Physician Assistant Career Guide

What Does a Physician Assistant Do?

Physician assistants (PAs) examine, diagnose, and treat patients under the supervision of a physician. They obtain and review patients' medical histories, examine patients, order and interpret diagnostic tests like x-rays or blood tests, diagnose injuries or illnesses, provide treatment including setting bones and stitching wounds, prescribe medication, and educate patients and families on treatment and self-care. PAs work across various specialties including primary care, emergency medicine, surgery, and psychiatry, often serving as primary care providers in underserved communities.

Education & Requirements

• Typical Education: Master's degree from accredited PA program (at least 2 years post-bachelor's)
• Certifications: National certification (PANCE exam) required; state licensure mandatory; continuing education and recertification every 10 years
• Key Skills: Communication, compassion, detail-oriented, emotional stability, interpersonal skills, problem-solving
• Experience: Most PA programs require prior patient care experience (as EMT, medical assistant, etc.) for admission

Salary Information

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024 data):

• Median Annual Salary: $133,260
• Entry-Level (10th percentile): $95,240
• Experienced (90th percentile): $182,200
• Top-Paying Settings: Government ($151,470), Outpatient care centers ($147,650), Hospitals ($136,630)
• Lower-Paying Settings: Educational services ($127,900), Physician offices ($129,640)

Job Outlook & Growth

Employment of physician assistants is projected to grow 20 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than average for all occupations. About 12,000 openings are projected each year. Growth is driven by the aging population requiring more medical care and the prevalence of chronic diseases like diabetes. PAs are increasingly valuable because they can be trained more quickly than physicians while providing many of the same services. Team-based healthcare models continue to expand PA roles, making them essential in improving healthcare access, especially in underserved and rural areas.

How to Break Into This Field

1. Education: Earn a bachelor's degree (often in healthcare, biology, or science) with required prerequisite courses. Gain patient care experience (1,000-2,000 hours typical). Complete an accredited 2+ year master's PA program including clinical rotations.
2. Entry-Level Roles: After certification and licensure, new PAs typically start in hospitals, physician offices, or outpatient clinics. Many programs help with job placement.
3. Build Skills: Pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE), obtain state licensure, maintain CPR/BLS certification. Consider specialty rotations during PA school to explore interests.
4. Network: Join the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), attend conferences, connect with preceptors during clinical rotations, join specialty organizations like SEMPA (Emergency Medicine).
5. Apply Strategically: Target health systems, federally qualified health centers, urgent care facilities, or specialty practices. Use job boards like AAPA Career Central, Indeed, and PracticeLink.

Career Path & Advancement

PAs can specialize in areas like surgery, dermatology, cardiology, emergency medicine, or orthopedics. Advancement often means taking on more complex cases, supervising other PAs or medical students, or moving into leadership roles like clinical director or chief PA. Some PAs transition to pharmaceutical sales, medical education, hospital administration, or policy work. Entrepreneurial PAs may open their own practices (where state law allows) or consulting businesses. Post-graduate PA residencies and fellowships offer advanced training in specialties.

Pros & Cons

Related Careers

If you're interested in Physician Assistant, you might also consider:

• Nurse Practitioner (similar scope, different educational path)
• Physician or Surgeon (more autonomy but longer education)
• Registered Nurse (shorter education, different scope)
• Physical Therapist (similar education length, rehabilitation focus)