Surgical Assistant vs. Physician Assistant: What Are the Differences?

A career in the medical field can be both rewarding and challenging. Two popular positions in healthcare are that of a surgical assistant and a physician assistant. Though both roles support surgeons and patients, there are several key differences between them.

In this article, we discuss the differences between a surgical assistant and a physician assistant, and we provide information on what you can expect from each profession.

What is a Surgical Assistant?

Surgical Assistants are medical professionals who work alongside surgeons to provide patient care before, during and after surgery. Surgical Assistants are responsible for prepping patients for surgery by cleaning and disinfecting incision sites, applying sterile drapes and positioning patients on the operating table. They also hand instruments and other supplies to the surgeon during surgery and may assist with closing incisions and applying dressings after surgery. Surgical Assistants may also monitor patients’ vital signs during surgery and provide post-operative care by helping patients with activities such as bathing, eating and using the restroom.

What is a Physician Assistant?

Physician Assistants are medical professionals who provide patient care under the supervision of a licensed physician. They examine patients, diagnose illnesses and injuries, and provide treatment. They also educate patients on preventive care and health maintenance. Physician Assistants order and interpret diagnostic tests, such as X-rays, MRIs and blood work. They may prescribe medication and provide guidance on diet and exercise. Physician Assistants work in a variety of medical settings, including hospitals, clinics, private practices and research facilities.

Surgical Assistant vs. Physician Assistant

Here are the main differences between a surgical assistant and a physician assistant.

Job Duties

Surgical assistants and physician assistants carry out the instructions of doctors by helping patients get medical care and recover from surgery. They may also manage patient expectations, communicate with other healthcare professionals and prepare for upcoming procedures. However, there are some differences in their job duties. For example, a surgical assistant may perform basic medical tasks like taking blood pressure readings or preparing equipment. In contrast, a physician assistant may conduct more advanced procedures like ordering lab work or interpreting scans.

Job Requirements

Surgical assistants typically need to have a bachelor’s degree in a medical-related field, such as pre-medicine or biology. They also must complete an accredited surgical assistant program and pass the Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) exam from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). Some states also require surgical assistants to be licensed.

Physician assistants usually need to have a bachelor’s degree in a medical-related field, such as pre-medicine or biology. They then must attend a physician assistant program accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). After completing their training, physician assistants must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).

Work Environment

Surgical and physician assistants work in different environments. Surgical assistants typically work in hospitals, surgical centers or other medical facilities where they assist surgeons with surgeries. They may also work in private practices to support physicians who perform procedures such as physicals, vaccinations and minor surgery.

Physician assistants can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, private practices, research institutions and public health agencies. The type of work that physician assistants do depends on the specialty area they choose. For example, a physician assistant specializing in internal medicine might work in an outpatient clinic, while one specializing in emergency medicine might work in an emergency room.

Skills

Surgical assistants and physician assistants both need to have excellent communication skills. Surgical assistants need to be able to communicate with surgeons during procedures to ensure that the surgery is going as planned. Physician assistants need to be able to communicate with patients and their families to explain medical procedures, diagnoses and treatments.

Both surgical assistants and physician assistants need to have strong organizational skills. Surgical assistants need to be able to keep track of surgical instruments and supplies, as well as maintain a sterile environment in the operating room. Physician assistants need to be able to keep track of patient records, lab results and medications.

Surgical assistants need to have strong manual dexterity skills to be able to handle delicate surgical instruments. Physician assistants need to have strong people skills to be able to build rapport with patients and their families.

Salary

The average salary for a surgical assistant is $72,423 per year, while the average salary for a physician assistant is $106,398 per year. The salary for both positions can vary depending on the state in which you work, the type of facility you work in and your level of experience.