What does a Physician Assistant do?
A Physician Assistant (PA) is a licensed medical professional who works under the supervision of a physician to diagnose and treat illnesses, manage patient care, and may also perform surgeries. PAs are trained to make clinical decisions and provide a broad range of diagnostic and therapeutic services. They conduct physical exams, order and interpret tests, develop treatment plans, prescribe medications, and may assist in surgery. PAs are integral members of the healthcare team, often serving as the primary healthcare provider in rural or underserved areas where physicians are not always available.
PAs practice in virtually every medical setting and specialty, improving healthcare access and quality. They must adapt to a fast-paced environment, manage multiple responsibilities, and communicate effectively with patients and other healthcare professionals.
Key duties & responsibilities
Physician Assistants in the Healthcare field handle essential tasks and contribute significantly to achieving team and organizational goals. Here are some of their primary responsibilities:
- Examine patients to obtain information about their physical condition.
- Interpret diagnostic test results for deviations from normal.
- Make diagnoses and decisions about management and treatment of patients.
- Prescribe therapy or medication with physician approval.
- Administer or order diagnostic tests, such as x-ray, electrocardiogram, and laboratory tests.
- Perform therapeutic procedures, such as injections, immunizations, suturing and wound care, and infection management.
- Monitor patients’ conditions and progress and reevaluate treatments as necessary.
- Explain procedures and discuss test results or prescribed treatments with patients.
- Delegate tasks to nurses or other healthcare staff as necessary.
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How to become a Physician Assistant
Launching a career as a Physician Assistant requires a specific education. We outline the essential qualifications, skills, and steps to enter this field.
Qualification
- Master’s degree from an accredited educational program for physician assistants.
- Passing the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
- State license to practice as a Physician Assistant.
- Experience in a clinical setting is preferred.
- Continuing medical education (CME) credits maintained to keep national certification valid and up-to-date.
Requirements & skills
- Strong communication skills for effective patient interaction.
- Attention to detail in diagnosing patients and managing their care.
- Ability to work effectively under pressure and within a team setting.
- Problem-solving skills and proficiency in clinical decision-making.
- Compassion and sensitivity to address patients’ needs and concerns.
Physician Assistant salary guide
Wondering what Physician Assistants earn? Explore salary ranges by experience, and career tips to maximize your earning potential.
The average salary for a Physician Assistant in the U.S. is approximately $106,700 per year and can vary from entry-level to senior positions. Physician Assistants may receive a wide range of benefits.
Physician Assistant salary career steps
- Entry Level0-2 years $80,025
- Mid Level3-5 years $96,030
- Experienced6-10 years $106,700
- Senior11+ years $117,370
- Veteran20+ years $133,375
Based on public data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Payscale. Career-level figures are estimates derived from the national average; actual pay varies by employer, region and experience.
How much can you earn as a Physician Assistant?
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How to advance your career
Physician Assistants can specialize in areas such as surgery, dermatology, orthopedics, or emergency medicine after gaining experience. Advanced leadership roles include becoming a lead PA in a large practice or hospital or moving into healthcare administration. PAs may also engage in education, training other PAs or medical professionals.
Typical work environment
Physician Assistants work in various healthcare settings including hospitals, clinics, physician offices, and other healthcare facilities. The role can involve long hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, especially in hospitals and urgent care centers. PAs often stand for long periods and may be exposed to infectious diseases or harmful substances.
About this profile
This profile for a Physician Assistant is based on public sources such as the BLS and Payscale and was structured with the help of AI. It is intended as a general orientation — duties, requirements and salaries can differ by employer, country and experience.
