Physician assistants (“PA”) provide health care in the practice area of their supervising physicians. For example, a PA that is supervised by a physician specializing in family practice would provide services in that area as well. Physician assistants perform many of the medical services provided by their physician supervisors. This includes:
- diagnosing and treating human disease, pain, or injury
- educating patients about their health
- prescribing treatments for diagnosed health issues
Salary and Projected Growth
Median salary: $139,528
Salary range: $110,141 - $156,172
Project growth: much faster than average
Where Could I Work?
Medical offices
Hospitals, healthcare facilities, and healthcare organizations
Military and government facilities
Your Interests and Abilities
Basic and medical sciences
Perform medical procedures
Manual and technical skills
Professional Skills
Concern for others
Attention to detail
Analytical thinking
Communication
Education
Completion of a New York State licensure qualifying program, a program accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA), or the substantial equivalent. Most acceptable department-registered educational programs are at the masters level.
Examination
Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
What Interests You?
Match your interests and personality to career options! Explore a free career tool at mynextmove.org/explore/ip
Tip: try searching for mentoring programs—talk to a physician assistant about what they do and how they got started!
