Occupation AtlasPhysician Assistants
O*NET · 29-1071.00
Physician Assistants
Provide healthcare services typically performed by a physician, under the supervision of a physician. Conduct complete physicals, provide treatment, and counsel patients. May, in some cases, prescribe medication. Must graduate from an accredited educational program for physician assistants.
Also called AAP · Advanced Practice Provider (AAP) · Anesthetic Assistant · Cardiology Physician Assistant · Certified Physician Assistant (PA-C) · Certified Physician's Assistant (PA-C) · Doctor Assistant · Emergency Medicine PA
25 more
Emergency Medicine Physician Assistant (Emergency Medicine PA) · Family Medicine PA · Family Medicine PA (Family Medicine Physician Assistant) · Family Physician Assistant · Family Practice Physician Assistant · Gynecological Assistant · Medical Service Technician · Neurosurgery PA · Neurosurgery PA (Neurosurgery Physician Assistant) · Orthopaedic Physician Assistant · Orthopedic Physician Assistant · PA · PA-C · Pediatric Physician Assistant · Physician Assistant (PA) · Physician Associate (PA) · Physician's Assistant · Radiology Practitioner Assistant · Surgical Critical Care PA · Surgical Critical Care Physician Assistant (Surgical Critical Care PA) · Surgical PA · Surgical Physician Assistant (Surgical PA) · Urgent Care PA · Urgent Care PA (Urgent Care Physician Assistant) · Urgent Care Specialist
Compare with another occupationCompare with General Internal Medicine Physicians
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 5: Extensive Preparation Needed
Extensive preparation. Usually a graduate degree, with extensive skill, knowledge and experience — many of these occupations expect more than five years of experience.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
SICSocial · Investigative · Conventional — the three strongest interests, in order
- S Social5.89
- I Investigative4.94
- C Conventional4.46
- R Realistic4.00
- E Enterprising1.98
- A Artistic1.16
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- None (35%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- Up to and including 1 month (30%)
- On-the-job training
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (27%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 4.1Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 4.1Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
- Service OrientationImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
- SpeakingbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
- WritingbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
- Active LearningbasicImportance 3.9Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
- MonitoringbasicImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
- SciencebasicImportance 3.6Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Conduct product tests to ensure safety standards are met
Show the other 23
- CoordinationImportance 3.3Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
- Systems EvaluationImportance 3.3Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Identify the reasons why a client might be unhappy with a product
- Time ManagementImportance 3.3Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Allocate the time of subordinates to projects for the coming week
- PersuasionImportance 3.3Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Convince a supervisor to purchase new office equipment
- InstructingImportance 3.1Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
- NegotiationImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Contract with a wholesaler to sell items at a given cost
- Systems AnalysisImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Determine how a new piece of equipment will affect production rates
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- MathematicsbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
- Operations AnalysisImportance 2.6Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 2.4Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
- Operations MonitoringImportance 2.3Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 2.3Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 2.1Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
- TroubleshootingImportance 2.0Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
- ProgrammingImportance 1.9Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Write a program to sort objects in a database
- Technology DesignImportance 1.9Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Adjust exercise equipment for use by a customer
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.1Level —
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.0Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- Operation and ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- RepairingImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
12 coreWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Examine patients to obtain information about their physical condition.Importance 4.9
- Interpret diagnostic test results for deviations from normal.Importance 4.9
- Make tentative diagnoses and decisions about management and treatment of patients.Importance 4.9
- Obtain, compile, and record patient medical data, including health history, progress notes, and results of physical examination.Importance 4.9
- Administer or order diagnostic tests, such as x-ray, electrocardiogram, and laboratory tests.Importance 4.9
- Prescribe therapy or medication with physician approval.Importance 4.9
- Instruct and counsel patients about prescribed therapeutic regimens, normal growth and development, family planning, emotional problems of daily living, and health maintenance.Importance 4.8
- Perform therapeutic procedures, such as injections, immunizations, suturing and wound care, and infection management.Importance 4.5
- Visit and observe patients on hospital rounds or house calls, updating charts, ordering therapy, and reporting back to physician.Importance 4.5
- Provide physicians with assistance during surgery or complicated medical procedures.Importance 4.3
- Supervise and coordinate activities of technicians and technical assistants.Importance 3.7
- Order medical and laboratory supplies and equipment.Importance 3.3
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 5.0Level 6.5Level 7 looks like: Perform open heart surgery
- BiologyImportance 4.8Level 5.7
- English LanguageImportance 4.6Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
- PsychologyImportance 4.6Level 6.1Level 7 looks like: Treat a person with a severe mental illness
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 4.5Level 6.0Level 7 looks like: Counsel an abused child
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 4.2Level 5.7
- Education and TrainingImportance 4.0Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 3.6Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Write an article about cultural differences
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- ChemistryImportance 3.5Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Use the proper concentration of chlorine to purify a water source
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 3.5Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
- MathematicsImportance 3.4Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 3.2Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Inspect a building site for safety violations
- Communications and MediaImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Host a music radio show
- AdministrativeImportance 2.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
- Law and GovernmentImportance 2.9Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Prepare documents and title papers for the purchase of a new house
- Administration and ManagementImportance 2.6Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
- TelecommunicationsImportance 2.6Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.5Level 2.9
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 2.4Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Understand another culture's religious practices
- PhysicsImportance 2.3Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
- Foreign LanguageImportance 1.9Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
- Economics and AccountingImportance 1.7Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.7Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
- MechanicalImportance 1.7Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
- GeographyImportance 1.6Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
- Production and ProcessingImportance 1.6Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
- Sales and MarketingImportance 1.6Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
- DesignImportance 1.5Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
- TransportationImportance 1.5Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.4Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.2Level —
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.1Level —
- Food ProductionImportance 1.1Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 4.1Level 4.4Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 4.1Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 4.1Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Problem SensitivityImportance 4.1Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
- Information OrderingImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
- Oral ExpressionImportance 4.0Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Speech ClarityImportance 4.0Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
- Speech RecognitionImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
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- Written ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
- Written ExpressionImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
- Near VisionImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 5 looks like: Read the fine print of a legal document
- Category FlexibilityImportance 3.4Level 3.9Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 3.3Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
- Far VisionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
- Finger DexterityImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 3.0Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Decide how to calculate profits to determine the amounts of yearly bonuses
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Trace electrical circuits marked by various colored wires
- Manual DexterityImportance 2.9Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
- MemorizationImportance 2.9Level 2.9
- Number FacilityImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
- OriginalityImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
- Selective AttentionImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- Time SharingImportance 2.9Level 2.8Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
- Trunk StrengthImportance 2.9Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
- VisualizationImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
- Control PrecisionImportance 2.3Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 2.3Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
- Explosive StrengthImportance 2.1Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Hit a nail with a hammer
- Static StrengthImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
- Auditory AttentionImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- Depth PerceptionImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 2.0Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
- StaminaImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
- Reaction TimeImportance 1.9Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.8Level 0.9
- Response OrientationImportance 1.5Level 0.6
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.1Level —
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
- Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Rate ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 5.0Level 6.6Level 7 looks like: Care for seriously injured persons in an emergency room
- Getting InformationImportance 4.9Level 6.1Level 7 looks like: Study international tax laws
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.8Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 4.8Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 4.8Level 6.2Level 7 looks like: Learn information related to a complex and rapidly changing technology
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 4.7Level 6.1Level 7 looks like: Make the final decision about a company's 5-year plan
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 4.6Level 5.5Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 4.5Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
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- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 4.5Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 4.4Level 6.0Level 7 looks like: Determine the reaction of a virus to a new drug
- Working with ComputersImportance 4.4Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
- Processing InformationImportance 4.2Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 4.1Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 4.1Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 4.1Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 4.0Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 4.0Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 4.0Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 3.9Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.9Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 3.7Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 3.5Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 3.5Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 3.3Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 3.3Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 3.2Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 3.2Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 3.2Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.1Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 2.9Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 2.8Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.5Level 2.8
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 2.4Level 2.6
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 2.3Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 2.3Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.5Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.3Level —
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.3Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.2Level —
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
17 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
In demand (1)
- Epic Systemshot
Hot (6; 1 more marked hot above)
- eClinicalWorks EHR software
- MEDITECH software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Word
Other tools (10)
- ChartWare EMR
- Electronic medical record EMR software
- Healthcare common procedure coding system HCPCS
- Medical condition coding software
- Medical procedure coding software
- Patient management software
- Patient records software for personal digital assistants PDAs
- Teleconferencing software
- Teleradiology systems
- Web browser software
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
General Internal Medicine Physicians
Average difference 0.1 points · Equipment Selection +0.5, Operation and Control +0.5
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Pharmacists
Average difference 0.2 points · Time Management +0.6, Science −0.5
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Nurse Practitioners
Average difference 0.2 points · Operation and Control +0.8, Coordination +0.5
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Neurologists
Average difference 0.2 points · Coordination +0.5, Operations Analysis −0.5
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Hospitalists
Average difference 0.2 points · Management of Material Resources −0.7, Coordination +0.6
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physicians
Average difference 0.2 points · Operation and Control +1.0, Instructing +0.7
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Naturopathic Physicians
Average difference 0.2 points · Operations Analysis −0.7, Monitoring −0.5
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Dietitians and Nutritionists
Average difference 0.2 points · Instructing +0.7, Learning Strategies +0.7
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.