Physician Assistant
Physician Assistants (PAs) practice medicine under physician supervision, taking histories, diagnosing, treating patients, ordering tests, and prescribing some medications.
Overview
Physician Assistants (PAs) are highly skilled healthcare professionals who play a vital role in delivery quality medical care. They practice medicine under the supervision of licensed physicians and surgeons, but they work with a high degree of autonomy in many settings. Their responsibilities are broad and essential to the functioning of any healthcare team.
PAs take detailed medical histories, examine and treat patients, order and interpret lab tests and x-rays, and make diagnoses based on their findings. They also instruct and counsel patients on managing their health, provide preventative care education, and prescribe certain medications as allowed by state law.
Many Physician Assistants work in primary care, serving as the first point of contact for patients of all ages. However, PAs also pursue a wide range of specialties, including general and thoracic surgery, emergency medicine, orthopedics, geriatrics, and more. Those specializing in surgery assist with preoperative and postoperative care, and many serve as first or second assistances during major surgical procedures, helping to ensure patient safety and optimal outcomes.
Work Environment
Physician Assistants (PAs) work in a variety of healthcare settings, reflecting the flexibility of and demand for their expertise. PAs are employed in hospitals, clinics, ambulatory care centers, physician and specialty practices, long-term care facilities, and home healthcare agencies. Their roles may also extend to education, administration, and research, where they contribute to training future healthcare professionals, managing clinical operations, or advancing medical knowledge through studies and trials.
Demand
The need for physician assistants is expected to increase 27% between 2022 and 2032.
Salary
The median salary range, as stated by the New York State Department of Labor, for the Capital Region, Central New York, and the Finger Lakes, is $127,612 – $131,032.
Demand
+27%
Avg Salary
$129,322
Education Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree and some prior health care work experience, such as being a registered nurse, emergency medical technician (EMT), or paramedic are typical requirements for acceptance into PA program.
- Present satisfactory evidence of completion of an accredited PA program.
- Programs must include at least 32 semester hours of classroom work and 40 weeks (1,600 clock hours) of supervised clinical training.
- Must complete infection control coursework.
- Usually takes at least two years and typically leads to a Master’s degree.
- Pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE).
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