What is a Physician Assistant?
Physician Assistant (PA) Example 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.
A Day in the Life of a Physician Assistant (PA)
- Obtain, compile and record patient medical data, including health history, progress notes and results of physical examination.
- Examine patients to obtain information about their physical condition.
- Prescribe therapy or medication with physician approval.
- Instruct and counsel patients about prescribed therapeutic regimens, normal growth and development, family planning, emotional problems of daily living, and health maintenance.
- Administer or order diagnostic tests, such as x-ray, electrocardiogram, and laboratory tests.
- Interpret diagnostic test results for deviations from normal.
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Physician Assistant (PA) Required Skills
Below is a list of the skills most Physician Assistants say are important on the job.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Other Physician Assistant (PA) Job Titles
- Physician Extender
- Orthopaedic Physician Assistant
- Clinical Physician Assistant
- Doctor
- Certified Physician’s Assistant
Is There Going to be Demand for Physician Assistants?
There were about 106,200 jobs for Physician Assistant in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 37.4% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 39,700 new jobs for Physician Assistant by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 10,600 job openings in this field each year.
The states with the most job growth for Physician Assistant (PA) are Arizona, Utah, and Florida. Watch out if you plan on working in Rhode Island, Mississippi, or Alaska. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
What is the Average Salary of a Physician Assistant (PA)
Physician Assistants make between $69,120 and $151,850 a year.
Physician Assistants who work in Connecticut, Washington, or Alaska, make the highest salaries.
How much do Physician Assistants make in each U.S. state?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $92,880 |
| Alaska | $122,260 |
| Arizona | $101,590 |
| Arkansas | $99,280 |
| California | $117,230 |
| Colorado | $102,770 |
| Connecticut | $125,610 |
| Delaware | $105,300 |
| District of Columbia | $114,740 |
| Florida | $105,930 |
| Georgia | $103,190 |
| Hawaii | $121,120 |
| Idaho | $109,090 |
| Illinois | $108,260 |
| Indiana | $96,090 |
| Iowa | $110,550 |
| Kansas | $104,720 |
| Kentucky | $91,010 |
| Louisiana | $85,990 |
| Maine | $110,030 |
| Maryland | $108,180 |
| Massachusetts | $108,700 |
| Michigan | $110,240 |
| Minnesota | $116,200 |
| Mississippi | $81,130 |
| Missouri | $94,480 |
| Montana | $106,130 |
| Nebraska | $106,700 |
| Nevada | $116,850 |
| New Hampshire | $111,080 |
| New Jersey | $116,270 |
| New Mexico | $108,610 |
| New York | $117,000 |
| North Carolina | $104,680 |
| North Dakota | $107,340 |
| Ohio | $105,410 |
| Oklahoma | $104,200 |
| Oregon | $113,570 |
| Pennsylvania | $98,510 |
| Rhode Island | $103,710 |
| South Carolina | $103,710 |
| South Dakota | $102,830 |
| Tennessee | $87,700 |
| Texas | $109,590 |
| Utah | $102,710 |
| Vermont | $106,520 |
| Virginia | $99,340 |
| Washington | $123,980 |
| West Virginia | $104,180 |
| Wisconsin | $107,920 |
| Wyoming | $116,890 |
What Tools & Technology do Physician Assistants Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Physician Assistants:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Web browser software
- Word processing software
- Spreadsheet software
- MEDITECH software
- Medical procedure coding software
- Epic Systems
- Healthcare common procedure coding system HCPCS
- Medical condition coding software
- Electronic medical record EMR software
- ChartWare EMR
- Teleconferencing software
- Teleradiology systems
Becoming a Physician Assistant (PA)
What kind of Physician Assistant requirements are there?
What work experience do I need to become a Physician Assistant (PA)?
Who Employs Physician Assistants?
Below are examples of industries where Physician Assistants work:
Similar Careers
Those thinking about becoming a Physician Assistant might also be interested in the following careers:
Those who work as a Physician Assistant sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
References:
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