Why is Physician Assistant Named the Number 2 Best Job in Healthcare?

U.S. News & World Report ranked the Physician Assistant (PA) profession as the #2 Best Health Care Job, #4 Best STEM Job, and #5 among the 100 Best Jobs in its 2024 rankings. AAPA President Folusho E. Ogunfiditimi emphasized that this consistent recognition over seven years highlights PAs’ dedication to patient care and their essential role in healthcare teams. The PA profession’s future looks promising with a projected 26.5% employment increase from 2022 to 2032, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Despite advancements in technology and AI, the PA role remains vital due to its focus on personalized patient care.

 

Physician Assistant Benefits

 

Bethel University explains why being a physician assistant can have many benefits such as:

Versatility: PAs can work in various medical fields and settings, from clinics and hospitals to public health and medical missions, addressing the need for healthcare professionals, especially in underserved areas. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 27% increase in PA roles by 2032.

 

Quicker Entry into Workforce: PAs can start their careers faster and with less debt than physicians, bypassing the lengthy and expensive education required for doctors.

 

Fulfilling Career: PAs engage in direct patient care, diagnosing and treating patients, which provides a high level of job satisfaction.

 

Competitive Salary: The median annual salary for PAs was $126,010 in 2023, making it a financially rewarding career.

 

Specialization Flexibility: PAs can specialize in various fields without lengthy residencies and can switch specialties based on their interests and community needs.

 

Collaborative Work Environment: PAs work closely with multidisciplinary teams and, in many states, do not require a supervising physician, allowing for a collaborative and team-based approach to patient care.

 

Work-Life Balance: PAs often have more predictable hours and opportunities for part-time or flexible schedules, aiding in maintaining a work-life balance.

 

Lifelong Learning: PAs engage in ongoing professional development, staying current in the medical field and participating in community health initiatives, potentially influencing public health and education.

 

2024 American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) Digital Salary Report

 

The 2024 American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) Digital Salary Report revealed that base compensation for Physician Associates/Assistants (PAs) increased by 5.8% in 2023, rising from $120,000 in 2022 to $127,000. AAPA President Folusho E. Ogunfiditimi highlighted the growing demand for PAs, with the profession expected to see a 27% employment growth from 2022 to 2032. Key findings from the report include:

 

37% of PAs worked in hospital settings, earning a median compensation of over $130,000.

PAs who felt professionally fulfilled tended to have higher median compensation.

90% of PAs received professional development funds.

The top three states for PA base salaries were California ($150,000), Alaska ($141,000), and Hawaii ($140,000).

The report, based on responses from 12,207 PAs, is a comprehensive resource on PA compensation, covering various aspects such as base salary, bonuses, and benefits, with detailed breakdowns by experience, specialty, setting, and employer.

 

PA Jobs Available Right Now

Looking for opportunities in the Physician Associate/Assistant (PA) field? Look no further! Momentum has a multitude of listings tailored to your preferences and career aspirations. Whether you’re seeking positions in hospitals, clinics, or other healthcare settings, explore our extensive listings to find the perfect fit for you. Your next career move awaits!

 

Sources:

globenewswire.com

openai.com

Related Posts

Healthcare Recruiting News

Recent Comments

Archives

Categories

Physician Assistants In Oregon Have a New Title

Physician assistants in Oregon have successfully advocated for a rebranding, choosing to be called physician associates instead. This shift, effective from June, marks a significant milestone as Oregon becomes the first state to permit PAs to adopt this title officially. The move is driven by the desire for recognition amidst a growing physician shortage. While the change won’t affect their pay, it aims to clarify their professional status and role in healthcare. However, critics argue that it may create confusion among patients and blur distinctions between different healthcare providers. Nonetheless, the evolution of titles and roles in healthcare reflects broader trends, with projections suggesting that advanced practice providers like PAs will outnumber primary care physicians by 2031.

 

What do Physician Assistants Do?

 

Physician assistants (PAs) are healthcare professionals who practice medicine under the supervision of licensed physicians. They are trained to perform a wide range of medical tasks, including conducting physical examinations, diagnosing and treating illnesses, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, assisting in surgeries, prescribing medications, and providing patient education and counseling. PAs work in various healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and primary care practices, and collaborate closely with physicians and other members of the healthcare team to deliver comprehensive patient care. Their role bridges the gap between nursing and medicine, allowing them to contribute significantly to patient management and healthcare delivery.

 

There is currently an abundance of excellent opportunities for physician assistants (PAs) across various healthcare settings, making it an exciting time to pursue a career in this field. As the demand for healthcare services continues to rise, so does the need for skilled and knowledgeable PAs to provide quality patient care. The job outlook for physician assistants is highly promising, with a projected growth rate of 27% from 2022 to 2032, significantly exceeding the average for all occupations.

 

Hospitals, clinics, physician practices, urgent care centers, and specialty clinics all offer diverse opportunities for PAs to contribute their expertise. Additionally, advancements in telemedicine and digital healthcare platforms have created new avenues for PAs to engage with patients remotely, further expanding their scope of practice. Moreover, the increasing recognition of PAs as vital members of the healthcare team has led to greater autonomy and responsibility in their roles.

 

2024 Locum Tenens and Permanent Job Board for Physician Assistants

 With competitive salaries, flexible work schedules, and opportunities for career advancement, the landscape for PAs is filled with possibilities for professional growth and fulfillment. Whether one is interested in primary care, emergency medicine, surgery, or a specialized area of medicine, there are countless pathways available for PAs to thrive and make a meaningful impact in the healthcare field. Search permanent and Locum Tenens jobs now at momentumhcs.com/jobs

 

Sources:

 

Axios.com
bls.gov
journalofethics.ama-assn.org
Openai.com

Related Posts

Healthcare Recruiting News

Recent Comments

Archives

Categories