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What is a general surgery physician assistant and how to become one
General surgery physician assistants are healthcare professionals that assist surgeons during surgery. They play a significant role in ensuring each surgery is a success and that patients recover from their operations as effectively as possible.
In the operating room, general surgery physician assistants perform various tasks such as inserting tubes, handing tools to surgeons, retracting tissues, cleaning up the operation area, and many more. Outside of the actual surgery, general surgery physician assistants help prepare patients for their operations as well as monitor them afterward. They may also provide comfort to patients who are nervous about their surgery or have undergone traumatic operations.
The general requirements for this role are a degree in physician assistant, clinical or medical laboratory science, or something similar, as well as experience working in an operating room or other similar healthcare settings. They may also need to have an appropriate license to practice, depending on their state.
On average, general surgery physician assistants earn $85,000 a year. In terms of the work environment, one can expect to encounter a lot of blood and high-stress situations for this role, which requires the ability to stay calm under pressure.
Avg. Salary $228,104
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 28%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.35%
Asian 11.39%
Black or African American 5.43%
Hispanic or Latino 11.90%
Unknown 3.78%
White 67.15%
Genderfemale 62.02%
male 37.98%
Age - 37American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 37Stress level is very high
7.1 - high
Complexity level is advanced
7 - challenging
Work life balance is fair
6.4 - fair
General surgery physician assistant career paths
Key steps to become a general surgery physician assistant
Explore general surgery physician assistant education requirements
Start to develop specific general surgery physician assistant skills
Skills Percentages Patients 33.82% Plastic Surgery 19.90% Patient Care 12.94% Physician Assistants 6.11% Surgical Procedures 4.16% Complete relevant general surgery physician assistant training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New general surgery physician assistants learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a general surgery physician assistant based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real general surgery physician assistant resumes.Research general surgery physician assistant duties and responsibilities
- Work closely with patients to manage their depression and anxiety beginning with initial diagnosis to med-initiation and follow-up care.
- Develop basic surgical skills, such as suturing, retracting of tissue; debridement of wounds.
- Order, perform, and interpret laboratory and radiology test within the scope of professional practice.
- Educate patients on post-operative recovery and discharge needs.
Apply for general surgery physician assistant jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a general surgery physician assistant job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
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Average general surgery physician assistant salary
The average general surgery physician assistant salary in the United States is $228,104 per year or $110 per hour. General surgery physician assistant salaries range between $118,000 and $439,000 per year.
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Updated January 8, 2025
