resume job description for physician assistant

Build my resume

• Build a better resume in minutes
• Resume examples
• 2,000+ examples that work in 2024
• Resume templates
• Free templates for all levels
• Cover letters
• Cover letter generator
• It's like magic, we promise
• Cover letter examples
• Free downloads in Word & Docs

5 Physician Assistant (PA) Resume Examples Made for 2024

Physician Assistant

Best for senior and mid-level candidates

There’s plenty of room in our elegant resume template to add your professional experience while impressing recruiters with a sleek design.

Resume Builder

Like this template? Customize this resume and make it your own with the help of our Al-powered suggestions, accent colors, and modern fonts.

Physician Assistant Resume

• Physical Assistant Resumes by Experience
• Physician Assistant Resumes by Role
• Write Your Physician Assistant Resume

You perform all kinds of tasks as a licensed clinician or physician assistant (PA), taking care of everything from basic medical procedures under the supervision of a doctor. You might help patients in a variety of settings (including homes and hospice facilities) and specialize in something like injury care or dermatology.

But how do you make a cover letter and resume look as well put-together as you are when you respond to each patient’s unique and changing needs? What skills should you include to show your ability to provide holistic care?

Don’t stress yourself out—we’ve helped many medical professionals over the years, and our five physician assistant resume examples and resume tips can help you settle into your role, too!

or download as PDF

Why this resume works

• While everyone will highlight generic achievements, let your physician assistant resume go a notch higher to detail measurable input to help physicians deliver excellent care and reinforce patient access to services with improved outcomes.

PA School Resume

• Having a credible background will make your application and PA school resume stand out from the crowd and show that you’re well-versed with multiple disorders and understand how to treat them well. Don’t forget to mention what degree you hold in the medical field such as a bachelor’s in health and human Physiology.

PA Student Resume

• Since you’ve got no related experience, projects are also going to help your PA student resume. Add any instances of you volunteering or attending a seminar that covered the importance and role of physician assistants in healthcare.

Physician Assistant New Grad Resume

• Make a strong case for your transferable skills, such as attending to patients on time, improving outcomes, innovating a program to support better care for critically ill patients, and streamlining health records in your physician assistant new grad resume.

Dermatology Physician Assistant  Resume

• The secret for your dermatology physician assistant resume to be irresistible lies in detailing your numbers in problems solved, patients served, and individual initiatives to automate processes to save time, and support teamwork.

Related resume examples

• Medical Assistant
• Dental Assistant
• Experienced Medical Assistant

Tailor Your Physician Assistant Resume to the Job Requirements

As you can see from our resume examples , different niches beneath the umbrella of physician assistance can (and should!) significantly affect your resume’s build. You don’t want to over-emphasize your general, preventative healthcare skills while applying for a dermatology physician assistant role.

How clerical vs. clinical is the job you’re applying for? Does the job description mention more hands-on stuff like blood drawing and X-rays, or does it focus more on patient records and related programs like Doxy.me and Epic?

Basically: Find what the job description seeks, fill in those gaps whenever your skills match, and you’ll have a nice-looking skills list! You can also look more organized by grouping similar skills together.

Need some inspiration?

15 best physician assistant skills

• Sample Collection
• Patient Records
• Surescripts
• Holistic Diagnosis
• Patient Education
• Preventative Care
• Laboratory Reports
• Attention to Detail
• Injury Care

Your physician assistant work experience bullet points

Those skills are looking good! But don’t make the mistake of assuming that repeating points from the job requirements will be enough to set them off. Go beyond copying job duties that are already listed and leverage your past achievements in your favor instead.

You need strong bullet points that streamline powerful qualifying experiences from your job history, whether those jobs are related to physician assistant roles or not. Highlight your successes with active language and verbs that show the positive impact you left.

And measure that impact, too! Use quantifiable data as metrics for your successful experiences to turn stories into qualifications :

• Use improved recovery percentages
• Mention increased patient satisfaction rates
• Talk about reduced labor hours
• Share how many dollars you saved by organizing medical supplies

See what we mean?

• Decreased patient wait times by an average of 8 minutes through streamlined scheduling and supporting admin work
• Integrated VisualDx into patient skin analysis, resulting in a 24% increase in accurate diagnoses
• Helped community members navigate healthcare systems and schedule appointments, boosting care access feedback ratings to 4.9/5 stars
• Recommended HealthKit for homecare routines, which resulted in a 29% decrease in hospital basic checks like blood sugar and pressure

9 active verbs to start your physician assistant work experience bullet points

• Recommended
• Spearheaded
• Administered
• Streamlined

3 Tips for Writing a Physician Assistant Resume With Limited Experience

• Don’t sweat it if you don’t have tons of previous experience that relates directly to physician assistance. Everyone has to start somewhere, and you can start by looking for job requirements that prior roles fulfilled. Think of how customer service translates to bedside manner or how food inventory monitoring taught you how to maintain the medical supply closet.
• If you had an awesome GPA in a relevant degree (like a Bachelor’s in Physician Assistant Studies), share it! If you took additional classes or earned a state Physician Assistant License, list those too.
• Some applicants don’t have any work experience in the medical field whatsoever—if that’s you, think of any other stuff like internships or projects that relate to duties or roles you’d handle as a physician assistant! Did you ever lead a database project in college or volunteer in a nursing home?

3 Tips for Writing a Physician Assistant Resume if You Already Have Some Experience

• Now that you’ve already got some snazzy physician assistant experiences under your belt, lay them out in reverse-chronological order so that your best achievements sit at the top of the resume. The recruiter will read them first and want more!
• If you feel your resume would benefit from a little intro to tie everything together, go for a resume summary instead of a resume objective . Share a few details of how you’re already qualified to work as an excellent physician assistant—just don’t repeat yourself!
• While it might be tempting to share every relevant job you’ve ever worked, less is more! It’s better to stick with just 3-4 jobs and demonstrate depth of knowledge within each role. You can always discuss more in your physician assistant cover letter or interview.

You’ll do fine! If your resume page still feels sparse after adding your personal info, education, skills, and experiences, you can still add more. Try adding relevant hobbies & interests , and projects that bolster your ability to work in medical assistance.

Don’t leave out basics like your state’s Physician Assistant License, but don’t limit yourself either! If you have specialty certifications in niches like Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery or Hospice Care, include them.

Maybe not! If you have enough qualifying experiences and a notable job history that already aligns with the physician assistant role, there’s no need to rehash things. If your EMR software prowess and contributions to excellent patient recovery rates speak for themselves, let them!

Do you need help with your resume?

Hey, thanks for checking out BeamJobs!

Want to make a resume or get feedback on one you have?

Cool, we’ll review your resume and let you know how you can improve it.

Physician Assistant Resume Examples and Templates for 2024

• Resume Examples
• Resume Text Examples

How To Write a Physician Assistant Resume

• Entry-Level
• Senior-Level

Physician Assistant Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples

Kevin Morrison (123) 456-7890 [email protected] 123 Santa Maria, San Francisco, CA 12345

A licensed Physician Assistant with three years of healthcare work experience specializing in patient care, medical triage, communication, and patient relations. Adept at collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and physicians to drive positive outcomes and ensure patient satisfaction.

Professional Experience

Physician Assistant, Heartline Hospital, San Diego, CA May 2020 – Present

• Coordinated with clinical teams to provide support to the attending physician, perform patient assessments and physical examinations, gather patient medical history, and evaluate symptoms to identify potential diagnosis
• Educate patients on medical conditions, symptoms, and diagnosis with empathy and understanding and provide emotional support throughout treatment
• Perform diagnostic, imaging, and laboratory testing, analyze results, and provide recommendations on treatment plans and medication prescriptions

Physician Assistant, Lantern Medical Center, San Diego, CA May 2018 – May 2019

• Provided patient-centered care and conducted a variety of therapeutic procedures, including vaccinations, immunizations, wound care, and IV treatment
• Performed clinical diagnostics and patient assessments, which included conducting interviews to gather medical data and evaluate symptoms
• Ensured compliance with HIPAA regulations and data privacy protocols for patient records

Master of Science (M.S.) Physician Assistant Studies University of San Diego, San Diego, CA May 2016 – May 2018

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Health Sciences University of San Diego, San Diego, CA September 2012 – May 2016

• Patient Care
• Medication Administration
• Medical Triage
• Patient Assessment
• Communication

Certifications

• Certified Physician Assistant (PA-C) State of California, License #123456, 2018
• Basic Life Support (BLS), American Heart Association (AHA), 2018

Selena Ramirez (123) 456-7890 [email protected] 123 Bedford Avenue, New York, NY, 12345

A licensed Physician Assistant with five years of healthcare work experience specializing in patient-centered care, relationship building, and acute care. A proven track record of driving patient advocacy and identifying opportunities to improve the patient experience.

Physician Assistant, Hopkins Medical Center, New York, NY May 2020 – Present

• Deliver quality patient-centered care to diverse patient populations, serve as an advocate for patient rights, and coordinate with clinical teams to develop treatment plans in alignment with the emotional, spiritual, and physical needs of patients
• Achieve patient satisfaction ratings of 91% by developing positive relationships and ensuring the delivery of quality care across all phases of treatment
• Provide education to patients and families on medical diagnosis, treatment plans, medication regimen, and long-term patient outlook

Physician Assistant, St. Joe’s Hospital, New York, NY May 2017 – May 2019

• Collaborated with clinical teams, medical assistants, and physicians to deliver quality patient care and treatment, which included performing assessments, conducting intake interviews, monitoring vital signs, and providing emotional support
• Analyzed patient reactions to treatment, medications, and therapy, evaluated findings, and delivered medical reports to physicians to identify changes to treatment plans

Master of Science (M.S.) Physician Assistant Studies Columbia University, New York, NY May 2015 – May 2017

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Health Sciences Columbia University, New York, NY September 2011 – May 2015

• Patient-Centered Care
• Clinical Operations
• Continuous Improvement
• Relationship Building
• Certified Physician Assistant (PA-C) State of New York, License #123456, 2017
• Basic Life Support (BLS), American Heart Association (AHA), 2017

John Bergsen (123) 456-7890 [email protected] 123 Bridge Street, Boston, MA 12345

A licensed Physician Assistant with 10+ years of healthcare work experience specializing in patient-centered care, team leadership, and clinical operations. A strong history of identifying opportunities to enhance clinical workflows and drive positive medical outcomes for patients.

Lead Physician Assistant, St. Mark’s Hospital, Boston, MA May 2016 – Present

• Oversee a team of 20+ nursing assistants and medical assistants in coordination with physicians for a 300-bed hospital with a 1:6 patient ratio and ensure compliance with quality care standards, HIPAA regulations, and hospital protocols
• Identify opportunities to enhance medical operations, streamline intake processes, and reduce patient wait times by 15%, resulting in a 93% patient satisfaction rating
• Conduct patient assessments and physical examinations to identify evidence-based treatment plans and administer medication as needed

Physician Assistant, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA May 2011 – May 2016

• Coordinated with multidisciplinary teams to analyze patient symptoms and implement treatment plans based on age-related, emotional, and cultural needs
• Ensured the delivery of patient-centered care across all levels of a 150-bed medical center with a 1:5 patient ratio, which included serving as a patient advocate

Master of Science (M.S.) Physician Assistant Studies Harvard University, Cambridge, MA May 2009 – May 2011

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Health Sciences Harvard University, Cambridge, MA September 2005 – May 2009

• Team Leadership
• Operations Management
• Clinical Workflows
• Certified Physician Assistant (PA-C) State of Massachusetts, License #123456, 2011
• Basic Life Support (BLS), American Heart Association (AHA), 2011

To write an eye-catching physician assistant resume, showcase deeper insights into your professional career within the medical field. A generic document that doesn’t capture the nuances of your unique experience won’t be compelling to the hiring manager. Instead, highlight your ability to create value for patients and hospitals. This guide provides valuable tips and insights to help you translate your career into an accomplishment-driven resume.

1. Summarize your physician assistant qualifications in a dynamic profile

The profile section where you summarize your skills and experience goes at the top of your resume. At a minimum, it should include your years of health care experience, what areas you want to work in, and a few keywords relevant to the job description. Focus on conveying who you are as a health care professional, such as your passion for improving quality of life or emphasizing your unique approach to patient care.

For example, patient-centered care is an important term you might feature in your profile. In health care, patients must have a voice in determining their treatment based on their unique emotional, religious, and physical needs. Organizations value candidates who have a background in serving as an advocate for patients throughout treatment lifecycles.

Senior-Level Profile Example

Entry-level profile example, 2. showcase your physician assistant experience.

Strong physician assistant candidates can provide a detailed work history, but this section should be engaging and feature a narrative of your professional experience. Include basic details like where you worked and how long, and then follow with a list of bullets that captures your responsibilities and career achievements within the health care field.

Quantifying your accomplishments can be challenging within the health care field, as patient outcomes are determined by many factors and circumstances. That said, there are metrics you can incorporate to showcase the results of your medical efforts. For example, you might mention the ratio between patients and nurses at the hospital to demonstrate a high-volume caseload. This context would make a high patient satisfaction score all the more compelling because the hiring manager has this additional information.

Senior-Level Professional Experience Example

Lead Physician Assistant, St. Mark’s Hospital, Boston, MA

May 2016 – Present

Entry-Level Professional Experience Example

Physician Assistant, Heartline Hospital, San Diego, CA

May 2020 – Present

3. Outline your education and physician assistant-related certifications

You’ve spent many years working on your education and formal training, which should be highlighted in your resume. Hiring managers will be looking for someone with the proper degree and licensing for the position, so ensure the information can be found easily. List all relevant education, including a bachelor’s degree, school, and graduation year.

For certifications, include the title, awarding body, and year. Most jobs require candidates to have at least a physician assistant certified (PA-C), but list any other relevant credentials from the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA), such as Emergency Medicine, Hospital Medicine, or Pediatrics.

• [Degree Name]
• [School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] – [Graduation Month and Year]
• Master of Science (M.S.) Physician Assistant Studies
• University of San Diego, San Diego, CA – May 2018
• [Certification Name], [Awarding Organization], [License Number], [Completion Year]

4. List physician assistant-related skills and proficiencies

One of the main goals of your resume is to show a hiring manager you’re a good fit for the position and have the skills and experience to succeed. Much of this will come from your work history. But including a separate list of your key skills ensures a hiring manager can quickly see you’re a match and allows you to add in keywords.

Organizations hiring physician assistants are likely looking for candidates who can help reduce patient wait times, increase revenue by adding patients to the practice, and provide top-notch bedside care. If you’re not sure what to include, here are some common skills hiring managers are looking for in this position:

How To Pick the Best Physician Assistant Resume Template

A physician assistant resume should be straightforward and look like a professional business document. It’s best to avoid anything too fancy or nontraditional, such as a full-color background or script font. Choose a basic template that has room for a detailed work history, a skills list, and your education and credentials. Select a single-column format that allows the hiring manager to easily scan your resume for key information.

Frequently Asked Questions: Physician Assistant Resume Examples and Advice

What are common action verbs for physician assistant resumes -.

Action verbs help you convey the full impact of your previous job duties and responsibilities and help the hiring manager visualize you in the role. Action verbs are used at the beginning of bullets but can also be helpful in the profile section.

Good action verbs are specific. Consider the difference between “saw patients” and “evaluated and diagnosed 30 patients per day in the ER.” The second is more specific and provides a better picture of your day-to-day responsibilities. If you need some help picking engaging verbs, check out our list below:

How do you align your resume with a job description? -

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , the average annual salary for physician assistants was $126,010 in 2022, with a projected growth rate of 27% over the next 10 years. Despite the positive long-term outlook for this type of role, you’ll encounter no shortage of competition during the job search. In fact, salaries for physician assistant positions are nearly $50,000 higher than most nursing positions. This is why it’s important to carefully align your resume with the job description.

For example, if the organization focuses on patient-centered care, include examples of you advocating for diverse patient populations. If the job description mentions the role requires a strong background in cross-functional collaboration, you may feature instances of you coordinating with multidisciplinary teams to drive positive patient outcomes. By tailoring your content toward individual job postings, you’ll significantly increase your chances of landing your next job opportunity.

What is the best physician assistant resume format? -

Reverse chronological is the ideal resume format for physician assistants. This ensures that your most recent and relevant experience is featured towards the top of your document. At the entry level, you may opt for a combination approach, which allows you to feature your skills and certifications above your work history. If you select a combination approach, be sure to include detailed bullet points to tell your story within the health care field properly.

Craft your perfect resume in minutes

Get 2x more interviews with Resume Builder. Access Pro Plan features for a limited time!

Frank Hackett

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW)

Frank Hackett is a professional resume writer and career consultant with over eight years of experience. As the lead editor at a boutique career consulting firm, Frank developed an innovative approach to resume writing that empowers job seekers to tell their professional stories. His approach involves creating accomplishment-driven documents that balance keyword optimization with personal branding. Frank is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PAWRCC).

Check Out Related Examples

Health Care Resume Examples and Templates

Medical Doctor Resume Examples and Templates

Nurse Practitioner Resume Examples and Templates

Build a Resume to Enhance Your Career

• How To Include Licenses and Certifications on Your Resume Learn More
• How To List Volunteer Experience on a Resume Learn More
• How To Organize Publications on Your Resume or CV Learn More

Essential Guides for Your Job Search

• How to Write a Resume Learn More
• How to Write a Cover Letter Learn More
• Thank You Note Examples Learn More
• Resignation Letter Examples Learn More

• • Led the development of an institutional assessment protocol that increased the survey response rate by 25% within the first year.
• • Managed a team of analysts to evaluate program outcomes, which resulted in a 15% improvement in student graduation rates.
• • Pioneered a data visualization system that presented complex analysis in an accessible format, leading to actionable insights across departments.
• • Provided consulting and training to faculty on effective assessment practices, yielding a 10% rise in programmatic satisfaction.
• • Designed and implemented a comprehensive exam review system, helping to enhance board pass rates by 8%.
• • Authored in-depth annual reports on program effectiveness, identifying key trends and issuing data-driven recommendations for strategic improvements.
• • Analyzed curriculum outcomes and provided evidence-based feedback leading to the revision of 10+ course syllabi.
• • Streamlined the assessment processes, cutting down reporting time by 30% while maintaining accuracy and compliance.
• • Collaborated across teams to align assessment tools with strategic objectives, enhancing overall program effectiveness.
• • Conducted regular assessment metric reporting to key stakeholders, supporting the college's continuous improvement model.
• • Established benchmarks for program quality, aiding in the consistent achievement of regional accreditation standards.
• • Implemented a new data collection system that improved data accuracy and analysis for program assessments.
• • Played a key role in drafting reports that facilitated a 20% increase in funding for academic initiatives.
• • Provided detailed analysis of student performance data to assist with curriculum development.
• • Coordinated with academic departments to ensure alignment of assessment methods with learning objectives.

5 Physician Assistant Resume Examples & Guide for 2024

Physician assistants play a crucial role in providing patient care, conducting examinations, diagnosing illnesses, and developing treatment plans. On your resume, highlight your clinical experience, educational background, and any relevant certifications. Consider adding skills like effective communication, critical thinking, and proficiency in electronic medical records. Additionally, mentioning your ability to work collaboratively in a healthcare team and your commitment to continuous learning can significantly enhance your appeal to potential employers.

All resume examples in this guide

Resume Guide

Resume Format Tips

Resume Experience

Skills on Resume

Education & Certifications

Resume Summary Tips

Additional Resume Sections

Key Takeaways

As a physician assistant, one specific resume challenge you may encounter is effectively showcasing your extensive medical knowledge and hands-on patient care experience without overwhelming your potential employer with jargon or excessive detail. Our guide can help you translate your expertise into concise, impactful language that highlights your qualifications and makes your resume stand out to healthcare recruiters.

• The most effective physician assistant resume samples, reflecting on experience and skills.
• +10 simple, yet impactful methods to tailor your physician assistant resume to the job advert.
• Using your professional achievements as the North Star to your unique value as a physician assistant candidate.
• 'No one cares about your education nowadays …' Let's prove this statement wrong with the best-kept industry secrets to your education and certifications.

If the physician assistant resume isn't the right one for you, take a look at other related guides we have:

• Veterinary Nurse Resume Example
• Nurse Extern Resume Example
• Hospital Pharmacist Resume Example
• Healthcare Resume Example
• Nurse Resume Example
• Patient Service Representative Resume Example
• Clinical Director Resume Example
• Occupational Health Nurse Resume Example
• Life Coach Resume Example
• Pacu Nurse Resume Example

physician assistant resume format made simple

You don't need to go over the top when it comes to creativity in your physician assistant resume format .

What recruiters care about more is the legibility of your physician assistant resume, alongside the relevancy of your application to the role.

That's why we're presenting you with four simple steps that could help your professional presentation check all the right boxes:

• The reverse-chronological resume format is the one for you, if you happen to have plenty of relevant (and recent) professional experience you'd like to showcase. This format follows a pretty succinct logic and puts the focus on your experience.
• Keep your header simple with your contact details; a headline that details the role you're applying for or your current job; and a link to your portfolio.
• Ensure your resume reaches an up-to-two-page limit, only if you happen to be applying for a more senior role or you have over a decade of relevant experience.
• Save your physician assistant resume as a PDF to retain its structure and presentation.

Upload & Check Your Resume

Drop your resume here or choose a file . PDF & DOCX only. Max 2MB file size.

The more trusted the organization you've attained your certificate (or degree) from, the more credible your skill set would be.

The key to your physician assistant job-winning resume - present your expertise with these sections:

• A header to make your resume more scannable
• Snapshot of who you are as a professional with your resume soft skills, achievements, and summary or objective
• Job advert keywords in the skills section of your resume
• Resume experience quantifying your past job successes with metrics
• A relevant education, certification, and technical sills section to provide background to your technological/software capabilities

What recruiters want to see on your resume:

• Clinical Experience: Details of relevant medical practice settings, procedures performed, and patient care experience.
• State Licensure: Current licensure as a physician assistant and any additional certifications (like Basic Life Support or Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support).
• Specialization: Areas of medical specialization or focus, such as emergency medicine, surgery, family medicine, or orthopedics.
• Technical Skills: Competency with medical software, electronic health records, and telemedicine platforms.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Examples of working effectively with healthcare teams, including physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.

Adding your relevant experience to your physician assistant resume

If you're looking for a way to show recruiters that your expertise is credible, look no further than the resume experience section.

Your physician assistant resume experience can be best curated in a structured, bulleted list detailing the particulars of your career:

• Always integrate metrics of success - what did you actually achieve in the role?
• Scan the physician assistant advert for your dream role in search of keywords in the job requirements - feature those all through your past/current experience;
• Dedicate a bullet (or two) to spotlight your technical capabilities and how you're able to use the particular software/technology in your day-to-day roles;
• Write simple by including your responsibility, a job advert keyword or skill, and a tangible outcome of your success;
• Use the experience section to also define the unique value of working with you in the form of soft skills, relevant feedback, and the company culture you best thrive in.

Industry leaders always ensure that their resume experience section offers an enticing glimpse at their expertise, while telling a career narrative. Explore these sample physician assistant resumes on how to best create your resume experience section.

• Managed care for over 1,200 patients annually in a high-volume urban primary care setting, exceeding patient satisfaction goals by 20%.
• Spearheaded a diabetes management program that improved patient HbA1c control by 25% within the first year.
• Collaborated with an interdisciplinary team to develop individualized care plans, which reduced hospital readmission rates by 15%.
• Performed 500+ successful diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in an emergency department setting, improving patient flow efficiency by 30%.
• Led the implementation of a telehealth initiative that served rural patients, increasing access to specialist consultations by 40%.
• Trained and mentored a team of 10+ junior PAs, resulting in enhanced team productivity and reduced error rates.
• Designed and executed a research project on orthopedic surgical outcomes, which was published in a leading medical journal.
• Assisted in over 300 orthopedic surgeries, including complex joint replacements, contributing to a 95% patient satisfaction rate.
• Developed post-operative rehabilitation protocols that decreased average recovery time by 20%
• Conducted comprehensive psychiatric evaluations for over 800 individuals, leading to more accurate diagnoses and tailored treatment plans.
• Played a pivotal role in forming a crisis intervention program that saw a 50% reduction in involuntary hospitalizations.
• Liaised with community resources to secure ongoing support for patients, drastically improving long-term treatment adherence.
• Oversaw preoperative and postoperative care for pediatric patients in a specialized children’s hospital, improving patient outcomes by 25%.
• Implemented a vaccination outreach program that led to a 15% increase in immunization rates in the community.
• Developed patient education materials that were adopted clinic-wide and praised for enhancing family-centered care.
• Facilitated the care of patients with complex cardiovascular conditions, achieving a 90% rate of treatment adherence through close patient follow-up.
• Contributed to a groundbreaking study on the effects of lifestyle changes on hypertension, which informed clinic practice guidelines.
• Implemented a system for tracking patient outcomes that is now used as a model for other departments in the hospital.
• Optimized electronic medical record usage, leading to a 40% decrease in documentation errors and a 20% increase in billing efficiency.
• Addressed patient care in a multi-specialty clinic setting, seamlessly integrating with different specialty teams to provide comprehensive care.
• Championed a cancer screening program that detected early-stage cancers in 30 patients, allowing for early intervention and improved prognoses.
• Participated in a rural health initiative, extending necessary medical services to over 5,000 underserved patients, increasing community health outcomes by 35%.
• Developed and led a sexual health and education series for teenagers that contributed to a 40% drop in sexually transmitted infections in the participant group.
• Managed acute and chronic medical conditions in an outpatient setting, maintaining a 98% patient retention rate through personalized care.

Quantifying impact on your resume

• Detail the number of patients seen daily to demonstrate efficiency and productivity in a fast-paced environment.
• Specify the percentage of patient satisfaction increase you contributed to, showing your commitment to quality patient care.
• Include the number of procedures you are proficient with, illustrating your versatility and technical skill set.
• Mention any reduction in waiting times or system inefficiencies that you helped achieve, evidencing your ability to improve operations.
• Quantify your involvement in training or supervising other staff, indicating leadership and teaching capabilities.
• List any cost-saving measures you implemented or contributed to, reflecting your fiscal responsibility and financial acumen.
• Indicate the volume of lab work or diagnostic tests you've interpreted to demonstrate analytical skills and competence.
• Provide the number of clinical projects or research studies you've been involved with, showcasing your contribution to advancing the field.

Action verbs for your physician assistant resume

No experience, no problem: writing your physician assistant resume

You're quite set on the physician assistant role of your dreams and think your application may add further value to your potential employers. Yet, you have no work experience . Here's how you can curate your resume to substitute your lack of experience:

• Don't list every single role you've had so far, but focus on ones that would align with the job you're applying for
• Include any valid experience in the field - whether it's at research or intern level
• Highlight the soft skills you'd bring about - those personality traits that have an added value to your application
• Focus on your education and certifications, if they make sense for the role.

Recommended reads:

• How to Put Cum Laude on Your Resume
• How to List Continuing Education on Your Resume

Mention specific courses or projects that are pertinent to the job you're applying for.

Bringing your physician assistant hard skills and soft skills to the forefront of recruiters' attention

Hard skills are used to define the technological (and software) capacities you have in the industry. Technical skills are easily defined via your certification and expertise.

Soft skills have more to do with your at-work personality and how you prosper within new environments. People skills can be obtained thanks to your whole life experience and are thus a bit more difficult to define.

Why do recruiters care about both types of skills?

Hard skills have more to do with job alignment and the time your new potential employers would have to invest in training you.

Soft skills hint at how well you'd adapt to your new environment, company culture, and task organization.

Fine-tune your resume to reflect on your skills capacities and talents:

• Avoid listing basic requirements (e.g. "Excel"), instead substitute with the specifics of the technology (e.g. "Excel Macros").
• Feature your workplace values and ethics as soft skills to hint at what matters most to you in a new environment.
• Build a separate skills section for your language capabilities, only if it makes sense to the role you're applying for.
• The best way to balance physician assistant hard and soft skills is by building a strengths or achievements section, where you define your outcomes via both types of skills.

There are plenty of skills that could make the cut on your resume.

That's why we've compiled for you some of the most wanted skills by recruiters, so make sure to include the technologies and soft skills that make the most sense to you (and the company you're applying for):

Top skills for your physician assistant resume:

Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems

Clinical assessment and diagnosis

Patient management software

Basic life support (BLS)

Advanced cardiovascular life support (ACLS)

Suturing and wound care techniques

Diagnostic imaging interpretation

Pharmacology and medication management

Laboratory procedures and tests

Medical coding and billing

Communication skills

Empathy and compassion

Critical thinking

Teamwork and collaboration

Time management

Attention to detail

Problem-solving

Adaptability

Patient education

Interpersonal skills

If the certificate you've obtained is especially vital for the industry or company, include it as part of your name within the resume headline.

Qualifying your relevant certifications and education on your physician assistant resume

In recent times, employers have started to favor more and more candidates who have the "right" skill alignment, instead of the "right" education.

But this doesn't mean that recruiters don't care about your certifications .

Dedicate some space on your resume to list degrees and certificates by:

• Including start and end dates to show your time dedication to the industry
• Adding credibility with the institutions' names
• Prioritizing your latest certificates towards the top, hinting at the fact that you're always staying on top of innovations
• If you decide on providing further information, focus on the actual outcomes of your education: the skills you've obtained

If you happen to have a degree or certificate that is irrelevant to the job, you may leave it out.

Some of the most popular certificates for your resume include:

The top 5 certifications for your physician assistant resume:

• National Commission on Certification of physician assistants (NCCPA) - physician assistant-Certified (PA-C)
• Basic Life Support (BLS) - American Heart Association (AHA)
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) - American Heart Association (AHA)
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) - American Heart Association (AHA)
• Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) - American College of Surgeons (ACS)

If you happen to have some basic certificates, don't invest too much of your physician assistant resume real estate in them. Instead, list them within the skills section or as part of your relevant experience. This way you'd ensure you meet all job requirements while dedicating your certificates to only the most in-demand certification across the industry.

• How To List Certifications On A Resume (Examples Included)
• How to List GPA on Your Resume

Best practices to your physician assistant resume summary or objective

To start, how do you know if you should include a resume summary or a resume objective ?

• Resume summaries are ideal for physician assistant professionals with more experience, who'd like to give a quick glimpse of their biggest career achievements in the top one-third of their resumes.
• On the other hand, resume objectives serve as a road map for recruiters. Candidates use the objective to show how their experience aligns with the physician assistant role they're applying for while showcasing the North Star of their career (or where they want to be as a professional in the next couple of years).

The resume summary or resume objective could be the perfect fit for your physician assistant resume. The function of both is to highlight your professionalism succinctly. So, keep your writing specific: include no more than four sentences and target your application to the role. Here's how these specific resume sections help the physician assistant candidates stand out.

Resume summaries for a physician assistant job

• With over 10 years of dedicated experience as a physician assistant in a fast-paced urban hospital, I mastered advanced medical procedures and patient management. Successfully initiated a community health outreach program that increased preventive care by 30%.
• As an accomplished research scientist with a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology and 5 years in a biomedical lab, I have a profound foundation in clinical research. I now seek to apply my analytical skills and deep knowledge of human biology to a patient-focused physician assistant career.
• Seasoned paramedic with extensive emergency response expertise, including 8 years of on-field experience. Pursuing a new direction as a physician assistant with a commitment to applying my swift decision-making skills and medical knowledge to enhance patient care in a clinical setting.
• A freshly certified physician assistant, I bring a refreshing blend of youthful enthusiasm and recent, cutting-edge medical training. Eagerness to leverage new technologies and methods to improve patient outcomes and workflow efficiency in a clinical environment.
• Eager to launch a medical career that makes a real difference, I am an aspiring physician assistant bringing a strong educational background in health sciences and unwavering commitment to learning from seasoned professionals in a hands-on clinical role.
• Recent graduate with a Master’s in physician assistant Studies, ready to bring my passion for medicine, a meticulous attention to detail, and a desire to contribute to a team dedicated to delivering exceptional patient care and advancing community health initiatives.

More sections to ensure your physician assistant resume stands out

If you're looking for additional ways to ensure your physician assistant application gets noticed, then invest in supplementing your resume with extra sections, like:

• Publications;

These supplementary resume sections show your technical aptitude (with particular technologies and software) and your people skills (gained even outside of work).

Key takeaways

We've reached the end of our physician assistant resume guide and hope this information has been useful. As a summary of our key points:

• Always assess the job advert for relevant requirements and integrate those buzzwords across various sections of your physician assistant resume by presenting tangible metrics of success;
• Quantify your hard skills in your certificates and skills section, while your soft skills in your resume achievements section;
• Ensure you've added additional relevant experience items, such as extracurricular activities and projects you've participated in or led;
• Use both your resume experience and summary to focus on what matters the most to the role: including your technical, character, and cultural fit for the company.

Looking to build your own Physician Assistant resume?

• Resume Examples

What Is a Confidential Resume and How to Write One

Everything about reference letters – writing or requesting, overqualified for a job tips to overcome this hurdle, how to answer "why should we hire you", expert advice: how to handle layoffs and downsizing on your resume, can i handwrite my resume.

• Create Resume
• Terms of Service
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Preferences
• Resume Templates
• Resume Builder
• Resume Summary Generator
• Resume Formats
• Resume Checker
• AI Resume Review
• Resume Skills
• How to Write a Resume
• Modern Resume Templates
• Simple Resume Templates
• Cover Letter Builder
• Cover Letter Examples
• Cover Letter Templates
• Cover Letter Formats
• How to Write a Cover Letter
• Resume Guides
• Cover Letter Guides
• Job Interview Guides
• Job Interview Questions
• Career Resources
• Meet our customers
• Career resources
• English (UK)
• French (FR)
• German (DE)
• Spanish (ES)
• Swedish (SE)

© 2024 . All rights reserved.

Made with love by people who care.

• Resume templates Simple Professional Modern Creative View all
• Resume examples Nurse Student Internship Teacher Accountant View all
• Resume Builder
• Cover Letter Templates Simple Professional Modern Creative View all
• Cover letter examples Nursing Administrative Assistant Internship Graduate Teacher View all
• Cover Letter Builder
• Resume examples
• Physician Assistant

Physician Assistant resume examples & templates

Whether it's time to take your first step into healthcare or to take your physician assistant career to the next level, there's never been a better time to make the jump. Medical professionals are in high demand and the perfect position could be yours – if you can create a stellar physician assistant resume. We're here to help.

With 300+ occupation-specific resume examples and writing guides, Resume.io is an expert resource for candidates in all industries and stages of their careers. Here's what we'll cover in this writing guide and the accompanying physician assistant resume example:

What does a physician assistant do?

• How to write a physician assistant resume (tips and tricks)
• The best format for a physician assistant resume
• Advice on each section of your resume (summary, work history, education, skills)
• Professional resume layout and design hints.

Physician assistants are advanced medical professionals who develop and manage treatment plans under the supervision of a physician. They diagnose illnesses, oversee patient care, perform physical evaluations, prescribe medications, and even act as the primary healthcare provider for some patients. Physician assistants can work in hospitals, medical offices, community health centers, nursing homes, clinics, educational facilities, workplaces, and a variety of other institutions. Physician assistants consult with physicians to make beneficial decisions based on the condition of patients.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the need for physician assistants will increase by 31 percent over the coming decade. Much of this demand will come from an aging population in need of medical care.

How to write a physician assistant resume

The very first step in writing your physician assistant resume is understanding what sections to include. Your CV should contain the following elements:

• The resume header
• The resume summary (aka profile or personal statement)
• The employment history section
• The resume skills section

A successful physician assistant resume should clearly showcase the necessary education, certifications, and clinical experience necessary for a physician assistant to practice. Creating a strong profile section that effectively summarizes your abilities, expertise, and accomplishments is recommended. When filling in your Employment history you should also be sure to include job specific skills and duties that clearly convey your ability and acquired comprehensive knowledge as a physician assistant. Be sure to call attention to your ability to provide optimal patient care in a variety of health settings in cooperation with a physician. A winning physician assistant resume should showcase a motivated attitude and the ability to provide diagnostic and therapeutic patient care.

Choosing the best resume format for a physician assistant

For physician assistants and other medical professionals, the reverse chronological resume format is the best choice. This format centers on the employment history section where you'll be able to show off your previous experience in the field. Since physician assistants are required to have some sort of hands-on training in order to enter the field, an employment history section will be essential.

While other resume formats exist, we don't recommend them for physician assistants. The reverse chronological format is preferred by both hiring managers and the automated resume scanners built into most online application portals.

For even more ideas on writing a great application, make sure to check out our related medical resume examples including our healthcare resume sample , CNA resume sample and doctor resume example .

Resume summary example

The resume summary occupies the space at the top of your resume and is the place to highlight your biggest accomplishments and attributes. These 3-5 sentences are the one place you'll be able to speak directly to the hiring manager and tell them about your goals and experience. Physician assistants play a vital part in the healthcare of patients, so highlighting your key attributes that emphasize your ability to provide excellent patient care is crucial. See the summary from our adaptable resume example below.

Dedicated and experienced physician assistant aiming to use my abilities and strengths to support the mission and goals of the next medical institution I join. Bringing forth expertise in pre-operative, operative, and post-operative care. Compassionate, highly skilled, and adept in collaborating professionally with other healthcare professionals to meet the needs of patients.

Employment history sample

The employment history section is the place to list all positions relevant to a physician assistant position. Make sure to include the employer name, job title, dates worked and location. In the bullet points, it's important to use powerful action verbs and mention job specific accomplishments and duties that prove you are an excellent candidate. Below you'll find the employment history section from our resume sample.

• Provided excellent medical care to patients under the supervision of a physician.
• Assisted patients during the recovery process from acute and chronic illnesses.
• Collaborated with the health care team to establish and manage patient care.
• Assisted Physicians with procedures, including pre, post, and follow-up care.
• Documented all medical evaluations, diagnoses, procedures, and outcomes in accordance with NCQA.

CV skills example

Your skills are some of the most important details you'll convey on your CV, but you'll want to approach this section with care. Since it's usually formatted as bullet points, it's best to choose shorter skills and areas of expertise that you ween't able to highlight on other parts of your CV. This section should built a coherent picture of your specialization, if you have one. Check out the skills section from our resume sample below.

• Evaluation and Diagnosis
• Patient Care Plans
• Advanced Communication Skills
• Program Development Skills
• Collaboration Skills
• Ethical and Compassionate

Physician assistant resume education example

Physician assistants go through many years of schooling and exams in order to practice their profession. The education section of your resume is the place to show off all those degrees and honors while proving that you're qualified for the role. Make sure to include your grades if they are impressive. Since you almost certainly hold advanced degrees, there's no need to include your high school. Below you'll find the education section from our adaptable resume sample.

• 2000-2004 Albany Medical College, Master of Physician Assistant Studies Albany, NY
• 1996-2000 University of Minnesota, Bachelor of Science in Biology, Minneapolis, MN

Resume layout and design

While a physician assistant resume doesn't need to go overboard with color or creativity, an attractive and functional layout and design can make the difference when it comes to standing out as a polished candidate. Make sure to keep a balance of white space to text and stick with the same font styles, sizes and color scheme throughout the resume. A professionally-designed resume template can help avoid costly formatting errors.

Key takeaways for a physician assistant resume

• There's a high demand for physician assistants – a great resume can lead to your dream job!
• Make sure to quantify your experience in your employment history section.
• Check out our adaptable physician assistant resume sample for more ideas on creating a great page layout.

Beautiful ready-to-use resume templates

• Knowledge Base
• Free Resume Templates
• Resume Builder
• Resume Examples
• Free Resume Review

Click here to directly go to the complete physician assistant resume sample.

Physician Assistants: The New Doctor-Nurse Hybrid

As a step towards regulating the influx of patients, there has been a significant increase in physician assistants as additions to doctors when it comes to patient care.

Not to confuse with physician’s assistants, physician assistants are medical providers who are licensed to diagnose and treat illnesses and prescribe medications.

So what do physician assistant recruiters look out for and how do you nail down a professional-looking physician assistant resume?

Here's a summary of the physician assistant resume blog to give you a slight head-start:

• Choose the reverse chronological format to pass the ATS, and to win over the recruiters
• Your resume summary should have under 4 lines of short sentences
• In your work experience section, provide achievement figures in one-liners
• Highlight your education section if you think it’ll be of particular interest to the recruiter
• Mention your certifying examination in the certifications section in your physician assistant resume

As an aspiring physician assistant, do you doubt your abilities to make a good physician assistant resume? Do the questions below ring constantly in your head?

Is a Nurse Practitioner Above a Physician Assistant?

What is an ats compliant physician assistant resume, which resume format do you pick for your physician assistant resume.

• What Personal Information Should You Add to Your Physician Assistant Resume?
• How Do You Craft Your Physician Assistant Resume Summary?
• How Does the Professional Experience Section Look in a Physician Assistant Resume?
• How Should You Draft a Physician Assistant Resume for New Graduates?
• How Do You Put NCCPA on a Physician Assistant Resume?
• What Constitutes an Outstanding Physician Assistant Cover Letter?

We'll be your guide to having a bomb PA resume!

Or, you could leave it to our Online Resume Builder to get a perfect resume for physician assistants that match your job description.

Is Physician Assistant a Good Career?

The U.S. News and World Report ranked physician assistant as second and third in best jobs overall in its 2023 ranking on best health-care jobs.

By ensuring proper delegation of work, a physician in collaboration with a physician assistant is better equipped to deal with a fast-paced environment, than the traditional practice of nurses and doctors.

SOURCE : AAPA

Since physician assistants go through separate training and education, they can diagnose and treat patients on their own. Physician assistant jobs have seen a significant rise in recent years because of that alone.

Physician Assistant Job Description

Even though there is a distinction between a physician and a physician assistant, they can carry out all duties a physician would. ExploreHealthCareers say that their role extends to duties such as:

• Take medical histories
• Perform physical exams
• Order and interpret laboratory tests
• Diagnose and treat illnesses
• Prescribe medications
• Counsel patients
• Assist in surgery
• Set fractures

Physician assistant jobs are not restricted to primary care but extend to surgical and sub-specialities. They usually work in comfortable environments, unless in surgery, which would mean long work hours.

The post of a physician assistant can be confusing to some as their roles merge between that of a doctor and a nurse or a nurse practitioner.

While doctors have a separate and elaborate process, Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are similar to Physician Assistants (PAs) in many ways.

The two factors that differentiate them are:

• Physician assistants usually belong to the general medicine category but nurses must choose their field, like paediatrics or physiotherapy.
• Physician assistants attend training programs modeled on medical school education but nurses have a separate Advanced Practice of Nursing to function as one.

What Does It Take to Be a Physician Assistant?

Physician assistant jobs require a higher degree of qualification since they work directly with patients.

To practice as a physician assistant, you must:

• Graduate from an accredited PA program
• Pass the national certification exam
• Obtain a license in the state you wish to practice
• Participation in supervised clinical training in one or more areas of medicine

Here's a list of PA programs by the Physician Assistant Education Association, updated in May each year to compare admission criteria and choose a program.

Physician Assistant Salary

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts a 31% job growth rate for physician assistant jobs through 2029.

• The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) also says that physician assistant jobs earn an average salary of USD 116K annually.
• Indeed says that physician assistant jobs bag an annual salary of USD 108K.
• Whereas other websites like PayScale argue that physician assistants make an average of USD 99K per year.

As a solution to the extensive recruiting process for any established company, The Applicant Tracking System or ATS works to cut down the time by a chunk.

The ATS screens the whole load of resumes that the recruiter receives, and scans them for keywords that match the job description put out by the company.

Your resume will land in the recruiters' hands only after passing this stage. So what can you do to ensure that your PA resume passes this test?

You can check out our blog on ATS Compliance to get a broader idea on the subject. You could also leave it to us at our Online Resume Builder , a physician assistant resume writing service and we’ll take care of the rest!

The key to perfecting your resume for a physician assistant is to choose the resume format that matches your requirements. These resume formats do not show what and what not to categorize, but how to do it. You can pick what works for your PA resume.

Reverse Chronological Format

We recommend the reverse chronological format for your physician assistant resume. Not only is it a ticket to pass the ATS, but it is also recruiter friendly and easier to prepare.

A reverse chronological format will help your physician assistant resume in these ways:

• Your physician assistant skills and experience will be in reverse chronological order
• It is ATS friendly and is the industry standard
• Due to the structured listing, preferred by the recruiters as it is easier to parse through
• It puts your recent work experience as the most recent, which is of more interest than your older experiences

Check out our post on Reverse Chronological Format to have a better understanding of this format and ways to prepare it.

You can also use a physician assistant resume writing service at our Online Resume Builder and leave the confusing parts of preparing a resume to us!

Functional Format

You might not have a clear trajectory of work experience, and maybe you don’t want it to show. In which case, you can use the functional format for your physician assistant resume.

As functional format highlights your skills more than your work experience, you can pull the focus to your certifications or skills instead.

The one downside to this format is that is not ATS compliant, but if you still want to move ahead with it, you can check out our post here for a better idea.

Combination Format

If your skills and work experience are equally highlight-worthy, this format can do wonders for you.

By presenting the first half of your physician assistant resume in reverse chronological format and the second half in functional format, the combination format gives you the best of both worlds.

However, it is time-consuming to prepare and not on par with most company guidelines.

Our post on Combination Format will give you all the details you need on this format, and you can pick your winner for your physician assistant resume.

Too anxious to risk it? Sign up for our Online Resume Builder and get a wide range of pre-filled physician assistant resume templates, and experts to give you a shortlist-worthy resume for physician assistant.

How Do I Write a Resume for a Physician Assistant?

In a fast-paced field like health-care, where recruiters can only spare a few seconds, you must ensure that your details are categorized properly. With attention to detail, you can ace your resume for physician assistant.

Given below are all the sections that can come under a resume for physician assistant:

• Personal Information
• Profile Title
• Summary/Objective
• Professional Experience
• Certifications (if any)
• Awards & Recognition (if any)
• Additional Information (if any)

You can take a quick look at Hiration's Guide to Sections in a Resume for a deeper explanation.

How to Add a Header in Your Physician Assistant Resume

Rather than using words like Resume or CV in this area, boldly state your name as it is the first piece of information on your resume for physician assistant.

To stand out, we would suggest a size range of 16-20 points in a clean and minimalist font. Leave a single space between your first and last name and enter just the initial of your first name.

If you need more information, you can check out our post on Resume Headers to nail down your physician assistant resume header.

Or you can check this physician assistant resume example for a header:

Include Your Contact Information in Your Physician Assistant Resume

In your resume, this section will tell your recruiter how they can contact you. So, make sure that you list details that are accessible for you.

The personal information section of your physician assistant resume includes:

• A readily available phone number
• Your professional email address
• Location in city, state format

Check our post to know exactly how to add those details!

Given below is a physician assistant resume example for a well-crafted personal information section:

If you don't know where to draw the line, use our Online Resume Builder and get 100+ pre-filled physician assistant resume templates to make the job x100 easier for you!

Give Your Physician Assistant Resume a Profile Title

This section of your physician assistant resume shows your job role. A profile title to go for in your resume can be Physician Assistant.

Keep in mind that it is the second more important text in your resume for a physician assistant, so make sure it is loud and clear. You can add it in a size range of 14-16 points and capitalize the first letter of both words.

A physician assistant resume example for a profile title is:

Craft a Bomb Physician Assistant Resume Summary

Written in about 3 to 4 lines, your physician assistant resume summary is a brief of all the details that you would mention in your resume.

Keep in mind that this is not a place to stuff all of your details. Cherry-pick the ones that stand out the most, and is also of relevance to the recruiter.

While drafting a summary, ensure that it is:

• Concise and not wordy
• Packed with meaningful phrases and power verbs
• Does not exceed 3-4 lines
• Mentions your work experience in cause-effect methodology

Aside from a resume summary, you can use a physician assistant resume objective if you have less than three years of experience.

Those with long gaps in their career can also use a physician assistant resume objective as it places less emphasis on work experience.

The following is a good physician assistant sample for a summary section:

If this seems confusing, you can check out our Resume Summary Guide or use our Online Resume Builder to make things a ton easier for you.

Highlight Your Skills in Your Physician Assistant Resume

It’s not all education and technical knowledge that paves the way to become a physician assistant. Working closely with patients entails a degree of control over several soft skills as well.

An established website for physician assistants called Link PAs divides the skills in the following ways:

Apart from the functional skills you can also create a separate section or a subsection under the key skills section and add your technical skills.

Technical skills can be all those skills that are either mechanical or technical in nature.

For example: Your knowledge of Excel Sheet or knowledge of medical equipments such as handling (electrocardiogram) EKG, taking X-ray, etc.

Be it any skill, make sure that the ones you mention fall in line with the job description. Customize your physician assistant resume for every job description and their requirements.

Here’s a sample physician assistant resume from our experts to give you an idea:

Seems complicated? Check out our post on perfecting your key skills section to get a deeper insight!

Add Your Work Experience in Your Physician Assistant Resume

Professional experience is the section that gets zeroed in by all recruiters. It is of relevance as it shows where you’ve worked at, the roles that you adopted and the kind of work that you did, as a direct connotation of your dedication to work.

You can include details like:

• The number of patients you had counseled on a daily basis
• The area of medicine you worked in, like EMT, paramedic, medical technician and so on
• The job title, clinic name, location and dates of your work experience

A few ways to optimize your work experience to make it seem more catchy are:

Use Powerful One-Liners

With what can be called power verbs, your resume for physician assistant can instantly create a positive impact on the recruiter.

You can use words like verified, documented, monitored, recorded, ordered to give the recruiter a direct idea of what you did.

By using one-liners instead of overdrawn sentences, you can convey yourself to the recruiter in far less time, which is what the recruiter wants as well.

Grouping and Highlighting

Instead of hitting your recruiter with a wall of text, consider breaking them down and grouping them into categories.

The idea of this tip is that you group your experience from a specific company under a heading and bold words that you think are important.

You can highlight any quantifiable results so that it directly shows the recruiter the experience you have had.

Use the STAR Format

This technique is effective as it paints a picture of your problem-solving skills to your recruiter, an important skill to have in any role.

By presenting a cause-effect methodology, you can impress your recruiter.

The STAR stands for:

• The Situation you have executed the task.
• The Tasks that were assigned to you.
• Any Actions you undertook to perform the assigned task.
• The Results or outcome of your action.

Here’s a sample physician assistant resume for a shortlist-worthy professional experience section:

You can find our very detailed post on power verbs and the selection of the right words to match your physician assistant job description here!

Or leave it to a physician assistant resume writing service at Hiration’s Online Resume Builder with 100+ pre-filled physician assistant resume templates, and stop worrying about getting it right altogether!

Enter Academic Details in Your Physician Assistant Resume

Ideally, a physician assistant starts working after attaining a masters degree. The prerequisites for that include a bachelors degree as well as completion of courses in basic and behavioral sciences.

To draft a good physician assistant resume for new graduates:

• Mention the name and location of the university
• Add it in the (mm/yy - mm/yy) format of the start and end date
• Attach the names of relevant course modules

If you have years of experience as a physician assistant, you need only mention your degree, university, location and date.

In a sample physician assistant resume, an updated education section can look like this:

Include Relevant Certifications in Your Physician Assistant Resume

How do you put NCCPA on your PA resume?

Physician assistant jobs require a certifying examination after the completion of a masters degree to practice.

It is the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE), which the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) administers.

If you have other physician assistant qualifications that are relevant, add them!

For the certifications, follow the format of Certification | Certifying Authority | Time Period

Given below is a sample physician assistant resume for a certifications section:

Add Extra Information to Enhance Your Physician Assistant Resume

Have more to add? This section is your place to shine!

Here is an example of how you can craft the additional experience section in your physician assistant resume:

Anything from language skills to volunteer experience to achievements or awards are accepted here. Try not to add irrelevant information and keep it professional and suitable to the physician assistant job.

Draft an Outstanding Physician Assistant Cover Letter

A professional PA resume with an equally bomb cover letter is a power duo!

It is the surest way to stand out from the rest of the applicants because of its customization. Unless requested by the company not to, sending a cover letter can boost your chances of getting a shortlist.

Here’s how you can frame your physician assistant cover letter:

• Use simple sentences to make it easily readable
• Try not to include anything absent in the resume
• Do not exaggerate your achievements
• Try not to repeat irrelevant details as your physician assistant resume will have all your details
• In addition to talking about your achievements, talk more about how you can contribute to the company
• As the recruiters will not spend much time on your cover letter, keep it short and concise

Don’t want to take the risk? Use a physician assistant cover letter service with 10+ ready to use cover letter templates that are perfect for physician assistant jobs!

Use the Hiration Resume Review Service

Upload your physician assistant resume on our Online Resume Builder and get suggestions on how you can improve it, along with a range of physician assistant resume templates!

You can match your PA resume to the physician assistant job description and ensure your resume guarantees a shortlist!

The team of experts at Hiration will review the following parameters with respect to your resume:

• ATS Compliance
• Performance Assessment
• Resume Formatting
• Design Compatibility
• Content Relevance
• Global Compatibility
• Compliance with industry norms
• Conversion Scope
• Recruiter Friendliness

Make the best use of a physician assistant resume writing service at our Resume Review Service to get your own physician assistant resume sample and customize your resume to the best of your needs!

Hiration's Online Resume Builder

If the perfect PA resume seems like a mountain you can’t climb, we can do it for you!

Hiration’s Online Resume Builder is a physician assistant resume writing service that has tons of features to make your process pleasant, such as:

• 100+ pre-filled physician assistant resume templates
• 1-click design change
• Auto bold feature
• 25+ resume designs
• Full rich-text editor
• JD-resume matcher
• Intuitive next text suggestion
• Unlimited PDF downloads
• LIVE resume editor
• Option to save unlimited resumes
• LIVE resume score
• A sharable link

Not only that!

We provide a range of services to help you bag that job, such as:

• Digital Portfolio Builder
• LinkedIn Review
• Interview Preparation

Physician Assistant Resume Sample

Before you plunge into all the details, here is a sample physician assistant resume to give you a basic idea of how your resume for physician assistant should look!

• Received Physician Assistant of the Year Award in '20 for demonstrating exemplary services to the community
• Acknowledged with Humanitarian of the Year Award for the year '19
• Played a pivotal role in developing advanced medical techniques leading to an increase in patient satisfaction score by 30%
• Assisting in determining health conditions by interpreting results from patients' X-rays reports and laboratory studies
• Conducting regular follow-ups and examining ~ 20 patients daily under the supervision of a senior physician
• Educating patients about their health conditions while examining and diagnosing their injuries and illnesses
• Performing non-invasive treatments in adherence to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons guidelines (AAOS)
• Identifying complications and prescribing medications to patients' for promoting & maintaining their health conditions
• Aiding in diagnosing illness and developing & managing ~50 treatment plans while ensuring smooth medical procedures
• Playing a key role in acquiring, updating, and studying patients' medical history to recommend courses of action for patient care
• Rendering support in documenting patients' medical and departmental records while ensuring optimal accuracy
• Planned and implemented rehabilitation and strength training programs for curing short & long term injuries
• Rendered support in assessing injuries and assisting with applying tape, bandages, and braces to protect or prevent injuries
• Liaised with coaches and medical professionals to evaluate athletes' physical health condition to suggest treatment plans
• Developed and maintained records relating to athletes' diet & training plans while setting up health and fitness goals
• CGPA: 3.8/4.0
• CGPA: 3.6/4.0
• NCCPA Certificate of Added Qualifications - Orthopaedic Surgery | Jun '21
• NCCPA Certificate of Added Qualifications - Emergency Medicine | Dec '19
• Member of American Medical Association | Augusta, GA | Jul '19 - Present
• Coordinating with 10+ volunteers for advising patients on preventative care and ensuring optimal health practices
• Volunteer | Child Care | Augusta, GA | Aug '19 - Sep '20
• Assisted in raising ~USD 20k funds by collaborating with ~15 volunteers
• Rendered support in teaching English and Mathematics to 150+ children-at-risk
• Languages: English (native) and Spanish (working proficiency)

You can also choose our Online Resume Builder to get your own physician assistant resume sample in a breeze.

Key Takeaways

• Make sure that your listed contact information can reach you at all times .
• Choose the right resume format to go with your career trajectory for your PA resume.
• Add your certification details correctly so that your recruiters know you're qualified for the physician assistant job.
• Use power verbs and one-liners in your professional experience section and highlight the important points.
• Ensure that the skills and summary listed in your physician assistant resume syncs with the job description.
• Make your PA resume is ATS friendly by using certain keywords mentioned in the job description.

Go to Hiration resume builder and create a professional resume for yourself. Additionally, reach out to us at [email protected] and you can get 24/7 professional assistance with all your job & career-related queries.

Share this blog

Subscribe to Free Resume Writing Blog by Hiration

Get the latest posts delivered right to your inbox

Stay up to date! Get all the latest & greatest posts delivered straight to your inbox

Is Your Resume ATS Friendly To Get Shortlisted?

Upload your resume for a free expert review.

Physician Assistant Resume Guide

What you can read in this article

Physician Assistant Resume Example s

(Free pdf resume sample downloads are at the bottom of this page)

The Great PA Resume Writing Guide:

Resume sections:.

1. Contact Information: 

• Phone Number
• Optional: LinkedIn

2. Career Summary:  Similar to your Twitter bio, but more professional. Stick to 3-5 compelling sentences. In your career summary, present your years of experience, specialist skills, qualifications, and one or two valuable interpersonal traits. For a little extra razzle-dazzle, put this section in a different or larger font to make it pop. 

3. Qualifications Summary: Not all roads lead to Rome. Some of them lead to becoming a PA. There is more than one way to acquire the title of Physician Assistant. There is a high demand for PAs, and numerous courses and training options are opening up across the country. Medical schools are by far the most equipped in terms of grooming and training you into becoming the best PA could be. There are prerequisite courses to learn and better understand the field of medicine, through patient care experience. Some states require you to participate in formal accreditation programs to pass an entry exam. In other states, job training hours are required. Be sure to list de

4. Relevant Physician Assistant Experience: for this section, channel your inner Amy Santiago and channel your internal organizer. You can opt for using a functional or a chronological approach when typing up your experience. You may use a functional (to showcase your functional skills and experience to display your academic and practical knowledge in the form of bullet points, without linking ) or chronological format (where you showcase your experience by relating it to a job in 3-5 bullet points) to present experience and skills on your Physician Assistant Resume. Both of these methods are accepted. As long as you stick to Working interdependently with Physicians, PAs provide diagnostic and therapeutic patient care in virtually all your best PA-related experiences. It would be highly suggested to correlate your experience with keywords you can find in the job listing to make your resume more relevant to each job you apply. Your experiences can be as vast as those of your supervising Physicians, and be sure to make mention of all your specialty experience, like clinical practice, patient education, team leadership, medical education, health administration, and research.

6. Skills Summary/Key Skills:  Make your future employer's life easier by dedicating a section in your resume to your skills. They want to know whether you know what that sharp thing is for and your dental experience (not the state of your mouth, please). Showcase your work tenure and mirror those lovely keywords in the job listing for this section to prove that you are a good match. Focus on the requirements and align them with your specific skill set. Opt for using a skills' matrix format. 

6. Certification/Licensing:  Requirements vary in terms of the entrance to PA training programs, but across the board, at least two years of college coursework is required, and subjects such as chemistry, biology, and anatomy. In every state, it is required to obtain a professional license once you graduate. You must pass the PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certification Examination (PANCE), which is administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants Add your certifications and licensing in your education section, including details such as the name of your credential, institution attended, date of completion, course topics, and, where applicable, accumulated hours.  

What to Highlight in a PA Resume

So, what exactly is it that you're supposed to highlight in your resume? A resume is short, usually between one and two pages long, so you need to be to the point and add only the most relevant information about your skills and qualifications. 

A Physician Assistant is a medical professional working directly under the supervision of a licensed Physician. This means that you would provide primary care services, such as performing examinations on patients, ordering tests, and prescribing medicines to them. As a PA, it comes as no surprise that you should possess a certain skill set. You would need to be competent in a range of soft skills, including being a compassionate, critical thinkers, and being sensitive. Now, let’s have a look at certain aspects to be highlighted in your resume

First, provide information about your work environment. Everything from working for a private practitioner to working in a large hospital or an academic setting. NPs and PAs have to be jacks of all trades. Below are just a few of the sub-categories. Pick the ones most relevant to your current environment and include them in your resume.

• Hospitals 

As far as opportunities go, this is the most obvious. Everything from OB to the theatre, the possibilities are seemingly endless. 

• Emergency Departments

Just like working n a hospital, this can be all kinds of exciting and demanding. It's perfect for adrenaline junkies. Working in n emergency is a high-risk, high reward. It's fast-paced, and you need to be ready for anything. If this is you be sure to include your ability to stay calm under pressure in your list of soft skills.

• Urgent Care Centers

Falling somewhere between family practices and hospitals is Urgent care. It's slightly slower than an ER, and most of your extreme cases will be sent elsewhere, but you'll be exposed to a wide variety of causes and conditions. The hiring manager would be keen to read about the cases your have been involved in.

• Surgical Centers

For the PAs looking to specialize in one type of medicine of procedure, Surgery centers offer the opportunity for just that. Everything from cosmetics to orthopedics can be part of your job scope, therefore be clear on the specialty you have been assigned to.

• Community Health Clinics

In addition to some emergency care, community health clinics provide the services a family practice would. Explain to recruiters exactly what a typical day would entail.

• Retail Clinics

Retail clinics, as the name implies, are found in larger retail stores or pharmacies. They provide primary medical care, such as flu shots and less-invasive procedures. These clinics have specific operating hours. They receive many feet, and therefore a variety of patients from all walks of life. Your customer service orientation would be of interest to recruiters and hiring managers.

• Nurse-Managed Medical Centers

This is a recent addition to the healthcare world. Nurse-managed medical centers offer various services at a lower cost than most healthcare institutions because there is no Physician on-site. If you're looking at maybe running your practice, this would be an excellent place to work. This experience is also like catnip for hiring managers and looks good on a resume.

• Phone Triage Centers

With the evolution of technology being what it is, medical help can be found at the tip of everyone's fingers. Medical assistance given via phone is referred to as telehealth, and it is changing the world of medicine. This is a method for the public to receive necessary medical help or diagnosis. This is a progressive field and maybe the future of medicine, which makes your exposure in this industry highly sought after.

• Rural Health Care Facilities

As the name suggests, rural healthcare facilities are often the only source of medical care for miles. They serve smaller populations, like small towns of Native American reservations. They provide a variety of services and procedures to the people who need it. As most people are not too keen to work and live in the middle of nowhere, being available to apply for jobs like these would definitely boost your chances of landing the job.

Second, you can specialize in a wide variety of areas as a PA, such as family practice, pediatrics, or surgical subspecialties like plastic or trauma surgery. 

• Dermatology

These professionals focus on skin: evaluating, diagnosing, and treating skin conditions in both a medical and surgical manner. Most PAs in dermatology specialize by collaborating with an eligible or practicing board-certified dermatologist. Make sure to add these keywords to your technical skills matrix.

• Critical Care

PAs working in critical care work in the ICU and engage in comprehensive patient care. Physicians are legally liable, but critical care provided by a PA focuses on the support and management of patient care over 24 hours. Include your availability to work irregular hours.

• Emergency Medicine

There is a rising demand for PAs in emergency rooms. They practice under the supervision of a trained Physician and often work independently, too. Along with their regular duties (completing patient histories and physical exams, ordering tests, or prescribing treatments), emergency medicine PAs perform medical procedures such as lumbar punctures, closing lacerations, thoracentesis, and arterial punctures. Remember to add a technical skills section at the end of your resume and include all the procedures you can perform.

• General Surgery

PAs in general surgery do patient rounds, write discharge summaries, and correct issues, post-operative, under a physician's supervision. You may also perform various abdominal surgeries in a surgical suite and handle orthopedic, urological, and thoracic procedures. PAs in general surgery also evaluate trauma victims and start treatment. 

Examining patients' postmortem, sampling tissues, and doing imaging fall under the scope of pathology PAs. You often need to go through an internship program to accumulate hours on the job (add these to your education section).

You will perform a variety of both invasive and non-invasive procedures, imaging, and scans. In this specialty, PAs will also often perform what is called interventional radiology (otherwise given the very Sci-fi title “surgery of the new millennium”). They use real-time imaging to provide patients with targeted treatments in the least invasive way possible to reduce pain and recovery time. 

• Obstetrics and Gynecology

You can work either in an obstetrics office or family practice. You will provide family planning to patients, address gynecological issues, and do annual check-ups and exams. 

The diagnosis and treatment of illnesses, annual check-ups, and assisting Physicians in surgeries in pediatric patients. 

Explain to your recruiters how you would forge positive, lasting relationships with your patients to make them comfortable and how you would educate them on the correct oral hygiene, as well as simply outline their treatments. Patient relationships are a crucial part of being a PA. A smart idea would be to include a Soft Skills Matrix at the end of your resume (more on this later)

Last but not least, tell your future employer about your admin and general operational skills. Doctors prefer PAs who are trained in a variety of dental practice operations. This includes processing X-rays, recording procedure codes and lab tasks, send out bills, and follow up on payments. You will also need to demonstrate administrative skills, such as scheduling appointments.

Tools and Technology

Just like no house is a home without reheatable microwave meals, no resume is complete without an award-winning Tools and Technology section. In a table format, tell your recruiter all about your competencies in using all kinds of software, equipment, and instruments you come across daily as a PA. Here are some examples: 

PA Resume Summary

A vital part of your resume is your resume summary. You want to make a lasting impression on the hiring manager in the best way possible. Just like the rest of your resume would be tweaked and adapted to suit the listing or job you are applying for, so too should you adjust your summary profile. Customize this section using the keywords and verbs you find in the job listing. It requires much work, but it is well worth the hours you put in. 

Tell your future employer about your contributions and your unique skills. The most relevant experiences and highest qualifications pertinent to your job as a PA are crucial. Summarize this in 3-6 powerful, action-packed sentences to impress the socks off your new boss. A half-hearted summary profile will lose you the opportunity, so take extra care here. 

A word to the wise would be to mimic the terms and phrases in the advertisement. This will prove that you are the best fit for the role in question. 

Summary Example 1 :

“Professional yet personable NCCPA-certified Physician Assistant with 8+ years experience in busy, mid-sized clinics. As licensed and registered Physician Assistant in New York was awarded the 2016 AAPA/PAEA Preceptor of the Year. Registered member of the AAPA. Provided professional treatment and care of over 400 patients with orthopedic emergencies and traumatic injuries.”

Summary E xample 2 :

“Adaptable, patient-focused Certified Physician Assistant with 5+ years of experience in family medicine. Exceptional at working with Physicians to best facilitate patient recovery. Currently, studying a Masters in Pediatric Medicine.”

Summary E xample 3 :

“Highly experienced Physician's Assistant with 10+ years of experience providing care in high-end practices. Professional and personable, patients and doctors alike enjoy working with. Knowledgeable in medicine, Psychology, and dentistry, and I use my extensive knowledge and skills to serve all ages. Excellent at teamwork, and always strives to ensure patients are as relaxed and comfortable as possible.”

Physician Assistant Job Descriptions, Responsibilities, and Duties

A PA who performs their daily tasks in the most professional manner will need a comprehensive skill set, including technical and administrative competencies and client relations. Sprinkle those keywords from your job listing in here, to ensure maximum probability of landing that interview. We have created a list of Physician Assistant job duties below for you to use as-is. You may also tweak and adjust them to suit your specific job experience. 

Physician Assistant Job Descriptions:

• Take part in quality improvement initiatives to help better patient safety and reduce errors 
• In collaboration with a team or independently, conduct quality improvement projects and workflow optimization
• Assisting attending Physician with inpatient evaluations, follow-ups, and educating families regarding disease intervention and post-operative care 
• Responsible for making rounds with attending Physicians, completing discharge forms, planning and care coordination, filling pre-operative orders, and providing the family and patient with support and education
• Effective and professional communication with patients and their families, Physicians, residents, and other co-workers promptly
• Participate actively in the provision of the workflow to optimize the provided care team model and allow everyone to work in the highest and most professional manner 
• Develops, participates in, and implements quality performance improvement initiatives
• Writes orders for medications, diagnostic tests, and lab works and interprets results
• Performs patient rounds, daily
• Performs physical exams and takes extensive patient histories 
• Confers with other care team members, including attending Physician and nursing staff or other care providers, to ensure the quality of patient care is optimal
• Handle patient telephone calls to continued patient care

Highlight Your Accomplishments

Doctors and practice managers are busy people and do not have the time to read every resume that comes across their desks in detail. Therefore, your Physician Assistant resume should hook their interest for the right reasons.

Use accomplishment statements as your proof of work regarding your skill set and capability to add value to the business. The trick to accomplishment statements is measurability. Include numerical values like volumes, timeframes, frequencies, ranking, scores, and percentages. Now you are implementing a quantification approach and considering improving your chances to land an interview. 

To start with, jot down achievements, recommendations, patient review scores, and contributions that you can link numbers to. Then choose 4-6 of the most impressionable ones to highlight your achievements and accomplishments. These should be significant enough to make you stand out from the rest of the resume pack.

To help you get a head start, try to answer the questions below: 

• How many patients do you see per day on average? 
• How long does a procedure take on average? 
• How many claims (in percentage) are accepted and paid out each month? 
• How many times a day do you take vital signs? 
• Which medical procedures can you perform, and how many have you performed? 

Accomplishment Statement Examples:

• Caseload of 60% spine and 40% cranial and essential paediatrics
• Treated and managed a diverse caseload of 25-30 patients per day, managing acute and chronic diseases.
• Awarded the 2014 AAPA/PAEA Preceptor of the Year Award.

The PA Resume Education Section

Provide a detailed account of all your academic credentials in your education section. Include any relevant training programs or conferences you attended, as well as short skills workshops, CPD's, and accumulated practical hours. Name information on the course curriculum and major topics, too. \

Pretend you're telling your story backward and list the credentials in reverse chronological order. Include the date of completion, name of credential, and the institution you attended. 

2017 – 2019 Masters of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (Physician Associate Program), Rocky River School of Health Technology and Management, Springfield, AZ

Relevant Coursework: Clinical Pharmacology, Contemporary Issues in Health Care Delivery, Research Writing for Health Professionals, Principles and Practices of Clinical Prevention and Population Health

2014-2016 Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences: Professional Development & Advanced Patient Care, Long Island University, Long Island, NJ

Relevant Coursework: Healthcare Ethics, Medical Terminology, Medical Laws and Ethics, Clinical Medicine, Nutrition Support, Pharmacology, Quantitative Methods

Physician Assistant Resume Skills

Your resume will have to survive a few rounds of elimination before it makes its way to the guy who will call you for an interview. As with the rest of your resume, match up your skills list with the skills listed in the job listing you are applying for. The computer programs that do the first few rounds of eliminations throw out resumes that don't include these words. These bots and programs will then list the resumes in order of suitability. 

Use the skills matrix formation on your resume. Write down your soft skills first, and your technical competencies second. Refer to the requirements mentioned n the job listing to see which skills you should highlight. 

Create a table listing all these skills, such as the one below: 

Soft Skills Matrix

Technical Competencies

Qualifications/Certifications associated with Physician Assistants

Professional information on Physician Assistants

Sectors :  Healthcare, Medical, Clinical, Dental, Cosmetic, Surgical Career Type :  Professional Care, Specialized Care, General Care, Post Op Recovery, Preventative Care, Health Education, Assistant, Healthcare Worker, 

Person Type :  Caregiver, Helper, First Responder, Medical Advisor, Surgical Assistant, Counsellor, Post-Operations Monitor

Education Levels : From High School Diploma upwards Salary Indication : Average salary $ 104 830 ( teach.com )

Labor market : 31% increase between 2019 – 2029 ( BLS )

Organizations : Hospitals, Private Practices, Medical Facilities, Corporate, Old Age Homes, School Clinics, Military, Schools, Public Health Care Educational Institutions, NPO's, Government, Nursing Homes, Step Down Facilities, Hospices, Volunteer Organizations, Community Facilities

Downloads Physician Assistant Resume Examples in PDf

Physician Assistant Resume (0).pdf

Physician Assistant Resume (1).pdf

Physician Assistant Resume (2).pdf

Physician Assistant Resume (4).pdf

Physician Assistant Resume (6).pdf

Physician Assistant Resume (3).pdf

Physician Assistant Resume (5).pdf

Physician Assistant Resume (7).pdf

Physician Assistant Resume (8).pdf

Physician Assistant Resume (10).pdf

Physician Assistant Resume (12).pdf

Physician Assistant Resume (9).pdf

Physician Assistant Resume (11).pdf

Physician Assistant Resume (13).pdf

Physician Assistant Resume (14).pdf

Physician Assistant Resume (16).pdf

Physician Assistant Resume (15).pdf

Physician Assistant Resume (17).pdf

Nothing Found

• Resume Builder
• Resume Templates
• Resume Formats
• Resume Examples
• Cover Letter Builder
• Cover Letter Templates
• Cover Letter Formats
• Cover Letter Examples
• Career Advice
• Interview Questions
• Resume Skills
• Resume Objectives
• Job Description
• Job Responsibilities
• FAQ’s

Physician Assistant Resume Examples

A Physician assistant (PA) is an important part of a healthcare team and can provide the same patient care as a physician. Writing a strong and effective resume is the best way to increase your chances of getting a job as a PA. This guide provides an overview of the basics of writing a PA resume, as well as tips to make sure your resume stands out from the crowd. It also includes examples of resumes written by PAs who have successfully landed jobs. Use this guide to create a resume that showcases your unique experiences and qualifications, and helps you stand out from other applicants.

If you didn’t find what you were looking for, be sure to check out our complete library of resume examples .

Start building your dream career today! 

Create your professional resume in just 5 minutes with our easy-to-use resume builder!

Physician Assistant

123 Main Street | Anytown, USA 99999 | Phone: (123) 456-7890 | Email: [email protected]

As a seasoned Physician Assistant with 5 years of experience in providing medical care to a variety of patients, I am highly competent in all aspects of medical care. I have extensive knowledge of medical assessments, diagnosis and treatment plans. I have excellent communication and interpersonal skills and I am able to work successfully in a team environment. I am adept in medical coding and administrative tasks such as scheduling and filing patient records. I am detail- oriented and organized, and am committed to providing the highest quality of care to my patients.

Core Skills :

• Medical Assessments
• Diagnosis and Treatment Plans
• Medical Coding
• Patient Care
• Interpersonal and Communication Skills
• Administrative and Scheduling
• Documentation and Records
• Attention to Detail
• Quality Control

Professional Experience : Physician Assistant, ABC Medical Center – March 2015 to Present

• Provide comprehensive medical care to patients under the supervision of a physician
• Perform medical assessments, diagnose illnesses and injuries, and develop treatment plans
• Communicate effectively with patients and other members of the healthcare team
• Ensure proper medical coding and documentation in patient files
• Oversee ordering of medical supplies and equipment
• Provide patient education and counseling
• Monitor patient progress and provide follow- up care

Physician Assistant, XYZ Community Clinic – Feb 2011 to Feb 2015

• Assisted physicians in providing medical care to patients
• Assessed patients and developed treatment plans
• Administered medication, monitored responses, and communicated changes to physician
• Provided patient counseling and education
• Scheduled appointments and medical procedures
• Ensured proper medical coding and documentation

Education : Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies – ABC University, 2011 Bachelor of Science in Biology – XYZ University.

Create My Resume

Build a professional resume in just minutes for free.

Physician Assistant Resume with No Experience

Highly motivated Physician Assistant with a strong interest in providing quality patient care. Experienced working in a fast- paced healthcare environment. Possesses knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology, as well as an understanding of the clinical aspects of medicine.

• Medical Diagnosis
• Patient Assessment
• Documenting Medical Information
• Prescribing Medication
• Performing Procedures
• Electronic Medical Records
• Interpersonal Skills
• Time Management

Responsibilities :

• Provide medical care to patients under the supervision of a physician
• Perform physical exams, diagnose and treat medical conditions, and order tests
• Educate patients and families on medical procedures, medications, and health maintenance
• Develop treatment plans and provide follow- up care
• Monitor patient progress, order laboratory tests, and interpret results
• Manage patient records and charting in accordance with regulations and protocols

Experience 0 Years

Level Junior

Education Bachelor’s

Physician Assistant Resume with 2 Years of Experience

A highly motivated and hardworking Physician Assistant with 2 years of experience in providing exceptional patient care. Proven ability to assess and treat medical conditions, while demonstrating excellent medical knowledge, great organizational and communication skills. Capable of working in challenging environments, making sound clinical decisions, and keeping up to date with the latest medical developments.

• Excellent knowledge in medical terminology
• Highly Skilled in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures
• Proficient in medication prescription and administration
• Strong ability to assess and diagnose patients
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently and in teams
• Ability to handle stress and difficult situations
• Reviewing patient records and medical history
• Performing physical examinations
• Ordering and interpreting laboratory tests
• Conducting diagnostic and therapeutic procedures
• Prescribing and administering medications
• Counseling patients on health maintenance and prevention
• Providing patient education
• Making referrals to other health care professionals
• Documenting patient encounters and updating patient records

Experience 2+ Years

Physician Assistant Resume with 5 Years of Experience

A highly motivated and experienced Physician Assistant with 5 years of experience in providing comprehensive healthcare services to patients in a variety of settings. Experienced in evaluating and diagnosing medical conditions, ordering and interpreting lab tests, prescribing medications, and managing various types of treatment plans. Possesses excellent communication and interpersonal skills, allowing for the delivery of superior care and patient education.

• Ability to evaluate and diagnose medical conditions
• Knowledge of prescribing medications
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Proficient in ordering and interpreting lab tests
• Ability to manage various types of treatment plans
• Knowledge of medical terminology
• Proficient in the use of electronic medical records
• Examining patient’s medical history and diagnosing the nature of illness
• Prescribing medications and recommending treatment plans
• Performing minor surgical procedures
• Ordering laboratory tests and interpreting results
• Educating patients about health issues and preventive measures
• Monitoring patient progress and making necessary adjustments to treatment plans
• Providing follow- up care to patients and referring them to specialists as appropriate

Experience 5+ Years

Level Senior

Physician Assistant Resume with 7 Years of Experience

Physician Assistant with 7 years of experience providing comprehensive medical services to a diverse range of patients. Skilled in developing individualized plans of care for a wide variety of ailments. Proven ability to manage patient care, maintain accurate medical records, and provide education to patients and their families.

• Experience examining and treating patients with a broad range of ailments
• Proficient in both office and hospital- based procedures
• Comprehensive knowledge of EMR systems and charting
• Skilled in developing individualized treatment plans
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Compassionate, empathetic, and patient- focused
• Documenting patient histories, observations, and progress in medical records
• Examine and treat patients, providing appropriate care and education
• Coordinate between patients, families, and other healthcare providers
• Ensure laboratory and diagnostic testing is accurately ordered and interpreted
• Provide detailed instructions and advice to patients on post- treatment homecare
• Collaborate with physicians to develop individualized treatment plans for each patient

Experience 7+ Years

Physician Assistant Resume with 10 Years of Experience

A Physician Assistant with over 10 years of experience in healthcare, I have a deep understanding of medical terminology, pharmacology, and patient assessment. I have a strong background in primary care in both outpatient and inpatient care settings. I am highly skilled in medical office procedures, medical coding, and medical billing. I am a team player who is goal- oriented and has superior interpersonal skills. I always strive to provide excellent patient care and ensure the highest standard of quality in all aspects of patient care.

• Clinical knowledge of primary care and inpatient care
• Comprehensive understanding of medical terminology and pharmacology
• Knowledge of medical office procedures, medical coding, and medical billing
• Strong ability to multitask and prioritize
• Highly organized with attention to detail
• Able to work independently and as part of a team
• Perform physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries
• Evaluate and make decisions about patient care
• Order and interpret diagnostic tests, such as lab work and x- rays
• Prescribe medications and treatments
• Counsel patients and their families on preventive healthcare and health maintenance
• Refer patients to other healthcare providers as necessary
• Assist physicians in the operating room
• Document patient visits, treatments, and medications in the patient’s medical record
• Track and maintain patient records
• Maintain a thorough knowledge of healthcare laws and regulations

Experience 10+ Years

Level Senior Manager

Education Master’s

Physician Assistant Resume with 15 Years of Experience

Physician Assistant with 15 years of experience providing patient care in a variety of settings. Well- versed in interpreting and analyzing diagnostic tests, collaborating with physicians regarding patient care, and providing preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care. Adept at developing and implementing successful care plans, providing patient education, and maintaining medical records.

• Excellent interpersonal, communication and organizational skills
• High level of patient care and medical knowledge
• Proficient in examination and diagnosis
• Knowledge of medical terminology, procedures, and treatments
• Ability to accurately interpret and assess patient conditions
• Adept at utilizing electronic medical records
• Strong ability to multitask and manage time efficiently
• Provided comprehensive medical care to patients in a variety of settings
• Performed physical examinations and evaluations, order laboratory tests, and interpret diagnostic tests
• Assisted physicians in the operating room with preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care
• Developed and implemented individualized patient care plans
• Counseled patients and family members on patient care
• Managed patient care and monitored patient progress
• Documented patient care and medical records
• Conducted patient education and provided health promotion activities

Experience 15+ Years

Level Director

In addition to this, be sure to check out our resume templates , resume formats ,  cover letter examples ,  job description , and  career advice  pages for more helpful tips and advice.

What should be included in a Physician Assistant resume?

When creating your resume as a Physician Assistant, it is important to ensure the document accurately reflects your experience and qualifications. A well-crafted resume should include the following sections:

• Contact Information: Include your full name, address, phone number, email address, and professional social media accounts.
• Summary: Write a brief summary of your qualifications as a Physician Assistant to set the tone for the rest of the resume.
• Education: List all institution name, degree type, and year of completion.
• Clinical Experience: Include any clinical rotations or internships, as well as any professional experience in the field of medicine.
• Licensure: List any certification or licensure you hold relevant to the Physician Assistant role.
• Skills: Highlight any notable skills that make you stand out from other candidates such as medical terminology, laboratory procedure knowledge, ability to multi-task, and patient-care experience.
• Professional Memberships: If you are a part of any professional organizations, showcase your membership.
• Specialty Areas: If you have any specialized training or experience, be sure to include it here.
• Awards and Achievements: List any awards or achievements that have been bestowed upon you in recognition of your work.

By making sure your resume includes all of the above elements, you can be sure to create a comprehensive and effective document that showcases your strengths as a Physician Assistant.

What is a good summary for a Physician Assistant resume?

A physician assistant (PA) is someone who works as a partner with a doctor to provide health care services. These PAs are highly trained and have a wide range of clinical experience and knowledge. They can diagnose and treat illnesses, order tests and procedures, write prescriptions, and provide patient education.

A well-written physician assistant resume should include a summary of qualifications that highlights the PA’s experience and knowledge. It should also include a list of certifications and licenses they hold, as well as their professional strengths and any relevant volunteer or internship experience.

When writing an effective resume summary for a physician assistant, applicants should begin by introducing themselves and their professional qualifications. After that, they should list their areas of expertise and any specializations or certifications they possess. The summary should also include a brief description of their experience in the medical field and how it applies to the position being applied for. Finally, it should showcase the PA’s interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team setting.

A strong physician assistant summary should be concise yet detailed, and emphasize the qualities that make the applicant unique and qualified for the position. It should also be tailored to the particular job posting, by focusing on the skills, experience, and qualities that make the applicant the best candidate.

What is a good objective for a Physician Assistant resume?

A Physician Assistant is a highly skilled health professional who works closely with doctors and other medical personnel to provide quality patient care. When creating a resume for a Physician Assistant role, the objective should be tailored to highlight your knowledge, skills, and experience that make you the perfect candidate for the job. Here are some tips for crafting an effective objective statement for a Physician Assistant resume:

• Highlight your qualifications: Show potential employers that you understand the requirements for a successful Physician Assistant by emphasizing your relevant qualifications, such as a Physician Assistant degree, experience working in a medical setting, and any specialized training.
• Emphasize your ability to work in a team: Demonstrate that you are able to collaborate with other healthcare professionals by highlighting any past experiences in team-based environments.
• Demonstrate your commitment to patient care: Show potential employers that you will prioritize patient care by emphasizing your commitment to providing quality care and your ability to stay current with the latest treatments and technologies.
• Mention any specialty areas: If you have experience in a specific area such as pediatrics, orthopedics, or geriatrics, be sure to mention it in your objective statement.

By highlighting your qualifications, ability to work in a team, commitment to patient care, and any specialty areas, you can create an effective objective statement for a Physician Assistant resume and show potential employers why you are the perfect candidate for the job.

How do you list Physician Assistant skills on a resume?

When writing your resume for a Physician Assistant position, it is important to include your core skills to demonstrate your suitability for the role. Here are some tips for listing your Physician Assistant skills on your resume:

• Highlight skills most relevant to the job: Depending on the job you’re applying for, you may want to emphasize different skills. If you’re applying for a position in pediatrics, for example, you’ll want to highlight your experience with children and knowledge of pediatric care.
• Include keywords: Read through the job description carefully and make sure to include relevant keywords. This will help ensure your resume is noticed by the hiring manager.
• Specify duties: Don’t just list your skills, but also include an example of how you’ve used them in the past. This will help the employer understand the scope of your experience.
• Show proficiency: If you’re proficient at a certain skill, like utilizing EMR/EHR software, make sure to include that.

By following these tips, you can create a compelling resume that will help you stand out from the competition and get invited for an interview.

What skills should I put on my resume for Physician Assistant?

When it comes to writing your resume as a Physician Assistant, there are certain skills that you should highlight to potential employers. Your resume should be tailored to the specific job you are applying for, so that the skills you list are relevant and useful in the position. Here are some of the necessary skills to consider putting on your Physician Assistant resume:

• Clinical Care: A Physician Assistant must have strong clinical skills, including knowledge of diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient care. Showcase your ability to manage care for patients of various ages, backgrounds and needs.
• Medical Knowledge: Demonstrate your knowledge of medical terminology, disease processes, and therapeutic treatments. This may include listing any certifications or licenses you hold.
• Communication Skills: Showcase your ability to effectively communicate with patients, their families, and other healthcare professionals. This may include your ability to document care, provide instruction and answer questions.
• Technical Proficiency: Must be able to use and understand technology used in the healthcare field, such as electronic health records.
• Interpersonal Skills: A Physician Assistant must be able to build relationships with patients and colleagues, and provide effective and compassionate care.
• Adaptability: Physician Assistants must be able to handle various situations and adapt to different environments.

By highlighting these skills on your resume, you can show employers that you are the ideal candidate for the position.

Key takeaways for an Physician Assistant resume

Your Physician Assistant (PA) resume is one of the most important documents you’ll ever create. It’s your first impression with potential employers and can make or break your chances of getting an interview. With that being said, here are some key takeaways to help you create a stellar PA resume that will get you noticed.

• Use a clear, concise format. Don’t overwhelm employers with too much information, but make sure to include all of the important details such as your education, training, and certifications.
• Focus on your skills and accomplishments. Highlight the skills and accomplishments that are most relevant to the job you’re applying for, such as your clinical experience, research, and teaching.
• List relevant experience. Even if you don’t have a lengthy PA career, you can still include other relevant experience, such as volunteer work, internships, and other healthcare or medical positions.
• Don’t be afraid to think outside the box. If you want to stand out, consider including some creative elements, such as multimedia and graphics, to draw attention to your resume.
• Avoid common mistakes. Errors, typos, and misleading information can all lead to an immediate rejection. Be sure to double-check your resume for any mistakes and make sure all of the information provided is accurate.

By following these tips, you can create a standout PA resume that will help you stand out from the competition and get noticed by employers. Good luck!

Let us help you build your Resume!

Make your resume more organized and attractive with our Resume Builder

Physician Assistant Resume Sample [10+ Tips]

A Physician Assistant resume sells your qualifications to potential employers. It should be written in a way that tells them you have the skills and potential to help them reach their goals. 

How to Write a Professional Resume for Physician Assistant Position?

The following 10 tips will help you write a great resume for a physician assistant job:

• Relate your skills and qualifications to the employers’ needs.
• Include only relevant information.
• List your strongest qualifications at the top of your resume.
• Highlight your achievements in the capacity of a physician assistant.
• Don’t exaggerate or misrepresent your qualifications, accomplishments, or experiences.
• Find the keywords in the physician assistant job description and mention them in the skills section of your resume.
• Write your educational and certifications information.
• Keep it short and simple, as well as concise.
• Proofread – check for errors in spelling, grammar, or typing. 
• Send your resume with a physician assistant cover letter .

Here is a sample to guide you further.

Sample Resume for Physician Assistant Position

MARK HEDRICK 0098 Front Tyron Park, Rochester, NY 89970 (000) 377-7567 Email

PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT

Bringing extensive passion and physician assisting skills to deliver the most excellent medical care to the patients.

SUMMARY Successful track record of developing an active relationship between a physician and patients to accomplish the facility’s long-term goal. Ability to provide patients with precise information about their condition. Competent at utilizing a variety of very specific administrative and medical care procedures which may be of benefit in specific situations.

HIGHLIGHTS • Over 12 years of experience working efficiently with physicians and providing medical and administrative support. • Substantial knowledge of medical practice, procedures, equipment, and instruments. • Magnificently skilled in instituting treatment of patients. • Highly qualified in prioritizing emergency from routine clinical situations. • Well acquainted with providing a full range of emergency services or crisis interventions in the absence of the physician. • In-depth knowledge of stabilizing a patient within the scope of practice and approved protocols.

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS • Medical Terminology • Prescription Writing • Medication Administration • Records Maintenance • Computer: MS Word, Excel, and Meditech Software • Bilingual: English and Spanish

KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS • Secured health and medical history of the patients or family members successfully. • Provided leadership in comprehensive primary care services and auxiliary practices. • Made decisions concerning primary care needs of patients, as a result, gained trust and earned respect.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Physician Assistant | 2015-present Advanced Practice Recruiters – Baton Rouge, LA • Assist in the collection of data for research projects • Order consultations and interacts with members of specialty medical teams • Develop treatment plans in conjunction with attending physician to provide optimal patient medical management • Perform patients’ physical examinations • Order laboratory tests, x-rays, special imaging studies, and other diagnostic procedures

Resident Physician Assistant | 2006-2015 Crete Area Medical Center – Crete, NB • Provided care to patients under the supervision of a physician • Assisted physicians in operating rooms and surgery • Wrote and modify daily orders • Changed dressings when required • Performed other minor procedures

EDUCATION Associate of Science in Medical Assisting Southern Illinois University – Springfield, IL 

CERTIFICATIONS • Basic Life Support (BLS) – 2006 • Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) – 2004 • Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) – 2004

Recommended

• Physician Assistant Interview
• Physician Assistant Jobs
• Physician Assistant Job Description and Duties for Resume
• Job Description for Cardiology Physician Assistant
• 11 Physician Assistant Interview Questions with Answers
• Entry Level Physician Assistant Resume No Experience

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of new posts by email.

Physician Assistant Job Description [Updated for 2024]

In the ever-evolving healthcare industry, the role of a Physician Assistant has become increasingly significant.

As medical advancements continue to progress, the demand for skilled professionals capable of interpreting, applying, and safeguarding these developments is crucial.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Physician Assistant?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker attempting to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager constructing the ideal candidate profile,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of the Physician Assistant profession,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Physician Assistant job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Physician Assistant Duties and Responsibilities

Physician Assistants (PAs) are highly trained healthcare professionals who work under the supervision of a doctor to diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries.

They are vital members of the healthcare team, often acting as the primary health providers in areas where physicians might be in short supply.

The key duties and responsibilities of a Physician Assistant include:

• Perform physical examinations to assess patient health and diagnose illnesses
• Assist physicians in medical procedures and surgeries
• Interpret laboratory test results and diagnostic imaging studies
• Prescribe medications and suggest lifestyle changes to manage patient’s health conditions
• Develop and implement patient management plans
• Record patient’s medical history and symptoms
• Educate and counsel patients about preventive health care and managing their conditions
• Coordinate with healthcare professionals and staff to provide holistic care for patients
• Refer patients to specialists when necessary
• Follow established medical protocols and stay updated on the latest medical knowledge and skills

Physician Assistant Job Description Template

We are seeking a dedicated Physician Assistant to join our healthcare team.

The Physician Assistant will be responsible for providing diagnostic and therapeutic medical care and services under the supervision of a physician.

The ideal candidate is proficient in diagnosing and treating illnesses and diseases and administering medical treatments in accordance with medical protocols.

Ultimately, the Physician Assistant’s duties are to ensure the delivery of quality and efficient health care services to patients.

Responsibilities

• Conduct physical examinations and patient interviews
• Order and interpret diagnostic tests
• Diagnose and treat illnesses, diseases, or injuries
• Provide education and advice to patients about health management
• Collaborate with physicians and other healthcare professionals to plan and implement treatment
• Prescribe medications within scope of practice
• Document patient care services by charting in patient’s record
• Adhere to all relevant health and safety standards

Qualifications

• Current and unrestricted Physician Assistant license
• Master’s Degree in Physician Assistant Studies
• At least two years of clinical experience as a Physician Assistant
• Strong knowledge of medical terminology and ethics
• Excellent patient management skills
• Ability to multitask and prioritize
• Proficient with electronic medical records (EMR) systems
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Continuing education opportunities

Additional Information

• Job Title: Physician Assistant
• Work Environment: Medical setting such as a clinic, hospital, or private practice. Some on-call hours may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the supervising Physician or Medical Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $95,000 minimum to $125,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

What Does a Physician Assistant Do?

Physician Assistants, also known as PAs, are healthcare professionals who work under the supervision of physicians and surgeons in various medical settings, including hospitals, doctor’s offices, and clinics.

They take medical histories, conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, counsel on preventive health care, assist in surgeries, and write prescriptions.

Physician Assistants are responsible for providing a broad range of healthcare services that are traditionally performed by a doctor.

They may also refer patients to specialists when required.

They often act as the primary healthcare providers in rural areas where a doctor may only be available a couple of days per week.

In addition to clinical tasks, PAs may also conduct research, teach, and administer in health education programs.

Their role may vary depending on the area of medical specialization they choose, such as pediatrics, emergency medicine, or orthopedics.

In all cases, they are committed to patient care and work collaboratively with the healthcare team to provide the best medical service possible.

Physician Assistant Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Physician Assistant should have the skills and qualifications that align with the responsibilities and requirements of the role, such as:

• Medical knowledge and understanding of human anatomy, pharmacology, and pathology to effectively diagnose and treat patients.
• Technical skills to perform medical procedures such as suturing, casting, and administering injections, under the supervision of a physician.
• Strong communication skills to interact with patients, understand their symptoms, explain their conditions and treatment plans, and provide health education.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to work collaboratively with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, and to build trust and rapport with patients.
• Decision-making and problem-solving skills to make appropriate medical decisions and solve complex health issues.
• Attention to detail to accurately record patient histories, conduct examinations, interpret medical tests, and monitor patient progress.
• Physical stamina to work long hours, often standing, and deal with emergencies.
• Compassion and empathy for dealing with patients who may be in distress or facing health challenges.
• Ability to work under pressure and make quick decisions in high-stress or emergency situations.

Physician Assistant Experience Requirements

To qualify as a Physician Assistant, candidates must complete a Physician Assistant training program, which generally takes about 2 years and includes both classroom instruction and clinical rotations.

The program usually culminates with a master’s degree.

During their clinical rotations, students gain hands-on experience in several areas of medicine, such as family medicine, internal medicine, surgery, and psychiatry.

This equips them with the necessary experience to start practicing as a Physician Assistant upon graduation.

After graduation, Physician Assistants often spend several years gaining additional experience and expertise in a particular medical specialty.

This can be accomplished through residencies, fellowships, or on-the-job experience.

Those with over 5 years of experience are considered experienced Physician Assistants and may take on more responsibilities, such as supervising medical assistants or other healthcare staff.

They may also have the opportunity to specialize further in their field, gaining additional certifications and competencies.

Physician Assistants with more than 10 years of experience are highly experienced and may take on leadership roles within their medical team, or move into education or administration within the healthcare industry.

Physician Assistant Education and Training Requirements

To become a Physician Assistant, a master’s degree is typically required.

This often comes from a Physician Assistant program, which usually takes about two years to complete after obtaining a bachelor’s degree.

Before entering a Physician Assistant program, students usually have a bachelor’s degree in a science-related field and have some healthcare experience.

Pre-med studies are often preferred, and relevant healthcare experience can include work as a paramedic, emergency medical technician, or nurse.

In a Physician Assistant program, students study topics such as anatomy, physiology, and medical ethics, while also gaining practical experience in areas such as family medicine, surgery, pediatrics, and obstetrics.

All states require Physician Assistants to be licensed.

Licensing involves passing the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) from the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).

To maintain their certification, Physician Assistants must complete 100 hours of continuing education every two years.

They must also pass a recertification exam every ten years.

In addition to these formal education and training requirements, Physician Assistants should also possess strong communication skills, emotional resilience, and the ability to make decisions in high-pressure situations.

Physician Assistant Salary Expectations

A Physician Assistant can expect to make an average of $112,260 (USD) per year.

The actual salary can fluctuate based on factors such as experience, specialization, geographical location, and the type of medical facility where they are employed.

Physician Assistant Job Description FAQs

What skills does a physician assistant need.

Physician assistants need strong communication skills to effectively interact with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals.

They must be skilled in medical procedures, diagnostics, and treatments.

They should also have excellent problem-solving abilities to address patient concerns and formulate treatment plans.

Other key skills include attention to detail, ability to work under pressure, and a deep understanding of medical ethics.

Do physician assistants need a degree?

Yes, physician assistants require a specific educational background.

They need a Master’s degree from an accredited educational program.

Prior to that, they must have a Bachelor’s degree, preferably in a science-related field.

All states also require physician assistants to be licensed.

What should you look for in a physician assistant resume?

A physician assistant’s resume should highlight their educational background, including their Master’s degree and any specializations.

It should list their license and certification details.

Experience in healthcare, either through internships or jobs, is also crucial.

Look for details about their patient care experience, medical procedures they are familiar with, and any specific areas of medical practice they have experience in.

What qualities make a good physician assistant?

A good physician assistant is compassionate and has a genuine desire to help patients.

They need excellent communication skills to explain medical conditions and treatments to patients.

They must be detail-oriented to accurately record patient history and symptoms, and to monitor patient health progress.

They should also be able to work effectively in a team, as they often collaborate with doctors and other healthcare professionals.

Is it difficult to hire physician assistants?

Hiring physician assistants can be challenging due to the specific qualifications and skills required for the role.

In addition, there is a growing demand for these professionals in healthcare, which can make the hiring process competitive.

Employers may need to offer attractive compensation and benefits packages, ongoing training opportunities, and a supportive work environment to attract qualified candidates.

So there you have it.

Today, we have unraveled the true essence of what it means to be a physician assistant.

And guess what?

It’s not just about assisting doctors.

It’s about enhancing patient care and being an essential part of a medical team.

With our comprehensive physician assistant job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to take a leap.

But why halt your journey here?

Dig deeper with our job description generator . It’s your next step to creating finely honed job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Every task you perform as a physician assistant contributes to a larger healthcare goal.

Let’s enhance patient care. Together.

Reasons to Become a Physician Assistant (Impact Communities Positively)

How to Become a Physician Assistant (Complete Guide)

Disadvantages of Being a Physician Assistant (Under the White Coat)

Income Inequality Exposed: The Lowest Paying Jobs in the U.S. Right Now

Economic Warriors: Recession-Proof Jobs for a Stable Future

The Job Elite: Most Prestigious Careers in the Modern World

Hot Off the Job Press: Trending Careers You Need to Know

The Editorial Team at InterviewGuy.com is composed of certified interview coaches, seasoned HR professionals, and industry insiders. With decades of collective expertise and access to an unparalleled database of interview questions, we are dedicated to empowering job seekers. Our content meets real-time industry demands, ensuring readers receive timely, accurate, and actionable advice. We value our readers' insights and encourage feedback, corrections, and questions to maintain the highest level of accuracy and relevance.

Similar Posts

Cash Office Clerk Job Description [Updated for 2024]

Corporate Food Stylist Job Description [Updated for 2024]

Channel Marketing Manager Job Description [Updated for 2024]

Artisan Baker Job Description [Updated for 2024]

Gallery Manager Job Description [Updated for 2024]

Floor Repair Technician Job Description [Updated for 2024]

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Physician Assistant Resume: Samples and Writing Guide

A physician assistant resume is essential for applying for PA jobs. Whether you are just graduating from a Physician Assistant program having completed all the PA school requirements or looking for a new position, you will need to prepare the perfect resume to impress your employers! In this article, we talk about how you can create a strong physician assistant resume and discuss what sections you should include. Next, we will give you some tips on how you can make your resume stand out. We will conclude by demonstrating three examples to help you get started on your own resume. 

>> Want us to help you get accepted? Schedule a free initial consultation here <<

Article Contents 11 min read

What is a physician assistant resume.

Physician assistant resume is a brief outline which demonstrates your background and elaborates on what makes you qualified to become a PA. The role of your physician assistant resume is to present your skills and experiences to show that you are the right person for the job. 

The best format for a physician assistant resume is a reverse chronological format. This format presents your experiences and qualifications starting with the most recent ones. The recruiters can look at your resume to understand your professional progress and the skills that you have learned over the years. The reverse chronological order is applicable for all the sections in your resume, such as work experience, education, certifications, or awards. Start your resume by mentioning your latest endeavor and move to the previous ones.

What Should be Included in a Physician Assistant Resume?

The key elements to a successful physician assistant resume are clinical experience, education, and certifications. You should be able to convey your potential by effectively summarizing your abilities, expertise, and achievements. Remember, your education and previous experience demonstrates that you have acquired comprehensive knowledge as a physician assistant. The inclusion of specific medical skills at this point highlights your capability to provide optimal diagnostic and therapeutic patient care and work in cooperation with a physician. So, you should include the following sections in your physician assistant resume:

Name and contact information

Your name should be on the top of your physician assistant resume. Below that, you should add your current contact information. Whenever you apply for a physician assistant position, the recruiter needs enough time for the initial screening of your application. After the initial screening, if they find you suitable for the job, they will reach out to you via email or a phone call, so include those on your resume. Additionally, you must include your physical address, website, and LinkedIn profile. These details make your contact information complete.

Resume objective

The next section of your resume should mention your objective. A physician assistant resume objective will convey your interest in the position while highlighting your most important skills. To write the perfect resume objective, you must mention your areas of expertise and a few keywords from the job description. Take a look at the example below,

Professional NCCPA-certified physician assistant with 2+ years of expertise in treating 200+ patients in traumatic injuries and orthopedic emergencies. Seeking to provide quality health care as the next physician assistant at City General Hospital.

Your past work experience demonstrates your capabilities in working with patients. Mention the names of all the previous organizations where you have worked and the duration of your tenure. If you are an experienced candidate, start with your latest position and go in reverse chronological order to your first position.

If you are a candidate with no previous experience and are starting afresh, you can list any clinical work experience you may have (including rotations), as well as your volunteering and shadowing experiences. You can also mention your research experience if it demonstrates the skills suitable for a physician assistant job.

Lastly, you can also enlist your non-healthcare jobs if the skills you learned in these positions will help you as a physician assistant.

For example, if you worked as a part-time administrative assistant in an office, then you can mention skills such as:

You will be building connections with patients and other staff members in a hospital, so communication skills are necessary for a physician assistant. ","label":"Communication skills","title":"Communication skills"}]" code="tab1" template="BlogArticle">

You must have studied for several years to get formal training to become a physician assistant. Mention the names of those degrees and the educational institutions in your resume. The education section of your resume proves your formal qualification and the history of your association with the field. If you achieved an impressive GPA, include that in your resume. Your education section should start with the latest qualification and move to the earliest one, usually your Bachelor's degree, in reverse chronological order.

A separate section for skills in your physician assistant resume better demonstrates your competency for the job. This section should include hard and soft skills not highlighted previously in your resume. If you have a specialization, use this section to build a coherent picture of your profile. Format this section in bullet points and select shorter skills to list.

Certifications

You must have earned your physical assistant certification after completing your studies. Similarly, there are some additional certifications that PAs can complete, such as Emergency Medicine, Certification in Pediatric Anesthesiology (PA), Basic Life Support (BLS), and more. You can list all your certifications in this section.

This section of your resume highlights your accolades and accomplishments in your previous positions. Additionally, you can mention academic achievements such as grants, bursaries, awards, and honors from your institution in this section. These achievements show that you have been an exceptional performer at your job as a physician assistant and have a probability of performing better than the other candidates.

Publications

Since you have completed your studies in the field of medicine, there are chances that you would have participated in research during your master's program or outside your academics. If you have a published paper in any related area, you should mention that in your resume as it enhances your profile as a medical professional. Write the title of your publication, the publishing journal, and the year.

Top Skills for Physician Assistant Resume

Listing your skills on your physician assistant resume can directly impact your progress in the hiring process. Most healthcare institutions use an Applicant Tracking System for shortlisting resumes due to the huge volume of resumes received. Even if an ATS system is not in the picture, you need to provide the hiring manager with specific information about what differentiates you from other candidates.

Interested in a quick summary of this next section? Check out this infographic:

As you draft your resume tailored for the specific role of a physician assistant, you must integrate your skills within the description of your previous responsibilities and in the separate section for skills. Some essential skills to put in your resume are:

Patient care

Patient care skills demonstrate your ability to assist in the treatment of patients. You should know how to conduct patient interviews, understand their history, conduct physical examinations to diagnose problems, and provide a prescription. 

Documentation

These skills describe your ability to provide a written record of the examinations and patient interviews you conduct to aid the physician in understanding the patient's case better.

Medical examination and diagnostics

As a physician assistant, you would often conduct an initial examination of the patient. Thus, it is vital to demonstrate sufficient medical know-how for accurate diagnosis. 

Treatment planning

Physician assistants chart the treatment plan for the patients in collaboration with the physician and nurses. So, you must know how to plan out necessary medications, diagnostic tests, and dietary recommendations.

Basic Life Support and ACLS

It is a good-to-have skill for a physician assistant because it demonstrates a strong foundation in healthcare for working in a hospital setting and dealing with critically ill patients.

Communication skills and collaboration

These skills show that you can work along with doctors and nurses to provide the best treatment for the patients. Interpersonal skills allow you to connect with your patients and help the physician to understand their cases better.

Tips to Make Your Physician Assistant Resume Stand Out

Just like a medical school resume or a research resume , there needs to be something unique about your physician assistant resume to get your profile noticed by recruiters. Here are some actionable tips to help you make your physician assistant resume appealing:

Ideal length of your resume

A one-page resume is ideally enough to showcase your potential as a qualified candidate. With this standard practice in mind, you can trim your information so that it does not exceed a single page. Ask yourself, "Can I tell my story in fewer words?"

Omit unnecessary details that do not highlight your achievements while writing your job responsibilities. Similarly, do not mention activities of little impact if you have a rich experience. You can also combine two sections if both convey similar information.

Formatting guidelines

You should use a simple design for your physician assistant resume. Choose a basic modern font, like Arial or Calibri, with a font size between 10-12 and appropriate spacing. Your goal here should be to improve the readability of your resume. Lastly, focus on giving your resume a consistent flow.

Resume without work experience

We have already emphasized that you can create a stellar resume even without formal paid work experience as a PA. You can mention relevant and transferrable skills gained from academic projects and volunteering experience or your part-time job. Also, make sure to explain your skills and suitability in your cover letter to strengthen your chances of selection.

Quantify your experience

It is no secret that the presence of numbers on your resume makes it stand out in the eyes of the hiring manager. But how should you get started on adding figures and data to your resume? Think of the answers to the following questions:

How many team members did you train? "}]">

Demonstrate your soft skills through your job responsibilities for a stronger resume. Using fancy jargon will not take your resume anywhere; instead, convey your characteristics in bullet points. Take a look at the below example:

Collaborated with senior specialists and sought feedback to build an initial diagnosis process that reduced patient waiting time by 50%.

This helps the hiring manager in understanding that you had efficient communication with your senior team members and can work well in a team.

Make use of keywords

The major purpose of adding keywords to your resume is to get through applicant tracking systems. Besides, you can also make sure that you personalize your resume appropriately as per the job. To do this correctly, read the job description once again and select words from the job responsibilities which are unique to that job. Sure, it does take a lot of time to customize your resume for each job that you apply for, but it improves the quality of your application.

Set time aside for proofreading

Make sure that your resume does not have any typos or grammatical mistakes. Give a logical flow to your sentences to improve your writing. If you wish, let a peer review your resume for you because the opinion of an unbiased eye will bring another perspective to it. They can also analyze your work critically to suggest changes and recommendations from a neutral point of view.

Physician Assistant Resume Examples

Natalie Parker

Highly driven NCCPA board-certified physician assistant with 2 years of experience in a professional healthcare setting. Experienced with family medicine and urgent care; treated over 200 patients. Seeking a position to leverage patient care skills for a better impact on the day-to-day operations of the healthcare institution.

Work Experience

City General Hospital

Physician Assistant, 20XX- 20XX

• Assisted in providing personalized care to patients with a patient satisfaction rate of 98%.
• Implemented lean medical principles for reducing costs for supplies by 20%.
• Introduced software X for patient data management and improving process efficiency by 60%.
• Contributed to a 5% boost in Hospital CAHPS score for 20XX through collaborative working with physicians, nurses, and other PAs.

Lily Collins Memorial Hospital

Junior Physician Assistant, 20XX-20XX

• Completed documentation for medical records with 100% accuracy for 90 patients over X months.
• Improved the patient interview process to reduce patient waiting time by 40%.
• Performed physical examinations for initial screening and diagnosed basic issues with 95% accuracy.
• Assisted senior physicians with patient treatment planning for 25 patients every month.
• Master of Physician Assistant Studies

St. Paul University, 20XX-20XX

Bachelor of Science (Biology)

University of Greensville, 20XX-20XX

• Basic Life Support
• Employee of the Month, City General Hospital, Month 20XX

Jeffery Brown

Graduate physician assistant with NCCPA certification, skilled in diagnosis and treatment of diverse diseases. Seeking a position to deliver patient-centered care in an outpatient environment to gain exposure for polishing my capabilities while supporting the institution's mission and goals.

Core Skills

• Diagnostic testing
• Medical history assessment
• Prescription planning
• Clinical nutrition
• Electronic health record

Clinical Experience

Starlight Clinic, Square City

PA Intern, Month 20XX- Month 20XX

• Active participation in caregiving for 45-50 patients, including assisting in the diagnosis of diseases through clinical tests. 
• Interviewed 3-4 patients daily while recording medical history with 100% accuracy. 
• Trained and mentored 2 new interns for X months after spending X months developing a training plan.
• Assisted in X-Ray procedure for 100% surgical accuracy. 

Research Experience

University of Medical Sciences, Square City

Research Assistant- Biology Lab, Month 20XX-Month 20XX

• Responsible for identification of cell changes and determination of cell counts on hemocytometers with 99% accuracy.
• Implemented a new process for the isolation of RNA, DNA, and protein using ECL staining that improved analysis time by 40%.
• Provided mentorship and feedback to 150 students from junior year.

Non-clinical Work Experience

Bath and Spa Needs, Tucker Road, Square City

Store Assistant, Month 20XX- Month 20XX

• Exceeded sales targets for quarter X of 20XX by 65%.
• Collaborated with retail experts on product presentations to improve in-store customer engagement by 20%.

Square City University, 20XX-20XX, 3.9 GPA

• Bachelor of Science in Microbiology

Square City Community College, 20XX-20XX, 3.8 GPA

Research Publications

An analysis of the impact of Ischemia on cardiac cells through TNT-mediated communication

Journal of Cell Biology, Month 20XX

• Intern of the Month, Starlight Clinic, Month 20XX
• Sales Superstar- Summer 20XX, Bath and Spa Needs, Month 20XX

Christine Arthur

Competent NCCPA-certified physician assistant with 5+ years of experience in intensive care and surgery. Successful treatment of 1200+ patients till date. Seeking a position as a physician assistant to utilize diagnostics and treatment skills for patients with respiratory and cardiac conditions.

River City Specialty Hospital

Physician Assistant, Month 20XX- Present

• Executed diagnostic tests and X-ray for analyzing current health conditions of patients with lung issues and detected underlying issues with 95% accuracy.
• Handled 150+ cases every year as an active member of the Rapid Response Team.
• Managed and undertook the responsibility for 4 different tasks simultaneously in the Intensive Care Unit. 
• Analyzed ABG results with 100% accuracy for patients on ventilators and BiPAP.
• Optimized the insertion and removal procedures of feeding tubes, arterial punctures, and peripheral IVs, to reduce the time spent on individual patients for every nurse by 20%.
• Devised treatment plans for post-surgery patients that shortened recovery time by 30%.
• Provided care for 100 patients every month, with a positive feedback rate of 98%.
• Managed a team of 5 junior physician assistants for X months.

Long River Hospital

Physician Assistant, Month 20XX-Month 20XX

• Assisted pulmonologists and cardiologists in initial testing with 97% accuracy.
• Improved the management of rotational shifts and reduced over-time requirements by 20%.
• Evaluated laboratory imaging results with 99% accuracy.
• Collaborated with senior physicians and nurses to optimize team workflow by 60%.

River City University, 20XX-20XX

• Bachelor of Science in Biology
• ABG interruption                                                       
• Insertion of venous devices
• Ultrasound guidance

You should include your contact information, previous work experience, education details, skills, awards, certifications and publications in your physician assistant resume.

Your physician assistant resume should be one page long. Do not stretch it to two or three pages as the recruiter might lose interest in your application altogether. 

Some skills to list on a physician assistant resume are examination and diagnosis of patients, patient interviews, writing prescriptions, treatment planning, and long-term care.

Just like a physician resume , a reverse chronological format is the best for a physician assistant resume. A reverse chronological format presents your experience in an arranged order from the latest to the oldest relevant experience.

Both professions have their own perks and challenges. However, when it comes to PA vs MD , physician assistants experience high levels of job satisfaction and work-life balance for a lesser tuition fee and more opportunities to switch specializations rather than doctors. You can even opt for a transition from PA to MD if you wish later on.

You should use a clear font style for your resume. Use a font size between 10 and 12 points to improve readability. Use enough white spaces to make your resume appear clean.

While a resume is not essential under the CASPA requirements, individual programs might likely list out the requirements for a PA program. You might be required to submit a physician assistant school resume along with other application components such as a PA personal statement and CASPA letters of recommendation .

You can opt for physician assistant application consulting services to get assistance with CASPer preparation, physician assistant school applications and to prepare for PA school interview questions .

Want more free tips? Subscribe to our channels for more free and useful content!

Apple Podcasts

Like our blog? Write for us ! >>

Have a question ask our admissions experts below and we'll answer your questions, get started now.

Talk to one of our admissions experts

Our site uses cookies. By using our website, you agree with our cookie policy .

FREE Training Webclass: 

How to make your physician assistant application stand out, (and avoid the top 5 mistakes that get most rejected).

Time Sensitive. Limited Spots Available:

We guarantee you'll get accepted to PA school or your money back.

Swipe up to see a great offer!

Home / Resume Examples / Physician Assistant Resume Sample

Physician Assistant Resume Sample and Tips from HR Pros

Looking for help with writing your Physician Assistant resume?

We had an HR expert put together a sample resume for you, so you can get your own resume to look exactly the way hiring managers will appreciate. Review the sample below and read on to see some expert tips from HR professionals.

Before we go over the sections on the sample resume above, let’s take a look at some general information about the job of a physician assistant (PA). What will you be expected to do as a PA? How much money will you make when working in this field? What type of offices hire physician assistants?

Physician Assistant job description

Someone working as a Physician Assistant is generally expected to provide essential professional medical care while working directly with patients, interviewing and ordering tests for diagnostics, prescribing treatment and handling basic medical procedures, such as stitching wounds or setting bones. They will usually be supervised by a physician or a general surgeon, but in certain places or situations the position may be independent. Physician assistants may work in areas like pediatrics, psychiatry, surgery, dermatology and similar. They may work with group medical practices, in hospitals or government agencies.

How Much Does a Physician Assistant Make?

To give you an idea of what kind of salary you might expect in this job, take a look at some statistical data for the US market below. In the United States, a physician assistant makes an average of $92,800 to $130,530 per year, with the median salary at about $112,260, according to 2020 stats by the U. S. News and World Report.

Want to get the best PA job that would pay at the top of the range? Writing an effective resume is a good first step in securing one! Let’s review the sections you would include on your Physician Assistant resume to make it look professional and provide all the required details a hiring manager might be looking for.

Name and contact info

It’s a no-brainer that your resume should start with your name and contact information, so that the hiring manager will know right away whose job application they are looking at and how this person may be contacted for further consideration. Here is how to fill out this section:

• Write your full name and add your educational and professional credential abbreviations, such as MMS, MPAS, PA, PA-C, etc.;
• Write your home address and the best phone number you can be contacted at;
• Specify your email address, so you can get a response to your application;
• Although this is not mandatory, it won’t hurt to list your LinkedIn profile link so that your potential employer may see your career history, references and recommendations, or other details on who you are.

See below what this section may look like on a physician assistant resume.

Resume summary.

Right after the name, write a brief summary of your professional career, listing the most important skills and achievements that will be relevant to the position you are applying for. This summary is what the hiring manager will look at first on your resume. Therefore, they should be able to get a clear picture of why your previous work experience and education make you a good fit for the position.

The summary should not repeat the same information that’s detailed further below under Experience and Education, but rather get the HR interested in reading further. This is where you need to present yourself as a qualified professional. Be sure to list numbers if you can, and use specific instead of general wording. HR experts recommend keeping the summary down to 3-5 sentences, and making them all concise but packed with relevant information.

As a PA, you may list the areas you specialize in and the areas you have the most experience with (see the sample below).

Get more tips to help you write the perfect job resume summary in our article here.

Professional Experience

Did you know that the way you list your work experience on your resume can cause your application to be rejected, while listing the same experience correctly may raise your chances of getting hired? And that has nothing to do with discrimination of any kind or the notorious human factor. You might not be aware of it, but the majority of large companies and a good portion of smaller ones are using automated Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) these days. Knowing how these systems work and making your resume ATS-friendly is a must for a successful job search.

What is an ATS? An applicant tracking system helps the HR sift through hundreds of resumes and create a shortlist of applicants to interview and/or test further. Thanks to this system, over 70% of applications may not even make it onto the hiring manager’s desk, as they get rejected by the ATS at the first stage. Your goal should be to get your resume into the remaining 25+% and give yourself a chance to be considered for the job you want.

How do you accomplish that? The ATS is usually set up to screen resumes based on the specific position and its requirements. The HR will enter the job requirements into the system and all incoming resumes are then compared to the list. If no matches, or very few matches, are detected, the resume is rejected even if the applicant may in fact be a good fit for the job. You see, the system may not be able to understand that “the language of love” is actually French, or that “a magician of the word” is actually copywriter. So, when it comes to writing an effective and ATS-friendly resume, being too creative will usually do you more harm than good.

Now that you know what NOT to do, let’s focus on what you CAN do to improve the chances of your resume passing the ATS screen. Customize your resume to the job you are applying for. The best thing you can do is use the same wording as you see in the job description, since that’s what the algorithm will be looking for. Also, be sure to use standard names for resume sections, such as “Professional Experience” and “Education”.

For instance, if the requirements listed in the Physician Assistant job ad say “Orthopedic and occupational medicine experience”, write exactly the phrase “Orthopedic and occupational medicine” when listing previous work experience on your resume.

The format you use is important too

• Recruiters read your resume top to bottom and left to right, and they most likely won’t read every word, but rather skim over the resume contents looking for keywords and the info they need. Knowing this can help you place the most important details you want the HR to pay attention to in spots that will definitely get noticed.
• Highlight your confirmed skills and use numbers whenever possible, so that the recruiter’s eye will catch these details.
• Use a bulleted list when writing about your experience to make it easier to read.
• Don’t use bright colors that might be too distracting or fonts that may not be read correctly by the AST.
• Using columns, tables or other elements that will complicate the document structure may not play well with the AST, so keep the format simple.

Licenses and certifications

This is where you need to list the most relevant information on the licenses and certifications you hold, which may help you stand out in a pool of dozens of applicants. Look at the job description and see which licenses are required and which are listed as a potential advantage, then see which of these you have and specify their details in this section. In situations when you may have quite a few certificates, listing all of them may not be a good idea, unless you believe they are all truly relevant to the position you are looking to be hired for. If some of them aren’t, feel free to skip them instead of overloading your resume with irrelevant data.

The Education section should also contain just the relevant courses and degrees. It is pretty obvious that listing a cooking class or a driving school won’t make any difference to your chances of getting hired as a physician assistant, so why take up valuable space on a document that must be kept down to one page? It’s okay to list your schools all in one paragraph to save space, but in that case, highlight school names with bold font to make the info easier to read.

Additional information

This is a great place where you can specify information that can help you stand out. List any publications you’ve had, commendations or awards you have received, hobbies, languages you speak, or any other details which will tell the potential employer that you are curious, enthusiastic, ambitious, active, or otherwise a good match for their workplace culture. Be sure to list any medical volunteer or charity work you may have been involved in. Medicine is an area where empathy is valued, so this will shed some extra positive light on your personality.

HR professionals recommend mentioning your references in this section too, as it is an important element that is expected on a Physician Assistant resume.

In addition to the above, here are a few other tips from HR experts you need to take into consideration. When writing your resume, do your best to keep it down to 1 page. Hiring managers are busy people, especially when they have more than one position open and applications arrive in dozens or even hundreds. They will appreciate a concise one-page document that is well-structured, with important details highlighted. Of course, you may have over 10 years of professional experience and all of it might be relevant to the job you are looking to get. In that case, it’s okay to make your resume a bit longer, up to 2 pages, but be sure to list the most important details on the first page.

An ideal resume is a combination of content that would allow you to stand out and format that is ATS-friendly, neat and comfortable to read. Learn more about writing the perfect resume here , and be sure to check out expert tips on creating an effective Physician Assistant cover letter to go with your resume.

Physician Assistant cover letter

• ResumeBuild
• Physician Assistant

5 Amazing physician assistant Resume Examples (Updated 2023) + Skills & Job Descriptions

Build your resume in 15 minutes

Physician assistant: resume samples & writing guide, employment history.

• Participating in quality improvement initiatives
• Answering patient inquiries
• Working with electronic health records (EHR) systems

Do you already have a resume? Use our PDF converter and edit your resume.

Professional Summary

• Maintaining patient records
• Filing and organizing medical records
• Assisting with medical coding
• Completing paperwork for referrals and authorizations
• Coordinating with other healthcare providers
• Handling insurance claims and billing
• Assisting with patient education
• Adhering to HIPAA regulations
• Maintaining patient confidentiality

Not in love with this template? Browse our full library of resume templates

Table of Content

• Introduction
• Resume Samples & Writing Guide
• Resume Example 1
• Resume Example 2
• Resume Example 3
• Resume Example 4
• Resume Example 5
• Jobs Description
• Jobs Skills
• Technical Skills
• Soft Skills
• How to Improve Your Resume
• How to Optimize Your Resume
• Cover Letter Example

physician assistant Job Descriptions; Explained

If you're applying for an physician assistant position, it's important to tailor your resume to the specific job requirements in order to differentiate yourself from other candidates. Including accurate and relevant information that directly aligns with the job description can greatly increase your chances of securing an interview with potential employers. When crafting your resume, be sure to use action verbs and a clear, concise format to highlight your relevant skills and experience. Remember, the job description is your first opportunity to make an impression on recruiters, so pay close attention to the details and make sure you're presenting yourself in the best possible light.

physician assistant

• Collaborate with physicians and other healthcare professionals in the management of patients.
• Perform patient histories and physical exams.
• Order and interpret laboratory and diagnostic tests.
• Handle cardiac emergencies by employing medical training.
• Advise patients concerning diet, activity, and disease prevention.
• Supervise activities and training of students, medical assistants, and other medical support staff.
• One of the original physician assistants recruited by Stat Health, and helped develop and optimize the physician assistant role within the company
• Take detailed patient histories and preform comprehensive patient physical examinations
• Diagnose and provide treatment for a variety of medical problems in the urgent care setting with autonomy
• Document all patient histories, physical exams, and treatment plans using EMR
• Interpret laboratory and radiologic results, and develop treatment plans and follow up visits/referrals based on those results
• Do procedural work such as, but not limited to:Suturing 
• Maintained and followed standard quality, safety, environmental and infection control policies and procedures.
• Analyzed physical findings and medical histories to make diagnoses according to Oriental medicine traditions.
• Developed individual treatment plans and strategies.
• Evaluated treatment outcomes and recommend new or altered treatments as necessary to further promote, restore, or maintain health.
• Collected medical histories and general health and life style information from patients.
• Assessed patients’ general physical appearance to make diagnoses.
• Educated patients on topics such as meditation, ergonomics, stretching, exercise, nutrition, the healing process, breathing, and relaxation techniques.
• Provide diagnostic physicals, sick calls, and chronic illness encounters 
• Complete evaluations of acutely ill patients in urgent/emergent and infirmary
•  Facilitate telemedicine encounters
•  Order, perform, and interpret tests and analyze records, reports, and examination information to diagnose patients’ condition.
•  Provide patient education
•  Indentify areas for quality improvement and process implementation
• Abscess I&D
• Trigger Point Injections
• Vaccination administration

physician assistant Job Skills

For an physician assistant position, your job skills are a key factor in demonstrating your value to the company and showing recruiters that you're the ight fit for the role. It's important to be specific when highlighting your skills and ensure that they are directly aligned with the job requirements, as this can greatly improve your chances of being hired. By showcasing your relevant skills and experience, you can make a compelling case for why you're the best candidate for the job.

How to include technical skills in your resume:

Technical skills are a set of specialized abilities and knowledge required to perform a particular job effectively. Some examples of technical skills are data analysis, project management, software proficiency, and programming languages, to name a few. Add the technical skills that will get hired in your career field with our simple-to-use resume builder. Select your desired resume template, once you reach the skills section of the builder, manually write in the skill or simply click on "Add more skills". This will automatically generate the best skills for your career field, choose your skill level, and hit "Save & Next."

• Word Processing
• Medical Terminology
• Medical Coding
• Medical Billing
• Electronic Health Records
• HIPAA Compliance
• Patient Scheduling
• Medical Records
• Insurance Verification
• EMR Systems
• Telephone Skills
• Chart Preparation
• Receptionist Duties
• Appointment Scheduling
• Medical Office Procedures
• Clinical Documentation.

How to include soft skills in your resume:

Soft skills are non-technical skills that relate to how you work and that can be used in any job. Including soft skills such as time management, creative thinking, teamwork, and conflict resolution demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and show that you navigate challenges and changes in the workplace efficiently. Add competitive soft skills to make your resume stand-out to recruiters! Simply select your preferred resume template in the skills section, enter the skills manually or use the "Add more skills" option. Our resume builder will generate the most relevant soft skills for your career path. Choose your proficiency level for each skill, and then click "Save & Next" to proceed to the next section.

• Communication
• Interpersonal
• Time Management
• Problem Solving
• Decision Making
• Critical Thinking
• Adaptability
• Organization
• Public Speaking
• Negotiation
• Conflict Resolution
• Attention to Detail
• Self-Motivation
• Stress Management
• Collaboration
• Strategic Thinking
• Emotional Intelligence
• Flexibility
• Reliability
• Professionalism
• Computer Literacy
• Data Analysis
• Project Management
• Customer Service
• Presentation
• Written Communication
• Social Media
• Troubleshooting
• Quality Assurance
• Supervisory
• Risk Management
• Database Management
• Documentation
• Financial Management
• Visualization
• Business Acumen
• Process Improvement
• Relationship Management.

How to Improve Your physician assistant Resume

Navigating resume pitfalls can mean the difference between landing an interview or not. Missing job descriptions or unexplained work history gaps can cause recruiters to hesitate. Let's not even talk about the impact of bad grammar, and forgetting your contact info could leave your potential employer hanging. Aim to be comprehensive, concise, and accurate.

• Scheduling patient appointments

Provide your Contact Information and Address Year Gaps

Always explain any gaps in your work history to your advantage..

• Employers want to know what you've accomplished, so make sure to explain any gaps using a professional summary.
• Adding extra details and context to explain why you have a gap in your work history shows employers you are a good fit for the position.

How to Optimize Your physician assistant Resume

Keep an eye out for these resume traps. Neglecting to detail your job roles or explain gaps in your career can lead to unnecessary doubts. Grammar blunders can reflect negatively on you, and without contact information, how can employers reach you? Be meticulous and complete.

• Workin with electronic health records (EHR) systems
• Handling insurance claims and billin
• Schedualing patient appontments
• Adhearing to HIPAA regulations
• Maintaning patient confedentiality
• "I went to the store to buy some food
• I went too the store too buy some food.

Include Job Descriptions and Avoid Bad Grammar

Avoid sending a wrong first impression by proofreading your resume..

• Spelling and typos are the most common mistakes recruiters see in resumes and by simply avoiding them you can move ahead on the hiring process.
• Before submitting your resume, double check to avoid typos.

physician assistant Cover Letter Example

A cover letter can be a valuable addition to your job application when applying for an physician assistant position. Cover letters provide a concise summary of your qualifications, skills, and experience, also it also gives you an opportunity to explain why you're the best fit for the job. Crafting a cover letter that showcases your relevant experience and enthusiasm for the Accounts Payable role can significantly improve your chances of securing an interview.

Esteemed Amazon Hiring Team

I am a highly motivated and experienced Physician Assistant with 1 years of experience in Administrative & Clerical. I am excited to apply for the Associate Physician Assistant position at Amazon, where I am confident that I can contribute to your organization's success.

My life experiences have taught me the importance of hard work, dedication, and collaboration. Whether it was on the work, or just personally, I have always been committed to pursuing my goals with passion and tenacity. I am confident that throughout all of these years I have gained the skills and expertise necessary to succeed in this role and be a great asset for Amazon. I am eager to join a team that shares my values and work towards a common goal.

Thank you for considering my application for the Associate Physician Assistant role. I am looking forward to a future where we work together to drive this organization's success.

Showcase your most significant accomplishments and qualifications with this cover letter. Personalize this cover letter in just few minutes with our user-friendly tool!

Related Resumes & Cover Letters

Contemporary

Professional

Looking to explore other career options within the Administrative & Clerical field?

Check out our other resume of resume examples.

• Corporate Communications Resume
• Administration Resume
• Medical Billing Resume
• Tax Preparer Resume
• Student Worker Resume
• Secretary Resume
• Regional Manager Resume
• Project Specialist Resume
• Operations Assistant Resume
• Personal Assistant Resume
• Project Assistant Resume
• Office Manager Resume
• Office Assistant Resume
• Meeting Planner Resume
• Managing Director Resume
• Help Desk Resume
• Junior Project Manager Resume
• Front Desk Supervisor Resume
• Freelance Translator Resume
• Executive Secretary Resume
• Customer Support Resume
• Retail Resume
• Collections Specialist Resume
• Client Services Manager Resume
• Assistant Manager Resume
• Receptionist Resume
• Project Administrator Resume
• Program Coordinator Resume
• Inventory Resume

FIND EVERYTHING YOU NEED HERE.

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, WE HAVE ANSWERS.

4 Ways a Career Test Can Jump-Start Your Future (and Help Your Resume)

If you’re looking for a fresh path or a new passion, a career test could help you find it. You can take these tests online, in the comfort of your...

Avoid These 3 Resume Mistakes at All Costs

Your resume is your first impression for a prospective employer. The way you present yourself in that little document can make or break you – it can clinch you an...

Resume Design Tips and Tricks

Creating a resume that stands out from the rest doesn’t have to be rocket science. With just a few tips and tricks, you can make your professional resume a shining...

Build your Resume in 15 minutes

Explore Jobs

• Jobs Near Me
• Remote Jobs
• Full Time Jobs
• Part Time Jobs
• Entry Level Jobs
• Work From Home Jobs

Find Specific Jobs

• $15 Per Hour Jobs
• $20 Per Hour Jobs
• Hiring Immediately Jobs
• High School Jobs
• H1b Visa Jobs

Explore Careers

• Business And Financial
• Architecture And Engineering
• Computer And Mathematical

Explore Professions

• What They Do
• Certifications
• Demographics

Best Companies

• Health Care
• Fortune 500

Explore Companies

• CEO And Executies
• Resume Builder
• Career Advice
• Explore Majors
• Questions And Answers
• Interview Questions

Physician Assistant resume examples for 2024

A physician assistant's resume should highlight their ability to handle patient care, order diagnostic tests, and provide treatment plans. They should also showcase strong communication skills and problem-solving abilities. As a physician assistant, it's crucial to have a broad knowledge base and the ability to apply this knowledge in real-world settings.

Physician Assistant resume example

How to format your physician assistant resume:.

• Use the job title 'Physician Assistant' on your resume to match your application for the role
• Highlight achievements in your work experience section, such as performing physical examinations, determining abnormal conditions, and assisting in patient care
• Follow the recommendation of recruiters and hiring managers to fit your resume on one page, focusing on the most relevant and recent experience for the Physician Assistant position

Choose from 10+ customizable physician assistant resume templates

Choose from a variety of easy-to-use physician assistant resume templates and get expert advice from Zippia’s AI resume writer along the way. Using pre-approved templates, you can rest assured that the structure and format of your physician assistant resume is top notch. Choose a template with the colors, fonts & text sizes that are appropriate for your industry.

Physician Assistant resume format and sections

1. add contact information to your physician assistant resume.

Physician Assistant Resume Contact Information Example # 1

Montgomery, AL 36043| 333-111-2222 | [email protected]

2. Add relevant education to your physician assistant resume

Your resume's education section should include:

• The name of your school
• The date you graduated ( Month, Year or Year are both appropriate)
• The name of your degree

If you graduated more than 15 years ago, you should consider dropping your graduation date to avoid age discrimination.

Optional subsections for your education section include:

• Academic awards (Dean's List, Latin honors, etc. )
• GPA (if you're a recent graduate and your GPA was 3.5+)
• Extra certifications
• Academic projects (thesis, dissertation, etc. )

Other tips to consider when writing your education section include:

• If you're a recent graduate, you might opt to place your education section above your experience section
• The more work experience you get, the shorter your education section should be
• List your education in reverse chronological order, with your most recent and high-ranking degrees first
• If you haven't graduated yet, you can include "Expected graduation date" to the entry for that school

Check More About Physician Assistant Education

Physician Assistant Resume Relevant Education Example # 1

Master's Degree In Physician Assistant 2014 - 2015

Western University of Health Sciences Pomona, CA

Physician Assistant Resume Relevant Education Example # 2

Master's Degree In Physician Assistant 2006 - 2007

Butler University Indianapolis, IN

3. Next, create a physician assistant skills section on your resume

Your resume's skills section should include the most important keywords from the job description, as long as you actually have those skills. If you haven't started your job search yet, you can look over resumes to get an idea of what skills are the most important.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when writing your resume's skills section:

• Include 6-12 skills, in bullet point form
• List mostly hard skills ; soft skills are hard to test
• Emphasize the skills that are most important for the job

Hard skills are generally more important to hiring managers because they relate to on-the-job knowledge and specific experience with a certain technology or process.

Soft skills are also valuable, as they're highly transferable and make you a great person to work alongside, but they're impossible to prove on a resume.

Example of skills to include on an physician assistant resume

Urgent care provides assistance to patients on an immediate basis. Although the problems requiring this swift attention are not life threatening, if not seen to it immediately, they may become a bigger problem. Therefore, time plays a crucial role in such situations.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation or CPR is a medical procedure that involves chest compression to help a patient breathe. This artificial ventilation helps in keeping the brain function in place and regulates blood throughout the body. CPR is a lifesaving procedure that is used in emergencies.

The branch of secondary healthcare which is responsible for giving short-term care to patients recovering from severe injuries or urgent medical problems is known as acute care. Acute care comprises multiple domains like; emergency care, urgent care, short-term stabilization, pre-hospital care, critical care, and trauma care.

A physical examination occurs when a doctor or health care professional needs to determine or diagnose the patient's current condition. It is a method to know the patient's health's general status by assessing the physical pain symptoms and other health reasons that need to be treated right away.

Surgical procedures include the list of tasks that are done while doing surgery. Usually, a surgical procedure involves an incision with instruments, performed to repair damage or heal the disease in a living body. Surgical procedures are performed by trained individuals such as surgeons, doctors, and nurses.

Top Skills for a Physician Assistant

• Patients , 29.1%
• Diagnostic Tests , 5.8%
• Surgery , 5.0%
• Primary Care , 4.6%
• Other Skills , 55.5%

4. List your physician assistant experience

The most important part of any resume for a physician assistant is the experience section. Recruiters and hiring managers expect to see your experience listed in reverse chronological order, meaning that you should begin with your most recent experience and then work backwards.

Don't just list your job duties below each job entry. Instead, make sure most of your bullet points discuss impressive achievements from your past positions. Whenever you can, use numbers to contextualize your accomplishments for the hiring manager reading your resume.

It's okay if you can't include exact percentages or dollar figures. There's a big difference even between saying "Managed a team of physician assistants" and "Managed a team of 6 physician assistants over a 9-month project. "

Most importantly, make sure that the experience you include is relevant to the job you're applying for. Use the job description to ensure that each bullet point on your resume is appropriate and helpful.

• Promoted and provided exceptional aesthetic services to improve the quality of individual's lives.
• Assisted attorney James F. Pokorny in aviation and vehicle wrongful death suits.
• Provided care to heart failure and heart transplant patients and their families.
• Certified Diabetes Educator (1989 - 1998) Provided primary care for patients in the medicine clinic.
• Maintained membership, admin, Journal, Fellows and other areas of the company website.
• Instructed students during difficult coursework including anatomy, pathophysiology and pharmacology Promoted independent learning, critical thinking and problem solving abilities
• Worked with a collaborative physician this was the Medical Director.
• Performed pelvic exams, basic office procedures, vaginal deliveries and assisted with many OB/GYN surgical procedures.
• Maintained collaborative relationships with the other study sites.
• Used service point system on the internet to prepare monthly and annual progress reports for Unity for the Homeless.
• Excelled in management and maintenance of EMR (Electronic Medical Record) System.
• Supervised the clinical care of medical students at University of Bridgeport Medical Center.
• Participated in a phase IV clinical trial of losartan.
• Pursued exposure to ICU, NICU and orthopedic surgery.
• Provided health maintenance which involved preventive measures against all medical conditions, such as timely health screenings, and immunizations.
• Ensured appropriate staffing mix to effectively meet staffing and clinic needs.
• Managed 28-50 patients per day in Urgent Care, Primary Care, and Internal Medicine.
• Conducted hospital based rounding and served as RN First Assistant in inpatient and outpatient operating rooms and procedure rooms.
• Participated in Telemedicine initiative using Epic MyChart providing Nurse Advice to patients/family members.
• Performed services delivered to patients in Family Practice and Internal Medicine, and Orthopedics/ Podiatry.

5. Highlight physician assistant certifications on your resume

Specific physician assistant certifications can be a powerful tool to show employers you've developed the appropriate skills.

If you have any of these certifications, make sure to put them on your physician assistant resume:

• Physician Assistant - Certified (PA-C)
• Medical Assistant
• Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)
• Emergency Medicine
• Certification in Pediatric Anesthesiology (PA)
• Basic Life Support (BLS)
• Family Medicine
• Certified Medical Interpreter - Spanish (CMI)

6. Finally, add an physician assistant resume summary or objective statement

A resume summary statement consists of 1-3 sentences at the top of your physician assistant resume that quickly summarizes who you are and what you have to offer. The summary statement should include your job title, years of experience (if it's 3+), and an impressive accomplishment, if you have space for it.

Remember to emphasize skills and experiences that feature in the job description.

Common physician assistant resume skills

• Diagnostic Tests
• Primary Care
• Urgent Care
• Medical Care
• Physical Exams
• Test Results
• Patient Education
• Laboratory Tests
• Surgical Procedures
• Patient History
• Medical History
• Direct Patient Care
• Therapeutic Procedures
• Health Maintenance
• Rehabilitation
• Discharge Summaries
• Home Health
• Internal Medicine
• Diagnostic Studies
• Outpatient Clinic
• Family Practice
• Electrocardiogram
• Discharge Planning
• Emergency Room
• Vital Signs
• Advanced Life Support
• Lab Results
• Medical Equipment
• Post-Operative Care
• Pain Management
• Medical Problems
• Hematology Oncology
• Resuscitation

Physician Assistant Jobs

Links to help optimize your physician assistant resume.

• How To Write A Resume
• List Of Skills For Your Resume
• How To Write A Resume Summary Statement
• Action Words For Your Resume
• How To List References On Your Resume

Physician Assistant resume FAQs

How many pages should a pa resume be, what should a physician assistant put on a resume, search for physician assistant jobs.

Updated June 25, 2024

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

• Zippia Careers
• Healthcare Practitioner and Technical Industry
• Physician Assistant
• Physician Assistant Resume

Browse healthcare practitioner and technical jobs

Physician Assistant Job Description, Key Duties and Responsibilities

This post provides detailed information on the physician assistant job description, to help you learn the key duties, tasks, and responsibilities that they are typically charged with.

What Does a Physician Assistant Do?

A Physician Assistant, PA, is responsible for providing direct preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic healthcare services following relevant state law, joint agreement, as well as the established hospital policies, procedures, and protocols.

The physician assistant job description entails various duties and responsibilities, including carrying out physical examination on patients and taking their full medical history. They work under the supervision of a physician or surgeon.

They also order and interpret imaging studies and laboratory tests and formulate a plan for diagnosis and treatment.

They are qualified to prescribe, dispense medication, and assist in invasive procedures, including surgery.

Their role in a medical team also includes providing advice and guidance to patients and their families on preventive healthcare.

Physician assistants work in various areas of medical practice, including primary care practice and family medicine, general internal medicine, emergency medicine, pediatrics, and psychiatric; and are found in clinics, hospitals, and other healthcare centers. Some of them also work in academic administration.

Indeed, the kind of work physician assistants do depends on the area they specialize in, the kind of duties assigned to them by their supervising physicians, and the state law regulating their practice.

For instance, in pediatrics, a physician assistant may perform such tasks as examining a child and giving scheduled vaccinations, while an assistant in surgery unit may be responsible for closing incisions and providing care to patients before and after undergoing a surgery.

In a place where medical personnel are in short supply, with physicians visiting only once or twice a week, physician assistants may provide the primary care at the clinics in such locations.

They carry out this role by conferring with physicians and other healthcare workers as required by law.

They may also visit patients in their houses to treat them, including visiting nursing homes, while giving feedback to the physician in charge and taking instructions from them.

Physician assistants are qualified to treat patients with the direction of a physician or surgeon.

This makes them different from medical assistants who are not able to treat patients, but only to carry out scheduled clerical and clinical duties.

The job of the physician assistant can be tasking both physically and emotionally as he/she is required to be on his/her feet most of the time during working periods, as he/she makes rounds and evaluates patients.

Those who work with surgeons usually stand for extended periods during surgical procedures.

Physician Assistant Job Description Example/Sample/Template

Here is a sample job description for the post of physician assistant. It shows a list of key duties, tasks, and responsibilities commonly carried out by physician assistants.

• Carries out a review of patients’ medical history
• Performs physical examination on patients to check their health status
• Orders diagnostic tests, including blood tests and x-rays, and interprets the results
• Establishes diagnoses for a patient’s illness or injuries
• Provides treatment, including immunizing patients and mending broken bones
• Provides counseling and education to patients and their families, including teaching them ways to care for a child having asthma
• Prescribes needed medicines to patients
• Takes record of patients’ progress
• Performs research for current treatment procedures so as to provide quality care to patients
• Takes part in outreach programs to educate people on disease management and healthy living.

Physician Assistant Job Description for Resume

The job description example above can also be useful in writing a resume for seeking the position of physician assistant.

Physician Assistant Requirements: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities for Career Success

The following are important qualifications, skills, abilities, and other attributes usually expected of physician assistants for them to be able to effectively discharge their responsibilities:

• Possession of a Bachelor’s degree, together with a certificate from completing an American Medical Association approved physician assistant program
• Possession of a license to practice as physician assistant from the state where practice is to be done
• May possess a National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) issued certificate
• Possession of state and federal Controlled Substance Registration
• Some clinical experience in an area of specialty
• Ability to provide expert clinical judgment and function independently
• Possession of exceptional communication and interpersonal skills that enable effective collaboration with physicians, staff, community health workers, patients and their families
• Ability to work with little or no supervision, and to take initiative in handling the responsibilities of the post
• Ability to understand complex medical information and clearly communicate it to patients and their families, medical staff, and external customers, in written and spoken format
• Possession of conflict resolution and problem solving skills to effectively manage conflict in work environment
• Ability to keep all sensitive and confidential information to self and out of reach to unauthorized persons.

Recommended:

This Site Uses Cookies

Privacy overview.

Physician’s Assistant (PA)

Job description, salary, resume, and interview questions, table of contents, what does a physician assistant do.

A Physician Assistant (PA) is a key contributor to providing comprehensive healthcare, working under the supervision of physicians. PAs conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, prescribe medications, and sometimes assist in surgery. Their role is pivotal in ensuring continuity of care, focusing on preventive health measures, and managing acute and chronic conditions across various healthcare settings.

Successful Physician Assistants are known for their clinical versatility, robust medical knowledge, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary healthcare team. They are adaptable, detail-oriented, and committed to patient advocacy and education.

NATIONAL AVERAGE PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT SALARY

Salaries for PAs vary based on specialization, experience, location, and the type of healthcare facility.

PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT JOB DESCRIPTIONS

A clear and comprehensive job description is vital when hiring a PA. Below are examples for different specialties:

General Practice Physician Assistant

Job Title: General Practice Physician Assistant

Job Description: Seeking a General Practice Physician Assistant to provide broad-spectrum medical care. The candidate will support health maintenance, disease prevention, and patient education, under the direction of a supervising physician.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct comprehensive patient assessments.
• Diagnose and treat common medical conditions.
• Prescribe medications and manage treatment plans.
• Educate patients and families on health maintenance and disease prevention.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Physician Assistant studies with current PA certification.
• Strong foundation in primary care practices.
• Excellent diagnostic and clinical decision-making skills.
• Superior communication and interpersonal abilities.

Specialty Physician Assistant

Job Title: Specialty Physician Assistant

Job Description: Looking for a Specialty Physician Assistant with expertise in fields such as surgery, dermatology, or emergency medicine to join our team. This role involves providing specialized care, conducting procedures, and collaborating with specialists in comprehensive patient management.

• Perform specialized assessments and procedures.
• Collaborate in the development of treatment plans for complex conditions.
• Provide patient education tailored to specialty care needs.
• Participate in research and continuous learning in the specialty field.
• Advanced degree in Physician Assistant studies with specialty training or experience.
• Valid PA license and certification in the specialty area.
• Proven ability to perform specialized procedures and manage complex cases.
• Commitment to evidence-based practice and ongoing professional development.

Tap into TemPositions Health Care's network of prescreened and vetted medical professionals.

Candidate certifications to look for.

Certifications demonstrate specialized knowledge and skills:

The National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants offers this certification as the gold standard for PAs, validating their generalist medical and surgical knowledge through a rigorous examination process.

Offered by the NCCPA for PAs who wish to demonstrate advanced expertise in specific areas such as emergency medicine, orthopedic surgery, or psychiatry, requiring additional experience, continuing education, and passing a specialty exam.

These certifications from the American Heart Association confirm a PA’s ability to perform critical life-saving procedures in emergency situations, emphasizing teamwork and high-quality CPR.

This certification, also from the American Heart Association, focuses on acute management and resuscitation techniques for critically ill infants and children, highlighting effective communication within a healthcare team.

PARALEGAL RESUME EXAMPLES

Download our expertly crafted Paralegal resume examples to showcase your skills and experiences in the legal sector.

HOW TO HIRE A PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT

Considerations include:

• Defining the role and its responsibilities clearly.
• Evaluating clinical competence and specialized skills.
• Assessing interpersonal and communication abilities.
• Verifying certifications, licenses, and educational background.
• Matching the candidate’s values with the healthcare facility’s culture.

See why TemPositions Health Care

is the leader in healthcare staffing solutions.

SAMPLE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

• How do you approach the patient history and physical examination process?
• Describe a challenging case you managed and the outcome.
• How do you keep up with the latest developments and evidence in your field?
• Can you share an example of effective collaboration with physicians and other healthcare professionals?
• How do you handle situations where you and a supervising physician disagree on patient care?

THREE EASY WAYS TO COMPLETE YOUR HEALTHCARE TEAM

TemPositions Health Care can assist you in finding the right PA for your team. Here are three ways to complete your healthcare team:

• Utilize TemPositions Health Care, a specialized healthcare staffing agency.
• Post your job on leading healthcare job boards.
• Leverage your professional network in the healthcare sector. TemPositions Health Care offers access to a network of pre-screened and qualified healthcare professionals, saving time and ensuring the right fit for your team.

NEED HELP HIRING A PA?

Discover how TemPositions Health Care can elevate your hiring process with tailored staffing solutions. Contact us today to experience a partnership that transforms your recruitment strategy and connects you with top-tier talent.

Interested in speaking with a recruiter?

Drop us a line and keep in touch.

P: 212-490-7400

E: [email protected]

Our Locations

New York, NY Melville, NY Norwalk, CT Miami, FL Tampa, FL San Francisco, CA

Find Staff Find Work About Us Contact Us Blog

Our Specialties

Education School Nursing Health Care Accounting & Finance Legal General Support

Hospitality Information Technology Human Resources Conventions & Events Creative Executive Search

What is a Physician Assistant - General Practice ?

This information is in the process of being updated

Get Physician Assistant - General Practice Jobs Emailed to You

By signing up, you agree to the terms of use and privacy policy

Physician Assistant - General Practice Job Description Template

Job overview.

Welcome to our comprehensive job description page for the role of Physician Assistant in General Practice. At our healthcare facility, we are dedicated to delivering top-tier medical care with a focus on compassionate, patient-centered service. As a Physician Assistant, you will be an integral part of our multidisciplinary team, providing a wide range of healthcare services to diverse patient populations. This critical position offers an exciting opportunity for highly skilled and motivated PAs to apply their expertise in diagnosis, treatment, and preventative care. You will work closely with physicians and other healthcare professionals to create personalized care plans, monitor patient progress, and ensure the highest standards of medical practice are maintained. Ideal candidates will possess strong clinical skills, excellent communication abilities, and a commitment to continuous learning and professional development. Our facility values innovation, teamwork, and excellence, and we are looking for individuals who share our passion for improving the health and well-being of our community. Read on to explore the specific responsibilities, qualifications, and benefits associated with this rewarding role. We invite you to join us in making a meaningful impact through dedicated patient care in a supportive and progressive environment.

Physician Assistant - General Practice Responsibilities & Duties

• Conduct physical exams and obtain patient histories
• Diagnose and treat common illnesses and injuries
• Order and interpret diagnostic tests such as X-rays and lab work
• Develop and manage treatment plans for acute and chronic conditions
• Prescribe medication and educate patients on proper usage
• Provide preventive care including vaccinations and health counseling
• Perform minor surgical procedures such as suturing and wound care
• Assist in medical emergencies and coordinate patient care with specialists
• Document patient information and treatment plans accurately in electronic health records
• Conduct follow-up visits to monitor patient progress and adjust treatment plans as necessary
• Collaborate with healthcare team members to ensure comprehensive patient care
• Participate in continuing education and professional development activities

Physician Assistant - General Practice Qualifications & Skills

• Experience in a clinical setting, preferably in primary care
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a healthcare team
• Proficiency in electronic health record (EHR) systems
• Advanced certifications in specialized areas such as pediatrics or geriatrics
• Bilingual skills to accommodate diverse patient populations
• Excellent problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and learning
• Master's degree from an accredited Physician Assistant program
• Current licensure as a Physician Assistant in the state of practice
• National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) certification
• Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certifications
• Strong understanding of medical laws, ethics, and best practices
• Excellent clinical and diagnostic skills
• High level of professionalism and ethical conduct
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize effectively

Ready to post a job using this template?

Related job descriptions.

See job descriptions similar to a Physician Assistant - General Practice

Anesthetic Assistant

Cardiology physician assistant, certified physician's assistant (pa-c), certified physician assistant (pa-c), doctor assistant, emergency medicine physician assistant (emergency medicine pa), family physician assistant, family practice physician assistant, gynecological assistant, medical service technician, orthopaedic physician assistant, orthopedic physician assistant, ready to start hiring.

Looking to hire the best talent for your company? Post your job to reach qualified candidates in just minutes. With our user-friendly platform, you can create a compelling job description and start receiving applications right away.

Powered by Web Scribble Solutions , Inc.

Welcome to the Kaplan Community Career Center

Salary data is provided by Web Scribble and comes from the Department of Labor and thousands of companies’ job postings.

Upload Your Resume - Increase your visibility with employers

Explore Career Guides - Empower and shape your professional future

By clicking "Sign me up", you are signing up with WebScribble Solutions, Inc. and agree to WebScribble's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy .

By clicking "Create Account", you are creating an account with Web Scribble Solutions, Inc. and agree to Web Scribble's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy .

Create Your Kaplan Community Career Center Job Seeker Account

By clicking "Register", you are registering for services with Web Scribble Solutions, Inc. and agree to Web Scribble's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy .

Get discovered by our corporate partners!

• Elevate your visibility with a Job Seeker account.
• Kaplan recruiters will vet your resume and connect you with partner employers.
• Get one step closer to the role of your dreams.