Physician Assistant Jobs: 10 Specialties to Consider
As the U.S. healthcare system grapples with physician and nursing shortages, physician assistants (PAs) have become even more valued in recent years.
PAs are tasked with assisting physicians in all types of healthcare settings. They oftentimes find themselves working alongside physicians and can even pursue specialties as physicians do.
Physician assistant programs are significantly shorter than doctoral programs, so PAs are well-equipped to quickly plug holes in the healthcare system.
How to Become a Physician Assistant
It’s a fairly straightforward path to becoming a physician assistant in the U.S.
That’s not to say it’s an easy path, but it is quicker than becoming a doctor. Physician assistant salaries may not be as high, on average, as physicians’, but PAs can still positively impact patients’ lives in many of the same ways.
Earn a bachelor’s degree
Before attending graduate programs, prospective PAs must complete a bachelor’s degree with prerequisite courses in physiology, chemistry, biology, and anatomy. Some physician assistant schools also require healthcare experience.Complete an accredited physician assistant program
Physician assistant jobs require a master’s degree from an accredited PA program. Accredited physician assistant programs typically take 24-27 months to complete and include clinical training.Pass the certification exam
The National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) administers the certification exam for PAs. Candidates must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination to receive a state-issued PA license.Apply for PA jobs
With a physician assistant license, PAs can apply for entry-level roles and pursue specialty areas.Pursue specialty certificates
NCCPA also offers specialty certificates in seven physician assistant specialties. These certificates demonstrate expertise in a specialty area.
Featured Online Physical Assistant Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Physician Assistant Specialties
The definition of a physician assistant may be broad, but in practice PAs often find themselves working within a healthcare specialty soon after passing their licensing exam.
Anesthesia
Certified anesthesiologist assistants (CAAs) work with anesthesiologists to implement anesthesia care plans. That could include assisting in administering the anesthesia, monitoring the patient, or maintaining desired anesthesia levels during a procedure.
If you’re interested in becoming a CAA, you must attend a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). You must then pass the Certifying Examination for Anesthesiologist Assistants.
The average CAA earns just under $111,000 per year, according to Payscale data.
Cardiology
PAs who practice in cardiology assist cardiology patients through various clinical duties. Some common procedures cardiology PAs carry out include aortic balloon pump removal and elective cardioversion, and they may even provide care to patients experiencing heart failure.
If you’re interested in becoming a cardiology PA, obtaining a cardiology Certificate of Added Qualifications is not necessary, but it may help show off your expertise in cardiology.
Cardiology PAs earn, on average, just under $109,000 per year, according to Payscale.
Dermatology
PAs specializing in dermatology focus their practice on issues related to the skin. Generally, their duties may include treating common skin conditions like acne or assisting in more advanced procedures like Mohs surgery.
There are no dermatology-specific certifications you need to become a dermatology PA. Still, you can consider following the American Academy of Dermatology medical school curriculum to prepare for this role.
Dermatology PAs earn approximately $102,500 annually, according to Payscale.
Ears, Nose, Throat (ENT)/Otolaryngology
ENT PAs can work in various settings, including in outpatient care and in surgery rooms. A typical ENT PA’s day could include conducting physical exams of patients and performing minor procedures like earwax removal or examining a patient’s sinuses with a camera.
If becoming an ENT PA intreagues you, the good news is that there are no additional qualifications beyond a PA license that you need. Still, taking otolaryngology courses in college is recommended.
ENT PAs earn just under $102,500 per year, on average, according to Payscale.
Internal medicine
PAs specializing in internal medicine may work at doctor’s offices or hospitals in meeting with patients, diagnosing conditions, and coming up with treatment plans. They work under a certified physician.
If this calls to you, it’s recommended that you pursue a fellowship in internal medicine after earning your PA certification.
Internal medicine PAs typically make just over $108,500 per year, per Payscale.
Neurology
Issues related to the brain and nervous system would fall under the purview of neurology PAs. That could include treating stroke victims in an emergency or interpreting brain images from CT scans and MRIs.
If you’re interested in becoming a neurology PA, the pathway is similar to becoming a general PA. There are no required certifications to specialize in neurology.
Neurology PAs make, on average, $106,400 annually, according to Payscale.
Obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN)
PAs specializing in obstetrics and gynecology work with patients to assess gynecological conditions. Some common tasks include testing for breast or cervical cancer, addressing fertility concerns, and providing pre- and post-natal care.
If this PA path interests you, you should look to do your clinical rotation at an OB/GYN clinic. There are no special qualifications needed beyond a PA license.
OB/GYN PA make nearly $104,000 per year, on average, according to Payscale.
Radiology
PAs specializing in radiology perform many of the same duties as licensed radiologists. That means they diagnose and help treat injuries using some sort of medical imaging device like an X-ray machine. Unlike radiology assistants, a radiology PA has more autonomy in treating patients.
Pursuing a Registered Radiologic Assistant (RRA) certification may not be necessary to become a radiology PA, but it could help you land a job.
PAs with radiology skills make nearly $114,500 annually, according to Payscale, making it the highest-paying PA specialty.
Pediatrics
PAs interested in working with children may consider specializing in pediatrics. PAs working in pediatrics, can help patients under the age of 18 with any number of medical conditions. This specialization is descriptive of the age of patients being treated, not day-to-day responsibilities.
If becoming a pediatric PA is up your alley, you should consider pursuing a certificate of added qualifications (CAQ) in pediatrics. This certification is not required, but it could help set you apart from other PAs in the field.
The average salary for a pediatric PA is $102,000 per year, per Payscale.
Surgery
Surgical PAs are trained to aid surgeons, often as the first assistant in the surgery room. They may also perform minor surgeries on their own, and are often tasked with carrying out post-operative duties.
While not required to become a surgical PA, it’s recommended that you pursue a surgical residency during PA school. You may also want to choose a PA program designed with a surgical purpose.
Surgical PAs make approximately $112,250 annually, according to Payscale.
Physician Assistant Salary
The median annual salary for physician assistants is $126,010 per year, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
That’s a healthy median salary, even compared to all healthcare diagnosing or treating practitioners ($93,710). Pair that with a projected 27% job growth rate, and becoming a PA quickly becomes an attractive career option for those interested in healthcare.
Even low-earning PAs (10th percentile) made $83,820 annually, which is higher than the national median for all occupations.
| Occupation | Median pay (2023) |
|---|---|
| Physician assistants | $130,020 |
| Registered nurses | $86,070 |
| Physicians and surgeons | $239,200 |
| Occupational therapists | $96,370 |
| All occupations | $46,310 |
How to Find a Job as a Physician Assistant?
Physician assistants can begin preparing for the job market during their master’s program. While meeting clinical rotation requirements, PA students can expand their professional network and gain valuable hands-on training. During a master’s program, graduate students can also prepare for physician assistant specialties through electives and clinical training.
PA programs often provide career services, including connecting graduates with employers or recruiters. Joining a professional organization can also help early-career physician assistants identify career opportunities. In addition to general job search sites, PAs can check the Career Center run by the American Association of Physician Assistants (AAPA). In addition to job search and practice tools, AAPA offers a job board that seekers can filter by specialty.
How Do I Choose a Physician Assistant Specialty?
Choosing a physician assistant specialty comes down to two key questions:
- What kinds of ailments are you most interested in treating?
- What types of patients do you feel most connected to?
The first question may help direct you to a PA specialty focused on a part of the body or treatment. For example, if treating skin cancer is something important to you, then perhaps a career as a dermatology PA may interest you.
The second question can help you choose a specialty that is directed at a certain patient group. If you want to work more with children, you may consider becoming a pediatric PA.
You can explore specialties during your PA rotations if no specialty calls to you now.
Frequently Asked Questions About Physician Assistant Careers
The highest-paid PAs are radiology PAs, according to Payscale data.
These PAs make $114,434 annually, on average. Radiology PAs work with medical imaging devices like X-ray machines to diagnose injuries and other ailments in patients.
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