If you've ever been to a doctor’s office, urgent care, or hospital, chances are you’ve been treated by a physician assistant (PA). They’re highly trained medical professionals who diagnose illnesses, prescribe medications, and assist in surgeries—all while working under the supervision of a doctor.
PAs play a crucial role in healthcare, bridging the gap between patients and physicians, especially in areas with doctor shortages—and the demand for them is booming. With an aging population and a growing need for accessible healthcare, physician assistant jobs are expected to increase significantly in the coming years. That means great job security, high salaries, and plenty of career opportunities.
But how exactly do you become one? And what does a physician assistant's salary really look like? Keep reading to find out and get details on many other questions about what a physician assistant’s job looks like.
What is a physician assistant?
A physician assistant is a licensed medical professional who diagnoses and treats patients, prescribes medication, and assists in surgeries. They’re trained in general medicine and work across various specialties, from family medicine to emergency care and even surgery.
However, they typically practice under a physician's supervision, receiving guidance and oversight as needed. This doesn’t mean the physician must be physically present during patient visits, but they must be available for consultation. While doctors must complete medical school and a residency program, PAs attend a PA program, which usually takes about two to three years after earning a bachelor's degree.
The level of independence a physician assistant has depends on state laws and the healthcare setting. Many states, like Iowa, Montana, and New Hampshire, have expanded PAs' authority, allowing them to perform more duties without direct supervision.
Some PAs work in hospitals alongside teams of doctors, while others in rural clinics, areas where doctors might be in short supply. In these cases, physician assistants may be the primary healthcare provider for patients, consulting with a doctor only when necessary.
Physician assistant vs. physician associate: What's the difference?
You might see some programs and states using the term physician associate instead of physician assistant. That’s because the PA profession is undergoing a title change. For example, Yale School of Medicine’s PA program, which has been around for over 50 years, now graduates “physician associates.” This title seems to better reflect the idea that these professionals aren’t “assisting” physicians as much as they are performing medical duties and roles similar to that of doctors.
The state of Oregon has officially changed the profession’s name from physician assistant to physician associate, and more institutions may follow suit. However, since the transition is still in progress, most people continue to refer to the profession as physician assistant for now.
What’s the difference between nurse practitioner and physician assistant?
Physician assistants and nurse practitioners (NPs) both provide patient care, but their training and approach differ:
- NPs follow a nursing model, which emphasizes patient-centered care and prevention. PAs train under a medical model, similar to doctors, with a focus on diagnosing and treating diseases.
- NPs typically specialize in a specific area (e.g., family medicine, pediatrics), whereas PAs are trained in general medicine and can work in multiple specialties.
- In some states, NPs can practice independently and even open their own clinics. PAs almost always require a collaborative agreement with a physician.
What does a physician assistant do?
A lot! Their role varies depending on their specialty, work setting, and state laws, but they’re an essential part of modern healthcare teams.
“If you look at the activities that give life meaning—connecting with others, learning and growing, helping others, having a purpose, and pursuing activities that align with that purpose—it is the essence of a day in the life of a PA,” says Diane Bruessow, who’s been a physician associate for more than 30 years.
PAs enhance efficiency in medical settings by handling a wide range of tasks, allowing doctors to focus on complex cases and specialized treatments. Some of their core responsibilities include:
- Examining patients and taking medical histories
- Diagnosing and treating illnesses and injuries
- Prescribing medications (in all 50 states)
- Performing medical procedures, like setting broken bones or administering injections
- Assisting in surgeries, from prepping patients to closing incisions
- Counseling patients on disease prevention and healthy lifestyles
- Interpreting lab tests and imaging (X-rays, MRIs, blood work)
- Developing treatment plans and monitoring patients' progress
- Collaborating with doctors, nurses, and specialists to ensure the best care
For example, a physician assistant focused on dermatology may perform skin exams, treat acne and eczema, and assist in minor surgical procedures like biopsies. An emergency medicine PA may stitch wounds, set fractures, and help stabilize critical patients in the ER. An orthopedic PA may diagnose sport injuries, apply casts and braces, and administer joint injections.
PAs are highly versatile, making them indispensable in nearly every medical field.
Work environment for physician associates
One of the best things about a career as a physician assistant is the variety of work environments available. PAs are needed everywhere patients receive medical care. Some of the most common work environments include:
- Hospitals: PAs assist in surgeries, manage inpatients, work in emergency rooms, and handle specialized care in departments like cardiology or orthopedics.
- Private practices and clinics: Many PAs work in primary care settings, treating everything from colds to chronic conditions.
- Urgent care centers: These fast-paced environments require PAs to handle non-life-threatening emergencies, such as fractures, infections, and stitches.
- Rural and underserved areas: In places where there are fewer physicians, PAs often serve as the main healthcare providers, increasing access to quality medical care.
- Specialty practices: Many PAs choose to work in high-demand fields like dermatology, orthopedics, or cardiology.
But the options don’t stop there. “Besides the traditional health systems settings, there are so many more opportunities than most people realize,” Bruessow says. “PAs practice in military and civilian roles, in academia, pharma, performing arts, employee health and school health settings, health policy, research, and so many more work environments.”
Versatility is the perfect word to describe PAs—not just in where they work, but in how they work. Some physician assistants take on long hospital shifts, while others enjoy traditional 9-to-5 hours in clinics or specialty offices. Plus, many PAs can switch specialties without spending years in additional training, keeping their careers dynamic and exciting.
How much does a physician assistant make?
PAs are well-compensated for their expertise, and their earning potential varies based on specialization, location, and experience.
Average physician assistant salary
The mean annual wage for PAs is $130,020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). However, salaries can differ significantly depending on the work setting. Here’s a breakdown of how much physician assistants make in various industries:
- Outpatient care centers: $144,160
- General medical and surgical hospitals: $132,580
- Offices of physicians: $127,910
- Offices of other health practitioners: $125,840
- Colleges, universities, and professional schools: $116,420
Where do PAs earn the most?
If location is a major factor in your career decision, it’s worth noting that some of the highest-paying PA jobs are in California. In fact, the top six highest-paying metro areas for PAs—including San Jose, San Francisco, and Napa—boast average salaries exceeding $160,000 per year.
Demand for PAs across the U.S.
Some states have a particularly high demand for PAs, including New York, Connecticut, North Carolina, Alaska, and Pennsylvania. These states have a high location quotient, which means they employ a greater number of PAs relative to their overall workforce compared to other states.
But, in general, the job outlook for PAs is outstanding for the whole country. Employment is projected to grow by 28% from 2023 to 2033, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. This means thousands of new PA jobs will be created in the coming years, making it a promising and stable career choice.
Physician assistant education and qualifications required
Becoming a physician assistant requires years of rigorous education and training. While PAs don’t attend medical school like doctors, they must earn a bachelor’s degree in a science-related field, such as biology, health sciences, chemistry, or kinesiology.
While your exact major doesn’t have to be one of these, it’s important to meet the prerequisite requirements for the PA programs you’re interested in, such as coursework in anatomy, physiology, and microbiology.
How long does it take to become a physician assistant?
After earning a bachelor's degree, which usually takes around four years, you'll move on to a Master’s-level PA program, which typically lasts two to three years. “PA programs accelerate the delivery of medical education, and PA school is a full-time endeavor,” Bruessow says. The pace and intensity of this education make it clear that being a PA requires dedication and a strong work ethic.
According to Bruessow, admission to PA programs is highly competitive. “Applicants need a long-tail strategy: Instead of focusing on getting in and worrying about the rest later, your strategy needs to include a plan for how you will ensure your success as a student in each of the programs you have applied for,” she says.
Clinical training and certification
PA programs include 2,000+ hours of clinical rotations, where you'll gain hands-on experience in different specialties, such as family medicine, surgery, and emergency medicine. This is where you’ll truly hone your skills and apply your classroom knowledge in real medical settings.
“If you need access to your support systems, apply to a program close to home or online,” Bruessow says. “However, you should also consider that the clinical phase may require you to travel to meet your graduation requirements.”
After completing the program, you must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) to officially become a Certified Physician Assistant (PA-C).
How to become a physician assistant
If you’re wondering, “How do I become a physician assistant, exactly?” here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Complete education prerequisites
Start by earning a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, like biology or health sciences, along with completing courses in anatomy, physiology, and microbiology to meet PA school requirements.
2. Apply to PA school and completing the program
After your bachelor’s degree, apply to a Master’s-level PA program. These programs typically take two to three years and combine classroom education with extensive clinical rotations in various specialties.
3. Pass the certification exam and obtain licensure
Once you complete the program, take and pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) to become a Certified Physician Assistant (PA-C). After certification, you’ll need to obtain licensure in the state where you plan to practice.
4. Find a job and begin your PA career
With certification and licensure in hand, it’s time to look for physician assistant jobs. You can work in a wide range of settings, from hospitals and clinics to private practices and specialized fields, and start building your career as a PA.
Physician assistant specializations
PAs have the exciting opportunity to specialize in a variety of medical fields, allowing them to pursue their passions while making a meaningful impact on healthcare. While all PAs complete the same foundational training, those who want to specialize will need additional education and certification.
For example, PAs who wish to work in surgery may need to gain specific training in surgical techniques, while those interested in cardiology or orthopedics might undergo further clinical rotations in those areas. Depending on the specialty, some may also need to pass additional certification exams.
Which specialization is the best for you? Well, that will depend on your particular taste, but you should also pay attention to your local area. “There is a saying that all healthcare is local,” Bruessow says. “What we mean by this is that one area may need more pediatricians, and another may need more geriatricians; some may need more oncologists, and others may need more cardiologists.”
The PA points out that there is a nationwide shortage of primary care providers, so that kind of care will always be needed. However, if you have your heart set on a particular medical specialty, she recommends being more flexible about where you live and work.
FAQs
Is a physician assistant a doctor?
No, a physician assistant is not a doctor. PAs are highly trained medical professionals who diagnose conditions, prescribe medications, and treat patients under a physician’s supervision. While they have extensive medical training, their education and scope of practice differ from that of a physician.
“What bachelor’s degree do I need for a physician assistant career?”
Most PA programs require a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as health sciences, biology, chemistry, or pre-med. Some programs accept other majors as long as applicants complete prerequisite courses like anatomy, physiology, and microbiology.
How do physician assistants work with doctors?
PAs collaborate closely with doctors as part of a healthcare team. They may perform physical exams, diagnose illnesses, develop treatment plans, and even assist in surgeries. The level of supervision varies depending on state laws and the specific medical setting.
Can a physician assistant practice independently?
It depends on the state. States like Iowa, Montana, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming offer PAs the highest levels of autonomy, allowing them to practice with minimal or no direct physician oversight. Others require a formal supervisory or collaborative agreement with a doctor.
What are the main physician assistant specializations?
Physician assistants can specialize in a wide range of medical fields, allowing them to tailor their careers to their interests and the needs of the healthcare system. Common specializations include primary care, surgery, emergency medicine, cardiology, dermatology, oncology, pediatrics, and psychiatry. Some PAs work in highly specialized fields such as neurology, orthopedics, or gastroenterology.