Physician Assistants

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.

Tasks Include:

Examine patients to obtain information about their physical condition.
Interpret diagnostic test results for deviations from normal.
Make tentative diagnoses and decisions about management and treatment of patients.
Obtain, compile, and record patient medical data, including health history, progress notes, and results of physical examination.
Administer or order diagnostic tests, such as x-ray, electrocardiogram, and laboratory tests.
Prescribe therapy or medication with physician approval.
Perform therapeutic procedures, such as injections, immunizations, suturing and wound care, and infection management.
Instruct and counsel patients about prescribed therapeutic regimens, normal growth and development, family planning, emotional problems of daily living, and health maintenance.
Provide physicians with assistance during surgery or complicated medical procedures.
Supervise and coordinate activities of technicians and technical assistants.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™; US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet291)

Projections Quick View:

Virginia: +34.8%

National: +28.5%

Education

Master's Degree

Job Zone:

Five: Extensive Preparation Needed

Income Range:

Highest ($50,000 and up)

Median Earnings:

National

$130,020.00

State

$121,980.00

Regional

Physician Assistants

Description

Career Cluster:

Health Science

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Physician Assistants

Education

Required Level of Education

Master's Degree = 81.08%
First Professional Degree - awarded for completion of a program that: requires at least 2 years of college work before entrance into the program, includes a total of at least 6 academic years of work to complete, and provides all remaining academic requirements to begin practice in a profession. = 13.51%
Bachelor's Degree = 5.41%

Related Work Experience

None = 35.14%
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 21.62%
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 18.92%
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 16.22%
Up to and including 1 month = 2.70%
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 2.70%
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 2.70%

On-Site or In-Plant Training

Up to and including 1 month = 29.73%
None = 24.32%
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 13.51%
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 10.81%
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 10.81%
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 8.11%
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 2.70%

On-the-Job Training

Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 27.03%
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 21.62%
Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month = 16.22%
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 16.22%
None or short demonstration = 10.81%
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 8.11%

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Physician Assistants

Tasks

Core Tasks Include:

Examine patients to obtain information about their physical condition.
Interpret diagnostic test results for deviations from normal.
Make tentative diagnoses and decisions about management and treatment of patients.
Obtain, compile, and record patient medical data, including health history, progress notes, and results of physical examination.
Administer or order diagnostic tests, such as x-ray, electrocardiogram, and laboratory tests.
Prescribe therapy or medication with physician approval.
Perform therapeutic procedures, such as injections, immunizations, suturing and wound care, and infection management.
Instruct and counsel patients about prescribed therapeutic regimens, normal growth and development, family planning, emotional problems of daily living, and health maintenance.
Provide physicians with assistance during surgery or complicated medical procedures.
Supervise and coordinate activities of technicians and technical assistants.
Visit and observe patients on hospital rounds or house calls, updating charts, ordering therapy, and reporting back to physician.
Order medical and laboratory supplies and equipment.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Physician Assistants

Tools and Technology

Tools Include:

Anesthesia sets or kits (Anesthesia equipment)
Anesthesia inhalers or inhaler units or accessories (Anesthesia ventilators)
Anoscopes or proctoscopes (Anoscopes)
Arterial blood gas monitors or accessories (Arterial blood gas monitoring equipment)
Arterial line catheters
Surgical clamps or clips or forceps or accessories (Artery forceps)
Vacuum tube needles (Aspirating needles)
Audiometers or accessories (Audiometers)
Binocular light compound microscopes
Blood collection needles
Blood collection syringes
Spinal trays or needles (Bone marrow biopsy equipment)
Alcohol analysers (Breath alcohol testers)
Surgical clamps or clips or forceps or accessories (Bull dog nose clamps)
Canes or cane accessories (Canes)
Cast cutters or saws (Cast removal saws)
Central venous catheters (Central venous pressure lines)
Cervical collars or neck braces (Cervical collars)
Pleural cavity drainage unit or accessories (Chest tubes)
Crutches or crutch accessories (Crutches)
Automated external defibrillators AED or hard paddles (Defibrillators)
Surgical dissectors (Dissector rods)
Fetal or gynecological ultrasound or echo units (Doppler ultrasound fetascopes)
Cardiac ultrasound or doppler or echo units or cardioscopes (Doppler vascular equipment)
Electrocardiography EKG units
Electrosurgical or electrocautery equipment or accessories or related products (Electrocautery devices)
Electronic blood pressure units (Electronic blood pressure monitors)
Endoscopic video cameras or recorders or adapters or accessories (Endoscopic camera/video systems)
Vacuum blood collection tubes or containers (Evacuated blood collection tubes)
Eye charts or vision cards (Eye charts)
Medical cine fluoroscopy equipment (Fluoroscopes)
Glucose monitors or meters (Glucometers)
Head or neck traction supplies (Halo fixation devices)
Surgical dissectors (Harvester rods)
High frequency ventilators (High-frequency ventilators)
Long term continuous electrocardiography EKG or holter monitoring systems (Holter monitors)
Infusion pump kits or accessories (Interthercal therapy equipment)
Intraaortic balloon pumps or accessories (Intra-aortic balloon pumps IABP)
Intracranial pressure ICP monitoring units or accessories (Intracranial pressure monitors)
Hypodermic needles (Intramuscular needles)
Intravenous tubing with catheter administration kits (Intravenous IV equipment)
Knee braces or hinged knee supports (Knee braces)
Lancets
Laser printers
Emergency response litters or stretchers or accessories (Life support for trauma and transport LSTAT intensive care units)
Spinal trays or needles (Lumbar puncture equipment)
Mercury blood pressure units (Manual blood pressure units)
Mechanical stethoscopes or accessories (Mechanical stethoscopes)
Medical magnetic resonance imaging MRI scanners (Medical magnetic resonance imaging MRI machines)
Microscope slides
Surgical clamps or clips or forceps or accessories (Mosquito artery forceps)
Floor grade nail nippers (Nail nippers)
Surgical probes or directors (Nail probes)
Nasogastric tubes
Nebulizers or accessories (Nebulizers)
Surgical needle holders for general use (Needle holders)
Notebook computers
Surgical microscopes or loops or magnifiers or accessories (Operating microscopes)
Ophthalmoscopes or otoscopes or scope sets (Ophthalmoscopes)
Ophthalmoscopes or otoscopes or scope sets (Otoscopes)
Pulse oximeter units (Oximeters)
Personal computers
Personal digital assistant PDAs or organizers (Personal digital assistants PDA)
Surgical lasers or accessories (Plastic surgery lasers)
Radio frequency transmitters or receivers (Portable satellite telehealth terminals)
Spirometers or its accessories or its supplies (Pulmonary function testing PFT equipment)
Reflex hammers or mallets (Reflex hammers)
Surgical retractors for general use (Retractors)
Surgical scalpels or knives or blades or trephines or accessories (Scalpel blades)
Surgical scalpels or knives or blades or trephines or accessories (Scalpel handles)
Ophthalmic slit lamps (Slit lamps)
Spirometers or its accessories or its supplies (Spirometers)
Orthopedic splint systems (Splints)
Central venous catheters (Subclavian lines)
Hypodermic needles (Subcutaneous hypodermic needles)
Surgical curettes or loops (Surgical curettes)
Suture removers (Suture scissors)
Suture needles (Suturing needles)
Diagnostic or interventional vascular catheters or sets (Swan catheters)
Tablet computers
Digital Imaging Communications in Medicine DICOM standard system equipment (Teleradiology systems)
Head or neck traction supplies (Tong traction devices)
Tongue depressors or blades or sticks (Tongue blades)
Tourniquets
Suction kits (Tracheal suctioning equipment)
Treadmill exercisers for rehabilitation or therapy (Treadmills)
Surgical trocars for general use or accessories (Trocars)
Tuberculin syringes (Tuberculin TB skin test equipment)
Vacuum blood collection tubes or containers (Vacutainer tubes)
Vaginal exam specula (Vaginal specula)
Surgical clamps or clips or forceps or accessories (Vascular straight aortic clamps)
Videoconferencing systems (Videoconferencing equipment)
Walkers or rollators (Walkers)
Walking braces
Medical x ray units for general diagnostic use (X ray machines)

Technologies Include:

Internet browser software

Web browser software

Medical software

ChartWare software
Electronic medical record EMR software

Spreadsheet software

Spreadsheet software

Storage media loading software

Patient records software for personal digital assistants PDAs

Video conferencing software

Teleconferencing software

Word processing software

Word processing software

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Physician Assistants

Special Requirements

Physician assistants in Virginia must be licensed.

Educational Requirements:
1. Successful completion of a physician assistant program or surgeon assistant program accredited by the American Medical Association or a committee of the American Medical Association established to approve or accredit allied health education programs;
2. Passage of the certifying examination administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants; and
3. Documentation that the applicant for licensure has not had his license or certification as a physician assistant suspended or revoked and is not the subject of any disciplinary proceedings in another jurisdiction.
B. Prior to working with a supervising physician, the physician assistant shall notify the Board and provide information which shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
1. The name, address, telephone number and any changes thereto, of the physician or physicians who will supervise the assistant in the relevant practice setting; and
2. A description of the practice and the way in which the physician assistant will be utilized.
The Board shall issue the license to the physician assistant to practice under the supervision of a licensed doctor of medicine, osteopathy, or podiatry.

License Renewal:
Your license must be renewed biennially during your birth month in each odd - numbered year. The fee is $135. 00. Licenses are updated upon receipt of fees. A current license is printed, mailed and delivered to its destination within 10 working days. If you do not receive your updated license within four weeks of payment, contact the board office. A license can only be updated within 60 days prior to the expiration date. An additional fee for processing a late renewal will be imposed if the license is not updated on time. The license will not be updated until the additional fee is received.
To remain certified, Pas must earn 100 hours of continuing medical education every two years and must pass a re - certification exam every six years. In addition a number of universities now offer post-graduate programs for physician assistants.

General Information:
An application for a license can be downloaded from the board’s website or you may call the board office at 804 - 662 - 7664. The average time to process an application is 6 to 8 weeks.
Virginia does not issue a temporary license, however, pending the outcome of the next examination administered by the NCCPA, an applicant who has met all other requirements at the time his application is submitted may be granted provisional licensure. The provisional licensure shall be valid until the applicant takes the next subsequent NCCPA examination and its results are reported, not to exceed 30 days.

In Virginia, a licensed physician assistant shall have the authority to prescribe controlled substances and devices for Schedules V and VI on and after July 1, 2001 and Schedules IV through VI on and after January 1, 2003. The board requires successful completion of a minimum of 35 hours of acceptable training in pharmacology. The application for employment protocol will include a request for prescriptive authority will constitute a written agreement with the licensed physician for the supervision of the prescriptive practices of the assistant.

If for any reason a physician’s assistant discontinues employment with their supervising physician they are no longer considered certified, and must file a new application when re - employed.

Required Fees:

Unless otherwise provided, the following fees shall not be refundable:

1. The initial application fee for a license, payable at the time application is filed, shall be $130.

2. The biennial fee for renewal of an active license shall be $135 and for renewal of an inactive license shall be $70, payable in each odd-numbered year in the birth month of the licensee.

3. The additional fee for late renewal of licensure within one renewal cycle shall be $50.

4. A restricted volunteer license shall expire 12 months from the date of issuance and may be renewed without charge by receipt of a renewal application that verifies that the physician assistant continues to comply with provisions of §54.1-2951.3 of the Code of Virginia.

5. The fee for review and approval of a new protocol submitted following initial licensure shall be $15.

6. The fee for reinstatement of a license pursuant to §54.1-2408.2 of the Code of Virginia shall be $2,000.

7. The fee for a duplicate license shall be $5, and the fee for a duplicate wall certificate shall be $15.

8. The fee for a returned check shall be $35.

9. The fee for a letter of good standing/verification to another jurisdiction shall be $10.

10. The fee for an application or for the biennial renewal of a restricted volunteer license shall be $35, due in the licensee's birth month. An additional fee for late renewal of licensure shall be $15 for each renewal cycle.

For More Information, Contact:

Virginia Department Of Health Professions
Board Of Medicine
6603 West Broad St., 5th Floor
Richmond, VA 23230-1712
Phone: 804.662.9908
TTY: 804.662.7197
Fax: 804.662.9517
http://www.dhp.virginia.gov/

American Academy Of Physician Assistants
950 North Washington Street
Alexandria, VA 22314-1552
Phone: 703.836.2272
Fax: 703.684.1294
http://www.aapa.org/
[email protected]

The data sources for the information displayed here include: Virginia Career VIEW Research. (Using onet291)

Physician Assistants

Additional Resources

For information on a career as a physician assistant, contact:

American Academy of Physician Assistants Information Center
950 North Washington St.
Alexandria, VA 22314-1552
http://www.aapa.org

For a list of accredited programs and a catalog of individual PA training programs, contact:

Association of Physician Assistant Programs
950 North Washington St.
Alexandria, VA 22314-1552
http://www.paeaonline.org/

For eligibility requirements and a description of the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination, contact:

National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants, Inc.
157 Technology Pkwy.
Suite 800
Norcross, GA 30092-2913
http://www.nccpa.net

The data sources for the information displayed here include: Virginia Career VIEW Research. (Using onet291)

Physician Assistants

Knowledge

%	Subject	Description
100.00	Medicine and Dentistry	Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
95.25	Biology	Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
90.50	English Language	Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
89.25	Psychology	Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
87.50	Therapy and Counseling	Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
79.00	Customer and Personal Service	Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
74.25	Education and Training	Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
65.25	Sociology and Anthropology	Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
63.50	Computers and Electronics	Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
61.75	Chemistry	Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
60.25	Mathematics	Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
54.75	Public Safety and Security	Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Physician Assistants

Skills

%	Subject	Description
78.00	Reading Comprehension	Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
78.00	Critical Thinking	Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
75.00	Active Listening	Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
75.00	Writing	Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
75.00	Speaking	Talking to others to convey information effectively.
75.00	Social Perceptiveness	Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
75.00	Service Orientation	Actively looking for ways to help people.
75.00	Judgment and Decision Making	Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
72.00	Complex Problem Solving	Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
72.00	Active Learning	Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
72.00	Monitoring	Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
65.50	Science	Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
56.25	Coordination	Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
56.25	Persuasion	Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
56.25	Systems Evaluation	Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
56.25	Time Management	Managing one's own time and the time of others.
53.00	Learning Strategies	Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
53.00	Negotiation	Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
53.00	Instructing	Teaching others how to do something.
53.00	Systems Analysis	Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
50.00	Mathematics	Using mathematics to solve problems.
50.00	Management of Personnel Resources	Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Physician Assistants

Abilities

%	Subject	Description
78.00	Oral Comprehension	The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
78.00	Problem Sensitivity	The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
78.00	Deductive Reasoning	The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
78.00	Inductive Reasoning	The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
75.00	Written Comprehension	The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
75.00	Oral Expression	The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
75.00	Written Expression	The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
75.00	Information Ordering	The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
75.00	Speech Clarity	The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
75.00	Speech Recognition	The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
72.00	Near Vision	The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
59.50	Category Flexibility	The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
56.25	Flexibility of Closure	The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
50.00	Fluency of Ideas	The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
50.00	Mathematical Reasoning	The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
50.00	Perceptual Speed	The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
50.00	Arm-Hand Steadiness	The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
50.00	Finger Dexterity	The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
50.00	Far Vision	The ability to see details at a distance.
50.00	Visual Color Discrimination	The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Physician Assistants

Work Activities

%	Subject	Description
99.25	Assisting and Caring for Others	Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
96.50	Getting Information	Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
96.00	Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge	Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
95.25	Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates	Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
94.50	Documenting/Recording Information	Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
93.00	Making Decisions and Solving Problems	Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
89.00	Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships	Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
87.25	Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others	Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
86.50	Analyzing Data or Information	Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
85.25	Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events	Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
83.75	Working with Computers	Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
79.75	Processing Information	Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
78.50	Performing for or Working Directly with the Public	Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
77.00	Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work	Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
76.50	Providing Consultation and Advice to Others	Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
75.75	Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings	Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
74.25	Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards	Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
73.75	Training and Teaching Others	Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
71.50	Communicating with People Outside the Organization	Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
71.50	Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People	Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
66.75	Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others	Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
62.75	Performing Administrative Activities	Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
62.75	Developing and Building Teams	Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
57.75	Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates	Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
57.00	Coaching and Developing Others	Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
55.75	Thinking Creatively	Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
55.50	Developing Objectives and Strategies	Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
54.25	Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others	Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
52.75	Scheduling Work and Activities	Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
50.00	Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials	Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Physician Assistants

Work Styles

%	Subject	Description
98.75	Concern for Others	Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
98.75	Attention to Detail	Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
97.25	Integrity	Job requires being honest and ethical.
95.75	Dependability	Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
94.00	Cooperation	Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
93.00	Stress Tolerance	Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
92.00	Analytical Thinking	Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
89.75	Self-Control	Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
87.25	Adaptability/Flexibility	Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
85.25	Achievement/Effort	Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
85.25	Initiative	Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
84.50	Persistence	Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
76.25	Social Orientation	Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.
71.50	Independence	Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
68.25	Leadership	Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
50.75	Innovation	Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Physician Assistants

Work Values

%	Subject	Description
83.33	Relationships	Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
75.00	Working Conditions	Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
72.17	Achievement	Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
72.17	Support	Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
66.67	Independence	Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
61.17	Recognition	Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Physician Assistants

Work Context

%	Subject	Description
100.00	Face-to-Face Discussions	How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
99.40	Electronic Mail	How often do you use electronic mail in this job?
98.40	Contact With Others	How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?
96.20	Importance of Being Exact or Accurate	How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
95.60	Telephone	How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
94.60	Freedom to Make Decisions	How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?
94.40	Exposed to Disease or Infections	How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?
94.00	Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results	What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?
93.80	Work With Work Group or Team	How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?
93.40	Indoors, Environmentally Controlled	How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?
91.80	Frequency of Decision Making	How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?
91.20	Physical Proximity	To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks in close physical proximity to other people?
89.20	Consequence of Error	How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not readily correctable?
87.00	Time Pressure	How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?
86.40	Deal With External Customers	How important is it to work with external customers or the public in this job?
86.40	Structured versus Unstructured Work	To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals?
84.80	Level of Competition	To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?
83.80	Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets	How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets?
80.60	Letters and Memos	How often does the job require written letters and memos?
80.60	Coordinate or Lead Others	How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job?
77.80	Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People	How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?
77.80	Responsible for Others' Health and Safety	How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?
73.00	Frequency of Conflict Situations	How often are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?
69.20	Responsibility for Outcomes and Results	How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?
66.60	Spend Time Standing	How much does this job require standing?
65.40	Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls	How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?
63.80	Spend Time Sitting	How much does this job require sitting?
63.20	Importance of Repeating Same Tasks	How important is repeating the same physical activities (e.g., key entry) or mental activities (e.g., checking entries in a ledger) over and over, without stopping, to performing this job?
58.40	Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection	How much does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?
57.00	Exposed to Contaminants	How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?
54.00	Exposed to Radiation	How often does this job require exposure to radiation?
52.40	Spend Time Walking and Running	How much does this job require walking and running?
52.40	Deal With Physically Aggressive People	How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?
51.80	Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable	How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?
49.80	Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions	How much does this job require making repetitive motions?

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Physician Assistants

Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed

Overall Experience
- Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
Job Training
- Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
Examples
- These occupations often involve coordinating, training, supervising, or managing the activities of others to accomplish goals. Very advanced communication and organizational skills are required. Examples include pharmacists, lawyers, astronomers, biologists, clergy, physician assistants, and veterinarians.
Education
- Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Physician Assistants

Earnings Benefits*

Region	Entry Level	Median	Experienced
United States	$86,280.00	$130,020.00	$151,720.00
Virginia	$77,600.00	$121,980.00	$140,960.00

Region	Entry Level	Median	Experienced
Alexandria/Arlington	$86,960.00	$125,620.00	$139,100.00
Bay Consortium	$97,760.00	$127,590.00	$142,310.00
Capital Region Workforce Partnership	$74,940.00	$117,850.00	$137,190.00
Central VA/Region2000	$81,300.00	$106,590.00	$126,420.00
Crater Area	$78,070.00	$121,430.00	$136,950.00
Greater Peninsula	No Data	No Data	No Data
Hampton Roads	$90,910.00	$113,740.00	$130,090.00
New River/Mt. Rogers	$78,220.00	$124,190.00	$137,130.00
Northern Virginia	$90,830.00	$128,760.00	$145,180.00
Piedmont Workforce	$90,770.00	$123,980.00	$135,800.00
Shenandoah Valley	$82,220.00	$114,950.00	$130,900.00
South Central	No Data	No Data	No Data
Southwestern Virginia	$73,350.00	$126,460.00	$137,680.00
West Piedmont	$70,100.00	$129,380.00	$138,000.00
Western Virginia	$82,190.00	$107,450.00	$133,970.00

* Earnings Calculations:

Regional Earnings:
   Entry = Annual mean of the lower 1/3 wage distribution;
   Experienced = Annual mean of the upper 2/3 wage distribution.

National and State Earnings:
   Entry = Annual 10th percentile wage;
   Experienced = Annual 75th percentile wage.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet291)

Physician Assistants

Employment Projections

USA: 2023-2033

Virginia: 2022-2032

Regions: 2020-2030

	Current	Projected	% Change
United States	153,400	197,100	+28.5%
Virginia	4,390	5,917	+34.8%

Region	Current*	Projected	% Change
Alexandria/Arlington	No Data	No Data	No Data
Bay Consortium	77	106	+37.7%
Capital Region Workforce Partnership	399	488	+22.3%
Central VA/Region2000	186	224	+20.4%
Crater Area	No Data	No Data	No Data
Greater Peninsula	262	347	+32.4%
Hampton Roads	440	566	+28.6%
New River/Mt. Rogers	No Data	No Data	No Data
Northern Virginia	608	804	+32.2%
Piedmont Workforce	171	228	+33.3%
Shenandoah Valley	136	185	+36.0%
South Central	No Data	No Data	No Data
Southwestern Virginia	No Data	No Data	No Data
West Piedmont	No Data	No Data	No Data
Western Virginia	256	304	+18.8%

* - Estimated

The data sources for the information displayed here include: US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet291)

Physician Assistants

Related Occupations

The related occupations here have similar general capabilities and interests; career explorers may also be interested in the related occupations:

Careers in Therapeutic Services Pathway:

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Physician Assistants

View Videos

CareerOneStop Video

View Video & Transcript on CareerOneStop

CareerOneStop Health Science Videos
Overview
Occupations

The data sources for the information displayed here include: New York State Department of Labor; New Jersey Department of Labor; California Occupational Information Coordinating Committee; CareerOneStop. (Using onet291)

Physician Assistants

Military Training

The following military job classifications are available for this occupation:

Physician Assistant

The data sources for the information displayed here include: Defense Manpower Data Center. (Using onet291)

Physician Assistants

Proficiency Ratings

These proficiencies are scored on a scale from 1 to 5 with 1 being not
important to the job and 5 being extremely important to the job.

Proficiency	Rating
Assisting and Caring for Others	5.0
Getting Information	5.0
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge	5.0
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates	5.0
Documenting/Recording Information	5.0
Making Decisions and Solving Problems	4.5
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships	4.5
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others	4.5
Analyzing Data or Information	4.5
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events	4.5
Working with Computers	4.5
Processing Information	4.0
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public	4.0
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work	4.0
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others	4.0
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings	4.0
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards	4.0
Training and Teaching Others	4.0
Communicating with People Outside the Organization	4.0
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People	4.0
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others	3.5
Performing Administrative Activities	3.5
Developing and Building Teams	3.5
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates	3.5
Coaching and Developing Others	3.5
Thinking Creatively	3.0
Developing Objectives and Strategies	3.0
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others	3.0
Scheduling Work and Activities	3.0
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials	3.0
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information	3.0
Performing General Physical Activities	3.0
Handling and Moving Objects	3.0
Monitoring and Controlling Resources	2.5
Controlling Machines and Processes	2.5
Selling or Influencing Others	2.5
Staffing Organizational Units	2.5
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment	1.5
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment	1.5
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment	1.5
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment	1.0

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Physician Assistants

Titles

Anesthesiologist Assistant
Anesthetic Assistant
Cardiology Physician Assistant
Cardiothoracic Surgery Physician Assistant
Cardiovascular Physician Assistant
Certified Physician's Assistant
Dermatology Physician Assistant
Doctor
Doctor Assistant
Emergency Medicine Physician Assistant
Emergency Room Physician Assistant
Emergency Services Physician Assistant
Family Nurse Practitioner
Family Practice Physician Assistant
General Surgery Physician Assistant
Gynecological Assistant
Medical Service Technician
Midlevel Provider
Neurosurgical Physician Assistant
Nurse Practitioner
Obstetrics and Gynecology Physician Assistant
Orthopaedic Physician Assistant
Orthopedic Physician Assistant
Pediatric Physician Assistant
Physician Assistant (PA)
Physician Assistant Certified (PAC)
Physician Extender
Physician's Assistant
Surgeon Assistant
Surgery Technician (Surgery Tech)
Surgical First Assistant
Surgical Physician Assistant
Thoracic Physician Assistant

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Physician Assistants

Related Schools

Eastern Virginia Medical School
Emory & Henry University
James Madison University
Mary Baldwin University
Radford University
Randolph-Macon College
Shenandoah University
South University-Richmond
University of Lynchburg

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)