General Surgery Physician Assistant Career Guide

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Overview

General Surgery Physician Assistants (PAs) are integral members of surgical healthcare teams. They assist surgeons in a wide range of surgical procedures, from routine operations to complex surgeries. Their responsibilities include pre-operative assessments, post-operative care, and even participating in the surgery itself. General Surgery PAs are highly skilled professionals who play a critical role in ensuring the well-being

Education

To become a General Surgery PA, one must start with a strong educational foundation. Aspiring PAs typically complete a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as biology or pre-med. Following this, they need to enroll in a Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program, which generally takes about two to three years to complete. These programs are offered by

A stethoscope held in one hand

Related certifications

Becoming a General Surgery PA requires a combination of education, certification and clinical experience. While it's possible to enter the field directly after completing a PA program, many employers prefer candidates with experience in surgical or critical care settings. Board certification through the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) is often expected in this specialty.

Skills

General Surgery PAs must possess a diverse skill set to thrive in their role. They need comprehensive knowledge of surgical procedures, anatomy and patient care. Technical skills are essential for assisting surgeons in the operating room and performing procedures like suturing. Excellent communication skills are vital for conveying complex medical information to patients and their families.

Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities

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Responsibilities

General Surgery PAs play a crucial role in the surgical team, with a wide range of responsibilities that span from pre-operative assessments to post-operative care. They conduct thorough medical histories and physical examinations of patients prior to surgeries and assist surgeons during the procedures by providing sutures and managing surgical instruments. They also monitor patients during the post-operative period and

Salary Insights

Compare your pay with the most up-to-date job market data using our comprehensive salary calculator.
General Surgery Physician Assistant
$2,023-2,023/week

The average salary for a General Surgery Physician Assistant is $2,023.00 per week.

Last updated on May 6, 2024. Based on active jobs on Vivian.com.

Pros & Cons

Becoming a skilled General Surgery Physician Assistant (PA) can offer numerous benefits to those who choose this career path. With a high demand for these professionals in various healthcare settings, there is the potential for competitive salaries and opportunities for career advancement. Working closely with surgeons, PAs can gain extensive surgical experience while also making a meaningful impact on patients'

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General Surgery Physician Assistant Jobs


View job details for Physician Assistant - General Surgery
Staff Position

Physician Assistant - General Surgery

  • INTEGRIS Health Baptist Medical Center
  • Oklahoma City, OK

$105K-150K/year

Posted 3 days ago
View job details for Physician Assistant - General Surgery
Staff Position

Physician Assistant - General Surgery

  • Glen Cove Hospital
  • Glen Cove, NY
  • days
  • Sign-On Bonus
From the web
View job details for Physician Assistant - General Surgery
Staff Position

Physician Assistant - General Surgery

  • UnitedHealth Group Inc
  • Mount Kisco, NY
  • days
  • Sign-On Bonus
From the web
View job details for Physician Assistant - General Surgery
Staff Position

Physician Assistant - General Surgery

  • New York University Langone Medical Center Tisch Hospital
  • New York City, NY
  • flexible
  • Sign-On Bonus
From the web

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