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How much do Psychiatric PAs earn?
Do Psychiatric PAs earn more than psychologists?
Is it possible to do PA after a BA degree?
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Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Usha !
There is some explaining I would like to share with you about this. A Psychiatrist, a Psychologist and a Physician Assistant are three very different things.
Psychiatrists and Psychologists work with the functioning of the brain where as a Physician Assistant works with the physical body, ailments and injuries. Choosing among them will depend on what type of patients you want to work with. The path of study for the three are completely different. As a Physician Assistant student, you would be expected to know and treat physical illnesses. Your best bet would be to decide if you want to work with physical health or mental health.
Psychiatrists and Psychologists are more in use than "psychiatric" Physician Assistants in the U.S.. You have to find out from some institutions in India if they even use "psychiatric" Physician Assistants because doing a specific detailed search for this said there is no information about "psychiatric" Physician Assistants in India.
You will not know your salary now for a career that you would have many years from now. It is not a good idea to choose a career based on how much money you or other people "think" you'd make, especially if it's a health related field. Psychiatrists, Psychologists and Physician Assistants do very well in the United States, with Psychiatrists and Psychologists having more variety, leverage and possible side jobs.
A Physician Assistant is not an assistant or a mental health professional, they are a Medical Physician who works directly on patients. it's just that they work under management of a Medical Doctor and have less schooling or internship (but they do rotations and are fully trained). To decide among careers choose the one you are passionate about, the one you want to do no matter what your future income will be, the type of patients you want to work with and how long you are willing to go to school for it. Find out which is more in demand in India - I would guess Psychiatrists and Psychologists would be. It's not only possible to do the Physician Assistant Program after obtaining a Bachelors Degree, that's when you are supposed to do it. It's a rigorous program focused on physical health.
To be well-informed do additional research specific to what the market is in India for these careers. Read more about what the study paths and careers are like, too, so you can decide, not based on salary because no one can tell you that right now, but based on where your interest and dedication can be directed to. I'm not sure even why a "psychiatric" Physician Assistant would be needed when there are a multitude of mental health focused professionals that already do various services for mental health patients.
I wish you all the best on your journey to learn more about careers !
There is some explaining I would like to share with you about this. A Psychiatrist, a Psychologist and a Physician Assistant are three very different things.
Psychiatrists and Psychologists work with the functioning of the brain where as a Physician Assistant works with the physical body, ailments and injuries. Choosing among them will depend on what type of patients you want to work with. The path of study for the three are completely different. As a Physician Assistant student, you would be expected to know and treat physical illnesses. Your best bet would be to decide if you want to work with physical health or mental health.
Psychiatrists and Psychologists are more in use than "psychiatric" Physician Assistants in the U.S.. You have to find out from some institutions in India if they even use "psychiatric" Physician Assistants because doing a specific detailed search for this said there is no information about "psychiatric" Physician Assistants in India.
You will not know your salary now for a career that you would have many years from now. It is not a good idea to choose a career based on how much money you or other people "think" you'd make, especially if it's a health related field. Psychiatrists, Psychologists and Physician Assistants do very well in the United States, with Psychiatrists and Psychologists having more variety, leverage and possible side jobs.
A Physician Assistant is not an assistant or a mental health professional, they are a Medical Physician who works directly on patients. it's just that they work under management of a Medical Doctor and have less schooling or internship (but they do rotations and are fully trained). To decide among careers choose the one you are passionate about, the one you want to do no matter what your future income will be, the type of patients you want to work with and how long you are willing to go to school for it. Find out which is more in demand in India - I would guess Psychiatrists and Psychologists would be. It's not only possible to do the Physician Assistant Program after obtaining a Bachelors Degree, that's when you are supposed to do it. It's a rigorous program focused on physical health.
To be well-informed do additional research specific to what the market is in India for these careers. Read more about what the study paths and careers are like, too, so you can decide, not based on salary because no one can tell you that right now, but based on where your interest and dedication can be directed to. I'm not sure even why a "psychiatric" Physician Assistant would be needed when there are a multitude of mental health focused professionals that already do various services for mental health patients.
I wish you all the best on your journey to learn more about careers !
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Usha,
Great questions! Let’s break them down one by one:
1. How much do Psychiatric PAs earn?
Psychiatric Physician Assistants (PAs) typically earn a competitive salary. In the U.S., the average annual salary for PAs specializing in psychiatry ranges between $115,000 and $140,000, depending on experience, location, and the healthcare facility. Urban areas or regions with higher demand may offer even more.
2. Do Psychiatric PAs earn more than psychologists?
It depends on the type of psychologist. Clinical psychologists, for instance, earn an average salary of $80,000 to $110,000 annually, but this can vary significantly based on specialization, experience, and location. Psychiatric PAs generally earn more than psychologists who are just starting their careers or work in lower-paying areas. However, psychologists with advanced specializations or private practices can potentially earn more than Psychiatric PAs over time.
3. Is it possible to do PA after a BA degree?
Yes, it’s possible! However, you’ll need to complete additional prerequisites and meet the requirements to enter a PA program:
- Prerequisites: Most PA programs require coursework in subjects like biology, chemistry, anatomy, and physiology. If your BA didn’t include these, you may need to take them separately.
- Healthcare Experience: Programs often require 1,000–2,000 hours of patient care experience. This can be earned through roles like medical assistant, EMT, or scribe.
- PA Program Admission: You’ll need to apply to an accredited PA program, which typically takes 2–3 years to complete.
Becoming a Psychiatric PA is a rewarding path that offers a combination of medical expertise and mental health care. If you’re passionate about psychiatry, it’s absolutely achievable, even with a BA degree. Just take the necessary steps to meet the prerequisites, and you’ll be on your way!
Your interest in helping others is inspiring, and the effort you put into this will pay off. You've got this!
Best wishes!
Great questions! Let’s break them down one by one:
1. How much do Psychiatric PAs earn?
Psychiatric Physician Assistants (PAs) typically earn a competitive salary. In the U.S., the average annual salary for PAs specializing in psychiatry ranges between $115,000 and $140,000, depending on experience, location, and the healthcare facility. Urban areas or regions with higher demand may offer even more.
2. Do Psychiatric PAs earn more than psychologists?
It depends on the type of psychologist. Clinical psychologists, for instance, earn an average salary of $80,000 to $110,000 annually, but this can vary significantly based on specialization, experience, and location. Psychiatric PAs generally earn more than psychologists who are just starting their careers or work in lower-paying areas. However, psychologists with advanced specializations or private practices can potentially earn more than Psychiatric PAs over time.
3. Is it possible to do PA after a BA degree?
Yes, it’s possible! However, you’ll need to complete additional prerequisites and meet the requirements to enter a PA program:
- Prerequisites: Most PA programs require coursework in subjects like biology, chemistry, anatomy, and physiology. If your BA didn’t include these, you may need to take them separately.
- Healthcare Experience: Programs often require 1,000–2,000 hours of patient care experience. This can be earned through roles like medical assistant, EMT, or scribe.
- PA Program Admission: You’ll need to apply to an accredited PA program, which typically takes 2–3 years to complete.
Becoming a Psychiatric PA is a rewarding path that offers a combination of medical expertise and mental health care. If you’re passionate about psychiatry, it’s absolutely achievable, even with a BA degree. Just take the necessary steps to meet the prerequisites, and you’ll be on your way!
Your interest in helping others is inspiring, and the effort you put into this will pay off. You've got this!
Best wishes!
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.