Job Summary:

The Physician Assistant (PA) will provide health care services to patients under the direction of a physician. PA's are academically and clinically trained to perform many of the routine but time-consuming tasks that physicians usually do and are accountable for their own actions and accountable to their supervising physicians.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Examines patient, takes medical history, records results, and makes preliminary diagnosis or decides on follow-up procedures.
• Administers and orders diagnostic tests such as x-rays, electrocardiograms, and blood work, and interprets test results.
• Performs therapeutic procedures such as immunizations, injections, suturing and wound care, and managing infection.
• Exercises professional judgment regarding consultation with supervising physicians concerning appropriate treatment.
• Develops and implements patient care plans, instructs and counsels patients, and records progress.
• Prescribes medications to the extent allowable by state guidelines and clinic regulations.
• Provides general health education regarding matters such as proper diet, family planning, emotional problems of daily living, and health maintenance.
• Assists physician with emergency treatments and more complex procedures.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Demonstrated competency dealing with all age groups including neonates, infants, children, adolescents, adults, and geriatric patients.

Education and Experience:

• Completion of a four-year physician assistant baccalaureate program and a year of clinical training, or;
• Completion of a two-year accredited physician assistant program (which requires two years of undergraduate study) plus two years of clinical training following completion of PA program.
• State accreditation based on certifying exam.
• Continued employment requires 100 hours of continuing medical education every two years and passing a recertification examination every six years.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of standing, walking, and moving.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds at times.
• Frequent exposure to chemicals, bloodborne pathogens, and patient body fluids.