Pediatric Physical Assistant Career Porfolio by Jasmine Larios Chavez

Career Exploration

w1981011 — 2025-03-05 23:32:08 UTC

Being in a field for child development there are so many opportunities. You can choose education, healthcare, research and even help with non profit organizations. This assignment has helped me understand so much more in the career I have chosen.

Pediatric Physician Assistant (PA)

w1981011 — 2025-03-05 23:35:55 UTC

About 2-3 years ago I chose to transition from civil engineering went to trade school to pursue Medical Assistant since I always knew I wanted to work with kids and help them. A Pediatric PA is a trained healthcare working who works under the supervision of a pediatrician (a MD who specializes in pediatrics). PA are able to diagnose and treat children to provide preventive care to them.

Why I chose Physician Assistant

w1981011 — 2025-03-05 23:42:18 UTC

I chose to go this route for many reason. My main reason was I wanted to help children and be able to help the families of the future generations. I have a younger sister who has autism, mental retardation and adhd; growing up I remember going to so many doctor appointment with my mother trying to get the proper help and care for her. Being able to form a proper and meaningful connection with parents is very important, you are able to build a trust with them and help them grow their children. Also I switched career kind of late in school, and to transition fully into medical school can be expensive and extensive. Choosing this route helps me still stay on track to helping the community and help with patient care.

Pediatrics Day in the Life (PA Student Clinical Rotations)

w1981011 — 2025-03-05 23:51:02 UTC

I choose a video for pediatrics (its really similar to what I do now as a Pediatric medical Assistant...lol). In this video I am able to see how real professional work in pediatric clinics and hospital and how they care for children.

Key Points

w1981011 — 2025-03-05 23:56:35 UTC

Pediatrics PA's can perform physical exams, diagnose and treat them. They work closely with Pediatricians, nurses and much more. They also have to have good communication skills to be able to communicate with their patient of all ages until age 18 and the parents to build strong bond and trust with both. They also need to have plenty of patience as it can be hard to gain the trust of parents since you are working with them and guiding them to parent. Having patience with the child as well as you want them to build confidence with you to help properly treat them because during the teenage years the hide a lot and we want to ensure they can help them. This position can come with a lot of routine check up or even emergency situations.

Raised questions

w1981011 — 2025-03-05 23:58:10 UTC

How are Pediatric Physician Assistant able to handle difficult emotional cases with young patients?

I am currently a Pediatric Medical Assistant, is this the best way to get hands on experience?

Current Work Status

w1981011 — 2025-03-06 00:03:39 UTC

I am currently in school getting my prerecs to transfer to a csus to get my BAS. Hence why I am taking this class along with nutrition. Doing these classes before going back to university is very helpful its giving me more hope and stamina because I know what my end goal will be. Already working in healthcare and in the specialty that I want is also a plus. I am very grateful as I am working towards the hours needed to apply to PA school and I am able to get the hands on experience for when I have to do rotation I will already somewhat comfortable with it.

Career Analysis

w1981011 — 2025-03-06 00:06:17 UTC

NEED

Strong communication skills
Strong Problem solving
Helping other and speaking with children
Being able to remain calm in high pressure situations

CHALLENGES

long hours of coursework
clinical training
emotional challenges like working with sick or injured children and remaining calm

Steps to become Pediatric PA

w1981011 — 2025-03-06 00:08:47 UTC

I need my BAS ( Bachelor of science or Bachelor in Biology). Then I need my Master for Physician Assistant. Clinical experience and rotations in pediatric medicine. Then being able to pass the PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam) . Getting my state license and specializing in pediatrics

w1981011 — 2025-03-06 00:12:43 UTC

Doing this assignment has given me more understanding on why I chose this career and what I need to be able to accomplish to become a PEDS PA. They make such a positive impact in our community and that is my goal. I will continue my education to be able to work in this rewarding position.