Physician Assistants
Did You Know:*
- Requirements for admission to training programs vary; most applicants have a college degree and some health-related work experience.
- Physician assistants must complete an accredited education program and pass a national exam in order to obtain a license.
- Employment is projected to grow much faster than the average.
- Job opportunities should be good, particularly in rural and inner-city health care facilities.
Industry Areas
- Offices of Physicians
- General Medical and Surgical Hospitals
- Outpatient Care Centers
Day-to-Day Tasks*
- Examine patients to obtain information about their physical condition.
- Interpret diagnostic test results for deviations from normal.
- Obtain, compile and record patient medical data, including health history, progress notes and results of physical examination.
Overall Kind of Work*
Physician assistants PAs are formally trained to provide diagnostic, therapeutic and preventive health care services, as delegated by a physician. Working as members of a health care team, they t...
Work Environment*
Civilian
Although PAs usually work in a comfortable, well-lighted environment, those in surgery often stand for long periods. At times, the job requires a considerable amount of walking. PAs’ work schedule...
Military
Physician assistants work in hospitals and clinics on land and aboard ships.
Workweek Breakdown
The hours worked per week by people currently pursuing this career.
- 3.90% (0-20 Hours)
- 12.51% (21-34 Hours)
- 1.25% (35-39 Hours)
- 62.20% (40 Hours)
- 5.49% (41-49 Hours)
- 14.64% (Over 50 Hours)
Type of Work
The level of day-to-day involvement with data, people or things.
Data: 
People: 
Things:
Skills at a Glance
The levels of different skills helpful in this career.
Verbal skills:
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving:
Equipment Operation & Maintenance: 
Math & Science Skills:
Technology Design & Control:
Leadership:
Workplace at a Glance
The level of different environmental factors you would experience on the job.
Responsibility:
Exposure to Job Hazards:
Physical Activity:
Decision Making:
Repetitiveness:
Level of Competition:
Time Pressure:
Business Breakdown
The different sectors people in this career currently work in.
- 69.83% (Private For-Profit)
- 17.19% (Private Not For-Profit)
- 5.71% (State and Local Govt)
- 3.55% (Federal Government)
- 3.72% (Self-Employed)
Military Breakdown
The number of people who currently hold this career in the Military.
1,161 Physician Assistants in the military