How to Become a Physician Assistant
Examine patients, diagnose illnesses and injuries, prescribe medications, and develop treatment plans under physician supervision. It typically requires a master's degree, with a median salary of $126,010 per year and much faster than average projected job growth.
Median pay
$126,010/yr
Typical range
$81,000 to $170,000
Job growth
27%
Openings / yr
13,600
Majors that lead here
Key skills
- Clinical Assessment
- Patient Care
- Medical Diagnosis
- Pharmacology
- Communication
Helpful certifications
- PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam)
- State Licensure
- BLS/ACLS Certification
Is this career a fit?
Remote-friendly
10/100
Work-life balance
42/100
Stress level
65/100
Satisfaction
74/100
Related careers
- Dentist$170,910 median
- Pharmacist$132,750 median
- Nurse Practitioner$126,260 median
- Health Services Administrator$110,680 median
- Physical Therapist$99,710 median
- Occupational Therapist$93,180 median
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Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook (wages May 2023, projections 2022-2032) and O*NET. National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.