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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Physician Assistant

💰 $95,000 - $150,000

HealthcareMedicalClinicalPatient CareAdvanced Practice Provider

🎯 Role Definition

This role requires a dedicated and highly skilled Physician Assistant (PA-C) to join our dynamic healthcare team. In this pivotal role, you will function as a key member of a collaborative medical team, working under the supervision of a licensed physician to deliver exceptional, patient-centered care. The ideal candidate is a compassionate and detail-oriented professional who excels at clinical assessment, diagnosis, and treatment across a diverse patient population. You will be responsible for extending the reach of our physicians, improving patient access to quality care, and contributing to positive health outcomes through your expertise and commitment. This position offers a unique opportunity to practice at the top of your license in a supportive and growth-oriented environment.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Graduate of an accredited ARC-PA Physician Assistant Program
  • Recently Certified Physician Assistant (PA-C)
  • Physician Assistant with experience in a different specialty

Advancement To:

  • Lead Physician Assistant or APP (Advanced Practice Provider) Manager
  • Clinical Director or Service Line Director
  • Specialized roles (e.g., Surgical First-Assist, Critical Care PA)
  • Healthcare Administration or Management positions

Lateral Moves:

  • Clinical Research Coordinator or Medical Science Liaison
  • Academic Instructor or Clinical Preceptor for PA programs
  • Transition to a different medical specialty (e.g., from family medicine to dermatology)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Perform comprehensive and problem-focused physical examinations, including obtaining detailed and accurate medical histories from patients and caregivers.
  • Formulate differential diagnoses based on historical data, physical examination findings, and interpretation of diagnostic studies.
  • Order, perform, and interpret a wide range of diagnostic tests and procedures, such as laboratory tests, X-rays, EKGs, and other imaging studies.
  • Develop and implement comprehensive patient management and treatment plans, including prescribing medications and other therapeutic modalities.
  • Perform therapeutic procedures such as injections, immunizations, suturing, wound care, and management of minor injuries.
  • Serve as a first-assistant in the operating room, demonstrating proficiency in surgical techniques, tissue handling, and post-operative care management.
  • Provide pre-operative and post-operative care, including patient education, risk assessment, and management of complications.
  • Manage and document patient care encounters meticulously and accurately within the Electronic Health Record (EHR) system in a timely manner.
  • Conduct hospital rounds on inpatients, documenting patient progress, adjusting treatment plans, and coordinating with the interdisciplinary team.
  • Counsel and educate patients and their families regarding diagnoses, treatment options, preventative health measures, and ongoing care requirements.
  • Manage acute and chronic illnesses, providing continuous care and follow-up for patients with conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and asthma.
  • Perform and document patient consultations in both outpatient and inpatient settings, providing expert clinical recommendations.
  • Respond to and manage urgent medical situations and patient calls, providing triage and appropriate clinical advice or intervention.
  • Facilitate patient referrals to specialists and other healthcare services, ensuring a smooth transition and continuity of care.
  • Administer medications and injections in compliance with established protocols and safety standards.

Secondary Functions

  • Participate actively in interdisciplinary team meetings and clinical case conferences to discuss patient care, treatment plans, and outcomes.
  • Contribute to the development and implementation of clinical protocols, practice guidelines, and quality improvement initiatives within the department.
  • Engage in professional development and continuing medical education (CME) to maintain certification and stay current with medical advancements.
  • Serve as a clinical preceptor and mentor for physician assistant students, medical students, and other junior healthcare professionals.
  • Assist in ensuring regulatory compliance with standards from agencies such as The Joint Commission, HIPAA, and state medical boards.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Electronic Health Record (EHR) Proficiency: Expertise in using EHR systems like Epic, Cerner, or eClinicalWorks for charting, ordering, and patient management.
  • Clinical Assessment & Diagnosis: Strong ability to conduct thorough physical exams and formulate accurate differential diagnoses.
  • Diagnostic Interpretation: Skill in interpreting results from laboratory tests, EKGs, X-rays, CT scans, and other diagnostic imaging.
  • Pharmacological Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of medications, including indications, contraindications, dosing, and side effects.
  • Procedural Competence: Proficiency in performing clinical procedures relevant to the specialty (e.g., suturing, splinting, biopsies, incision and drainage).
  • Surgical Assistance (if applicable): Competence as a first-assist in surgery, including knowledge of sterile technique, instrumentation, and surgical anatomy.
  • Patient Management: Ability to create, implement, and adjust comprehensive treatment plans for acute and chronic conditions.

Soft Skills

  • Patient-Centered Communication: Exceptional ability to communicate complex medical information clearly and empathetically to patients and their families.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving: Ability to analyze complex clinical situations, make sound judgments, and act decisively under pressure.
  • Teamwork and Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team, including physicians, nurses, and support staff.
  • Empathy and Compassion: A genuine desire to provide compassionate care and build trusting relationships with patients.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to documentation, treatment, and patient safety protocols.
  • Adaptability and Resilience: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and ever-changing clinical environment.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Master's degree from an ARC-PA (Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant) accredited program.
  • Current national certification from the NCCPA (National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants) - PA-C designation.
  • Must possess or be eligible for a current, unrestricted state medical license as a Physician Assistant.
  • Current BLS/ACLS certification.

Preferred Education:

  • Certificate of Added Qualifications (CAQ) in a relevant specialty (e.g., Emergency Medicine, Orthopaedic Surgery, Psychiatry).
  • Completion of a post-graduate PA residency or fellowship program.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Physician Assistant Studies
  • Medical Science

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1-3 years of clinical experience as a licensed Physician Assistant. New graduates with strong clinical rotations in relevant specialties are encouraged to apply.

Preferred: 2+ years of demonstrated experience in the specific specialty area (e.g., surgery, cardiology, primary care, emergency medicine) is highly desirable. Experience working in a high-volume inpatient or outpatient setting is a significant plus.

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