Physician Assistant (PA)
Physician Assistant (PA) Job Description
Physician Assistant work in hospitals and health care facilities to examine patients and help provide treatments. These medical professionals conduct physical exams and supply patients with reports about their health. They also perform important tests, such as x-ray exams and blood test, and make initial diagnoses on patient illnesses, injuries, and medical conditions. Physician assistants are trained to give medical shots, immunizations, and other important direct interaction for patient and public health.
Physician Assistant (PA) Salary Statistics as of 2015
Average annual salary for a Physician Assistant (PA) is $86214 based on statistics in the U.S. as of 2015. The highest salary recorded was $115140. The lowest salary reported was $67611. These figures will vary on a state to state basis as these are averages across all 50 states.
Median hourly wage for a Physician Assistant (PA) is $37.41 based on statistics in the U.S. as of 2015. The highest hourly rate recorded was $49.6. The lowest hourly rate recorded was $25.22. These figures will vary on a state to state basis as these are averages across all 50 states.
Bonuses for a Physician Assistant (PA) are based on the years of experience using statistics from the U.S. as of 2015. The average bonus recorded was $1510 from people with 15+ years of experience. The average bonus recorded was $1022 from people with under 1 year of experience.
These are the highest paying states for a Physician Assistant (PA). These numbers are based of the median annual salary as of 2015.
California – $69,161 – $120,565
Florida – $68,123 – $102,266
Georgia – $64,709 – $98,000
New York – $66,346 – $108,379
North Carolina – $65,747 – $101,409
Pennsylvania – $60,443 – $99,013
Texas – $67,805 – $108,760
These are the highest paying cities for a Physician Assistant (PA). These numbers are based of the median annual salary as of 2015.
New York, New York –
Chicago, Illinois –
Atlanta, Georgia –
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania –
Houston, Texas –
Boston, Massachusetts –
Phoenix, Arizona –
This chart outlines the average annual salary of a Physician Assistant (PA) from the past 5 years. In 2015 the average annual salary was $86214 while in 2007 it was just $79953.35
Specialized Fields
Pediatric Physician Assistant
These medical professionals work with pediatricians in hospitals and private practice in order to treat young patients. Their duties include patient evaluation and checkups, diagnosing illnesses and injuries, performing immunizations, and educating parents on child health care.
Anesthetic Physician Assistant
These professionals work anesthesiologists to prepare patients going into surgery. These physician assistants have the important role of gathering patient medical history and evaluation, initial treatment preparation for anesthesia, and follow up care.
Geriatric Physician Assistant
These medical professionals work with geriatric doctors to address the needs of elderly patients. They perform tests and physicals for illnesses and conditions that affect the elderly population. They also perform health counseling and may assist in hospitals or nursing home care.
Emergency Medicine Physician Assistant
These health care workers help respond to emergency calls and ER room care. They work with physicians to perform immediate procedures such as setting bones or taking blood.
Family Medicine Physician Assistant
These medical professionals work with family physicians, general practitioners, and private practices to treat patients of all ages and medical backgrounds. They perform tests, physicals, and other functions within the office of a family physician.
Internal Medicine Physician Assistant
These medical professionals assist physicians who specialize in internal organs. They evaluate patient illnesses and assist with treatment plans.
Dermatology Physician Assistant
These physician assistants work with dermatologists to provide skin care and treatments. Physician assistants may give initial tests, help coordinate treatment plans, and educate patients on proper skin care.
Neonatology Physician Assistant
These physician assistants work in neonatal intensive care units to help care for sick newborns. They may initially diagnose sick infants and provide care, or provide routine treatment on premature infants.
Psychiatric Physician Assistant
These medical professionals work in psychiatric hospitals and outpatient care facilities. Along with psychiatrists, they provide care for mental health patients and psychiatric emergencies.
Work Environment
Most physician assistants work full time in hospitals and offices of physicians. Physician Assistants enjoy some of the best job security and salaries in health care aside from surgeons and physicians. Most physician assistants spend long hours on their feet and must be able to stand on their feet throughout the day. They may also need to be on call for emergency care.
How To Become a Physician Assistant (Requirements)
Most states require that physician assistants obtain a master’s in physician assistant studies. The physician assistant master’s programs typically last two years and must be accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistants. To apply for these master’s degree programs, most schools require that candidates have at least a bachelor’s degree. Some programs look favorably on candidates with work experience in health care, such as emergency medical technicians, nurses, and paramedics.
Required
– 4 years of college
– 2 years of graduate school
– State licensure
– Continuing education exams every 6 years
Optional
– Volunteer at hospital or physician’s office for additional experience
– Specialty certification
– Additional continuing education for certification exams
Job Outlook
Job opportunities for physician assistants are expected to grow by 30 percent, which is must faster than average for all other careers. Demand for physician assistants is expected to increase due to the growing population and extraordinary group for health care providers and facilities. Because physician assistants are qualified to perform a number of medical procedures, employers will continue to hire these candidates to provide routine check ups and care.
Gender Statistics |
Related Jobs |
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35%
65%
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Based on our stats gathered across the U.S. 35% of Physician Assistant (PA)s were males while 65% were females. These numbers are based on averages across all states combined. Some individual states may have a much different ratio however.
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Past Jobs Medical Assistant |
Future Jobs Orthopedic Physician Assistant (PA) |
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