Physician Assistant

Your Fit

Income

$133K

Preparation

Extensive

Growth

26.5%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Physician Assistant?

A Physician Assistant (PA) is a licensed medical professional who practices medicine under the supervision of a physician. PAs are trained to examine patients, diagnose injuries and illnesses, and provide treatment.

Sample job titles:

Certified Physician Assistant (PA-C), Family Practice Physician Assistant, Physician Assistant (PA), Physician's Assistant

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Physician Assistant.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Physician Assistant earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$95K per year	$114K per year	$133K per year	$160K per year	$182K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $84K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Physician Assistant do?

Work environment

Physician Assistants work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, private practices, and surgical centers. Their work environment is collaborative, often working closely with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare staff. PAs might work in shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, particularly in hospitals.

Quick task list

Conducts physical exams and patient interviews.
Diagnoses and treats illnesses and injuries.
Orders and interprets diagnostic tests.
Assists in surgeries and performs medical procedures.
Prescribes medications.
Provides patient education and counseling.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Surgical PA: Specializes in providing care to surgical patients, assisting in operations.
Pediatric PA: Focuses on treating infants, children, and adolescents.
Emergency Medicine PA: Works in emergency departments and urgent care centers, treating acute conditions.
Orthopedic PA: Specializes in musculoskeletal health, including fractures and joint disorders.
Dermatology PA: Focuses on skin care, treating skin conditions, and performing minor dermatological procedures.

Description

The role of a Physician Assistant is versatile and dynamic, offering a unique blend of clinical and patient-care responsibilities. PAs are integral members of the medical team, working under a supervising physician's direction but with considerable autonomy. They perform a broad range of medical duties, from primary care to specialized surgical assistance, adapting to the needs of their medical setting.

Education for PAs includes a rigorous blend of classroom and clinical instruction in medical sciences, diagnostics, and therapeutic procedures. Clinical rotations in various medical specialties are essential to their training, providing hands-on experience in patient care. PAs must be adaptable, quick to learn, and capable of working in fast-paced and varied medical environments.

A career as a PA offers opportunities to make significant contributions to patient care while maintaining a balance of autonomy and teamwork. It's a career suited to those who seek a role in medicine with less time in training than a physician but still desire a high level of responsibility in patient care.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Direct impact on patient health and well-being.
Diversity in daily tasks and responsibilities.
Collaboration with a healthcare team and working closely with physicians.
Opportunities for specialization and continuous learning.

You might make a good Physician Assistant if you are...

Passionate about providing medical care and improving patient outcomes.
A strong communicator, both in listening and conveying medical information.
Detail-oriented, especially in assessing and monitoring patient conditions.
Interested in a career with a balance of autonomy and teamwork in a medical setting.
Keen on lifelong learning and adapting to advancements in healthcare.

Pros:

Rewarding career with direct patient interaction.
High demand in various medical settings, offering job stability.
Relatively shorter training period compared to physicians.

Cons:

Potentially high-stress situations, especially in emergency care.
Physically demanding with possible long hours.
Requires constant updating of skills and medical knowledge.

How to become a Physician Assistant

Typical education

To become a PA, one typically needs a master's degree from an accredited physician assistant program, which usually takes about 2 years to complete post-bachelor's degree. This is in addition to a 4-year undergraduate degree, totaling approximately 6 years of post-secondary education.

High school preparation

Courses:

Science courses, especially biology and chemistry, to build a strong foundation.
Mathematics to develop analytical skills.
Health or anatomy classes to gain a basic understanding of human health.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Volunteering in healthcare settings, such as hospitals or clinics.
Participating in health science clubs or medical explorer programs.
Shadowing a physician assistant or other healthcare professionals.

Preparation after high school

Completing a bachelor's degree, preferably in a science-related field.
Gaining healthcare experience, which is often a prerequisite for PA programs.
Enrolling in and completing an accredited PA master's program.
Obtaining certification and state licensure to practice.

More resources

American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) - Offers resources, news, and advocacy for PAs.
Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) - Provides information on PA programs and education.
National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) - Details about the PA national certifying exam.
The Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (JAAPA) - A publication for continuing education and news in the PA field.

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