Urgent Care Physician Assistant Career Guide

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Overview

Urgent Care Physician Assistants (PAs) are healthcare professionals who specialize in providing immediate medical care for patients with non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses. They work in urgent care centers, which offer a middle ground between primary care and emergency room services. Urgent Care PAs are responsible for assessing patients' conditions, diagnosing medical issues, prescribing medications, and providing treatments, such

Education

To become an Urgent Care PA, you must first complete a bachelor's degree, often in a science-related field. Afterward, you'll need to enroll in a Physician Assistant program, which typically takes about two to three years to complete. These programs are offered by accredited universities and medical schools, and graduates earn a Master's degree in Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS).

Qualifications

PA-C

Certifications

Licensing

Skills

Urgent Care PAs require a well-rounded skill set to succeed in their specialty. They need a broad understanding of medical conditions and the ability to quickly assess and diagnose various illnesses and injuries. Strong communication skills are essential, as they must effectively interact with patients, explain treatment options, and provide clear instructions for follow-up care.

Urgent Care PAs should possess the

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Responsibilities

The responsibilities of an Urgent Care PA involve providing immediate medical attention to patients in an urgent care setting. They assess and diagnose medical conditions, order diagnostic tests (e.g., X-rays, lab work), prescribe medications, administer treatments (e.g., wound care, splinting), and offer patient education on managing their conditions. Urgent Care PAs handle a wide array of cases, including minor fractures,

Salary Insights

Salary guide

Compare your pay with the most up-to-date job market data using our comprehensive salary calculator.

Urgent Care Physician Assistant

$5,573-7,650/week

The average salary for a Urgent Care Physician Assistant is $6,449.80 per week.

Last updated on December 14, 2024. Based on active jobs on Vivian.com.

Pros & Cons

Choosing a career as an Urgent Care PA offers several advantages. One of the main benefits is the variety of cases encountered, providing a diverse and dynamic work environment. Urgent care centers typically offer more predictable hours compared to emergency rooms, allowing for better work-life balance. Competitive compensation and job stability are also attractive aspects of this specialty.

However, there are

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