Physician Assistants
Provide healthcare services typically performed by a physician, under the supervision of a physician. Conduct complete physicals, provide treatment, and counsel patients. May, in some cases, prescribe medication. Must graduate from an accredited educational program for physician assistants.
Common Job Titles
- Certified Physician Assistant (PA-C)
- Family Practice Physician Assistant
- Physician Assistant (PA)
- Physician's Assistant
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- KnowledgeFormulate comprehensive treatment plans for patients with acute and chronic medical conditions by synthesizing clinical findings, patient history, and current medical literature.Advanced
- KnowledgeSynthesize current medical research and continuing education into clinical practice to maintain evidence-based care delivery and adapt to evolving healthcare standards.Advanced
- KnowledgeEvaluate patient diagnostic data including laboratory results, imaging studies, and clinical assessments in diverse healthcare settings, integrating medical knowledge and evidence-based guidelines under physician supervision.Proficient
- KnowledgeAnalyze complex patient presentations to differentiate between competing diagnoses in time-sensitive clinical environments, applying critical thinking and diagnostic reasoning.Proficient
- Hands-onPerform complete physical examinations and clinical procedures including suturing, casting, and minor surgical interventions using specialized medical instruments and equipment in accordance with clinical protocols.Proficient
- MindsetIntegrate patient-centered communication with clinical decision-making when counseling patients on treatment options, lifestyle modifications, and disease management.Proficient
- MindsetAdvocate for patient safety, quality care, and adherence to ethical standards while collaborating with interdisciplinary healthcare teams and supervising physicians.Proficient
- KnowledgeInterpret complex medical terminology, research findings, and clinical guidelines to educate patients, families, and healthcare team members on diagnoses and treatment plans.Proficient
- KnowledgeApply pharmacological knowledge to prescribe medications and adjust therapeutic regimens considering patient-specific factors, drug interactions, and regulatory requirements.Proficient
- Hands-onExecute emergency interventions including cardiopulmonary resuscitation, airway management, and defibrillation in acute care situations requiring rapid response and precise technical skill.Proficient
- KnowledgeDocument comprehensive patient encounters, clinical assessments, and treatment plans using electronic medical record systems while ensuring accuracy, compliance with HIPAA, and continuity of care.Proficient
- Hands-onOperate diagnostic medical equipment including EKG machines, ultrasound devices, and spirometers to obtain accurate clinical measurements for patient assessment and monitoring.Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Physician Assistants (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
155,540
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $95,240. 25th percentile: U.S. $113,770. 50th percentile: U.S. $133,260. 75th percentile: U.S. $160,160. 90th percentile: U.S. $182,200. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $95,240 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $182,200 |
| Workers on average earn | $136,900 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Medicine and Dentistry5.0/5
- Biology4.8/5
- English Language4.6/5
- Psychology4.6/5
- Therapy and Counseling4.5/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Epic Systems
- MEDITECH software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Word
- eClinicalWorks EHR software
Technology Skills
- ChartWare EMR
- Electronic medical record EMR software
- Healthcare common procedure coding system HCPCS
- Medical condition coding software
- Medical procedure coding software
- Patient management software
- Patient records software for personal digital assistants PDAs
- Spreadsheet software
Tools & Equipment
- Anesthesia equipment
- Anesthesia ventilators
- Anoscopes
- Arterial blood gas monitoring equipment
- Arterial line catheters
- Artery forceps
- Aspirating needles
- Audiometers