Physician assistants must learn the basics and obtain certifications before they see patients. But after some time on the job, the work begins to stagnate. Instead of letting that plateau take over your professional life, you should grab the bull by the horns. Here are the best career advancement tips for physician assistants.

Network Within Your Field

The medical field is vast and full of opportunities—they just might not be exactly what you’re looking for or thinking about. Networking is the perfect way to make professional contacts and meet people who do what you do for a living. While you want to find friends in the professional sphere, you can also find inspiration among the people you meet at networking events.

When you hear a story of career meandering and frustration that ends in triumph, you feel the residual power of that person’s success in your own professional energy. Everyone will find their own way through their vocation, but the stories of circuitous jobs and career changes help people like you see the breadth of opportunity available and advance your career in out-of-the-box ways.

Invest in Your Current Practice

Many PAs make the mistake of ignoring their current practice and focusing solely on the work. Every workplace has a culture, and you’re a part of it whether you like it or not. Contribute positively to your workplace and make meaningful connections with your coworkers and superiors. Promotions are easier to achieve when people like you.

Always Educate Yourself

Though a formal degree program is a long process that requires time, money, and organization that few working professionals have, you should take advantage of every opportunity to educate yourself. If you have a chance to join educational forums or short certificate classes, take them. The more you learn about your field and expand beyond your current skill set, the more you’ll have to offer to your next position.

With these career advancement tips for physician assistants in hand, you can make strides toward your five and ten-year goals. Though your plans will undoubtedly change before the day arrives, your proactivity will drive you to new opportunities. As you make your way through your professional life, you should safeguard your vocation from legal and financial insecurity by choosing physician assistant liability insurance. That way, no past patient can damage your future.