Air Force Physician's Assistant

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No matter which branch of the military a brave solider serves under, he or she vows the same oath “…to be a guardian of freedom and justice and the American way of life…” (General T. Michael Moseley CSAF-Airman’s Creed, 2007). This vow is subject to the traditional jobs the U.S. military offers, but is not limited to the civilian works offered as well. Civilian occupations range from physician, lawyer, engineer, nurse, etc. The following research paper will feature key information consisting of the job description, education, qualifications, benefits, salary, and job outlook centering around the journey of becoming an U.S. Air Force Physician’s Assistant. Being on the frontline can be dangerous and traumatizing, so those courageous men and …show more content…

Beforehand entering into the Air Force or even a training program, a future solider must obtain a bachelor’s degree, strongly recommended in a basic and behavioral science: Microbiology, Biology, Chemistry, Anatomy, or Physiology (The P.A. Life, 2016). An alternate route for the education requirement would be to obtain a Master of Science (MS) in relation to Physician Assistant studies from an accredited institution, which the Air Force pays for, or an associate degree with physician assistant studies relations with any bachelor degree (“Enhancing Quality Healthcare”, 2016). The next step will be graduating from an accredited Physician Assistant program to grasp the knowledge of principles and practices of medical treatments (“Enhancing Quality Healthcare”, 2016). After graduating from the accredited program, a future prospect for the Air Force needs to complete a minimum of six months of experience in Physician Assistant assignments (“Enhancing Quality Healthcare, 2016). There is also the requirement to complete a five week Commissioned Officer training course, which base is the Maxwell Air Force Training Base located in Montgomery, Alabama (“Enhancing Quality Healthcare, 2016). This training program will test the will power, self-determination, and physical strength against many ailments to distant the weak from the strong. The …show more content…

In 2016, Stephen Pasquini wrote “on average a U.S. Air Force Physician Assistant’s salary typically ranges from $89,009-$103,658 a year.” Of course, earnings are based on the experience, rank, time, and promotions of a solider, which is established through an evaluation and assessment by the soldier’s superiors. Stellar performance also plays a huge part in one’s promotion and salary in the military. In addition to the salary, being not only an Air Force healthcare professional, but also a solider deployed overseas can present lasting benefits. In wartime, as well as on humanitarian and peacekeeping missions, one can build an internationally based friendship with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures (Colonel Sutton, 2016). Being provided with health insurance, low percentages on loans, installations, and the opportunity to travel the world on a military aircraft for $25 are all benefits provided to the soldiers as well as their dependents. Retirement after many years of services is the significant portion of a soldier’s benefit. The retirement payments are based, of course, from an individual’s rank and service given to the armed forces. For every two years after the soldier’s retirement, the government pays the soldier 50% of his or her salary before retiring (Colonel Sutton, 2016).

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