Physician Assistant
O*NET-SOC: 29-1071.00
Provides healthcare services typically performed by a physician, under the supervision of a physician, including conducting physical exams, diagnosing illnesses, developing treatment plans, and prescribing medications.
About this Role
A Physician Assistant (PA) delivers hands-on medical care under the supervision of a physician, often seeing patients in primary care, emergency rooms, specialty clinics, or hospitals. They begin encounters by taking a full history, reviewing medications and allergies, and performing physical exams, then interpret lab results, imaging reports, and other test data to help form a diagnosis. They may prescribe medications, order additional tests, and develop treatment plans for common conditions such as infections, chronic illnesses, or minor injuries, while referring more complex cases to a supervising physician.
A Day in the Life
7:30 AM
Review patient schedule and charts
Open the clinic or hospital schedule, scan upcoming appointments, and review recent lab results, imaging reports, and notes from the previous day to prepare for the first patients.
8:00 AM
Morning clinic patient visits
Conduct physical exams, update medical histories, and address acute concerns such as infections, pain, or follow-up issues, then document each visit in the electronic health record.
10:30 AM
Order and review diagnostic tests
Order blood work, imaging, or other studies for selected patients, review pending results, and adjust treatment plans based on what the tests show.
12:00 PM
Lunch and administrative tasks
Eat a short meal while checking messages, responding to routine requests from patients or staff, and updating medication lists or refill protocols.
1:00 PM
Afternoon clinic visits and follow-ups
See follow-up visits for chronic conditions, review progress on treatment plans, adjust medications, and discuss lifestyle changes with patients who need more intensive support.
3:30 PM
Hospital rounds or ER coverage
If working in a hospital setting, visit admitted patients, update care plans, and coordinate with nurses, residents, and attending physicians about changes in status.
5:30 PM
Final charting and handoff
Complete any remaining notes, finalize orders, and communicate urgent issues or pending tasks to the on-call team or primary physician before leaving.
7:30 PM
Documentation review and follow-up
Log back in remotely if needed to review lab results that came in after hours, address urgent medication requests, and ensure all critical items are flagged for the next day.
Tools & Technologies
Medical & Health Records
- eClinicalWorks
- Epic Systems
- MEDITECH
- ChartWare EMR
- Electronic medical record EMR software
Spreadsheets
- Microsoft Excel
Office Suites
- Microsoft Office
Email
- Microsoft Outlook
Word Processing
- Microsoft Word
Data Storage
- Patient records software for personal digital assistants PDAs
Salary Details
Salary Distribution
Most professionals earn between $114K and $160K
| Percentile | Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th | $95K |
| 25th | $114K |
| 50th (Median) | $133K |
| 75th | $160K |
| 90th | $182K |
Certifications, Training & Memberships
Essential
Physician Assistant-Certified (PA-C)
NCCPA
Requires graduation from an accredited PA program and passing the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE), and is essential for legal practice as a PA in the United States.
Certified Physician Assistant state license
State medical licensing boards
Grants legal authority to practice in a specific state, often tied to PA-C certification and supervised practice requirements.
Recommended
Certified in a specialty area (e.g., Emergency Medicine, Surgery, Internal Medicine)
NCCPA
Validates advanced clinical skills in a focused area through additional exams and experience, often pursued after several years of practice.
Professional Memberships
American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) membership
American Academy of Physician Assistants
Provides access to continuing medical education, practice resources, and advocacy for PAs across the United States.
Work Environment
- Remote Work
- Mostly On-site
- Work Setting
- Traditional office / indoor
- Physical Activity
- Moderate physical activity
- Social Interaction
- Highly collaborative — frequent team interaction
- Schedule
- Extended hours common
Your Skills & Attributes
Skills & Competencies Matches (42)
- Reading ComprehensionStrong Match
- Critical ThinkingStrong Match
- Active ListeningStrong Match
- WritingStrong Match
- PersuasionModerate Match
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Physician Assistant a good career?
Physician Assistant can be a rewarding career choice. Based on current data, the median salary is $133K and job outlook is growing (27% projected growth). Whether it's a good fit depends on your skills, interests, and values — take our quiz to find out how well you match.
What degree do you need to become a Physician Assistant?
The typical education requirement for a Physician Assistant is a Master's Degree. However, requirements can vary by employer and specialization. Some professionals enter the field with alternative credentials or relevant work experience.
How long does it take to become a Physician Assistant?
Becoming a Physician Assistant typically requires about 6 years of higher education (including a bachelor's degree). Additional time may be needed for certifications, internships, or on-the-job training depending on the specific role and employer requirements.
What is the work-life balance like for a Physician Assistant?
The work-life balance for a Physician Assistant is moderate, with some periods requiring extended hours or flexibility. Individual experiences vary based on employer, specialization, seniority level, and geographic location.
What is the job outlook for Physician Assistant?
The job outlook for Physician Assistant is growing. Employment is projected to grow by 27% over the coming decade. Labor market conditions can vary by region and specialization.