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.
SOC: 29-1071.00
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-generated
Key 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
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
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
