Physician Assistants

Career summary

#No alternate titles CJ

Physician assistants perform a range of medical duties. They work in all areas of medicine including primary care, family medicine, and emergency medicine. Specific duties and how much they need to be supervised by a physician vary by state.

Physician assistants provide basic care. They gather information from patients, perform physical exams, and order lab tests. They explain test results and review treatment options with patients and their families. If more than one treatment is available, they help patients decide which option to choose.

PAs can also do more complex tasks, such as:

• Set simple fractures
• Run electrocardiograms (EKGs)
• Sew up wounds
• Close incisions after surgery

Many PAs work in primary care areas, such as family medicine, general practice, or pediatrics. They set up goals and overall health plans for patients. They counsel patients about medications and teach them healthy living techniques.

Some PAs manage doctors' offices and order supplies and equipment. PAs also may supervise technicians and other medical office assistants. In areas where doctors are in short supply, PAs may be the only health care providers available on a regular basis. In this case they are required by state law to consult with physicians.

Related careers

This career is part of the Health Science cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Acupuncturists
• Chiropractors
• Family and General Practitioners
• Nurse Anesthetists
• Nurse Midwives
• Nurse Practitioners
• Occupational Therapists
• Physical Therapists
• Registered Nurses
• Speech Pathologists and Audiologists

Military careers

• Physician Assistants

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to physician assistants.

• Examine patients.
• Diagnose patients and determine treatment plans.
• Interpret test results for patients.
• Record exam results and health histories in patients' files. Make notes on patients' progress.
• Order or run diagnostic tests, such as x-rays, blood tests, and heart function (EKG) tests.
• Prescribe medications.
• Perform therapeutic procedures, such as injections, stitches and wound care, and infection management.
• Supervise other staff.
• Visit patients and update charts, order therapy, and report findings to physician in charge.
• Counsel patients about topics such as medication, family planning, emotional problems, or health maintenance.
• Assist physicians during surgery and other medical procedures.
• Order medical and laboratory supplies and equipment.

Common work activities

Physician assistants perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Get information needed to do the job
• Assist and care for others
• Document and record information
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Process information
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Analyze data or information
• Perform for or work with the public
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Use computers
• Evaluate information against standards
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Develop and build teams
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Provide advice and consultation to others
• Teach others
• Think creatively
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Develop goals and strategies
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others
• Perform administrative tasks

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, physician assistants:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a high level of social contact. They spend a lot of time talking to patients and doctors.
• Deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous patients on a weekly basis. Patients who are not feeling well may be upset.
• Are responsible for the health and safety of patients.
• Are often placed in conflict situations.
• Are responsible for work outcomes. They must determine the correct treatment for a patient.
• Communicate with coworkers and patients daily by telephone, face-to-face conversations, letters, and e-mails.
• Communicate with coworkers by e-mail on a weekly basis.
• Work in a group or as part of a team.

Physical work conditions

• Always work indoors.
• Are exposed to infections or disease on a daily basis.
• Work very near patients. They often work within inches of other people.
• Always wear gloves or other safety attire.
• Nearly always wear a lab coat or uniform.

Work performance

• Must be exact in their work. Errors could seriously endanger patients' health.
• Make decisions on a daily basis that strongly impact patients. They consult doctors for some decisions, but make most without talking to a supervisor.
• Are usually able to set their tasks for the day without consulting with a supervisor.
• Work in a moderately competitive atmosphere. Their days are structured around patient appointments.
• Repeat the same mental and physical activities.

Hours/travel

• Generally have a set schedule each week.
• May work full time or part time. Most work more than 40 hours a week.
• May work weekends, nights, or early mornings. The hours depend on the practice and the setting.
• May be on-call.

Physical demands

Physician assistants frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Stand for long periods of time.

It is important for physician assistants to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for physician assistants to be able to:

• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Determine the distance between objects.

Skills and abilities

Physician assistants need to:

Communicate

• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Understand spoken information.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Understand written information.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.

Reason and problem solve

• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Recognize when important changes happen or are likely to happen in a system.
• Identify what must be changed to reach goals.
• Make sense of information that seems without meaning or organization.
• Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.
• Think of new ideas about a topic.

Use math and science

• Use scientific methods to solve problems.
• Choose a mathematical method or formula to solve problems.
• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide quickly and correctly.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Manage the time of self and others.

Work with people

• Look for ways to help people.
• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
• Use several methods to learn or teach new things.
• Persuade others to approach things differently.
• Teach others how to do something.

Perceive and visualize

• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.
• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Physician Assisting

Other programs of study to consider

• Advanced Nursing
• Biological Sciences, General
• Medicine
• Nurse Midwifery
• Nurse Practitioner
• Podiatric Medicine
• Pre-Health Services
• Pre-Medicine

Training

To work as a physician assistant, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• graduate from a physician assistant program; and
• have a license.

Education after high school

Physician assistants typically need a master's degree. Most applicants to PA programs already have a bachelor's degree and some health-related work experience. Schools of allied health, medical schools, or four-year colleges offer physician assistant programs. In these programs you study anatomy, biochemistry, and medications. You also learn about primary care medicine, surgery, and home health care.

On-the-job training

Near the end of your training you get supervised work experience. You work in many different departments of a hospital or clinic. Experienced physicians supervise your work. These rotations often lead to permanent jobs.

Working as a registered nurse is a great way to gain experience for this occupation.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be physician assistants. Training lasts about 40 weeks. Additional training occurs on the job. The military also offers work experience for those who received their degree as a physician assistant from a source other than the military.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum may be different from your state's graduation requirements. Physician assistants need a strong background in science and math. If possible, take math through Trigonometry and science through Physics.

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Computer Applications
• Health Education
• Introduction to Health Care
• Nursing

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

All states require that new physician assistants (PAs) complete a formal training program. Most employers look for experience or clinical rotations in their specialty area. Some PAs are hired by the doctors who supervised their clinical rotations.

Employers look for assistants who have leadership skills and emotional stability. PAs must be willing to study throughout their career. Studying keeps them up to date on medical advances.

Tips

Most physician assistant program applicants have four or more years of prior health care experience. Gain experience by working in a hospital or other health care facility, or in the military or Peace Corps. Another route is through emergency medical technician training. Working with a physician assistant to find out about the job is beneficial. A college education and formal health care training will increase your chances of being accepted to an accredited program.

#Deleted recommendation to seek certification with the NCCPA as way to increase chances of employment since the exam required for state licensing leads to this cert anyway, 3/20/07, CJ.

Costs to workers

Physician assistants usually belong to state and national professional associations, which require membership fees and annual dues. Physician assistants who wish to receive national certification pay to take the exam and an additional fee every two years for renewal. For information on national certification, contact the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) .

#Updated medical PA app & renewal fees & checked other info, 3/24/09, cj. Updated fees and test cost 3/24/10 lh. Natl cert info still ok, 3/22/11, 4/16/13, 3/18/15 cj. no fee information for 2016 so removed. lh. New 10-yr recert cycle started in 2014 but site still focuses more on those who are likely to still be on 6-yr cycle so left info as is, 1/03/17 cj. Removed the detailed info on nat'l certification requirements we had & made link to the association here, 4/5/19 cj.

Licensing/certification

Physician assistants must be licensed by the State of Washington. Licensing requires:

• a good moral character;
• physical and mental capability to work as a physician assistant with reasonable skill and safety;
• completion of a physician assistant training program approved by one of the following: the Accreditation Review Committee on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA), the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), or the Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation (CAHEA);
• successful completion of the national exam given by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA);
• registration with a sponsoring physician who consents to act as a supervisor;
• answering personal data questions;
• four-clock hours of AIDS education; and
• completion of 100 hours of continuing medical education every two years (medical doctor physician assistant) or 50 hours of continuing medical education every year (osteopathic doctor physician assistant) for license renewal.

Medical doctor physician and osteopathic physician assistants must pay an initial application fee and national examination fees.

For more information, contact:

Washington State Department of Health
Medical Quality Assurance Commission 
PO Box 47866
Olympia, WA 98504-7865
360.236.2750

Individuals who want an osteopathic physician as their sponsoring physician must go through the Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery. The Board may be contacted at:

Washington State Department of Health
Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery 
PO Box 47877
Olympia, WA 98504-7865
360.236.4700

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Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Physician Assistants 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Wages vary by specialty, such as surgery, emergency medicine, or family practice. They also vary by practice setting, area of the country, and the PA's experience. PAs in hospitals tend to earn higher wages than those who work in offices or clinics.

Physician assistants who work full time usually earn benefits. Benefits may include health insurance, sick leave, and paid vacation.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

In Washington, the demand for physician assistants continues to grow, particularly in primary care.

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Physician assistants work in all areas of the country. They are especially likely to work in small towns where the community may have a limited number of physicians.

Major employers:

• Doctors' offices
• Hospitals
• Outpatient care centers

National outlook

Demand for this occupation is very strong. Growth is expected as the aging population gets larger and the need for medical procedures increases. New federal health insurance laws also create more need for health care services. States are giving physician assistants more authority to perform procedures that only physicians used to perform. More physicians are specializing and physician assistants provide more primary care services.

Job prospects are particularly good in rural and other underserved areas. Employment opportunities are best in states that allow PAs a broader range of duties, such as the ability to prescribe medications.

Other resources

American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) 
555 East Wells Street, Suite 1100
Milwaukee, WI 53202
414.272.6071

American Academy of Physician Assistants 
2318 Mill Road, Suite 1300
Alexandria, VA 22314
703.836.2272

American Medical Association 

Explore Health Careers: Physician Assistant 

National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants 
12000 Findley Road, Suite 100
Johns Creek, GA 30097
678.417.8100

Physician Assistant Education Association 
655 K Street NW, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20001
703.548.5538

Physician Assistant History Center 
12000 Findley Road, Suite 100
Johns Creek, GA 30097-1409

The Student Doctor Network 

Washington Academy of Physician Assistants 
2001 - 6th Avenue, Suite 2700
Seattle, WA 98121
206.956.3624

Washington Osteopathic Medical Association 
PO Box 1187
Gig Harbor, WA 98335
425.677.3930

References

Career cluster

• Health Science

Career path

• Social

O*Net  occupation

• Physician Assistants (29-1071.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 5 - Extensive preparation needed. Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience.

DOT occupations

• Medical-service Technician (079.367-018) 
• Physician Assistant (079.364-018) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Social/Investigative/Realistic

COPSystem

• Service Professional