If you’re a physician assistant (PA) or considering becoming one, you might be wondering, “What jobs can I do as a PA?” The short answer: Plenty.
Physician assistants play a crucial role in healthcare, working alongside doctors to diagnose illnesses, prescribe medications, and provide patient care. But while many PAs work in traditional clinical settings—like hospitals, urgent care centers, and specialty clinics—the career path isn’t one-size-fits-all.
Whether you're looking for remote physician assistant jobs, want to specialize in dermatology or emergency medicine, or are even considering a non-clinical career, there are plenty of options to explore.
In this article, we’ll break down the different physician assistant jobs out there, both inside and outside direct patient care, so you can find the right fit for your skills and interests.
Clinical career options for physician assistants
Physician assistants have a wide range of opportunities in clinical settings. They can provide direct patient care, diagnose illnesses, prescribe medications, and even assist in surgeries. While PAs are trained as generalists, they often choose to specialize in a particular field, leading to different job responsibilities, salaries, and physician assistant career paths.
(According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for physician assistants is $130,490, with job growth projected at 28% through 2033—much faster than the national average. While the BLS doesn’t break down salaries by specialty, it does provide data by workplace. Physician assistants in doctors’ offices earn an annual mean wage of $127,910, those in general medical and surgical hospitals make $132,580, and those in outpatient care centers earn $144,160 on average per year.)
1. Primary care physician assistant
Primary care PAs work in family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics, serving as the first point of contact for many patients. They conduct routine check-ups, diagnose common illnesses, manage chronic conditions, and educate patients on preventive care.
One of the biggest advantages of working in primary care is the ability to build long-term relationships with patients, providing continuity of care over time. The broad scope of practice allows PAs to treat various conditions, making each day different and engaging.
Plus, demand for primary care providers remains high, especially in rural and underserved areas. However, it’s worth noting that primary care PAs often face high patient loads and significant administrative work.
2. Emergency medicine physician assistant
Emergency medicine PAs work in fast-paced hospital emergency rooms, urgent care centers, and trauma units, treating patients with acute injuries and illnesses, reducing wait times, and improving patient care. They perform procedures like suturing wounds, setting fractures, and assisting in resuscitation efforts.
The fast-paced nature of emergency medicine physician assistant jobs can be both exciting and demanding. PAs in this field have the opportunity to make life-saving decisions and treat a wide variety of cases.
However, the unpredictable hours, high-stress environment, and exposure to traumatic situations can make this a challenging specialty. Shift work, including nights, weekends, and holidays, is also common.
3. Dermatology physician assistant
Dermatology PAs work with patients of all ages, diagnosing and treating skin conditions like acne, eczema, and skin cancer. They perform minor procedures, including biopsies, cryotherapy, and laser treatments. Many also provide cosmetic services, such as Botox and dermal fillers.
Dermatology physician assistant jobs offer a more predictable schedule and typically involve less high-stress emergency care compared to other specialties. The work is often rewarding, as PAs help patients improve their skin health and confidence.
In general, salaries in dermatology tend to be higher than average, particularly for those working in cosmetic dermatology. However, competition for jobs in this field can be fierce, and PAs may need additional training or certifications to break into the specialty.
4. Surgical physician assistant
Surgical PAs assist in the operating room, working alongside surgeons in various specialties such as orthopedics, cardiovascular surgery, neurosurgery, and general surgery. Their responsibilities include preparing patients for surgery, handling instruments, suturing wounds, and providing post-operative care. They also conduct pre- and post-surgical evaluations and help manage recovery plans.
This specialty offers hands-on experience in complex procedures and the opportunity to work closely with top surgeons. The structured environment of surgery can be appealing to those who thrive under pressure.
However, long hours, demanding schedules, and time spent on-call can be physically and mentally exhausting. Additionally, the work can be highly specialized, leaving less room for variation in daily tasks.
5. Hospitalist physician assistant
Hospitalist PAs work in inpatient hospital settings, managing patients admitted for various medical conditions. They collaborate with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to provide round-the-clock care, monitor patient progress, adjust treatment plans, and handle acute medical issues that arise during hospitalization.
This role allows PAs to develop strong diagnostic and problem-solving skills while working with a diverse patient population. Hospitalist PAs often enjoy job stability and the ability to build long-term patient relationships within the hospital setting.
But the role comes with demanding hours, including night shifts and weekends. The fast-paced nature of hospital work can also be overwhelming, particularly when managing critical cases.
6. Specialized clinic roles
PAs in specialty clinics focus on areas such as cardiology, neurology, endocrinology, or rheumatology. They assist in diagnosing and managing chronic conditions, performing specialized procedures, and providing targeted patient education. These roles usually involve more predictable hours and long-term patient care relationships compared to hospital-based positions.
Specializing in a specific medical field can lead to expertise, professional growth, and potentially higher salaries. It also allows PAs to work in a more controlled environment with stable schedules. However, becoming a specialist may limit career flexibility, as transitioning to a different specialty later on could require additional training or certification.
Non-clinical career options for physician assistants
While most physician assistants work in clinical settings, many are exploring non-clinical roles that leverage their medical expertise in new and rewarding ways. Below are some of the top non-clinical career options for physician assistants.
7. Healthcare administrator
PAs transitioning into healthcare administration take on leadership roles in hospitals, clinics, and healthcare organizations. They manage operations, oversee budgets, develop policies, and work to improve patient care delivery. Some may focus on hospital management, while others work in regulatory compliance or healthcare consulting. Their clinical background gives them valuable insight into patient needs, making them effective decision-makers in administrative roles.
This career path offers higher earning potential, greater job stability, and the chance to influence healthcare on a systemic level. It also provides a break from the physically demanding aspects of clinical work.
But this role also has its challenges: Administrative roles typically require additional education, such as a master’s in healthcare administration (MHA) or business administration (MBA). The shift away from direct patient care may also be a drawback for those who enjoy hands-on medicine.
8. Medical writer
Medical writing is an excellent fit for PAs with strong communication skills who want to share their medical expertise through writing. PAs in this field create content for medical journals, healthcare websites, pharmaceutical companies, and continuing medical education (CME) programs. They may also work in regulatory writing, preparing clinical trial reports and drug approval documents.
This career offers flexibility, with many remote physician assistant jobs available. It allows for creative expression and the opportunity to educate both professionals and the public about medical topics.
However, transitioning into medical writing often requires experience in publishing or additional training in technical writing. The work can also be deadline-driven and less interactive compared to clinical roles.
9. Pharmaceutical industry roles
PAs can find rewarding careers in the pharmaceutical industry, working in clinical research, medical science liaison (MSL) positions, or pharmaceutical sales. As MSLs, PAs educate healthcare providers on new treatments, while those in clinical research contribute to drug development and clinical trials.
On one hand, these roles offer competitive salaries, career advancement opportunities, and the ability to stay on the cutting edge of medical advancements. Many positions also involve travel and networking with medical professionals. On the other hand, the transition may require industry-specific knowledge, and some roles have high-performance expectations, particularly in sales-driven positions.
10. Legal medicine and healthcare consulting
Physician assistants with clinical expertise can work as legal consultants or expert witnesses in medical malpractice cases, personal injury claims, and insurance disputes. They review medical records, provide professional opinions, and testify in court when needed. Some PAs transition into healthcare compliance, risk management, or even pursue additional legal training to work in healthcare law.
This field allows PAs to leverage their medical knowledge in a non-clinical setting while often enjoying more predictable work hours. However, legal consulting can be demanding, requiring strong attention to detail, extensive documentation review, and the ability to handle high-pressure situations like courtroom testimony.
11. Medical informatics and health IT
With healthcare becoming increasingly digital, PAs with a strong interest in technology can transition into medical informatics and health IT roles. These professionals help develop electronic health records (EHRs), improve healthcare data management, and optimize digital tools for patient care. Some work with tech companies designing AI-driven healthcare solutions or integrating telemedicine platforms.
This career path offers an exciting blend of medicine and technology, with opportunities to innovate and improve healthcare systems. On the flip side, working in IT may require additional training in data analytics, programming, or system management, and some roles may involve less direct patient interaction.
12. Public health and advocacy
PAs can also contribute to public health by working in government agencies, non-profits, and global health organizations. They may develop health policies, conduct community outreach programs, or advocate for healthcare reform. Some work in epidemiology, researching disease prevention and management strategies.
Public health roles provide the chance to impact large populations and influence healthcare on a systemic level. However, these positions may involve extensive research, grant writing, and policy work rather than hands-on patient care, which might not appeal to those who enjoy direct clinical practice.
13. Medical insurance and risk management
PAs can work in the insurance industry, evaluating claims, assessing medical necessity, and consulting on risk management. Some work with health insurance companies, assisting in case reviews, policy development, and fraud prevention. Others take on roles in workers’ compensation, disability insurance, or healthcare consulting firms.
This field offers stability, regular hours, and opportunities to apply clinical expertise in a non-traditional setting. However, the work can involve bureaucratic challenges, detailed paperwork, and less direct engagement with patients, which may not suit those who prefer hands-on medicine.
Remote and telehealth opportunities for PAs
As healthcare continues to evolve, remote and telehealth opportunities have become more common for physician assistants during the COVID-19 pandemic. These roles offer flexibility, the ability to work from home, and the chance to balance work with personal life, making it an attractive option for many in the field.
14. Telemedicine physician assistant
Telemedicine PAs deliver healthcare services remotely through telehealth platforms, enabling them to diagnose, treat, and follow up with patients without being physically present. This can include conducting virtual consultations, prescribing medications, and managing chronic conditions from a distance.
For those asking, “Can I work part-time as a PA?”—telemedicine offers flexible scheduling, making part-time roles more feasible. The ability to reach patients in underserved or rural areas who might not have access to in-person care is another benefit. However, there are challenges, such as dealing with technology issues, maintaining patient privacy in digital communications, and the inability to perform hands-on procedures.
15. Locum tenens physician assistant
Locum tenens is a latin phrase that essentially translates to “temporary.” Locom tenens PAs work as temporary, traveling healthcare providers to fill gaps in staffing at hospitals, clinics, or private practices. These positions may be for short-term contracts, sometimes just a few weeks or months, allowing for a flexible lifestyle and the opportunity to explore different work environments and locations.
One of the main attractions of locum tenens work is flexibility. PAs in this role often have the freedom to choose when and where they work, making it an ideal option for those seeking adventure or a more adaptable schedule. However, these positions also come with some downsides, such as job instability and the need to constantly adjust to new workplaces.
Locum tenens opportunities provide an excellent chance for PAs who want variety in their work, the ability to travel, or the option to take time off between assignments. They are an appealing option for those who prefer a non-traditional, flexible work-life balance.
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FAQs about physician assistant career
What can you do after you become a PA?
After becoming a PA, you have various career paths you can pursue. You can specialize in areas like dermatology, emergency medicine, and surgery, or even explore non-clinical roles like healthcare administration, medical writing, or legal consulting. The flexibility of the PA role allows you to pivot between specialties or industries throughout your career.
Is PA a good career choice?
Yes, becoming a physician assistant can be a great career choice. PAs are in high demand across a wide range of healthcare settings, and the career offers competitive pay, job stability, and the ability to work closely with patients. The PA role also offers flexibility in terms of work schedules, and many PAs enjoy the ability to switch between clinical and non-clinical roles over time.
What is the career progression for a PA?
The career progression for a PA typically starts with gaining experience in a clinical setting. From there, you can specialize in a specific area of medicine, pursue leadership roles, or transition into non-clinical positions such as healthcare administration, medical writing, or policy development. As you gain more experience and credentials, you may take on higher-paying and more senior roles, including managerial positions or even starting your own practice in some states.
Is it hard to find a job as a PA?
While the demand for PAs is high and continues to grow, finding a job may vary depending on your specialty, location, and experience level. Clinical PAs, especially in specialties like dermatology or emergency medicine, typically have many job opportunities, while non-clinical roles can be more competitive. Networking, gaining additional certifications, and considering remote or locum tenens (temporary) roles can help improve job prospects.
Does PA pay well?
Yes, physician assistants generally earn a competitive salary. The median annual salary for a PA in the U.S. is around $130,490, though this can vary based on location, specialty, and experience. Certain specialties like emergency medicine or dermatology may offer higher salaries due to the high demand and specialized skills required.
Can you work part-time as a PA?
Yes, many physician assistants work part-time, especially in telemedicine or locum tenens (temporary) roles, which allow for flexible schedules. Some clinical practices may also offer part-time opportunities, though this can depend on the specific healthcare setting and patient needs. Part-time work is especially common in specialties where there's a higher demand for flexible hours.