Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Physician Assistant
What physician assistants actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
Review the day’s patient list and labs. From there, the day usually includes take medical histories and examine patients, order and interpret tests, and diagnose illnesses and injuries. Most work full-time; hospital and emergency PAs work nights, weekends and holidays.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a physician assistant working full time.
- 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.
- Manage a diabetes follow-up and adjust medications.
- Order imaging for a sports injury.
- Finish notes and refill requests.
Where physician assistants work
PAs work in clinics, hospitals, emergency departments and operating rooms.
Hours and schedule
Most work full-time; hospital and emergency PAs work nights, weekends and holidays.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- 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
Tools you’ll use every day
- Electronic health records
- Stethoscope and exam tools
- Diagnostic imaging and lab systems
- Suture and procedure kits
- E-prescribing
- Clinical decision tools
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Much faster-than-average growth
- High pay
- Practice medicine with less training than a physician
- Flexibility to change specialties
What’s hard
- Demanding graduate program
- Student debt
- Heavy documentation
- Long or irregular hours in some settings
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I want to diagnose and treat patients
- I love science
- I want a faster path than medical school
- I like teamwork
- I handle pressure well
- I want to explore specialties
Not sure? Take the free Physician Assistant fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Follow infection control and sharps safety
- Verify patient identity and allergies
- Use safe prescribing practices
- Escalate concerns to the collaborating physician