What Does a PA Do?

A physician assistant (PA) provides medical care by assessing patients and helping determine appropriate treatment. A PA reviews a patient’s health history and examines them to understand their condition. The PA uses those findings to guide care and decide whether testing or referral is appropriate. Depending on the clinical setting and applicable authority, a PA may prescribe medication or perform procedures. By explaining and documenting the care plan, the PA supports patients and helps the clinical team coordinate treatment.

What Is a PA?

A PA is a healthcare professional who examines and treats patients as part of a clinical team. The PA gathers information about a patient’s concerns and health history, then uses it to assess the patient’s condition. A PA may order diagnostic tests and interpret results to help guide care. Depending on the setting and applicable authority, the PA may prescribe medication, perform procedures, or refer a patient for further evaluation. O*NET’s physician assistant profile describes these assessment and treatment activities.

PAs work in settings such as physicians’ offices, hospitals, and outpatient clinics. Their clinical focus depends on their specialty and workplace. They collaborate with physicians and other healthcare professionals to support patient care.

What Are the Main Responsibilities of a PA?

A PA gathers information about a patient’s symptoms and medical history, reviews relevant records, and conducts an examination. If more information is needed, the PA may order diagnostic tests and interpret the results in context. These findings help the PA assess possible causes and determine appropriate next steps.

Based on the assessment, a PA helps develop a diagnosis and plan of care. Depending on the setting and applicable authority, the PA may prescribe medication or perform procedures. If a patient needs care beyond what the PA or workplace can provide, the PA may arrange a referral or consultation.

The PA explains the recommended plan so the patient understands what to do next. The PA also records the assessment and treatment, including follow-up needs. In some settings, PAs monitor hospitalized patients or assist during surgery. O*NET’s clinical task profile describes work such as examining patients, interpreting diagnostic results, and recording patient progress.

What Does a PA Do on a Daily Basis?

A PA may begin the day by reviewing patient records and preparing for appointments or hospital rounds. During an encounter, the PA listens to the patient’s concern and asks questions to clarify symptoms and health history. The PA then examines the patient and determines whether the information gathered is enough to guide care or whether further evaluation is needed.

After assessing the findings, the PA discusses next steps with the patient and documents the encounter. The PA may arrange follow-up or review test results between appointments. If a patient’s condition changes, the PA may reassess the situation and communicate with the care team. The sequence varies by workplace: an outpatient PA may see scheduled patients, while a hospital-based PA may assess admitted patients.

What Skills Does a PA Need?

Clinical reasoning helps a PA connect symptoms with examination findings and test results. When several conditions could explain a complaint, the PA weighs the available evidence and determines whether testing or consultation is appropriate. Attention to detail supports accurate records and reliable follow-up.

Listening helps the PA understand a patient’s concerns and clarify health history. Clear communication matters when explaining a treatment plan in language the patient can understand. Teamwork helps the PA coordinate care with physicians and other clinicians. Organization supports timely documentation during a busy schedule.

How Much Does a PA Earn?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median annual wage for physician assistants was $135,880 in May 2025. This is the midpoint: half of physician assistants earned more and half earned less. Pay varies by industry and location.

What Is the Career Progression for a PA?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that physician assistants typically need a master’s degree to enter the occupation and that all states require them to be licensed. Its occupational profile provides information about education and entry requirements.

After entering practice, a PA may build experience in primary care or a specialty. With experience, some PAs take on broader responsibilities in their clinical setting or move into training, leadership, or administrative work. Career paths vary by employer, workplace, and each person’s interests and qualifications.

How Contingent Workforce Management Helps Businesses Hire PAs

Contingent workforce management services help businesses arrange and administer temporary or project-based work. A clinic might need PA coverage while a clinician is on leave so patient assessments and follow-up can continue for a defined period. If the business has already identified the PA, hiring the worker directly and using third-party payrolling can be a lower-cost alternative to a staffing agency.

TCWGlobal helps companies manage contingent PAs through payrolling and workforce support. For time-limited coverage, these services can handle payroll and assignment administration without adding a permanent position for temporary work. Using third-party payrolling for a directly identified PA can save the company money compared with a staffing agency and reduce administrative work.