According to US News magazine, physician assistant is one of the top 10 best jobs in America. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 38% job growth rate for the profession through 2022. In addition to the demand, the job is attractive because:
- It offers the flexibility to move into different areas of medicine without additional education and training.
- The average length of the program is 27 months.
- The average starting salary is over $90,000.
Employers in Pennsylvania seek PAs who are not only highly skilled clinicians but also excellent team players capable of working across multiple disciplines.
Whether in pediatrics, long-term care, emergency medicine, surgery, or occupational health, PAs in Pennsylvania have diverse opportunities that align with their expertise.
Strong clinical judgment, adaptability, and a commitment to patient-centered care are critical attributes that employers value, ensuring that physician assistants continue to play a vital role in the state’s healthcare system.
Career Training
How Do You Get Started as a Physician Assistant in Pennsylvania?
Academic Requirements
In order to practice, all PAs must follow these steps in order:
- Graduate from an accredited PA program.
- Pass the national certification exam.
- Obtain a license in the state they wish to practice.
There are no processes available to students to bypass attending a program to take the licensing exam to practice. When researching PA programs, students will find that requirements for entry into the programs may vary.
In general, requirements may include a completed bachelor’s degree, science and non-science prerequisites courses, minimum GPAs, health care experience and standardized exams.
Science courses may include but are not limited to:
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Biology
- Microbiology or bacteriology
- Chemistry
- Organic chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Physics
- Genetics
Any or all science coursework may include a lab.
Non-science courses may include but are not limited to:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Humanities
- College-level algebra
- Calculus
- Statistics
- Medical terminology
- Speech
- English
- Composition
- Technical writing
- Literature
It is important to carefully review the prerequisite course requirements of all programs because they may vary, in some cases greatly.
The number of accredited PA programs has increased from 184 in 2014 to 196 in 2015 and over 90% of programs offer a master’s degree.
The remainder of PA programs offer either a bachelor’s degree, associate’s degree, or certificate of completion, all of which are acceptable to qualify for the certification exam, licensing and eventual practice. Starting in 2020, all PA programs will be required to offer a master’s degree upon completion of and graduation from a PA program.
The Physician Assistant Education Association provides a list of PA programs. The directory is updated annually in May and can be used to search and compare admissions criteria for each PA program.
The Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) makes it easy to apply to multiple PA programs using a single application, one set of transcripts, one set of letters of recommendation and one personal statement.
Career Overview
What is a Physician Assistant (PA)?
Physician assistants (PAs) are medical providers licensed to diagnose and treat illness and disease, as well as prescribe medication for patients. They work in physician offices, hospitals, and clinics in collaboration with licensed physicians.
Scope of Practice and Autonomy
Because of their advanced education in general medicine, modeled after physician training, PAs can treat patients with significant autonomy within the physician-PA relationship. In primary care settings, they perform many of the same clinical services as physicians, including conducting physical exams, diagnosing and treating illnesses, and prescribing medications.
Collaboration in Medical Teams
PAs work alongside physicians as part of an integrated medical team. They have their own patients and, under a written agreement with a licensed physician, make clinical decisions while providing diagnostic, therapeutic, preventive, and health maintenance services. The physician-PA team structure enhances the delivery of high-quality healthcare.
Expanding Access to Healthcare
PAs play a crucial role in increasing healthcare access, particularly in rural and underserved areas. In many cases, PAs are the only healthcare providers available in these regions. In 2008 alone, PAs made nearly 300 million patient visits and prescribed or recommended approximately 332 million medications.
PAs in Specialties and Surgical Fields
Beyond primary care, PAs are trained to work in various medical and surgical specialties. Their adaptability allows them to assist physicians in a wide range of fields, depending on the needs of the healthcare system.
Key Responsibilities of a PA
PAs focus on patient care but may also take on educational, research, and administrative roles. Studies show that in a primary care setting, they can perform nearly all of the same services as physicians, including:
- Taking medical histories
- Performing physical exams
- Ordering and interpreting laboratory tests
- Diagnosing and treating illnesses
- Counseling patients
- Assisting in surgery
- Setting fractures
PAs are a vital part of modern healthcare, providing essential medical services while improving access to care across diverse populations.
What Skills Are Employers Looking For?
Core Qualifications and Experience
Employers prioritize candidates who have completed an accredited physician assistant program and hold certification from the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
State licensure in Pennsylvania is a standard requirement across all positions.
Many employers, such as UPMC in McKeesport and Curana Health in Harrisburg, prefer PAs with prior experience, especially in specialized fields such as geriatrics, pediatrics, or surgery. Some positions, including those at Shriners Children’s in Philadelphia, require board certification and additional credentials like Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS).
In addition to education and certification, employers value strong clinical decision-making skills, critical thinking, and the ability to work independently in fast-paced environments. At MLEMA – Riddle Hospital in Media, physician assistants must be experienced in emergency medicine and proficient in advanced skills like suturing, splinting, and interpreting diagnostic tests.
Collaboration and Interdisciplinary Work
Physician assistants are expected to work seamlessly within a healthcare team. At Children’s Community Pediatrics (UPMC) in McKeesport, PAs are integral to a growing practice that includes physicians, behavioral health specialists, and dermatologists.
The ability to coordinate with multiple disciplines, including ophthalmology and adolescent medicine, is a key factor in hiring.
Similarly, Curana Health in Harrisburg emphasizes collaboration with long-term care facility staff, ensuring continuity of care for senior residents. PAs in this role are responsible for managing chronic conditions, conducting routine assessments, and educating patients and families on preventive care.
In surgical settings, such as Temple University Health System in Philadelphia, PAs work under the supervision of surgeons but must have extensive procedural knowledge and experience assisting in complex surgeries. This role requires strong adaptability and technical expertise in perioperative and orthopedic care.
Specialized Skills and Industry Crossovers
While many PAs work in traditional clinical environments, some positions cross into specialized fields like occupational health and regenerative medicine. Industry Health Solutions in Harleysville seeks PAs for occupational medicine, where they perform pre-employment exams, injury assessments, and case management for corporate employees.
In a different sector, QC Kinetix in Camp Hill hires PAs with injection experience for sports medicine and pain management. This role blends traditional medical practice with regenerative treatments, including joint injections and orthopedic-focused care.
For those interested in medical education, Temple University’s Physician Assistant Program offers PA faculty positions, requiring candidates to have clinical experience alongside teaching and curriculum development expertise.
Compensation and Benefits
Employers in Pennsylvania offer competitive salaries and benefits packages based on experience, specialty, and location.
- Tri-County Hospitalists LLC in West Chester pays between $64–$68 per hour for long-term care positions.
- Shriners Children’s in Philadelphia offers hourly rates between $52.73–$79.09, depending on experience.
- Pivot OnSite Innovations in Harrisburg provides $65 per hour for part-time PAs in occupational health.
- QC Kinetix in Camp Hill compensates PAs at $600 per day for regenerative medicine roles.
- MLEMA – Riddle Hospital in Media has a broad pay scale of $50–$100 per hour, reflecting varying levels of emergency medicine expertise.
Beyond salary, Pennsylvania employers provide healthcare benefits, retirement plans, tuition assistance, professional development programs, and sign-on bonuses for select roles.
Examples of PA Assistant Jobs in Pennsylvania
Here are brief summaries of CNA-related job opportunities in Pennsylvania, highlighting key details about each position:
Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant – Children’s Community Pediatrics
Company: UPMC – Pittsburgh Medical Center
Location: McKeesport, PA
Employment Type: Full-time
Job Summary: This position offers outpatient pediatric care at CCP White Oak and Monroeville locations. The role includes conducting patient assessments, collaborating with physicians, and developing care plans. Benefits include competitive pay, career advancement opportunities, and comprehensive health benefits.
Physician Assistant – Long Term Care (Weekend Coverage)
Company: Tri-County Hospitalists LLC
Location: West Chester, PA
Employment Type: Part-time (weekends)
Salary: $64 – $68 per hour
Job Summary: This role provides weekend coverage at a long-term care facility. Responsibilities include managing chronic and acute conditions, prescribing medications, and collaborating with healthcare staff. Previous experience in geriatric care is preferred.
Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant – Senior Care
Company: Curana Health
Location: Harrisburg, PA
Employment Type: Full-time
Job Summary: This role focuses on providing primary care in senior living communities. Responsibilities include conducting routine assessments, coordinating care, and managing chronic diseases. Strong communication and leadership skills are required.
Neurosurgery Physician Assistant
Company: Clinical Management Consultants
Location: Hermitage, PA
Employment Type: Full-time
Job Summary: The Neurosurgery PA will join a growing team at a nationally recognized hospital. Responsibilities include assisting in surgical procedures, post-operative care, and patient evaluations. Competitive salary, benefits, and professional growth opportunities are available.
Physician Assistant – PRN (Occupational Health)
Company: Pivot OnSite Innovations
Location: Harrisburg, PA
Employment Type: Part-time (PRN)
Salary: $65 per hour
Job Summary: The PA will oversee daily clinic operations at an onsite healthcare clinic within a distribution center. Duties include injury assessment, minor procedures, and case management. Experience in occupational health is required.
Nurse Practitioner/Physician Assistant – Occupational Medicine
Company: Industry Health Solutions
Location: Harleysville, PA
Employment Type: Full-time
Salary: $55 – $73 per hour
Job Summary: This position involves pre-employment exams, injury prevention, medical screenings, and treatment planning. Ideal for candidates with orthopedic and musculoskeletal experience.
Full-time Dermatology Physician Assistant
Company: Lackawanna Valley Dermatology Associates
Location: Kingston, PA
Employment Type: Full-time
Job Summary: The PA will work under physician supervision, providing general dermatology and surgical dermatology services. Competitive salary and benefits included.
Physician Assistant Faculty – Temple University
Company: Temple University, Lewis Katz School of Medicine
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Employment Type: Full-time
Job Summary: This faculty position involves teaching, curriculum development, student advising, and program coordination. Prior teaching experience is preferred. Competitive salary and benefits provided.
Physician Assistant – Regenerative Medicine
Company: QC Kinetix
Location: Camp Hill, PA
Employment Type: Part-time
Salary: $600 per day
Job Summary: This role involves joint injections and regenerative medicine treatments for patients with chronic pain. Previous experience with injections is preferred, but training is provided.
Emergency Department Physician Assistant
Company: MLEMA – Riddle Hospital
Location: Media, PA
Employment Type: Full-time
Salary: $50 – $100 per hour
Job Summary: The PA will assist in emergency medicine, managing acute and urgent cases. Experience in emergency or urgent care is preferred.
Physician Assistant – Orthopedics (Temple University Hospital)
Company: Temple University Health System
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Employment Type: Full-time
Job Summary: This role involves assisting in orthopedic surgeries and perioperative care. Competitive salary and professional development opportunities available.
Physician Assistant – Pediatric Orthopedics
Company: Shriners Children’s Hospital
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Employment Type: Full-time
Salary: $52.73 – $79.09 per hour
Job Summary: The PA will support pediatric orthopedic patients in an outpatient setting. No night or weekend shifts. Employer-sponsored benefits included.
These roles highlight various career paths for CNAs looking to advance their careers into physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or specialized healthcare roles. Each offers competitive pay, benefits, and the opportunity to work in high-demand healthcare settings across Pennsylvania.
More Resources
American Academy of Physician Associates
