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Anesthesiologist assistant vs physician assistant

The differences between anesthesiologist assistants and physician assistants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an anesthesiologist assistant has an average salary of $218,010, which is higher than the $118,812 average annual salary of a physician assistant.

The top three skills for an anesthesiologist assistant include patients, OB and pain management. The most important skills for a physician assistant are patients, diagnostic tests, and surgery.

Anesthesiologist assistant vs physician assistant overview

Anesthesiologist AssistantPhysician Assistant
Yearly salary$218,010$118,812
Hourly rate$104.81$57.12
Growth rate28%28%
Number of jobs14,13739,752
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 37%Bachelor's Degree, 46%
Average age3939
Years of experience--

What does an anesthesiologist assistant do?

The anesthesiologist assistant helps in administering anesthesia to patients who will undergo surgical procedures. In surgery, the assistant works primarily under a head anesthesiologist whenever a patient will experience specific operations. The anesthesiologist is a position that is in demand in many healthcare facilities. An anesthesiologist's added responsibilities are determining the required type of anesthesia to use, learning added techniques, and being updated on medical advancements in this field.

What does a physician assistant do?

The physician assistant, also known as "PA," is now considered a key player to any healthcare team. Physician assistants are health care professionals who practice medicine under the supervision of licensed physicians. They work on several areas of medicine, from primary care to emergency service and even psychiatry. Neither they are a doctor nor a physician, but their job profile showcases many of these responsibilities. More than as assistants to the doctors, they are also equipped to examine, diagnose, and develop treatment strategies for patients.

Anesthesiologist assistant vs physician assistant salary

Anesthesiologist assistants and physician assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.

Anesthesiologist AssistantPhysician Assistant
Average salary$218,010$118,812
Salary rangeBetween $100,000 And $471,000Between $70,000 And $201,000
Highest paying CityAtlanta, GABoston, MA
Highest paying stateGeorgiaVermont
Best paying companyUniversity of Maryland, BaltimoreMarshall University
Best paying industryGovernmentEducation

Differences between anesthesiologist assistant and physician assistant education

There are a few differences between an anesthesiologist assistant and a physician assistant in terms of educational background:

Anesthesiologist AssistantPhysician Assistant
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 37%Bachelor's Degree, 46%
Most common majorNursingPhysician Assistant
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaDuke University

Anesthesiologist assistant vs physician assistant demographics

Here are the differences between anesthesiologist assistants' and physician assistants' demographics:

Anesthesiologist AssistantPhysician Assistant
Average age3939
Gender ratioMale, 48.6% Female, 51.4%Male, 33.6% Female, 66.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 5.5% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 12.1% Asian, 10.8% White, 67.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%Black or African American, 5.4% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 11.8% Asian, 11.2% White, 67.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage12%12%

Differences between anesthesiologist assistant and physician assistant duties and responsibilities

Anesthesiologist assistant example responsibilities.

  • Manage use of anesthesia machine and mechanical ventilation.
  • Monitor the patient's vital signs, level of anesthesia, and administer anesthesia medication during surgery.
  • Prepare daily surgery charts and necessary medical equipment.
  • Stock all carts, assist in intubation and procedures
  • Assist in staff teaching, certifications, procedures, CPR, etc.
  • Administer anesthesia to surgical patients daily in suburban hospital setting.
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Physician assistant example responsibilities.

  • Manage a variety of acute and chronic conditions especially asthma, allergies, injuries, and infectious diseases.
  • Manage chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, ASCVD, chronic back and joint pains, depression, and anxiety.
  • Manage patient surgical care throughout the continuum of care from pre-op, to discharge planning, including ambulatory and hospital in-patients.
  • Attain pertinent history & physicals for obstetrics and gynecological acute and preventative visits.
  • Work closely with patients to manage their depression and anxiety beginning with initial diagnosis to med-initiation and follow-up care.
  • Aid in the acute management of trauma patients including obtaining appropriate studies, suturing, and CPR.
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Anesthesiologist assistant vs physician assistant skills

Common anesthesiologist assistant skills
  • Patients, 23%
  • OB, 17%
  • Pain Management, 10%
  • CRNA, 6%
  • Advanced Life Support, 5%
  • Intubation, 5%
Common physician assistant skills
  • Patients, 29%
  • Diagnostic Tests, 6%
  • Surgery, 5%
  • Primary Care, 5%
  • Urgent Care, 4%
  • CPR, 3%

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