The Day-to-Day Life of an Urgent Care PA: What to Expect

As a Physician Assistant (PA) working in an urgent care setting, your day-to-day life is anything but mundane. Urgent care PAs are healthcare professionals who are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions, from minor injuries and illnesses too serious emergencies.

So, what can you expect from your day-to-day life as an urgent care PA? In this blog, we’ll explore the top 10 patients you are likely to see, as well as some of the challenges and rewards of working in this fast-paced environment.

1. The Sports Injury

Sports injuries are a common occurrence in urgent care settings, particularly during the warmer months when people are more active. As an urgent care PA, you’ll be responsible for assessing and treating everything from sprains and strains to more serious injuries like fractures and dislocations.

2. Viral Syndrome and Sick Kid

Colds and flu are among the most common reasons people visit urgent care centers. As an urgent care PA, you’ll be responsible for diagnosing and treating these conditions, as well as determining when patients need more advanced medical care.

3. The Laceration 

(Confession: I kind of love wound care!) Lacerations and cuts are another common reason people visit urgent care centers. As an urgent care PA, you’ll be responsible for cleaning and suturing the wound, as well as assessing for any underlying damage.

4. The Rash

Rashes can be caused by a variety of factors, from allergic reactions to infections. As an urgent care PA, you’ll be responsible for diagnosing the cause of the rash and providing appropriate treatment.

5. The Burn

Burns can be caused by a variety of factors, from hot liquids to sun exposure. As an urgent care PA, you’ll be responsible for assessing the severity of the burn and providing appropriate treatment, which may include wound care and pain management.

6. The Urinary Tract Infection

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common reason people visit urgent care centers, particularly among women. As an urgent care PA, you’ll be responsible for diagnosing and treating UTIs, as well as determining if any additional medical intervention is necessary.

7. The Allergic Reaction

Allergic reactions can be caused by a variety of factors, from food to medications. As an urgent care PA, you’ll be responsible for diagnosing the cause of the reaction and providing appropriate treatment, which may include medication and supportive care.

8. The Broken Bone

Broken bones are a serious injury that requires prompt medical attention. As an urgent care PA, you’ll be responsible for assessing the severity of the break and providing appropriate treatment, which may include immobilization and referral for further care.

9. The Headache

Headaches are a common reason people visit urgent care centers, and can be caused by a variety of factors, from stress to more serious conditions like migraines. As an urgent care PA, you’ll be responsible for assessing the severity of the headache and providing appropriate treatment, which may include medication and referral for further care.

10. The Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain can be caused by a variety of factors, from gastrointestinal issues to more serious conditions like appendicitis. As an urgent care PA, you’ll be responsible for diagnosing the cause of the pain and providing appropriate treatment, which may include medication and referral for further care.

In addition to treating patients, an urgent care PA’s day-to-day life also involves a variety of administrative tasks, such as charting and communicating with other healthcare providers.

Working in an urgent care setting can be both challenging and rewarding. Urgent care PAs can make a real difference in their patients’ lives, and to provide care in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

If you’re interested in becoming an urgent care PA, be prepared to work hard, and stay focused.