Category: healthcare jobs

Estimates show that by 2050, the number of Americans over 85 will be about 19 million. Nursing homes will need more help than ever from skilled Nurse Practitioners who love their job.

What are Nurse Practitioners, and what are their roles in nursing home facilities? How do their jobs differ from that of registered nurses and physicians? What are the benefits of working in a nursing home versus a hospital or doctor’s office?

Who Are Nurse Practitioners?

Patients often go to Nurse Practitioners (NPs) for their health needs rather than physicians. Nurse Practitioners bring a personal touch to healthcare that some physicians can’t offer.

NPs begin their careers as registered nurses (RNs). They must go on to complete a master’s degree, and some get a doctoral degree as well. They must also complete advanced clinical training outside of their nursing preparation.

Similar to doctors, Nurse Practitioners can diagnose and treat medical conditions. They also work with patients to manage their health and prevent diseases.

Here are some things NPs can do:

•     Diagnostic testing
•     Diagnosing & treating both chronic & acute conditions
•     Prescribing medications
•     Prevention education
•     Counseling

What Can NPs Expect While Working in a Nursing Home?

Nurse Practitioners are involved in all aspects of a nursing home patient’s medical visit. They don’t just act as medical providers for the patient’s physical health; they also care for the patient’s psychiatric health.

NPs work with nursing home patients whenever they need regular checkups. They also see the patients when they get sick and can discharge them from the nursing home.

The goal of NPs in nursing homes is to help their patients recover and keep them out of hospitals.

These are some everyday tasks in nursing homes:

•     Reviewing past medical history
•     Ordering, approving, & performing testing
•     Prescribing medication
•     Performing follow-up appointments
•     Developing a care plan
•     Planning for advanced care as the patient’s condition changes
•     Discharging patients
•     Performing reviews to get patients more time in the nursing home
•     Reviewing & signing documents
•     Educating staff members

Nurse Practitioners are qualified to perform many of the tasks that doctors can. They help take the load off of doctors so they can focus on other tasks that NPs are not qualified for.

NPs often work after-hours or on-call when the doctor is not working. They will call the doctor for opinions and support when needed.

Steve, an APRN, says Nurse Practitioners in nursing homes don’t usually have strictly set hours. As long as the NP sees their required patients daily and weekly, the facility is unlikely to track their total hours worked.

Nursing home work is often more structured despite not having strict hours. NPs generally have a routine to follow every day that they wouldn’t have in a hospital setting.

Despite having structure, NPs rarely get bored working in nursing homes. Rebecca Lee, a registered nurse (RN), says, “Nursing homes are basically a generalized internal medicine unit.” Nurse Practitioners see all kinds of conditions, offering variety to their days.

NPs working in nursing homes form a better sense of community with their patients. They see and work with the residents and their families regularly. NPs build relationships with these people that they wouldn’t get in other settings.

Conclusion

Michael Mileski et al. says that having Nurse Practitioners in nursing homes reduces the rehospitalization of patients and increases their chances of recovery. NPs respond to their patients quickly, spend lots of time with them, and perform more comprehensive evaluations.

In other words, Nurse Practitioners are invaluable assets for nursing homes and their patients. Besides that, they are often great places to work, especially for NPs who enjoy building long-lasting relationships with their patients.

Looking for the Perfect NP Opportunity in a Nursing Home?

Do you wish to work as an NP in a nursing home or similar environment? At Momentum Healthcare staffing, we help find your perfect job match. We are constantly adding new positions to our job board, from Locum Tenens to permanent opportunities. Please contact us if you would like us to help match you!

There’s a staffing shortage. That short sentence has been discussed at length and posted at numerous businesses across the country. Businesses are having a difficult time finding employees, but it’s not just the neighborhood restaurant or bookstore.

One of the hardest hit areas of this recent staffing shortage is the healthcare industry. This isn’t an altogether surprising fact. The COVID-19 pandemic put an enormous strain on the healthcare industry – and specifically the workers.

But as the world moves out of the immediate danger of the pandemic, hospitals and clinics around the country are still hurting for qualified workers. And the concern seems to be growing. The American Hospital Association (AHA) believes there will be a shortage of 124,000 physicians by the year 2033. And that’s just doctors.

The numbers get more daunting when the AHA looks at nurses and health aides. Adding in those professions, the shortage projection rises to nearly 6.5 million. And there will only be a fraction of workers to fill that void.

When facing those kinds of numbers, many people wonder what’s causing the shortage, and how can it be remedied? But first things first – the cause.

Reasons for the Healthcare Workers Shortage

The biggest reason for healthcare workers leaving the industry is just burnout. The demands of the healthcare profession are numerous. Not only are these individuals caring for injured and ill patients, but there is also the pressure of paperwork and administrative requirements.

Burnout was always an issue, but the rates grew exponentially during the pandemic. A survey was recently conducted on 1,000 healthcare professionals. Of those 1,000, 28% left the healthcare industry because of burnout.

If it isn’t burnout, it’s an aging issue. With the advancements in medical technology, the entire population is living longer. This means the population at large needs more medical care. But healthcare workers are aging as well and looking to retire. With an aging population and earlier retirement for healthcare workers, there is a big gap to be filled.

On top of the burnout and aging issues, many people feel that the pay is too low and the training is insufficient. The demands of healthcare are never ending. People who work in this field are often stretched to the breaking point. And, with such a demanding workload, many feel the pay leaves a lot to be desired.

Because of these reasons, healthcare workers desperately want to establish a work-life balance. They want to find the flexibility to continue their work in healthcare without losing themselves in the process. It’s a hard balance to strike for many people, even outside the healthcare field, but it’s that much tougher for those faithfully serving in healthcare.

How Can we Fix the Healthcare Shortage?

With the issues identified, it’s time for the healthcare industry to find ways to mitigate and improve the culture and environment in healthcare. How do you alleviate the burnout, improve training, and increase overall pay and benefits?

The truth is more creative than some might think. The first step is investing in technology that can alleviate the slog of paperwork. There are plenty of automated platforms or applications that can significantly minimize the amount of time a healthcare professional spends completing paperwork.

And in the same way, the popularity of telehealth options can increase flexibility and help establish a better work-life balance. Many hospitals and physicians are offering telehealth appointments, which allows those professionals to work remotely and step away from the work-place demands of the hospital or clinic.

The problems are many, that is true. But the creative solutions abound. It’s time to ditch the “old ways” of providing healthcare and invest in ways that continue to provide top notch care while maintaining the sanity and mental acuity of the healthcare workers.

Healthcare Staffing Company on Your Side

Momentum Healthcare Staffing is not your typical medical staffing firm because we focus on being progressive. We understand the challenges the industry has been facing regarding the increase in demands of qualified physicians and nurse practitioners. Please call our healthcare recruiting specialist to get connected to the perfect person for your open healthcare position whether permanent or temporary.

Are you looking for a temporary job in the healthcare field? Then locum tenens might be the perfect fit for you. It’s a great way to get valuable experience and make money without committing to a long-term position. Here are some tips for getting that perfect locum tenens job.

Understand Your Needs and Goals

Before beginning your search, you must understand what locum tenens job you want and why. What is your field of specialty work? Are you looking for a long-term position or a flexible one? What hours do you need?

Start with Research

It’s essential to research and ensure you know the basics of locum tenens, such as what kind of assignments exist and what type of compensation different companies offer.

Once you better understand what type of locum tenens job you want, it’s time to start researching potential jobs. Start by visiting different websites to learn more about locum tenens companies, their culture, benefits packages, and other details that may help you make an informed decision.

You may also consider joining online forums or social media groups related to the locum tenens industry to connect with other professionals who can offer advice on finding the perfect job for your needs.

It’s also essential to understand the legal requirements in your state or country and how they apply to locum tenens physicians. Understanding all this information will help you decide and find the right job.

Be Prepared For Interview Questions

Once you’ve decided to pursue a locum tenens job, it’s time to start preparing for interviews with potential employers.

During the preparation, practice common interview questions to define answers tailored to healthcare positions. Showing that you have done your research beforehand can go a long way in helping you land the perfect locum tenens position.

Create A Professional Profile Online

Creating an online profile is one of the best ways to increase your chances of being noticed by potential healthcare employers. Having a professional portfolio on sites such as LinkedIn can show employers that you are serious about finding a good position and have real-world experience working in healthcare settings.

Include details about any past posts held, educational qualifications, certifications earned, etc., along with links to relevant publications or accomplishments from past projects – these will help create a well-rounded profile that could make all the difference when applying for jobs.

Get Professional Help

If you still need help with the process after researching, consider getting professional help from a staffing agency or recruiter specializing in locums positions.

A good recruiter can guide you through the process, from searching for open jobs to matching your criteria and helping negotiate salary and benefits packages.

Finding the perfect locum tenens job may initially seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Researching will help ensure you know what kinds of assignments exist and what compensation is possible. Then you must create an online profile.

Once you do that groundwork, use resources like staffing agencies or online groups/forums to get guidance so that everything goes smoothly during your search process. Those perfect jobs will seem easy to find with the proper preparation and knowledge.

Momentum Healthcare Staffing: Find Your Perfect Locums Assignment with Us

If you are a doctor or physician seeking the ideal locum tenens job, please contact Momentum Healthcare Staffing. We match you to your perfect position based on your personal and professional requirements (yes, that means the right compensation, too). Search our medical job board now as we constantly post new Locums Tenens positions or call us now and a recruiter can help you: (877) 558-3782 

What Is Colorectal Cancer?

Colorectal cancer is a form of cancer that grows in the colon or rectum, which are parts of the large intestine. Typically it develops as a polyp or growth along the inner lining of the rectum or colon, becoming cancerous over time. 

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosis in men and women globally. Approximately 1 in 23 men and 1 in 26 women will develop colorectal cancer during their lifetime depending on their overall risk factors. Preventive measures like regular screenings can help detect colorectal cancer early when it is easier to treat.

Symptoms of colorectal cancer may include rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, fatigue, abdominal pain, and unexpected weight loss. However, early stages of the disease may not show any symptoms.

Encourage Your Patients to Get Screened

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends adults ages 50 to 75 should be screened for colorectal cancer. Here are some tips for healthcare providers to encourage and educate their patients to get screened for colorectal cancer:

1. Talk to your patient: Start the conversation by going over the importance of regular screening. Discuss the symptoms, risk factors, benefits of early preventative detection, treatment, and other options. Encourage them to talk openly about their health and concerns.
2. Go over their screening options: Patients may not realize there are other screening options besides a colonoscopy. Advancements in medical technology include visual or structural exams, non-invasive at-home tests, and multi-target stool DNA tests. Of course, there are also imaging tests using x-rays, and CT scans. Together, you can determine the right screening option for your patients. Use simple language that your patients can understand instead of medical jargon and terms that may sound intimidating.
3. Go over the importance of prevention and follow-ups: The best way to mitigate health issues doesn’t end with treatment. It’s equally important that patients understand the importance of follow-ups. Any abnormalities can be quickly detected and treated.
4. Offer educational resources: Patients can process and understand colorectal cancer with brochures and other reading material.

Like any medical procedure, the best way to encourage your patients to screen regularly is through consistent communication and education. Patients who are active participants in their healthcare plan are more likely to understand the importance of early detection and screening for colorectal cancer, which fits the goal for National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

Solutions for your Staffing Challenges

If you’re seeking staffing for any of your medical center positions, whether that is for a physician, nurse practitioner or even radiologist, Momentum Healthcare Staffing is here to help! We match the best medical professional candidates to fit your hospital, urgent care center or private practice needs. Call us to learn more: (877) 558-3782.

Shows like Star Trek depict medicine and medical procedures as easy and painless as an afternoon on a lounge chair. A doctor waves an instrument over the patient’s body and voila! All is fixed. Although we’re not quite that advanced (yet), we’re getting closer and closer. Medical advances in the last twenty years have included wearable devices, HPV and COVID vaccines, and bionic limbs, making medical procedures and healthcare in general faster, smoother, and less painful. Now, with the technologies of interventional radiology, patients can be treated for a variety of diseases, including cancer, without surgery, anesthesia, or pain.

Originally founded in the 1960s by Charles Dotter, MD, interventional radiology (IR) treats a variety of conditions, including stroke, transplant support, and cancer. These conditions and diseases are treated through minimally invasive, image-guided treatment that once required surgery, says the Society of Interventional Radiology. This example of modern medicine is performed by board certified interventional radiologists who are trained in radiology and in minimally invasive therapies, says the article.

The term interventional radiology may sound vague to some, however, a more in-depth description of what is actually done is this: to diagnose and treat many diseases, an IR can, in many cases, forego surgery and hospitalization by inserting various instruments into the body, says John Hopkins Medicine. Catheters, wires, x-rays, CT scans, and ultrasound technology help guide the IR to internally see the patient and treat the issue. The cuts involved in inserting the tools can be as small as a pinhole, says WebMD.

Interventional radiology is monumental in cancer treatment, says WebMD. By placing chemotherapy and radioactive medicines into the affected areas, it directly treats the disease, prevents bleeding (during surgery). It also aids in pain from cancer treatment side effects such as blood clots and fluid buildup, says the article. More amazing procedures IRs can perform for cancer are killing cancer tumors via heat through radio waves or electric currents, or freezing them with ice crystals. IR also treats conditions with blood vessels, kidneys, and gallstones.

Training to become an IR is extensive. IRs are medical doctors that are trained in radiology, minimally invasive procedures, radiation safety and physics, and must have a comprehensive knowledge of the latest procedures available as well as diagnostic and clinical experience, says Radiologyinfo. IRs can be hospital based, meaning they travel to and from a couple of different hospitals within their work week, and/or they can be a part of specialty group practices, outside of the hospital, says the American Medical Association. An IR usually spends four days a week treating patients, and about one day a week doing administrative work, referring physicians, consults, and completing notes, says the article. They have become an integral part of a treatment team within hospitals and private practices. 

We are living in an exciting time of medicine, where seeing and treating the body is becoming less about invasive exploration and more about advanced imagery. It’s not quite body scanners and needle-free hyposprays, but it’s safe to say we are learning and going places, medically, where no man has gone before.

Looking for the Perfect IR Placement?

Balancing work and life as an interventional radiologist can prove challenging. Finding a position that offers the compensation you deserve and the hours that allow you to have your own free time is important. Luckily, Momentum Healthcare Staffing helps match IRs with the best hospitals. Please contact us to learn more and be sure to bookmark our jobs page for the latest Locums Tenens and permanent placements.

To be a medically practicing physician or nurse in California, students must maintain a medical license with the proper accreditation. Once licensed, physicians can diagnose patients, prescribe medication, and administer treatment.

Physicians and Nurse Practitioners must continue their education to maintain their licenses. After graduating, nurses and physicians must continue their education to obtain their licenses. In the years following, they’ll need to renew their licenses.

Physicians — Board-Approved Postgraduate Training

To earn their license, physicians must participate in 12 months of training from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME).

Physicians may also complete their training in Canada. Accreditation may come from The College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC).

After completion, they will receive a postgraduate training license (PTL). The PTL is valid for 90 days after completing their 12-month training to allow time for licensure.

After the first 12 months of training, trainees must get a California Physician and Surgeon license.

Physicians — Renewing Your License

Licenses don’t last forever, so physicians need to apply to renew them. Licenses expire every two years; those received after July 1, 2018, expire at midnight on the expiration date.

Physicians need to verify that they’ve gotten credit for 36 months of postgraduate training approved by the board. Twenty-four months of that training must be through the same training program.

Physicians — Continuing Education

Working in the medical field entails physicians continuing their education long after graduating.

In California, MDs must have 50 hours of approved continuing medical education (CME) credits every license cycle. All of these credits must be Category 1 approved.

DOs must also have 50 hours of approved CME credits every license cycle. But 20 of those hours must be an AOA category 1A or 1B.

Most physicians must complete a one-time training in treating terminally ill patients and pain management. Radiologists and pathologists are the only ones exempt from this training.

Nurses & Nurse Practitioners — Maintaining An Active License

Registered nurses (RNs) in California must complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years. RNs must take the courses through a provider that the Board of Registered Nursing recognizes.

Continuing education courses must be relevant to nursing and improve student knowledge. Students should have learned more through the course than is required for practice.

RNs must keep records of grade slips or certificates for four years after course completion because they are proof that nurses have completed the required continuing education. All registered nurses may be subject to random audits.

Nurses renewing their license for the first time do not have to complete these requirements if they took the exam less than two years prior. However, nurses within their first two years of licensure must still complete one credit hour in an implicit bias course.

Nurse practitioners are not required to take additional continuing education classes outside the necessary 30 hours.

Conclusion

To practice medicine in California, nurses and physicians must take continuing education courses and maintain their licenses. Licenses expire every two years, and practitioners and nurses must continue taking classes to renew their licenses.

Seeking a Career Boost or Change?

It is not unusual for doctors or nurse practitioners to feel burned out or even not fairly compensated from their jobs. In these unfortunate common cases, it can leave a doctor or NP to feel deflated and with no options. The good news is, when you partner with a healthcare recruiting agency like Momentum, we help find you the best employers and hospitals to work with based on your desired salary and work schedule. Please bookmark our jobs page or call us now to get help finding the permanent or Locum Tenens assignment you deserve!.

Urgent care centers are gaining immense popularity in recent years due to the convenience and quality of care they provide. These centers provide quick, convenient access to medical care, allowing patients to get the care they need without having to wait for days or weeks for an appointment with a primary care provider. Interest is growing 7 percent each year, with over 11,000 urgent cares currently running, according to the Urgent Care Association.

Why Do Americans Go To Urgent Care Centers?

Urgent care centers have shorter wait times than many hospitals or emergency rooms, making them an ideal option for those who need medical care quickly. Most patients are seen in less than an hour, which varies greatly from several hours to days before being seen by a doctor.

Medical Ailments Treated at an Urgent Care

Urgent care centers provide a wide range of services and treatments, as well as access to specialists, which can help ensure that patients get the care they need when they need it. This can be especially helpful for those who do not have reliable access to healthcare or who have chronic illnesses that require frequent medical attention. Furthermore, urgent care centers have shorter wait times than many hospitals or emergency rooms, making them an ideal option for those who need medical care quickly.

Urgent care centers offer medical assistance for minor to limited-type severe issues. Normal treatments provided include general primary care, lab work, X-rays, and minor surgical procedures, which can be completed in a short amount of time. This makes them an ideal option for those who need medical care but do not have the time or resources to wait for an appointment. Additionally, these centers are often more affordable than visiting a hospital or emergency room, and they often have extended hours, making them accessible to a wider range of people.

Since 2019, urgent cares have seen more than 50 percent spike in growth. Covid-19 was a major factor in the increase. Many centers provided Covid-19 testing, and this was a draw towards urgent care because you could get a test much sooner than if you would make an appointment with a primary care provider. The convenience and cost-effectiveness of urgent care centers have made them a popular choice for people seeking prompt medical attention, which was seen widely during the pandemic.

Urgent care centers are staffed by experienced medical professionals to include nurse practitioners, medical assistants, etc., and can provide an affordable option for those who do not have access to traditional primary care providers. Also, they can provide a much-needed bridge between primary care and emergency care, helping to ensure that people receive the right level of medical attention when they need it most.

Conclusion

In short, urgent care centers are becoming increasingly popular due to their convenience, affordability, and wide range of services. They provide quick access to medical care and can often be more affordable than traditional options, making them an ideal option for those who need medical care but cannot wait for an appointment. Additionally, they provide access to specialists and can help ensure that patients get the care they need when they need it.

Staffing Your Urgent Care Center

If you operate an urgent care center, staffing with top notch clinical professionals is of paramount importance. At Momentum Healthcare Staffing, we match you with the best nurse practitioners and physicians and we handle for permanent and Locum Tenens assignments. Contact us if you have any questions: (877) 558-3782.

The world of medicine is fast-paced and demanding. Doctors often find themselves working long hours, dealing with complex patients, and feeling overwhelmed by their responsibilities. They often become so wrapped up in work that they forget to care for themselves.

That’s why doctors must focus on achieving a healthy balance between their professional and personal lives. Here are some tips for how to do just that.

Set Boundaries

One of the most important things a physician can do to achieve a healthy work-life balance is to set boundaries by establishing priorities, both at and outside work. It also means creating guidelines for when it is acceptable to take personal time or be available for extra shifts and phone calls from patients.

It also means not accepting specific requests—like taking on more patients than can be handled—simply out of guilt or obligation. It’s okay to say no if a request negatively impacts mental health or general well-being.

Prioritize Self-Care

It’s also essential that doctors prioritize self-care if they want to achieve an excellent work-life balance. Medical professionals often sacrifice sleep, nutritious meals, exercise, and daily breaks. It may sound simple, but these activities can enormously impact the professional’s overall health and well-being, both physically and mentally.

Make Time for Fun Activities

Focusing on work and making time for fun activities outside the office or hospital is a crucial setting. Fun could include going out with friends or family for dinner or attending an art class. An enjoyable position can give perspective on professional life and provide much-needed rejuvenation after days spent treating patients or researching medical topics.

Locums Tenens

Doctors can get help from, or join the list of, locums tenens–temporary qualified doctors who offer assistance when needed. Many of these doctors can be used for long- and short-term support when an overworked doctor may need them.

One of the most significant benefits of locum tenens positions is their flexibility because they don’t require long-term commitments. Physicians can practice medicine but don’t necessarily need to commit to a permanent position.

Doctors can easily find positions that fit their support needs and lifestyle because temporary physicians are available in different locations and specialties. This need makes it easier for physicians to achieve the work-life balance they need and deserve without sacrificing their career goals.

Finding a balance between professional responsibilities and personal obligations is critical to avoiding burnout as a doctor. Setting boundaries with colleagues, prioritizing self-care activities, making time for fun activities, and being open to alternative professional career paths can help create a healthier environment where a doctor can thrive personally and professionally.

With these tips in mind, doctors should be able to find that elusive “work-life balance” that allows them to enjoy their careers while still having enough energy left over at the end of the day for family, friends, and hobbies.

Locum Tenens Staffing with Momentum

Want to gain momentum in your career and find that perfect work-life balance? Look to a professional healthcare staffing company like Momentum to help you find the best match. We work with hospitals and healthcare facilities seeking Locum Tenens physicians so contact us or search our job board to learn more.

Enticing, hiring, and retaining excellent staff is pretty much the same across the board in every industry. It takes time, effort, and a good amount of patience to get the best fitting staff for your establishment. However, in medicine, especially for the past few years, it is imperative to hire and retain the best staff possible. For many medical facilities, the hiring process can be daunting, and amongst COVID, RSV, the flu and other healthcare challenges, burnout and turnover has been astronomical, says the American Psychological Association. To ease some of the stressors that come with hiring great staff, partnering with an outside recruitment firm can help your facility or hospital hire quicker, smarter, and run smoother overall.

Attracting potential medical staff can be a big job, executed with serious branding that includes marketing, employee benefits and highlighting workplace culture. According to a survey reported by data company Ampliz, 90% of healthcare workers found employer branding crucial to recruiting resources. This means making your hospital or facility sparkle through social media, a website, and job postings. Many recruitment firms can highlight your specific qualities that will help catch talent, says the article.

In addition to sparkling online, setting up a clear process for recruitment and hiring is one of the biggest assets a medical facility can have, says Ampliz. An in-house hiring process for a hospital can be very complicated because of the many different departments and organizational structures involved. What Human Resources may require for the hiring process may not match exactly what certain other departments look for and need in candidates, says the article. An outside recruitment firm can help streamline the process and match potential staff to desired qualities. This also speeds up the process of hiring, which can be an issue to potential talent. Medical professionals can become impatient if they are asked to perform tedious administrative tasks for long periods of time. Keeping them excited, focused, and within an appropriate time frame will help keep your facility on their radar, says the article.

One of the most important components in hiring great medical staff is credentialing and licensure. To ensure the best medical care for patients, medical professionals must undergo a series of “stringent scrutiny” to prove their medical abilities, both academically and clinically, says the National Library of Medicine. Making sure your hires are up to date and maintained with national guidelines is vital. This can take a lot of time and effort. However, many specialized recruiting firms assist with both credentialing and software management, says verywellhealth. In an effort to speed up the credentialing process, many companies offer a checklist of requirements and automation to do the heavy lifting for you, says the article. In a medical setting, credentials, license, and professionalism are everything for business, and for patient care. Having an outside firm complete the process from start to finish will not only ease the difficulty of paperwork, but shoulder the weight of constantly checking-in on progression.

Gain Momentum for your Hiring with Our Healthcare Staffing Firm

Whether you are looking for specific help with one aspect of recruitment or the entire process, specialized recruiting firms such as Momentum Healthcare Staffing are there to assist so you can focus on providing the best possible healthcare with the best possible staff there is. Our team connects your hospital or practice with the best clinicians. Please contact us to learn more: (321) 420-6344.

If you’re considering joining the healthcare profession in 2023, you might consider one of the top ten rated jobs in demand–becoming a physician assistant.

A National Academy of Medicine survey reports that 75% of physician assistants feel “happy at work.” The pay is excellent in this profession, with a low unemployment rate and job growth expected to climb by 27.6% by 2031.

Physicians supervise physician assistants’ examinations, diagnosing, and treating of patients. Physician assistants make hospital rounds and evaluate patients for treatment and medications like their leading physicians.

Needed Education

Your career will begin with a bachelor’s degree in a science-based field. Physician assistant program prerequisites like statistics, ethics, and physics are not necessarily required for your bachelor’s.

Every physician assistant program is different, but most schools require at least 1,000 hours of healthcare experience and patient care experience. Healthcare experience hours do not include direct patient care like patient care experience hours.

You will need a letter of recommendation from your professors, supervisors, physicians, or other certified physician assistants to apply for a physician assistant program. This letter should give the program insight into your character, work ethic, intelligence, and integrity.

Along with your letters of recommendation, you will also need to submit a 5,000-word essay telling why you desire to become a physician’s assistant. This essay is one of the most critical pieces to the program application because it allows you to tell your story about why you chose this medical profession.

Before being accepted to complete the most difficult 23-27 months of your academic life, you will have an intense interview by the physician assistant program.

The final step in becoming a physician’s assistant is passing the PANCE (the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam). The PANCE is a 300-question, five-hour exam that, if passed, will allow you to begin practicing your new profession–but only after complying with your individual state’s pa licensing requirements.

Many states are changing the licensing requirements for physician assistants in 2023. It is essential to find out if your state has made any changes and what the updated certification fees will be.

Your training will continue after passing the PANCE. The certification board will require you to complete additional credit hours of medical education to be recertified every two years.

Needed Character Traits

Becoming a physician’s assistant is complex and requires total commitment through the educational and certification process. For you to be successful within the physician assistant field, you will need to evaluate yourself and be confident that you are a person who loves to learn, thrives on helping others, and that you collaborate well with others.

Becoming a physician’s assistant is an individual decision; the dedication requirements are intense and rigorous, second only as needed by a physician. However, the salaries are healthy (over $120,000 per year), jobs are available, there’s room for advancement to specialize and physician’s assistants like what they do.

Whatever career in medicine you may decide on, entering a healthcare career in 2023 will be an excellent choice. The population is aging and in need of more care, the unemployment rate is low, and your options will be numerous no matter how you choose to serve.

Rely on an Experienced Healthcare Recruiting Agency

If you’re an existing Physician’s Assistant and you want to take control of your compensation and work/life balance, Momentum Healthcare Staffing is here to help! We connect qualified clinicians like you to the best hospitals. Please bookmark and check back often at our job board to find our latest Physician’s Assistant positions. You can also call us at (321) 420-6344.