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.

Job Branch Avg. US Salary
Physician Assistant Healthcare 106,700 USD

Physician Assistant: Main duties


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.

Physician Assistant: Key Qualifications

  • 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.

Basic Skills and Requirements for Physician Assistants

  • 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.

Salary Expectations for Physician Assistants


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.

Level Experience Avg. Salary per Year
Veteran20+ years$133,375
Senior11+ years$117,370
Experienced6-10 years$106,700
Mid Level3-5 years$96,030
Entry Level0-2 years$80,025

To explore more detailed salary information, including specific salary estimates in your country, visit the Physician Assistant Salary Country Overview.


Frequently Asked Questions about becoming a Physician Assistant


How do I find a job as a Physician Assistant?

To find job opportunities as a Physician Assistant, consider checking job portals like Indeed or Stepstone, or visit Cityjobs.info, where you can discover roles tailored to your skills and experience. Networking on LinkedIn and attending industry events can also help connect you with employers looking for Physician Assistants.

How can I prepare for an interview as a Physician Assistant?

When preparing for a Physician Assistant interview, it’s important to focus on the specific demands of the role. Research the company and the position thoroughly, and be ready to showcase how your experience as a Physician Assistant aligns with their needs. Be prepared to discuss relevant examples from your past work, and anticipate questions related to the key responsibilities of Physician Assistants.

What is the hiring process like for a Physician Assistant?

The hiring process for Physician Assistants can vary. It may involve a phone interview, technical assessments, or even a practical working day to demonstrate your skills. Be ready to showcase your experience and how it aligns with the job requirements at each stage.

Cityjobs.info provides not only a detailed Physician Assistant job description but also insights about salary data in different countries worldwide.


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