Physician assistants
SOC Code: 29-1071Also known as:
Advanced Practice Provider (AAP), Anesthetic Assistant, Cardiology Physician Assistant, Certified Physician Assistant (PA-C), Certified Physician's Assistant (PA-C)
Median Annual Salary
$133,260
+20.4% growth (2024-2034)
12K
Openings/Year
163K
Current Jobs
What Physician assistants 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.
💰 Salary
$133,260
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+20.4%
Much faster than average
🎓 Education
Master's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
12K
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
162,700
Projected Employment (2034)
195,800
Related Careers
Anesthesiologists
N/A •
+3.2% growth
Emergency medicine physicians
N/A •
+2.7% growth
Family medicine physicians
$238,380 •
+2.7% growth
Pediatric surgeons
N/A •
+1.5% growth
Top Skills Required
Reading Comprehension
Critical Thinking
Active Listening
Writing
Speaking
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Administer or order diagnostic tests, such as x-ray, electrocardiogram, and laboratory tests.
- Instruct and counsel patients about prescribed therapeutic regimens, normal growth and development, family planning, emotional problems of daily living, and health maintenance.
- Perform therapeutic procedures, such as injections, immunizations, suturing and wound care, and infection management.
- Visit and observe patients on hospital rounds or house calls, updating charts, ordering therapy, and reporting back to physician.
- Provide physicians with assistance during surgery or complicated medical procedures.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Master's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Master's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Physician assistants
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a physician assistants:
Physician Assistant
13,046 degrees awarded •
262 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Physician assistants
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become physician assistants.
| # | College | Location | Related Degrees | Repit Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Duke University | Durham, NC | 180 | A |
| 2 | Yale University | New Haven, CT | 115 | A |
| 3 | University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA | 63 | A |
| 4 | University of Florida | Gainesville, FL | 59 | A |
| 5 | Emory University | Atlanta, GA | 50 | A |
| 6 | Tufts University | Medford, MA | 48 | A |
| 7 | University of Washington-Seattle Campus | Seattle, WA | 156 | B+ |
| 8 | Wake Forest University | Winston-Salem, NC | 86 | B+ |
| 9 | Stony Brook University | Stony Brook, NY | 66 | B+ |
| 10 | University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus | Pittsburgh, PA | 63 | B+ |
| 11 | Florida State University | Tallahassee, FL | 58 | B+ |
| 12 | University of Wisconsin-Madison | Madison, WI | 56 | B+ |
| 13 | University of South Florida | Tampa, FL | 50 | B+ |
| 14 | Northeastern University | Boston, MA | 50 | B+ |
| 15 | Touro University | New York, NY | 188 | B |
| 16 | The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | Edinburg, TX | 90 | B |
| 17 | Southern Illinois University-Carbondale | Carbondale, IL | 76 | B |
| 18 | Drexel University | Philadelphia, PA | 69 | B |
| 19 | University of Utah | Salt Lake City, UT | 67 | B |
| 20 | George Washington University | Washington, DC | 64 | B |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physician assistants make?
The median annual salary for physician assistants is $133,260.
What education do physician assistants need?
Most physician assistants positions require a master's degree.
Common degree programs include Physician Assistant.
Is becoming physician assistants a good career choice?
Physician assistants is projected to see +20.4% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is much faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 12,000 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for physician assistants?
Top colleges for aspiring physician assistants include
Duke University, Yale University, University of Southern California, University of Florida, Emory University.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to physician assistants?
Physician assistants may also be known as: Advanced Practice Provider (AAP), Anesthetic Assistant, Cardiology Physician Assistant, Certified Physician Assistant (PA-C), Certified Physician's Assistant (PA-C), Doctor Assistant, Emergency Medicine Physician Assistant (Emergency Medicine PA), Family Medicine PA (Family Medicine Physician Assistant), Family Physician Assistant, Family Practice Physician Assistant, Gynecological Assistant, Medical Service Technician, Neurosurgery PA (Neurosurgery Physician Assistant), Orthopaedic Physician Assistant, Orthopedic Physician Assistant, Pediatric Physician Assistant, Physician Assistant (PA), Physician Associate (PA), Physician's Assistant, Radiology Practitioner Assistant.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.