Occupation information for

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.

Currently Employed: 83,600

Yearly Projected Openings: 4,060

Typical Hourly Wage: $36.72 - $50.43

Typical Annual Salary: $76,400 - $104,900

• Examine patients to obtain information about their physical condition.
• Obtain, compile and record patient medical data, including health history, progress notes and results of physical examination.
• Interpret diagnostic test results for deviations from normal.
• Make tentative diagnoses and decisions about management and treatment of patients.
• Prescribe therapy or medication with physician approval.
• Administer or order diagnostic tests, such as x-ray, electrocardiogram, and laboratory tests.
• Instruct and counsel patients about prescribed therapeutic regimens, normal growth and development, family planning, emotional problems of daily living, and health maintenance.
• Perform therapeutic procedures, such as injections, immunizations, suturing and wound care, and infection management.
• Provide physicians with assistance during surgery or complicated medical procedures.
• Visit and observe patients on hospital rounds or house calls, updating charts, ordering therapy, and reporting back to physician.

• Hypodermic needles
• Ophthalmoscopes or otoscopes or scope sets
• Spinal trays or needles
• Surgical clamps or clips or forceps or accessories
• Vacuum blood collection tubes or containers

• Internet browser software
• Medical software
• Spreadsheet software
• Storage media loading software
• Word processing software