What Does a Physician Assistant (PA) Do?
A physician assistant provides medical care to patients under the supervision of a licensed physician. They are trained to perform physical examinations, order and interpret diagnostic tests, prescribe medications, and develop treatment plans. PAs treat patients across a wide range of conditions, from routine checkups to acute illnesses, and often serve as a patient’s primary point of contact in a healthcare setting. Their role is designed to expand access to care, improve efficiency, and ensure patients receive timely medical attention.
In addition to direct treatment, a PA works closely with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to coordinate comprehensive patient care. They assist in surgeries, counsel patients on preventive healthcare practices, and provide follow-up care to support long-term wellness. Their ability to balance clinical expertise with compassionate communication makes them essential members of modern healthcare teams.
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Physician Assistant Core Responsibilities
- Conduct patient interviews, physical examinations, and medical histories
- Diagnose and treat common illnesses and injuries
- Order, interpret, and evaluate diagnostic tests
- Prescribe medications within scope of practice
- Develop and manage patient treatment plans
- Assist in surgical procedures and post-operative care
- Educate patients and families on preventive healthcare practices
- Document patient care in compliance with medical and legal standards
- Collaborate with supervising physicians and interdisciplinary teams
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Strong knowledge of general medicine and clinical procedures
- Ability to conduct and interpret diagnostic tests
- Proficiency in prescribing medications and developing treatment plans
- Competence in electronic health record (EHR) systems
Soft skills
- Compassionate approach to patient care
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Critical thinking and diagnostic reasoning
- Ability to work collaboratively in fast-paced clinical environments
Education
- Master’s degree from an accredited physician assistant program required
Certifications
- Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) required
- State licensure as a physician assistant required
- Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certifications recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- 1–3 years of experience in a clinical or hospital setting
- Specialized experience in fields such as emergency medicine, surgery, or orthopedics
- Bilingual communication skills to serve diverse patient populations
National Average Salary
PA salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Physician Assistant (PA) is:
$115,460
Sample Job Description Templates for PAs
Entry-Level Physician Assistant
Position Overview
We are seeking an entry-level physician assistant to provide direct patient care under the supervision of a licensed physician. This role is designed for recent graduates who have completed their PA training and are beginning to build their clinical practice.
Responsibilities
- Perform patient assessments, physical exams, and medical histories under supervision
- Assist with diagnosing and treating common illnesses and injuries
- Order and interpret basic diagnostic tests
- Support treatment planning and prescribe medications within scope of practice
- Counsel patients on preventive health strategies and follow-up care
- Document care accurately in electronic health records (EHR)
Requirements
Hard skills
- Foundational knowledge of general medicine and clinical care procedures
- Ability to perform routine exams and basic diagnostics
- Familiarity with EHR systems
Soft skills
- Willingness to learn and adapt to clinical workflows
- Compassionate and empathetic patient interactions
- Strong communication and teamwork skills
Education
- Master’s degree from an accredited physician assistant program required
Certifications
- Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) required
- State licensure as a physician assistant required
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- Clinical rotation experience in diverse healthcare settings
- Exposure to emergency, primary care, or surgical environments
Staff Physician Assistant
Position Overview
We are hiring a staff physician assistant to deliver patient care services in collaboration with physicians and other healthcare providers. This role requires the ability to manage a broad range of patient cases independently within scope of practice.
Responsibilities
- Conduct physical examinations, order tests, and diagnose conditions
- Develop treatment plans and prescribe medications under supervising physician oversight
- Assist in minor procedures and provide post-treatment follow-up
- Educate patients and families about preventive care and chronic disease management
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation in compliance with legal standards
- Collaborate with physicians, nurses, and other clinical staff for coordinated care
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency in clinical examination and diagnostic skills
- Strong knowledge of pharmacology and treatment protocols
- Competence in using EHR and healthcare technology
Soft skills
- Strong clinical judgment and problem-solving skills
- Ability to manage a diverse caseload effectively
- Clear and empathetic communication with patients and families
Education
- Master’s degree from an accredited physician assistant program required
Certifications
- PANCE certification and active state licensure required
- BLS and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certifications recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- 2+ years of experience in a clinical or hospital setting
- Familiarity with specialty care such as orthopedics, cardiology, or emergency medicine
Senior Physician Assistant
Position Overview
We are seeking a senior physician assistant with advanced clinical experience to manage complex patient cases and mentor junior PAs. This role requires independent decision-making skills, leadership in clinical practice, and the ability to provide specialized care.
Responsibilities
- Diagnose and treat patients with acute and chronic conditions
- Lead patient evaluations, treatment planning, and medication management
- Assist in complex procedures and surgical support as needed
- Mentor and guide entry-level and staff physician assistants
- Contribute to clinical protocols, standards, and best practices
- Ensure patient care meets organizational and regulatory standards
Requirements
Hard skills
- Advanced diagnostic and treatment planning expertise
- Proficiency in performing and assisting with complex procedures
- Strong documentation and regulatory compliance knowledge
Soft skills
- Leadership and mentoring abilities
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
- Effective communication with both patients and interdisciplinary teams
Education
- Master’s degree from an accredited physician assistant program required
Certifications
- PANCE certification and active state licensure required
- BLS and ACLS certifications required; specialty certification recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience as a practicing PA
- Experience in a specialty practice or hospital-based setting
Lead Physician Assistant
Position Overview
We are hiring a lead physician assistant to oversee clinical operations for a team of PAs while continuing to provide patient care. This role combines advanced clinical practice with leadership and administrative responsibilities.
Responsibilities
- Supervise and support a team of physician assistants
- Coordinate schedules, workload, and clinical assignments
- Provide advanced patient care and handle complex cases
- Ensure compliance with clinical standards and healthcare regulations
- Collaborate with physicians and administrators on department goals
- Mentor junior and staff PAs in clinical development
Requirements
Hard skills
- Expert-level diagnostic and treatment abilities
- Knowledge of team management, scheduling, and resource allocation
- Strong understanding of compliance and quality assurance protocols
Soft skills
- Leadership and team management skills
- Excellent organizational and delegation abilities
- Strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills
Education
- Master’s degree from an accredited physician assistant program required
Certifications
- PANCE certification and active state licensure required
- ACLS and additional specialty certifications recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- 7+ years of experience as a practicing PA
- At least 2 years in a leadership or supervisory role
Physician Assistant Supervisor
Position Overview
We are seeking a physician assistant supervisor to manage daily clinical operations and oversee performance across a team of PAs. This role emphasizes staff development, compliance, and the delivery of high-quality patient care.
Responsibilities
- Supervise and evaluate the performance of physician assistants
- Manage workflow, staffing, and clinical assignments for the team
- Support physicians in aligning PA care with overall medical objectives
- Ensure adherence to state laws, regulations, and hospital policies
- Facilitate training and continuing education for PAs
- Address patient concerns and maintain high standards of patient satisfaction
Requirements
Hard skills
- Comprehensive clinical expertise across multiple areas of medicine
- Experience with performance evaluation and team management
- Knowledge of healthcare regulations and organizational compliance
Soft skills
- Strong leadership and coaching skills
- Effective communication with staff and patients
- Problem-solving and decision-making abilities
Education
- Master’s degree from an accredited physician assistant program required
Certifications
- PANCE certification and active state licensure required
- BLS and ACLS certifications recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- 8+ years of PA experience with prior supervisory responsibility
- Experience leading clinical teams in hospital or specialty care settings
Chief Physician Assistant
Position Overview
We are hiring a chief physician assistant to lead PA operations at the organizational level. This senior-most role focuses on strategic planning, administrative oversight, and advancing the role of PAs within the healthcare system.
Responsibilities
- Provide organizational leadership for all physician assistant staff
- Establish policies, clinical protocols, and performance standards
- Oversee recruitment, training, and professional development programs for PAs
- Manage departmental budgets and resource allocation
- Collaborate with medical directors and executives on clinical strategy
- Represent physician assistants in organizational planning and external partnerships
Requirements
Hard skills
- Mastery of PA clinical practice across multiple specialties
- Knowledge of healthcare operations, budgeting, and policy development
- Strong regulatory and compliance expertise
Soft skills
- Executive-level leadership and strategic vision
- Strong collaboration and negotiation skills
- Ability to influence organizational decision-making
Education
- Master’s degree from an accredited physician assistant program required; doctorate preferred for leadership roles
Certifications
- PANCE certification and active state licensure required
- Advanced leadership or management certifications recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- 10+ years of PA experience with extensive leadership responsibilities
- Experience directing large clinical teams or healthcare departments