Physician Assistant Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

Frequently asked questions about Physician Assistants

What is the difference between a Physician Assistant and a Nurse Practitioner?

Physican Assistants and Nurse Practitioners have many similar duties, but they require different qualifications and implement different methods to address a patient’s health. Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners both have the ability to work independently but often operate alongside a Doctor. 

Nurse Practitioners usually work in nursing specialties like primary care, emergency care and geriatric care. They emphasize the nursing model in their work, which involves maintaining the holistic health and lifestyle of a patient to improve their wellness. Physician Assistants work from the medical model, which focuses on treating problems as they arise, curing symptoms and eliminating disease with medication and medical procedures.

What are the daily duties of a Physician Assistant?

Physician Assistants can complete a range of tasks during a typical day in a clinical setting. The exact scope of their work depends on the agreement they make with their attending Physician, who decides what types of treatments and procedures the Physician Assistant is authorized to complete. Some of the procedures they perform include suturing cuts, giving injections, setting broken bones and stabilizing fractures. They talk to patients about their symptoms, take their vital signs, order x-rays and blood tests, interpret lab results and determine the appropriate course of treatment. 

Physician Assistants update patient records and handle some administrative tasks in the medical office. They communicate with their supervising Physician about their patient outcomes and request consultations on cases they need assistance with.

What are the characteristics of a good Physician Assistant?

Good Physician Assistants have the essential qualities to provide excellent medical care to their patients, including patience, compassion, attention to detail and problem-solving skills. They are professional and considerate when talking to patients about their medical issues, communicating clearly about complex medical concepts. Excellent Physician Assistants are independent and take initiative with patients while still implementing guidance from their attending Physician.

Who does a Physician Assistant report to?

In most states, Physician Assistants must report directly to a Physician about their patient’s care. Physician Assistants who operate independently still have a supervising Physician that they can reach out to about getting authority for certain prescriptions or procedures. 

Each state has their own laws about the level of supervision the Physician Assistant needs in order to practice and what kinds of medication they can provide to their patients. Some states have the Physicians themselves set these standards, while others delegate the responsibility to the state medical board. Depending on these standards, Physician Assistants may check in regularly with their supervisor or only meet with them on complex cases.