The field of healthcare is vast and diverse, with various professionals playing critical roles in ensuring the well-being of patients. In labor and delivery, where the safety of both mother and child is paramount, there’s often a team of healthcare providers working together to provide the best care possible. Among the professionals involved are physician assistants (PAs) and medical assistants (MAs). In this blog, we’ll explore the roles, responsibilities, and possibilities for PAs and MAs in labor and delivery settings.
Physician assistants (PAs) in OBGYN are certified healthcare professionals who are able to provide gynecological and obstetrical care for women, including pre-natal, labor and delivery, and post-partum support. They diagnose and provide treatment plans for gynecological problems and educate patients on reproductive health. Check out the chart below for a brief overview:
| Degree Required | Master’s degree |
| Education Field of Study | Physician assistant |
| Licensure | Must obtain a license by passing the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) |
| Job Duties | Examine patients; evaluate gynecological conditions; provide infertility treatment; initiate care for pregnant patients and their delivery |
| Median Salary (2020) | $115,390 (all physician assistants)* |
| Job Outlook (2020-2030) | 31% (all physician assistants)* |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
What Does a Physician Assistant in OBGYN Do?
PAs who are interested in women’s sexual and reproductive health can specialize in OBGYN. According to the Association of Physician Assistants in Obstetrics & Gynecology, PAs are able to provide equal standard of care as a physician. Specifically, PAs in OBGYN are able to assess and treat gynecological conditions that can include vaginal infections, menstrual problems, sexually transmitted diseases, and contraception. They also work in obstetrics by assisting women during all the stages of pregnancy. Many PAs are included on teams that focus on evaluating and treating infertility as well.
What Are the Steps I Need to Take to Become a PA in OBGYN?
First off, you will need to obtain a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. Then you will need to start applying for PA master’s programs that are accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission of Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). These programs are typically 2-3 years long and will include classroom based education and 2000 hours of clinical rotations in different specializations. You will want to make sure you get in as many hours as possible in OBGYN.
After graduating, you will take the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) which is administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). By passing this exam and your degree program, you can obtain your state license and begin practicing as a PA.
Do I Need Experience or Continuing Education Hours?
Individuals who pursue a career as a PA often have prior medical experience, which could include that of a registered nurse or clinical nurse specialist, possibly even working in the area of OBGYN. In addition, some PA graduates choose to gain further experience and training by completing a residency program. These programs can take around 12 months and will allow you to gain extensive experience in inpatient and out-patient delivery that could include up to 200 vaginal deliveries and 50 Caesarian sections. You’ll also take part in rotations learning to perform gynecological surgeries and doing office-based gynecological procedures.
You will need to complete continuing education hours every two years in order to maintain your PANCE certification. You’ll also have to take a recertification exam every 10 years.
What Are the Employment Statistics?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), states that the median pay in 2020 for PAs was $115,390 per year or $55.48 per hour. The majority of PAs work full-time, and 1/4 of PAs worked more than 40 hours per week in 2016. Some PAs work on-call depending on what kind of practice they are in. The job growth projection between 2020-2030 for PAs is 31%, which is above average. There is a big demand for jobs in the health services field largely due to the growing U.S. population.
What Are Some Similar Careers?
Becoming a physician or surgeon is a great option if you are interested in going more in depth with your studies by obtaining a doctoral or professional degree. As a doctor, you also have the option of specializing in OBGYN. Other avenues could be studying to become a nurse midwife, nurse practitioner, or nurse anesthetist where you could provide patient care and other primary and specialty healthcare services. More specifically, as a nurse practitioner, you would get to diagnose and treat health conditions and have a knowledge background in disease prevention and management.
Can Physician Assistants Deliver Babies?
Physician assistants, commonly known as PAs, are highly trained healthcare professionals who work under the supervision of licensed physicians. PAs are educated in various medical fields and can provide a wide range of healthcare services, but delivering babies is typically outside their scope of practice. The process of childbirth requires specialized training and skills that are usually the domain of obstetricians and certified nurse-midwives. However, PAs can be an invaluable part of the labor and delivery team, assisting in pre- and postnatal care, monitoring patients, and providing support in various capacities.
Labor and Delivery Physician Assistant Jobs
While PAs may not be directly responsible for delivering babies, they play crucial roles in labor and delivery settings. Their responsibilities may include:
- Pre- and Postnatal Care: PAs can perform routine prenatal check-ups, assess the health of both the mother and the baby, and provide education and counseling on pregnancy-related topics.
- Patient Monitoring: PAs are skilled at monitoring vital signs, administering medications, and managing any medical complications that may arise during labor.
- Assisting Surgeons: PAs may assist obstetricians during cesarean sections or other surgical procedures related to childbirth.
- Neonatal Care: Some PAs work in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and provide care to newborns with medical complications.
- Patient Education: PAs often educate patients on postpartum care, breastfeeding, and family planning.
Labor and Delivery Physician Assistant Salary
The salary of a labor and delivery physician assistant can vary based on factors such as location, experience, and the specific healthcare facility. On average, PAs in obstetrics and gynecology tend to earn competitive salaries. According to data available up to my last knowledge update in September 2021, the median annual salary for PAs was around $115,000. Keep in mind that these figures can change over time.
Can Medical Assistants Work in Labor and Delivery?
Medical assistants (MAs) are vital members of the healthcare team who perform administrative and clinical tasks to support the delivery of healthcare services. While MAs can play a role in healthcare settings, including obstetrics and gynecology offices, they generally do not participate directly in labor and delivery. MAs’ duties often revolve around tasks like scheduling appointments, taking patients’ medical histories, recording vital signs, and assisting with administrative tasks.
Do Physician Assistants Work in Labor and Delivery?
As mentioned earlier, physician assistants do work in labor and delivery settings, although they do not typically perform the actual delivery of babies. Their contributions to maternal and fetal healthcare are invaluable, as they help ensure the well-being of expectant mothers and provide essential support to the obstetric team.
Can a Physician Assistant Deliver a Baby?
In most cases, physician assistants do not perform the actual delivery of a baby, as this is typically the role of obstetricians or certified nurse-midwives. The delivery process requires specialized training and expertise. However, PAs can assist during the delivery process, particularly in situations where complications arise or additional support is needed.
Can a PA Work in Labor and Delivery?
Yes, physician assistants can and do work in labor and delivery settings, but their responsibilities primarily involve providing prenatal and postnatal care, assisting in surgical procedures, and monitoring patients during labor. Their role is crucial in ensuring the safety and well-being of both the mother and the baby.
Can a Medical Assistant Work in Labor and Delivery?
Medical assistants may work in labor and delivery settings but typically in supportive roles that do not involve direct participation in the delivery process. Their responsibilities may include administrative tasks and clinical duties such as taking vital signs and preparing patients for examination by obstetricians.
Do Medical Assistants Work in Labor and Delivery?
Medical assistants may work in labor and delivery settings within medical offices or hospitals, but their roles are primarily centered around assisting healthcare providers and ensuring the smooth functioning of the healthcare environment. Their responsibilities are essential for the overall patient care experience but do not include delivering babies.
Conclusion
The roles of physician assistants and medical assistants in labor and delivery settings are distinct but equally vital. While PAs contribute significantly to prenatal and postnatal care, patient monitoring, and surgical assistance, MAs play crucial roles in administrative tasks and clinical support. Both professionals work together with obstetricians, certified nurse-midwives, and other members of the healthcare team to ensure the well-being of expectant mothers and their newborns. In the field of labor and delivery, collaboration and a shared commitment to patient care are the keys to success.
