Physician Assistant Job Description

What is the job description of a Physician Assistant? What are the duties and responsibilities of a Physician Assistant? What does a Physician Assistant do?

Job description of a Physician Assistant

A Physician Assistant works in all areas of medicine under the supervision of a Physician or Surgeon, to examine, diagnose, and treat patients, as well as offer surgical assistance. The Physician Assistant's responsibilities depend on the work setting, level of experience, and his or her specialty.

This Physician Assistant job description example includes the list of most important Physician Assistant duties and responsibilities as shown below. It can be modified to fit the specific Physician Assistant profile you're trying to fill as a recruiter or job seeker.

Physician Assistant Duties and Responsibilities

Physician Assistant job description should contain a variety of functions and roles including:

  • Interviewing, examining, and diagnosing patients' injuries and illnesses.
  • Ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests.
  • Prescribing medications and suggesting lifestyle changes.
  • Educating and counseling patients and their families.
  • Researching the latest treatments, innovations, advances, and trends in the medical industry.
  • Conducting or participating in outreach programs, making house calls, and visiting nursing homes to treat patients.
  • Stitching wounds, setting bones, assisting in surgeries, and administering immunizations.
  • Reviewing and maintaining patients' medical histories and records and recording patients' progress.
  • Providing documentation for insurance companies.

Physician Assistant Requirements / Skills / Qualifications

Physician Assistant job description should include these common skills and qualifications:

  • A Master's degree in Physician Assistant education.
  • Clinical training experience, and the willingness to complete 100 hours of continuing education every two years to maintain certification.
  • License to practice Medicine.
  • Excellent team working, communication, and interpersonal skills.
  • The ability to treat patients with compassion and empathy.
  • Strong analytical and technical skills.
  • Detail oriented with good problem-solving skills.

As a hiring manager, recruiting an ideal Physician Assistant starts with crafting a good job description. Use this Physician Assistant job description template to save yourself time and help you attract the most qualified candidates. Feel free to revise it to meet your specific needs.

Job seekers interviewing for the role of a Physician Assistant may also reference it in preparation for the interview.