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Healthcare career
Physician Assistant
Also called: PA · PA-C · Physician Associate · Surgical PA
What physician assistants do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a physician assistant do?
Physician assistants examine, diagnose and treat patients, ordering tests, prescribing medications and assisting in surgery, working with physicians and other providers. The median pay is $135,880 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about About 6–7 years after high school, and employment is projected to grow +21.1% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$135,880$65.33/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+21.1%2025–35, much faster than average
- Openings per year11,500Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationMaster's degreeBLS classification
- Time to trainAbout 6–7 years after high schoolTypical program length
- U.S. jobs168,900Employment, 2025
What physician assistants do
Physician assistants (PAs) practice medicine on healthcare teams. They take histories, examine patients, order and read tests, diagnose illnesses, write treatment plans, prescribe medications, perform procedures and counsel patients. They work in primary care, emergency medicine, surgery, orthopedics, dermatology and nearly every specialty, and can switch specialties without new formal training.
PAs need a master’s degree from an accredited PA program, which typically takes about 27 months and requires prior patient-care experience, then must pass the PANCE exam and get a state license. BLS projects employment to grow much faster than average.
Typical duties
- Take medical histories and examine patients
- Order and interpret tests
- Diagnose illnesses and injuries
- Prescribe medications
- Perform procedures and assist in surgery
- Educate and counsel patients
- Coordinate care with physicians
Work environment and schedule
PAs work in clinics, hospitals, emergency departments and operating rooms.
Schedule: Most work full-time; hospital and emergency PAs work nights, weekends and holidays.
A day in the life
- Review the day’s patient list and labs.
- See a patient with chest pain in urgent care.
- Suture a laceration.
- Discuss a complex case with the supervising physician.
See a full day in the life of a physician assistant →
Physician Assistant salary
Half of physician assistants earned more than $135,880 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $99,380 for the lowest 10% to $190,280 for the top 10%.
Full physician assistant pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a physician assistant
- Earn a bachelor’s degree
- Gain patient-care hours
- Complete a PA program
- Pass the PANCE
- Get licensed and practice
A master’s degree from an accredited physician assistant program is required, usually after a bachelor’s degree and patient-care experience.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a physician assistant →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Patient assessment
- Diagnosis
- Pharmacology
- Procedures
- Interpreting tests
People skills
- Communication
- Empathy
- Teamwork
- Critical thinking
All physician assistant skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Much faster-than-average growth
- High pay
- Practice medicine with less training than a physician
- Flexibility to change specialties
Cons
- Demanding graduate program
- Student debt
- Heavy documentation
- Long or irregular hours in some settings
Certifications and licenses
- PA-C (NCCPA certification): Earned by passing the PANCE.
- State PA license: Required to practice.
- DEA registration: To prescribe controlled substances.
- Certificate of Added Qualifications: Specialty recognition from NCCPA.
Career path
- Patient-Care Role: Gain experience.
- Physician Assistant: Practice medicine.
- Senior or Lead PA: Lead teams.
- PA Director or Educator: Lead programs.
Learn the job before day one
Our Physician Assistant training (12 hours, $109.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as perform a focused patient assessment and write a clear SOAP note, safety and how to land your first job.
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Physician Assistant FAQ
How long does it take to become a PA?
Usually a 4-year degree plus a roughly 27-month PA program.
Can PAs prescribe medications?
Yes, in every state, within their scope of practice.
Is the field growing?
Yes, BLS projects much faster than average growth.
How much does a physician assistant make?
The median annual wage for physician assistants was $135,880 ($65.33 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $99,380 and the highest 10% earned more than $190,280.
How long does it take to become a physician assistant?
Most people need about About 6–7 years after high school of training. A master’s degree from an accredited physician assistant program is required, usually after a bachelor’s degree and patient-care experience.
Do you need a degree to be a physician assistant?
Yes. BLS lists a master's degree as the typical entry-level education, and you also need a state license to practice.
More physician assistant questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 29-1071 (Physician assistants).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Physician assistants (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.