Individuals interested in a career as a physician assistant must understand what training they must undergo before qualifying for a position in this field, reports OnlinePhysicianAssistantPrograms.net

St Louis, MO -- (SBWire) -- 04/29/2015 --According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for physician assistants in 2012 ran $90,930 a year or $43.72 per hour. MyBudget360.com states the median wage for American workers, in contrast, was $26,695, as of December 31, 2012. Individuals interested in working as a physician assistant may wish to look into online physician assistant programs to learn more about this occupation, what it entails and the training required in various states.

"A physician assistant plays a vital role in medical teams, as he or she takes charge of a variety of procedures. The physician assistant may be asked to handle patient examinations or prescribe medications, diagnose ailments or determine therapies. This job is known for being both demanding and challenging, but it is immensely rewarding to see progress in patients," Gus Benson, spokesperson for Online Physician Assistant Programs, explains.

Physician assistants working in the state of Missouri operate under the supervision of a doctor, yet don't have the same responsibilities seen with medical assistants. The physician assistant handles most of the same tasks as a doctor, taking medical histories, writing prescriptions and ordering lab tests. Some schools offer an associate degree program, but most offer this degree only at the bachelor's level, so one needs to carefully evaluate physician assistant programs in Missouri to determine which one meets their unique needs.

Indiana PA programs offer both bachelor and master's degree programs, and these programs must be approved by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistants, Benson continues. In addition to this training, individuals must hold an active license and be certified through the National Commission on the Certification of Physician Assistant. Anyone wishing to work in this field in the state is also required to pass recertification every two years.

Working as a physician assistant in Illinois requires that one complete a number of prerequisite courses before applying to a physician assistant training program. In addition, the individual should have some basic health care experience and a bachelor's degree in a field related to health care. While in the training program, the student is required to complete 2.000 hours of clinical rotations in physicians' offices and long-term care facilities along with other health care centers. Recertification is required every ten years in this state.

"Regardless of where one chooses to work, a career as a physician assistant is very fulfilling. Those who pursue this career path find they are greatly appreciated by others in the industry, as they help to ease the workload. To learn more about the various programs and requirements for each state, visit onlinephysicianassistantprograms.net. This site contains the information one needs to pursue a career in this field, regardless of where he or she may reside," Benson states.

About Online Physician Assistant Programs
Online Physician Assistant Programs provides information on the various training requirements in different states for those wishing to pursue a career in this field. Physician assistants undergo less training than medical doctors, thus allowing them to begin their career sooner while obtaining greater career flexibility. In addition, the site provides information about specializing in a specific field, for those choosing to follow this career path.