Physician assistant job description
Updated March 14, 2024
10 min read
Physician assistants work closely with and support doctors, but they may also work with other healthcare professionals. They may be assigned to perform basic patient exams, monitor a patient's vital signs, order laboratory tests, or assist in medical procedures.
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Example physician assistant requirements on a job description
Physician assistant requirements can be divided into technical requirements and required soft skills. The lists below show the most common requirements included in physician assistant job postings.
Sample physician assistant requirements
- Master's degree in Physician Assistant Studies
- National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) certification
- State licensure as a Physician Assistant
- Minimum of 2 years of clinical experience
- Strong knowledge of medical terminology and procedures
Sample required physician assistant soft skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work well in a team environment
- Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills
- Ability to multitask and prioritize effectively
- Compassionate and empathetic towards patients
Physician assistant job description example 1
Ochsner Health physician assistant job description
This job works in a collaborative model including but not limited to: residents, fellows, attendings, and staff who care for outpatient clinic patients of the organization. This job works under the supervision of the Medical Director or approved staff physician and in association with the PCCs, staff nurses, and discharge coordinator in the planning, implementation and evaluation of medical and nursing care; and assumes responsibility for primary and urgent medical management, emergency stabilization of all critically ill patients, teaching of residents and medical students, staff development and education, patient education and discharge planning.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.
This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at the company's discretion.
Education
Required - Bachelor's degree in Physician Assistant medicine or Health Sciences, or graduate of an approved Physician Assistant Training Program.
Required - Master's degree in Nursing
Work Experience
Required - None.
Preferred - 3 years' related working experience.
Certifications
Required - License as a Physician Assistant in the state of practice, NCCPA Certified, Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) / Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Certification from the American Heart Association.
Eligible for Prescriptive Authority in the state of practice as outlined by the State Board of Medical Examiners.
Required - Current License as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in the state of practice
Family Nurse Practitioner or Adult/Geriatric Nurse Practitioner ANCC or AANPCP Certified for
Family Nurse Practitioner or Pediatric Nurse Practitioner ANCC or AANPCP Certified
Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) / Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Certification from the American Heart Association
Eligible for Prescriptive Authority in the state of practice as outlined by the State Board of Nursing
Knowledge Skills and Abilities (KSAs)
Computer skills and dexterity for data entry and retrieval of required job information. Effective verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present information clearly and professionally. Proficient with Windows-style applications, various software packages specific to role and keyboard. Strong interpersonal skills. Working knowledge of Advanced Practice Provider policies and protocols at a department and campus/system level. Ability to have reliable transportation as must be able to travel throughout and between facilities. Ability to work a flexible work schedule (e.g. 24/7, weekend, holiday, on call availability).
Job Duties
Utilizes the approved medical practices process in the delivery of all patient care. Provides care based on physical, psycho/social, educational, safety and related criteria, appropriate to the ages of patients served in assigned areas. Maintains an attitude of inquiry towards medical practices and patient care outcomes, and may develop research methodology. Provides education experiences to patient families, staff, other health professionals, and to the community. Adapts behavior to the specific patient population, including but not limited to: respect for privacy, method of introduction to the patient, adapting explanation of services or procedures to be performed, requesting permissions and communication style. Performs other related duties as required.
The above statements describe the general nature and level of work only. They are not an exhaustive list of all required responsibilities, duties, and skills. Other duties may be added, or this description amended at any time.
Remains knowledgeable on current federal, state and local laws, accreditation standards or regulatory agency requirements that apply to the assigned area of responsibility and ensures compliance with all such laws, regulations and standards.
This employer maintains and complies with its Compliance & Privacy Program and Standards of Conduct, including the immediate reporting of any known or suspected unethical or questionable behaviors or conduct; patient/employee safety, patient privacy, and/or other compliance-related concerns.
The employer is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.
Physical and Environmental Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Medium Work - Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. (Constantly: activity or condition exists 2/3 or more of the time) to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for Sedentary Work. Even though the weight lifted may be only a negligible amount, a job should be rated Light Work: (1) when it requires walking or standing to a significant degree; or (2) when it requires sitting most of the time but entails pushing and/or pulling of arm or leg controls; and/or (3) when the job requires working at a production rate pace entailing the constant pushing and/or pulling of materials even though the weight of those materials is negligible. NOTE: The constant stress and strain of maintaining a production rate pace, especially in an industrial setting, can be and is physically demanding of a worker even though the amount of force exerted is negligible.
Must be able to stand for prolonged periods of time.
Must be able to stoop, bend, reach and grab with arms and hands, manual dexterity.
Duties performed routinely require exposure to blood, body fluid and tissue.
The incumbent works in a patient care area; works in an area where patients enter; works directly with patients; and/or works with specimens that could contain communicable diseases. There may be an occupational risk for exposure to communicable diseases.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.
This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at the company's discretion.
Education
Required - Bachelor's degree in Physician Assistant medicine or Health Sciences, or graduate of an approved Physician Assistant Training Program.
Required - Master's degree in Nursing
Work Experience
Required - None.
Preferred - 3 years' related working experience.
Certifications
Required - License as a Physician Assistant in the state of practice, NCCPA Certified, Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) / Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Certification from the American Heart Association.
Eligible for Prescriptive Authority in the state of practice as outlined by the State Board of Medical Examiners.
Required - Current License as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in the state of practice
Family Nurse Practitioner or Adult/Geriatric Nurse Practitioner ANCC or AANPCP Certified for
Family Nurse Practitioner or Pediatric Nurse Practitioner ANCC or AANPCP Certified
Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) / Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Certification from the American Heart Association
Eligible for Prescriptive Authority in the state of practice as outlined by the State Board of Nursing
Knowledge Skills and Abilities (KSAs)
Computer skills and dexterity for data entry and retrieval of required job information. Effective verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present information clearly and professionally. Proficient with Windows-style applications, various software packages specific to role and keyboard. Strong interpersonal skills. Working knowledge of Advanced Practice Provider policies and protocols at a department and campus/system level. Ability to have reliable transportation as must be able to travel throughout and between facilities. Ability to work a flexible work schedule (e.g. 24/7, weekend, holiday, on call availability).
Job Duties
Utilizes the approved medical practices process in the delivery of all patient care. Provides care based on physical, psycho/social, educational, safety and related criteria, appropriate to the ages of patients served in assigned areas. Maintains an attitude of inquiry towards medical practices and patient care outcomes, and may develop research methodology. Provides education experiences to patient families, staff, other health professionals, and to the community. Adapts behavior to the specific patient population, including but not limited to: respect for privacy, method of introduction to the patient, adapting explanation of services or procedures to be performed, requesting permissions and communication style. Performs other related duties as required.
The above statements describe the general nature and level of work only. They are not an exhaustive list of all required responsibilities, duties, and skills. Other duties may be added, or this description amended at any time.
Remains knowledgeable on current federal, state and local laws, accreditation standards or regulatory agency requirements that apply to the assigned area of responsibility and ensures compliance with all such laws, regulations and standards.
This employer maintains and complies with its Compliance & Privacy Program and Standards of Conduct, including the immediate reporting of any known or suspected unethical or questionable behaviors or conduct; patient/employee safety, patient privacy, and/or other compliance-related concerns.
The employer is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.
Physical and Environmental Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Medium Work - Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. (Constantly: activity or condition exists 2/3 or more of the time) to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for Sedentary Work. Even though the weight lifted may be only a negligible amount, a job should be rated Light Work: (1) when it requires walking or standing to a significant degree; or (2) when it requires sitting most of the time but entails pushing and/or pulling of arm or leg controls; and/or (3) when the job requires working at a production rate pace entailing the constant pushing and/or pulling of materials even though the weight of those materials is negligible. NOTE: The constant stress and strain of maintaining a production rate pace, especially in an industrial setting, can be and is physically demanding of a worker even though the amount of force exerted is negligible.
Must be able to stand for prolonged periods of time.
Must be able to stoop, bend, reach and grab with arms and hands, manual dexterity.
Duties performed routinely require exposure to blood, body fluid and tissue.
The incumbent works in a patient care area; works in an area where patients enter; works directly with patients; and/or works with specimens that could contain communicable diseases. There may be an occupational risk for exposure to communicable diseases.
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Physician assistant job description example 2
Community Health Systems physician assistant job description
**Northwest Medical Center is looking for an experienced inpatient/outpatient Bariatric Surgery Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant**
**Summary**
Examines and treats patients independently and in autonomous collaboration with other health care professionals. Ensures proper illness and injury care and disease prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks. May lead and direct the work of others. A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department.
**Requirement**
Master's degree in area of specialty, certification as a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner (CRNP), and state authority for advanced practice. Familiar with a variety of the field's concepts, practices, and procedures.
Northwest Healthcare is a multi-faceted network dedicated to providing safe, quality care at each of our locations. With two (soon to be three) hospitals, two freestanding emergency centers, five urgent care locations and a large physician practice including primary care and a variety of specialists, Northwest Healthcare offers you a wide range of settings in which to work. Common among them all is not only the commitment to providing safe patient care, but to employee satisfaction and growth. It is a culture of teamwork, respect and appreciation for all employees-whether caring for patients directly or working in a support role. NWHC is accredited by The Joint Commission and is an equal opportunity employer: race, gender, disability and Veteran status, and VEVRAA Federal Contractor - priority referral Protected Veterans requested.
**Qualifications**
**Education**
**Required**
+ Masters or better in Other
**Licenses & Certifications**
**Required**
+ C-AHA ACLS
+ C-AHA BLS Basic Cardiac
+ C-ANCC-Family NP
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)
**Summary**
Examines and treats patients independently and in autonomous collaboration with other health care professionals. Ensures proper illness and injury care and disease prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks. May lead and direct the work of others. A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department.
**Requirement**
Master's degree in area of specialty, certification as a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner (CRNP), and state authority for advanced practice. Familiar with a variety of the field's concepts, practices, and procedures.
Northwest Healthcare is a multi-faceted network dedicated to providing safe, quality care at each of our locations. With two (soon to be three) hospitals, two freestanding emergency centers, five urgent care locations and a large physician practice including primary care and a variety of specialists, Northwest Healthcare offers you a wide range of settings in which to work. Common among them all is not only the commitment to providing safe patient care, but to employee satisfaction and growth. It is a culture of teamwork, respect and appreciation for all employees-whether caring for patients directly or working in a support role. NWHC is accredited by The Joint Commission and is an equal opportunity employer: race, gender, disability and Veteran status, and VEVRAA Federal Contractor - priority referral Protected Veterans requested.
**Qualifications**
**Education**
**Required**
+ Masters or better in Other
**Licenses & Certifications**
**Required**
+ C-AHA ACLS
+ C-AHA BLS Basic Cardiac
+ C-ANCC-Family NP
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)
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Physician assistant job description example 3
University of Maryland Medical System physician assistant job description
What You Will Do:
Baltimore Washington Medical Center (UMBWMC), a member of the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS), is looking to add a Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Physician Assistant (PA) to its Cardiology practice, located on BWMC's campus in Glen Burnie, MD.
Job Specifics:
+ Group comprised of 8 Cardiologists and 3 APP's.
+ Well established practice serving the community for over 30 years!
+ Inpatient & Outpatient Setting
+ Ideal candidate will have experience in cardiology, emergency medicine, or critical care.
+ NP's must be acute care certified to be considered.
+ Work-life balance sustained by very manageable weekend call rotation, which results in a 4-day weekend!
+ Comprehensive benefits package, including malpractice with tail and CME
The University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center (UMBWMC) provides the highest quality health care services to the communities we serve. Our medical center is home to leading-edge technology, nationally recognized quality, personalized service and outstanding people. We have 285 licensed beds and we're home to 3,200 employees and over 800 physicians. Our expert physicians and experienced, compassionate staff are connected to medical practices in the local community as well as at University of Maryland Medical Center in downtown Baltimore. For patients, this means access to high-quality care and research discoveries aimed at improving Maryland's health. Our physicians and nursing staff specialize in emergency, acute, medical-surgical and critical care. In addition, our medical center is home to many Centers of Excellence, offering expert outpatient health care.
The University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) is a university-based regional health care system focused on serving the health care needs of Maryland. As one of the largest private employers in the state, University of Maryland Medical System's 28,000 employees and 4,000 affiliated physicians provide primary and specialty care in more than 150 locations and at 13 hospitals.
Be part of a rich tradition of Medicine while shaping the future of care delivery. We are not accepting inquiries or solicitations from 3rd party recruiters/search firms.
We are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
What You Need to Be Successful:
+ Master of Science degree with completion of an accredited Acute Care Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant Program required.
+ Current state licensure as a Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant required.
+ Current state licensure as a Registered Nurse required for NPs.
+ Current BLS certification or obtained prior to providing direct patient care is required.
+ CDS and DEA eligible.
We are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Baltimore Washington Medical Center (UMBWMC), a member of the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS), is looking to add a Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Physician Assistant (PA) to its Cardiology practice, located on BWMC's campus in Glen Burnie, MD.
Job Specifics:
+ Group comprised of 8 Cardiologists and 3 APP's.
+ Well established practice serving the community for over 30 years!
+ Inpatient & Outpatient Setting
+ Ideal candidate will have experience in cardiology, emergency medicine, or critical care.
+ NP's must be acute care certified to be considered.
+ Work-life balance sustained by very manageable weekend call rotation, which results in a 4-day weekend!
+ Comprehensive benefits package, including malpractice with tail and CME
The University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center (UMBWMC) provides the highest quality health care services to the communities we serve. Our medical center is home to leading-edge technology, nationally recognized quality, personalized service and outstanding people. We have 285 licensed beds and we're home to 3,200 employees and over 800 physicians. Our expert physicians and experienced, compassionate staff are connected to medical practices in the local community as well as at University of Maryland Medical Center in downtown Baltimore. For patients, this means access to high-quality care and research discoveries aimed at improving Maryland's health. Our physicians and nursing staff specialize in emergency, acute, medical-surgical and critical care. In addition, our medical center is home to many Centers of Excellence, offering expert outpatient health care.
The University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) is a university-based regional health care system focused on serving the health care needs of Maryland. As one of the largest private employers in the state, University of Maryland Medical System's 28,000 employees and 4,000 affiliated physicians provide primary and specialty care in more than 150 locations and at 13 hospitals.
Be part of a rich tradition of Medicine while shaping the future of care delivery. We are not accepting inquiries or solicitations from 3rd party recruiters/search firms.
We are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
What You Need to Be Successful:
+ Master of Science degree with completion of an accredited Acute Care Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant Program required.
+ Current state licensure as a Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant required.
+ Current state licensure as a Registered Nurse required for NPs.
+ Current BLS certification or obtained prior to providing direct patient care is required.
+ CDS and DEA eligible.
We are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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Updated March 14, 2024
Updated March 14, 2024