Physician Assistant
Physician Assistants are allied health professionals and essential members of the patient care team.
What does a Physician Assistant do?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that Physician Assistants (PAs) are highly trained, licensed medical professionals who diagnose and treat patients in team-based settings under the supervision of physicians.
Typical duties include:
- Obtaining and reviewing patients’ medical histories and conducting physical exams
- Ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests (lab work, X-rays) and making diagnoses
- Providing treatment like setting fractures, suturing wounds, providing immunizations and prescribing medications
- Educating patients and families about disease prevention, treatment plans, and self-care
- Assisting in surgery and performing patient process; researching updated care protocols
PAs work across settings—physician offices, hospitals, outpatient clinics, rural health centers, and nursing homes—often acting as the primary provider in underserved regions.
For more information on what to expect in this career field, you can visit the resources provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the California Employment Development Department (EDD).
Timeline and Training: Physician assistants typically require approximately six to nine years of education and clinical experience. First, one completes their bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in biology or the sciences, as these are prerequisites for most accredited PA programs. After completing undergraduate studies, physician assistants typically require hands-on experience, usually 1-2 years in a clinical setting. During this time, some may also work as EMTs, medical assistants (MA), or nursing assistants to build patient skills and a robust application. Then, students must complete a master’s program in physician assistant studies, typically taking two to three years. Look for programs accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for Physician Assistants (ARC-PA). This will include rotations in family medicine, emergency care, surgery, and pediatrics, along with classroom instruction centered on medical science. After graduation, students must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam to earn the PA-C (Physician Assistant-Certified) credential. They must complete 100 hours of clinical medical education every two years to maintain their certification.
| Time | Process |
|---|---|
| 4 years | Bachelor's Degree - focus on sciences to meet PA requirements |
| 1-2 years | Healthcare Experience - clinical hours as an MA, EMT, or nursing assistant to meet prerequisites for PA program |
| 2-3 years | Master's Degree - PA Program accredited by ARC-PA |
| <1 year | PA-C certification - Pass PANCE exam |
For a list of accredited physician assistant programs, visit the Physician Assistant Education Association.
Career Advancement: Physician Assistants can begin their careers in primary care and later pursue more specialized care in areas such as surgery, dermatology, emergency medicine, and orthopedics. Additionally, PAs may also enjoy leadership or administrative roles and become clinical supervisors, program directors, or hold faculty positions. Academic and research careers are also viable options, particularly in larger institutions.
Professional associations are always a great way to stay engaged and learn about new contributions in the field. The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA), and the California Academy of Physician Assistants are three to consider, as well as more specialized groups like the Society of Emergency Medicine Physician Assistants (SEMPA) and the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants.
Outlook: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, PA employment is expected to grow by 28% from 2023 to 2033, which is significantly faster than the average growth rate for all occupations[1]. This equates to nearly 13,000 new job openings each year nationwide, driven by an aging population, expanded access to care, and a growing need for healthcare providers. In California, the median hourly wage for PAs is $80.38, or about $160,000 annually, according to the California Employment Development Department[2].
