Overview
Physician Assistants
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Physician assistants
Conduct patient interviews, physical assessments and take medical histories
Perform or order diagnostic tests and interpret results
In consultation with a supervising physician, formulate and implement treatment plans and monitor patients' progress
Perform and assist in minor surgery
Provide health maintenance education
May participate in research activities
May prescribe from a limited list of medications.
Midwives
Provide primary, full-course, care to women and their babies during pregnancy, such as physical examinations, screening and diagnostic tests to monitor the health of mother and baby and make referrals to medical specialists as required
Manage labour and spontaneous normal deliveries
Care for, assess and monitor the health of newborns and refer infants to appropriate medical services as required
Provide advice and guidance regarding care for newborns and young infants.
Genetic counsellors
Provide information and support to families affected by or at risk of a genetic disorder
Gather and analyze family history and inheritance patterns, calculate risks of recurrence, and provide information about genetic testing and related procedures
Develop, implement or coordinate action plans and refer individuals and families to other health professionals
Design and conduct genetics training programs for other healthcare professionals or the general public
May conduct research in the field of medical genetics and genetic counselling.
Orthoptists
Work alongside ophthalmologists to diagnose and treat eye disorders by performing specialized eye tests to measure and assess defective binocular vision or abnormal eye movement in patients
Prescribe treatment such as eye exercises or patching regimens.
Pathologists' assistants
Prepare for autopsies by obtaining patients' medical records and arranging for radiographic examinations
Prepare, assist with or perform autopsies and surgical specimen examinations under pathologists' supervision
Assist with preparation of provisional autopsy report
Dissect, examine, weigh, photograph and X-ray organs and specimens, collect tissue samples for chemical analysis and record findings
Discard specimens according to established safety procedures
Clean and maintain instruments, equipment and supplies
Develop and maintain processes for laboratory quality control
May prepare bodies for release to funeral homes following completion of autopsies
May supervise and train junior resident pathologists and morgue attendants.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$52,536
$81,839
$100,046
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
Strong job outlook
British Columbia
66expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
Physician assistants
Physician assistants require completion of a university degree in a physician assistant program.
Physician assistants require registration with a regulatory body in Manitoba and New Brunswick.
Additional information
There is no mobility between these occupations without further training.
Certification requirements
Mandatory: You need the following certifications to practice as Physician assistants in B.C.
- Registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia - Physician Assistants
- Certification with the Physician Assistant Certification Council of Canada
Optional: The following certification are optional to practice as Physician assistants in B.C.
- Membership with the Canadian Association of Physician Assistants
Registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia - Physician Assistants
To practice as a physician assistant in B.C., you must register with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia. Eligibility is achieved by holding certification with the Physician Assistant Certification Council of Canada, or the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. Additionally, you must currently be in physician assistant practice and be sponsored by a health authority.
Certification with the Physician Assistant Certification Council of Canada
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
To practice as a physician assistant in B.C., you will need to be certified by the Physician Assistant Certification Council of Canada. Eligibility is achieved through successful completion of a recognized program and writing of the PA Entry to practice certification examination.
Membership with the Canadian Association of Physician Assistants
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
To work as a physician assistant in B.C., you may choose to become a member of the Canadian Association of Physician Assistants. Purchasing a membership allows you to write the Physician Assistant Entry to Practice Certification Examination, which also requires completing a recognized program.
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
No programs available in B.C.
There are currently no programs offered at public post-secondary institutions in BC that will qualify you for this career. Please see the Canadian Association of Physician Assistants website for other options.