Physician Assistant

Explore This Path

Ideal for those passionate about patient care and medical teamwork.
Make a significant impact by diagnosing and treating patients alongside physicians.
Unique role with the ability to prescribe medication under supervision.

💰 Earn $128K-$177K

📚 Master Degree

⏱️ 48 MONTH TRAINING

📈 28.5% JOB GROWTH

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What You’ll Do

Provide healthcare services typically performed by a physician, under the supervision of a physician. Conduct complete physicals, provide treatment, and counsel patients. May, in some cases, prescribe medication. Must graduate from an accredited educational program for physician assistants.

Make tentative diagnoses and decisions about management and treatment of patients.
Interpret diagnostic test results for deviations from normal.
Prescribe therapy or medication with physician approval.
Obtain, compile, and record patient medical data, including health history, progress notes, and results of physical examination.
Examine patients to obtain information about their physical condition.

Scoop

Minimum Education

Master Degree

Career Prospects

Excellent (Increasing by 5% or more)

Training Time

Over 4 years

Job Openings

12,900 Annually

Median Earnings

$157,490 in California

$130,020 Nationally

$25K

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$250K

Real Talk Reel

Want to see what it's like to be a Physician Assistant? We've curated a playlist for you to get a glimpse into a day in the life.

@mona_pa

Best For You If...

YOU Like 💕

Relating with or serving others
Thinking and problem solving
Working with my hands

You are skilled in 💫

Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Reading Comprehension
Social Perceptiveness
Speaking
Writing

You value 🙏

Accomplishing things
Job security
Personal relationships

Deep Dive

Physician Assistant

Explore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

Pathways to this Career

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Associate's Degree

An associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 2-3 years

Vocational School

A vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ FINISH IN 6 months - 2 years

Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 4-5+ years