Career & Job Readiness

JOB SPOTLIGHT

Physician Assistant

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Physician Assistant

RIASEC Code: ISR
Lexile Range: 1410L–1490L
Education Required: Master’s Degree from an accredited program
Expected Salary: $86,280–$170,790 (as of 2023)
Career Cluster: Health Science
Career Pathway: Therapeutic Services

Physician assistants provide health-care services typically performed by a physician, under the supervision of a physician. They conduct complete physicals, provide treatment, and counsel patients. Physician assistants may also, in some cases, prescribe medication.

Key Skills

Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems .
Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Judgment and Decision Making — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Service Orientation — Actively looking for ways to help people.
Persuasion — Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.