Non Clinical PA Jobs?

[Kelsey]

I’ve been in a super specialty for 5 yrs, first job out, finding that patient interaction all day is exhausting. I work in a cash pay clinic now, and I definitely do not want to go back to dealing with insurance.

 

Anyone have any ideas for non clinical PA jobs? Any one in a non clinical PA job? Where do I start my search?

 

Thanks for any help...

 

 

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[wookie]

my wife works big pharma and I've met a co-worker of her who's a PA. I think the PA had years of experience in a field which is specifically relevant to a drug they're working on

[BruceBanner]

This thread comes up every few months. Search non-clinical jobs. The short answer is there isnt much out there. A few niche pharma jobs and maybe low-paying jobs in the research realm. I've seen some postings with Medtronic and others for device or drug coordinators, and they are uber-competitive. We dont get the cross-vocational mobility that comes with the MD. Not to say their options are turn-key, it's just there are established pathways and consulting firms that help them transition.

[SedRate]

Device or implant rep (ortho, spine, CMF, hand, plastics). These are usually sales positions and competitive.

[druglife]

Pharma jobs - 

Typically drug safety associate, drug safety specialist, pharmacovigilance associate/specialist etc. are good ways to get your foot in the door. Pays 80-100k/year base plus all the great Pharma benefits. Take a contract position if you're okay paying for your own benefits or can use your spouses because once you're in it is so. much. easier. to work your way up.

Medical information and med affairs are better roles, more dynamic and typically better pay but are tough to get into without experience or knowing someone. These are what lead to MSL roles.

Certified diabetes educators.

Sales is also a good way to get your foot in the door. If you like it the pay can become good or you can transfer internally to a new department after 2+ years experience. The lifestyle is great too.

Additionally, look for any type of clinical liason position or account manager position. Doesn't have to be with a major pharmaceutical company. It can be with a pharmacy like home infusion or specialty pharmacy doing HIV/hepc/rheum./derm/IVIG etc.) Device manufacturers, not just Ortho devices but things like B. Braun, BD, infusion pump or supply companies etc. These are all companies that need to maintain contracts with hospitals, nursing facilities and pharmacies or need in services for their products.

A PA would be excellent in these roles and I've seen many (I'm a pharmD at a pharmaceutical company)

 

[BrainAndCo]

Whenever this topic comes up, there are two main responses: people who say these opportunities are few and far between and those who a PA or two with a non-clinical job. I've been following this topic since I was in PA school (granted, not that long ago), and have noticed a small explosion of non-clinical jobs that we are not only well-suited for, but that actively list PA as a preferred degree/level of experience. 

I've done some podcast interviews with PA's who have pretty impressive non-clinical careers, and more and more of these opportunities seem to be popping up. 

Of note, entrepreneurship will never go out of business (well, you might, but you know what I mean), medical writing is a field that I believe desperately needs PA's, and healthcare technology companies are opening their eyes to us as well.

[PACJD]

I mentioned this in a previous post months ago.

I work part-time in a medium-sized pharmaceutical company as a "product logistics analyst." I started this job around 5 years ago, wasn't too popular for PAs back then and the only reason I got the job was because my sister was a pharmacist there, my uncle was senior director of advertising, and my cousin was a sales rep. However, now the number of PAs have expanded greatly.

It is basically a team of PAs/NPs/DOs/MDs, some working full time, most working part-time. Most have a business/administrative degree such as an MBA or MHA. Its primarily a desk job analyzing patient encounters with suggested medication prescriptions, and multiple meetings with the pharmacists and reps. We're basically trying to find ways to increase product sales, but from a clinical standpoint. They want me to get my MBA and work full time there, but the pay for full time is only roughly 100k, and I'm not ready for a pay cut yet. Once I'm tired of working clinically I may transition full time. Not a bad gig though.