of clinical rotations that often surpass 2,000 hours in duration. This ultimately makes them state-certified healthcare providers, qualified to interpret tests, give prescriptions and diagnose illness.
A contributing factor in the promising jobscope of physician assistants is the rising payscale. According to a statistical breakdown on the profession by each state published in 2014 by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants, the average salary noted for physician assistants was set to $95,000 for the year 2014. This has only been surpassed in 2016, as Forbes reveals the annual PA salary has reached $100,000 over a span of 2 years.
A Step in the Right Direction
Despite the growing changes in favor of physician assistant jobs, promising healthcare providers are confronted with difficulties finding employment – or the kind that compensates fairly. This is mainly due to lack of resources, professional guidance and awareness regarding suitable job opportunities.
Medical Associates Consulting is a nationwide healthcare staffing agency, offering permanent placement for physicians and mid level healthcare providers across 38 states in America. Contact us today for a fufilling career in healthcare as we put you in touch with
