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
$5,882-7,650/week

The average salary for a General Surgery Physician Assistant is $6,913.33 per week.

Last updated on December 21, 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 Travel Physician Assistant - General Surgery
Travel Contract

Travel Physician Assistant - General Surgery

  • Dubois, PA
  • Planet Healthcare
  • 5x10 hrs, Days
  • Referral Bonus

$7,650/week

Posted 8 days ago
 Verified
View job details for Travel Physician Assistant - General Surgery
Travel Contract

Travel Physician Assistant - General Surgery

  • Coos Bay, OR
  • Planet Healthcare
  • 4x10 hrs, Rotating
  • Referral Bonus

$5,440/week

Posted 10 days ago
 Verified
View job details for Senior Physician Assistant - General Surgery
Staff Position

Senior Physician Assistant - General Surgery

  • Kaiser Permanente
  • Modesto, CA
  • 5x8 hrs, Days

$168K-217K/year

approximately $80-105/hr
View job details for Physician Assistant - General Surgery
Staff Position

Physician Assistant - General Surgery

  • Kaiser Permanente
  • Modesto, CA
  • 5x8 hrs, Days

$144K-187K/year

approximately $69-90/hr

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