What Aspiring PAs Need to Know in a Rapidly Changing Healthcare Landscape
Are you considering a career as a physician assistant (PA)? Demand for this important and rapidly growing healthcare role is on the rise, offering opportunities to make a real impact on patient care.
From understanding what a PA does day-to-day to exploring the skills, training, and emerging trends shaping this profession, there’s a lot to know before starting your journey.
What Is a Physician Assistant & What Do They Do?
A physician assistant is a licensed medical professional who practices medicine under the supervision of a physician. According to the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA), more than 190,000 PAs in the United States collectively have over 590 million patient interactions each year.
The specific duties of a PA may vary depending on their place of employment, their speciality, and the state in which they work. Responsibilities typically include:
- Conducting physical exams
- Diagnosing and treating illness
- Ordering and interpreting tests
- Developing patient treatment plans
- Prescribing medication
What Is the PA Job Outlook?
The PA job outlook is very strong, with employment projected to grow 20% between 2024 and 2034. On average, about 12,000 new openings are expected each year over the next decade, many of which will come from replacing PAs who retire or change careers.
This growth is driven by an aging population that requires more medical care, as well as patients with chronic conditions who need ongoing treatment. As a result, there is an increasing demand for healthcare providers like PAs who can deliver many of the same services as physicians.
Physician assistants are also highly ranked by U.S. News & World Report, placing #2 on the list of Best Healthcare Jobs, #3 on the 100 Best Jobs list, and #3 in Best STEM Jobs.
Emerging Trends Shaping PA Careers
Physician assistant careers are rapidly evolving, influenced by shifts in healthcare delivery, emerging technology, and patient needs. Here are some key trends to keep in mind:
- Growing demand in primary care and speciality areas: As the population ages and chronic conditions rise, PAs are increasingly needed in primary care but also specialty areas such as cardiology, surgery, and dermatology.
- Expansion of telehealth: Telemedicine is now a standard part of healthcare in many areas, and PAs are playing a larger role in virtual patient visits, remote monitoring, and digital health initiatives.
- Team-based care models: Healthcare is moving toward collaborative, team-based approaches. PAs work closely with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to provide care, often taking on expanded duties in patient management.
- Increased focus on preventative care, wellness, and mental health: Preventative care, patient education, and chronic disease management are driving demand for PAs who can provide support, screenings, and general guidance. Mental health is also a growing priority, with 83% of PAs seeing patients at least monthly who require mental health support and treatment.
- Advances in technology: Healthcare technology is constantly evolving with new diagnostic tools, AI-driven decision support, and innovative treatments now changing the way PAs practice. Staying current with technology and digital health tools is increasingly important.
Skills & Competencies PAs Will Need Going Forward
As healthcare continues to evolve, physician assistants will need to build new skills and strengthen key competencies to meet future demands. These abilities will help PAs provide high-quality care, work effectively in collaborative environments, and stay ahead in the field. In addition to expanded clinical expertise, PAs will need the following competencies:
- Technology fluency: Proficiency with electronic health records (EHRs), telehealth platforms, and emerging medical technologies is increasingly important and will continue to be a key skill for PAs moving forward.
- Advanced communication skills: PAs need to excel at explaining complicated information to patients and families, as well as collaborating efficiently with multidisciplinary healthcare teams.
- Critical thinking and adaptive problem-solving: The ability to quickly evaluate evolving situations, make informed decisions, and adjust plans will be crucial as patient needs and treatment methods change.
- Cultural competence and empathy: Developing a deeper understanding of diverse patient populations and sharpening empathic care practices will help PAs provide equitable, patient-centered care.
- Leadership and collaboration: Future PAs may be expected to take on more leadership roles in team-based care.
- Commitment to lifelong learning: Ongoing education, certifications, and professional development are crucial in order to stay current with new treatments, technologies, and guidelines.
Educational & Career Preparation Tips for Aspiring PAs
Becoming a physician assistant requires thoughtful planning, a strong academic foundation, and hands-on experience. Here are some tips you can take to set yourself up for success:
- Choose the right undergraduate major.
While you don’t need a specific major in order to become a PA, programs in biology, health sciences, kinesiology, psychology, or chemistry make it easier to complete prerequisite coursework.
- Maintain a strong GPA.
PA programs are competitive, so a solid academic record will strengthen your application and demonstrate that you’re capable of handling a graduate-level workload.
- Gain meaningful healthcare experience.
PA programs require hands-on clinical hours. Roles such as EMT, certified medical assistant, certified nursing assistant, phlebotomist, ER tech, or patient care technician are great ways to build direct patient care experience, which many programs prefer.
- Build strong communication and people skills.
PAs work closely with patients, families, and medical teams. Look for opportunities, such as volunteering, customer-facing jobs, or leadership roles, that help you develop empathy, professionalism, and teamwork.
- Consider a pre-physician assistant mentorship program.
This type of program pairs prospective PA school students with an experienced mentor to guide them through the application process.
- Prepare early for the GRE (if applicable).
For those PA programs that require the GRE, it’s important to plan ahead to help you meet score expectations.
- Research PA programs thoughtfully.
Each program varies in terms of prerequisites, required hours, interview style, and philosophy. Create a list of schools and tailor your preparation to meet their specific requirements.
- Create a strong application.
Your personal statement, letters of recommendation, clinical hours, and extracurriculars all matter. Be sure your application shows clear motivation, maturity, and readiness for the profession.
- Engage with the PA community.
Join pre-PA or healthcare clubs, attend virtual info sessions, follow professional organizations, and connect with current PA students or practicing PAs. These connections can provide insights, support, and mentorship.
[Related Resource] Discover Personalized Guidance for Your PA School Journey
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If you’re planning a career as a physician assistant, download our free PA School Application Timeline & Checklist to help you successfully navigate the application process. Looking to gain the hands-on experience and skills needed for PA school? Explore our online healthcare programs, designed to prepare you for the patient care experience required for PA school.
FAQs
How is the physician assistant role changing?
PAs are often taking on more responsibilities in primary care and specialty areas, expanding their use of telehealth, participating in team-based care, and supporting preventative and mental health initiatives. Staying current with technology and honing new skills ensures they continue to meet evolving patient and healthcare system needs.
Where do PAs commonly work?
Physician assistants work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, private practices, urgent care centers, and specialty clinics. They may also work in surgical centers, telehealth services, and community health organizations.
How much do PAs make?
The median annual salary for PAs is approximately $133,000. Total compensation can vary based on factors such as employer type, level of experience, specialty, and geographic location.
Can I apply to PA school without prior healthcare experience?
Most PA programs require hands-on patient care experience, but there are ways to start building your healthcare foundation, even if you don’t have a traditional background. Online medical certification programs, such as Advanced eClinical Training’s Certified Clinical Medical Assistant and Certified Patient Care Technician can help you gain essential skills and knowledge while preparing you for roles that provide the patient care hours needed for PA school applications.
