How to Get a Job as a Physician Assistant
- jrs7530
- Oct 8
- 3 min read
Physician Assistants (PAs) are licensed medical professionals who practice medicine under the supervision of physicians and surgeons. They perform physical exams, diagnose illnesses, order tests, prescribe medications, and assist in surgeries. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of physician assistants is projected to grow 27% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than average, resulting in about 12,200 new openings each year【source: BLS】.
Entry-Level Requirements for Physician Assistants
To launch a career as a Physician Assistant, you typically need:
Education: A master’s degree from an accredited Physician Assistant (PA) program is required. Most applicants hold a bachelor’s degree in biology, health science, or a related field before applying to PA school.
Certifications & Licenses: Graduates must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) and obtain state licensure. Maintaining certification requires ongoing continuing medical education (CME) and recertification exams every ten years.
Experience: Most PA programs require prior healthcare experience (e.g., as a medical assistant, EMT, or nurse) before admission.
Expected Salary for Physician Assistants
Entry-Level: $95,000–$110,000 annually
Mid-Level: $110,000–$130,000 annually
Senior-Level: $130,000–$160,000+ annually
The median annual wage for Physician Assistants in the U.S. is $131,410【source: BLS】.
Skills and Abilities Needed to Excel
Strong diagnostic and clinical decision-making skills
Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities
In-depth knowledge of medical science and pharmacology
Attention to detail and ability to work under pressure
Compassion, empathy, and patient-centered care
Is a Physician Assistant Career Suitable for Introverts or Extroverts?
The PA role suits extroverts who enjoy patient interaction and teamwork, as well as introverts who prefer detailed analysis and clinical decision-making. The key is adaptability—balancing technical precision with interpersonal communication.
Top 5 Degree Programs with Best ROI for Physician Assistants
Can You Become a Physician Assistant Without a Degree?
No. To become a licensed PA, a master’s degree from an accredited PA program and certification via the PANCE exam are mandatory. However, individuals can work in entry-level healthcare positions to gain experience before applying to PA school.
Five Jobs Similar to Physician Assistant
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Medical Doctor (MD)
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Anesthesiologist Assistant
Surgical Technologist
Top Ten Recruitment Agencies for Physician Assistant Roles
Top Ten Employers Hiring Physician Assistants
Top Startups Hiring Physician Assistants
Carbon Health (tech-enabled healthcare provider)
One Medical (membership-based primary care)
Forward Health (AI-driven healthcare startup)
98point6 (virtual care platform)
Crossover Health (corporate healthcare provider)
Teladoc Health (telemedicine leader)
Cityblock Health (community health model)
Eden Health (hybrid healthcare provider)
HealthTap (telehealth and virtual consultation)
Ro (digital health and wellness platform)
Physician Assistants are integral members of modern healthcare teams, bridging the gap between nurses and physicians while ensuring efficient, high-quality patient care. With strong job growth, competitive salaries, and broad career flexibility, becoming a PA is one of the most rewarding healthcare career paths today.
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