Infectious Disease Physician Assistant Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an era where global health concerns are paramount, the role of an infectious disease physician assistant is becoming increasingly vital.

As medical advancements continue, the demand for skilled professionals capable of diagnosing, treating, and preventing infectious diseases grows more intense.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an infectious disease physician assistant?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker aiming to understand the intricacies of this role,
• A healthcare recruiter crafting the ideal candidate profile,
• Or simply curious about the inner workings of infectious disease management,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable infectious disease physician assistant job description template, designed for seamless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive in.

Infectious Disease Physician Assistant Duties and Responsibilities

Infectious Disease Physician Assistants work closely with physicians to diagnose and treat patients suffering from various infectious diseases.

They play a pivotal role in managing the care of patients and are often involved in disease prevention and education.

The daily duties and responsibilities of an Infectious Disease Physician Assistant include:

• Assisting physicians in diagnosing and treating infectious diseases
• Ordering and interpreting laboratory tests and imaging studies relevant to patient care
• Performing physical examinations and taking patient histories
• Advising patients on preventive care and health maintenance
• Administering medications, vaccines, and treatments prescribed by physicians
• Monitoring and documenting patient’s progress during treatment
• Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care
• Providing education and counseling to patients and their families about disease prevention and treatment
• Staying updated with the latest research and advancements in infectious disease management

 

Infectious Disease Physician Assistant Job Description Template

Job Brief

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

You will be expected to provide care to patients suffering from various infectious diseases under the supervision of an Infectious Disease Physician.

This will include diagnosing, managing, and preventing infectious diseases and assisting in the development and implementation of patient treatment plans.

Our ideal candidate is compassionate, patient-focused, and has a deep understanding of infectious diseases and their treatments.

 

Responsibilities

• Assist physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases
• Develop and implement patient management plans
• Conduct patient exams and record patient medical histories
• Perform procedures, such as lumbar punctures, bone marrow biopsies, and thoracentesis
• Provide patient education and counseling
• Coordinate with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care
• Stay updated on advancements in infectious diseases and treatments
• Ensure compliance with healthcare laws, regulations, and standards

 

Qualifications

• Completion of an accredited Physician Assistant program
• Current licensure as a Physician Assistant
• Certification in Infectious Disease by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)
• Experience working with infectious diseases
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong diagnostic and clinical skills
• Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Infectious Disease Physician Assistant
• Work Environment: Hospital or clinic setting. May require weekend or evening hours depending on the needs of the healthcare facility.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Infectious Disease Physician.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $95,000 minimum to $150,000 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 an Infectious Disease Physician Assistant Do?

Infectious Disease Physician Assistants are specialized healthcare professionals who work in hospitals, clinics, or private practices.

They are typically part of a larger medical team that often includes doctors and other healthcare professionals who are focused on diagnosing and treating infectious diseases.

Their primary responsibilities include taking patient histories, conducting physical examinations, and ordering, performing, and interpreting diagnostic tests.

They are trained to diagnose various infectious diseases and to assist in providing appropriate treatments and therapies.

Infectious Disease Physician Assistants may also conduct research on disease prevention and transmission, create and implement public health policies, and educate patients and the public about infectious diseases and their prevention.

They are often involved in the treatment of serious infections such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and hepatitis.

They work with patients to manage their conditions, monitor their health, and ensure they are receiving the appropriate care.

Additionally, they may provide immunizations, prescribe medications, and counsel patients on lifestyle modifications to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

They work closely with physicians and other healthcare team members to ensure a coordinated and comprehensive approach to patient care.

This may also include collaboration with healthcare administrators to develop infectious disease protocols and guidelines for the medical facility.

 

Infectious Disease Physician Assistant Qualifications and Skills

An Infectious Disease Physician Assistant should be equipped with a range of clinical, communication, and problem-solving skills, including:

• Advanced understanding of infectious diseases, their symptoms, and appropriate treatments.
• Ability to diagnose and treat a wide range of infectious diseases.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to interact effectively with patients, their families, and healthcare staff.
• Strong decision-making skills for determining the best course of treatment for each patient.
• Good communication skills to educate patients and their families about various diseases, their transmission, and prevention methods.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a healthcare team including physicians, nurses, and other medical professionals.
• Knowledge of medical record management and proficiency in using healthcare databases and applications.
• High attention to detail for monitoring patients’ progress and responding to changes in their condition.
• Excellent problem-solving skills to address complex patient cases and make critical decisions under pressure.
• Commitment to continuous learning and staying updated with the latest research and developments in infectious diseases.

 

Infectious Disease Physician Assistant Experience Requirements

Infectious Disease Physician Assistants typically require a significant amount of education and clinical experience.

They must first complete a bachelor’s degree, often in a science-related field, before enrolling in a Master’s program in Physician Assistant Studies.

Clinical experience is often gained during the graduate program, where students undertake clinical rotations in various medical specialties including infectious disease.

This experience is often hands-on and under the supervision of a physician, which provides the student with valuable real-life experience in patient care.

Once they have completed their education, they are required to obtain certification from the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).

This certification requires them to have a certain number of hours of continuing education in infectious disease, among other areas of medicine, to maintain their certification.

Many employers prefer their Physician Assistants to have a couple of years of experience working in a related area of medicine, such as internal medicine, emergency medicine or family medicine.

Those with more than five years of experience, especially in an infectious disease setting, may be given additional responsibilities such as overseeing junior staff or taking lead on more complex patient cases.

Participation in research or publication in infectious disease can also be valuable experience, demonstrating a deeper knowledge of the field and commitment to ongoing learning.

 

Infectious Disease Physician Assistant Education and Training Requirements

Becoming an Infectious Disease Physician Assistant begins with earning a bachelor’s degree, usually in a science-related field.

This provides the groundwork for the next step, which is to complete a Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies.

These programs typically take two to three years to complete and include classroom instruction as well as clinical rotations.

It’s important to note that these programs should be accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).

After successfully completing their Master’s program, prospective Physician Assistants must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).

Furthermore, to specialize in infectious diseases, Physician Assistants may need to complete additional training or fellowship in infectious diseases.

This will equip them with specialized knowledge in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of a wide variety of diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis, and other infectious diseases.

State licensure is also required to practice and this usually involves passing a state-administered exam.

While not required, some Physician Assistants may choose to obtain additional certification from organizations like the American Academy of HIV Medicine or the HIV Medicine Association to demonstrate their advanced knowledge in the field of infectious diseases.

Moreover, continuous medical education is necessary to maintain certification and stay abreast with the latest developments in the field of infectious diseases.

 

Infectious Disease Physician Assistant Salary Expectations

An Infectious Disease Physician Assistant earns an average salary of $108,761 (USD) per year.

The salary can fluctuate depending on factors such as years of experience, level of education, geographic location, and the specific healthcare organization.

 

Infectious Disease Physician Assistant Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Infectious Disease Physician Assistant need?

Infectious Disease Physician Assistants need to have an extensive understanding of different infectious diseases and their treatments.

They must possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills to interact with patients and their families effectively.

They should also have critical thinking and problem-solving skills to assess patients’ conditions and determine appropriate treatments.

Attention to detail, empathy, and the ability to work under pressure are also crucial skills for this role.

 

Do Infectious Disease Physician Assistants need a degree?

Yes, Infectious Disease Physician Assistants need a master’s degree from an accredited physician assistant program.

They must also be licensed to practice in their state and maintain certification through the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).

Some physician assistants may also choose to pursue additional training in infectious disease through fellowships or continuing education.

 

What should you look for in an Infectious Disease Physician Assistant resume?

A candidate’s resume should include a Master’s degree from an accredited physician assistant program and proof of licensure and certification.

Any additional training or experience in infectious disease is also a plus.

Look for evidence of clinical experience, particularly in infectious disease settings.

Other valuable information includes any research conducted, presentations given, or relevant publications.

 

What qualities make a good Infectious Disease Physician Assistant?

A good Infectious Disease Physician Assistant should be able to make quick decisions under pressure and have excellent problem-solving skills to assess and manage patient conditions.

They should be empathetic and able to communicate effectively with patients and their families.

They need to be able to work independently but also as part of a team with other healthcare professionals.

A commitment to ongoing learning is also important, as new infectious diseases and treatments are constantly being discovered.

 

What is the job outlook for Infectious Disease Physician Assistants?

The job outlook for all Physician Assistants, including those specializing in infectious diseases, is quite positive.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of Physician Assistants is projected to grow 31 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.

This growth is due to an increased demand for healthcare services, particularly in underserved areas.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve dissected the intricate role of an infectious disease physician assistant.

And guess what?

It’s not just about diagnosing infections.

It’s about safeguarding the health of the community, one patient at a time.

Armed with our reliable infectious disease physician assistant job description template and real-world examples, you’re well-equipped to make your career move.

But why stop there?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating detailed job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every diagnosis contributes to the greater health landscape.

Let’s protect that community health. Together.

How to Become an Infectious Disease Physician Assistant (Complete Guide)

Unlock Your Potential: The Unexpected Top Paying Jobs of the Decade!

Breaking the Mold: The Most Unusual Jobs Out There

The Dark Side of the Workforce: Jobs with Heartbreakingly Low Pay

The Calm Career Hunt: Finding Jobs That Won’t Overwhelm You