Life as a Physician Assistant?
Specifically,
is it really stressful?
do you get time for yourself/family as often?
is it a well paid occupation?are you able to save well?
and lastly is it easy to move around, meaning, if you plan on moving a lot would it be more difficult than usually?
Answers & Comments
Verified answer
Much depends on the type of practice you get into and the field you practice in. Currently I run a rural clinic as the sole provider (with a MA and a rad tech). I take whatever comes through our doors in 12+ hours--it can range from a sorethroat to a perforated stomach. I order and interpret the labs & xrays done on site. It can get pretty scary & extremely stressful. I just came of 7 =13 hour shifts in a row. Then there are derm PAs who work 9-5, five days a week. It just depends. I actually live in CA and commute to rural maryland-virginia to work.
It's not really any more stressful than any other health care profession, that deals with the public and insurances on a daily basis.
Yes, there is a need in all areas of the country.
You can do a Monster.com or Craigslist.com search for different areas if you are curious.