Pediatrics Physician Assistant Job Description [Updated for 2025]

pediatrics physician assistant job description

In the healthcare world, the demand for pediatric physician assistants is always high.

As the healthcare landscape shifts and evolves, the need for compassionate, skilled professionals who can nurture and treat our younger patients grows.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a pediatric physician assistant?

Whether you are:

  • A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
  • A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
  • Or simply fascinated by the dynamics of pediatric healthcare,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we introduce a customizable pediatric physician assistant job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Pediatrics Physician Assistant Duties and Responsibilities

Pediatrics Physician Assistants (PAs) support pediatricians in diagnosing and treating children.

They provide medical care to children from birth through early adulthood, dealing with a wide range of health issues, from common childhood diseases to more serious health conditions.

Their core duties and responsibilities include:

  • Assessing the health status of pediatric patients by obtaining relevant health history, performing physical exams, and ordering diagnostic tests
  • Diagnosing and treating a variety of pediatric conditions, from common illnesses such as flu or chickenpox to more serious diseases like asthma or diabetes
  • Assisting in surgeries and other medical procedures under the supervision of a pediatrician
  • Prescribing medications and providing anticipatory guidance regarding the potential side effects
  • Counseling and educating patients and their families on disease prevention, health promotion, and treatment plans
  • Coordinating care with other healthcare professionals such as pediatricians, nurses, and specialists to ensure optimal patient care
  • Recording patient care by documenting patient’s condition, reactions, and changes in medical records
  • Keeping up to date with the latest developments in pediatric care through continuing education and professional development activities

 

Pediatrics Physician Assistant Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Pediatrics Physician Assistant to join our health team.

The successful candidate will be responsible for providing medical care to children from birth to adolescence under the supervision of a pediatrician.

As a Pediatrics Physician Assistant, your duties include diagnosing illnesses, conducting examinations, prescribing medication, and providing education on health conditions to patients and parents.

Candidates with proven experience in pediatrics and a strong understanding of child diseases and treatments are preferred.

 

Responsibilities

  • Conduct thorough examinations on newborns and young children to check and record their health and normal physical development.
  • Examine sick children to determine their condition and ask intuitive questions to gather information about symptoms.
  • Reach an informed diagnosis based on scientific knowledge and individual medical history.
  • Prescribe medications and give detailed instructions for administration.
  • Prepare and administer vaccines according to the standard vaccination schedule.
  • Advise parents on children’s diet, exercise and disease preventive measures.
  • Keep updated records of patients’ illnesses, surgeries or other medical episodes (allergic shocks, injuries etc.).
  • Provide urgent care to children in cases of acute illness, injuries, or emergencies.

 

Qualifications

  • A bachelor’s degree or higher in Physician Assistant Studies.
  • Valid license to practice medicine.
  • Proven work experience as a Pediatrics Physician Assistant.
  • Deep knowledge of child illnesses and pediatric medication.
  • Excellent communication, patience, and understanding, particularly with children and their parents.
  • Strong ability to work under pressure and in emergency situations.

 

Benefits

  • 401(k) retirement plan
  • Comprehensive health insurance
  • Dental and vision insurance
  • Generous paid time off
  • Continuing education and professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

  • Job Title: Pediatrics Physician Assistant
  • Work Environment: The work environment is primarily in a clinical setting. Some weekend, evening or holiday work may be required.
  • Reporting Structure: Reports to the Lead Pediatrician or Pediatric Department Manager.
  • Salary: Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
  • Pay Range: $95,000 minimum to $135,000 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 Pediatrics Physician Assistant Do?

Pediatrics Physician Assistants (PA) typically work under the supervision of Pediatricians and other medical professionals in a variety of healthcare settings like clinics, hospitals, and health centers.

They primarily deal with the healthcare of infants, children, and adolescents.

They are responsible for conducting routine check-ups, diagnosing illnesses, prescribing medication, and recommending treatment plans.

They often perform minor surgical procedures, and are involved in preventative healthcare by administering immunizations and educating patients and their parents about healthy lifestyle choices.

Pediatrics Physician Assistants also perform physical examinations, record patient medical histories, and interpret lab results.

They may assist in patient rounds in hospitals or nursing care facilities, make diagnoses, and provide treatment such as setting fractures.

In many cases, they serve as the patient’s primary healthcare provider, referring them to specialists when necessary.

Their role may involve counseling and educating patients and their families on the treatment options and how to manage their overall health and wellness.

They also collaborate with other healthcare professionals, discussing patient progress and treatment plans, ensuring comprehensive care.

 

Pediatrics Physician Assistant Qualifications and Skills

A qualified Pediatrics Physician Assistant should have the skills and qualifications that align with the specific job role, including:

  • Medical knowledge and understanding of pediatric care, including the ability to diagnose and treat common illnesses and injuries in children.
  • Strong communication skills, both for explaining complex medical information to parents and caregivers in a clear, understandable way, and for effectively listening to and addressing their concerns.
  • Good interpersonal skills and a warm, friendly demeanor to make children feel comfortable and at ease during their visit.
  • Excellent problem-solving abilities to efficiently identify and address health issues in young patients.
  • Detail-oriented nature to keep accurate and thorough patient records, ensuring all relevant information is updated and easily accessible for future reference.
  • Ability to work well in a team, cooperating with nurses, physicians, and other healthcare professionals to provide the best possible care for the patient.
  • Exceptional time management skills to handle multiple patients and tasks in a fast-paced environment.
  • Physical stamina to work long hours and be on their feet for extended periods.

 

Pediatrics Physician Assistant Experience Requirements

To become a Pediatrics Physician Assistant, individuals typically need to complete a master’s degree from an accredited Physician Assistant program which includes a significant amount of hands-on clinical experience in pediatrics.

Entry-level Pediatrics Physician Assistant candidates will typically have at least one year of pediatric experience, often gained through internships, rotations, or part-time roles during their master’s program.

Those with 2 to 3 years of experience are often professionals who have completed their education and started their career in pediatrics.

They have gained practical knowledge and skills in diagnosing, treating, and managing a wide range of health conditions in children.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience are usually seasoned Pediatrics Physician Assistants who have honed their abilities in treating and managing complex pediatric cases.

They may also have experience in specialized areas such as pediatric emergency medicine, pediatric oncology, or pediatric primary care.

Those with more than 5 years of experience often have leadership roles in their background and may be ready for positions such as Lead Pediatrics Physician Assistant, Clinical Supervisor, or even a role in the management of a pediatric healthcare facility.

Some may also be involved in teaching and mentoring new PA students in pediatric care.

 

Pediatrics Physician Assistant Education and Training Requirements

A Pediatrics Physician Assistant typically requires a master’s degree from an accredited program by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).

Admission into these programs often requires a bachelor’s degree and some healthcare-related work experience.

The most common degrees are in health sciences or biology, but a degree in a related field may be accepted.

During their studies, prospective Pediatrics Physician Assistants get trained in areas such as pathology, human anatomy, physiology, clinical medicine, and medical ethics.

They also gain hands-on experience during clinical rotations in hospitals and other healthcare environments.

After completing the program, individuals must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) from the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) to become a certified physician assistant.

Following certification, a state-issued license is required to practice.

This usually involves passing a state-administered exam.

Pediatric Physician Assistants might also consider obtaining a specialty certification in pediatrics from organizations like the NCCPA.

This requires completing additional training, gaining specific work experience, and passing an exam.

Continuing medical education courses are also required throughout a Physician Assistant’s career to keep their skills up to date, and recertification is required every ten years.

Voluntary certifications in areas like Basic Life Support (BLS) or Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) can also be beneficial.

 

Pediatrics Physician Assistant Salary Expectations

A Pediatrics Physician Assistant earns an average salary of $108,311 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings may vary based on factors like years of experience, additional specialization, the region of employment, and the size and type of the healthcare facility.

 

Pediatrics Physician Assistant Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Pediatrics Physician Assistant need?

A Pediatrics Physician Assistant should possess strong communication and interpersonal skills to best understand and interact with children and their parents.

They should be able to make accurate diagnoses, provide appropriate treatments, and give suitable advice on children’s health.

Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work under pressure are also essential.

They should also have a thorough understanding of pediatric medicine.

 

Do Pediatrics Physician Assistants need a specialized degree?

Yes, Pediatrics Physician Assistants need a Master’s degree from an accredited educational program.

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

After graduation, they must become certified by passing the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) and obtain a state license to practice.

 

What should you look for in a Pediatrics Physician Assistant resume?

A Pediatrics Physician Assistant should have a valid license and certification, which should be first checked on their resume.

Their educational background should include a Master’s degree from an accredited PA program.

Clinical experience, especially in pediatrics, is a crucial factor to consider.

Any additional qualifications, such as CPR certification or additional training in pediatric specialties, are also valuable.

 

What qualities make a good Pediatrics Physician Assistant?

A good Pediatrics Physician Assistant should be compassionate and patient, given that they will be dealing with children who may be scared or uncooperative.

They should have excellent communication skills to effectively interact with both children and their parents.

They should also be detail-oriented to ensure accuracy in diagnoses and treatments, and should be dedicated to continuous learning as medical practices and technologies continually evolve.

 

Is it difficult to hire Pediatrics Physician Assistants?

Hiring Pediatrics Physician Assistants can be challenging due to the high demand for these professionals and the specific skills and qualifications required for the role.

To attract potential candidates, offering competitive salaries, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment can be beneficial.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve given you a glimpse into the dynamic role of a pediatric physician assistant.

And guess what?

It’s not just about assisting physicians.

It’s about shaping the future of child health, one patient at a time.

With our comprehensive pediatric physician assistant job description template and real-world examples, you’re well-equipped to step forward.

But why halt your progress here?

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

Remember:

Every patient interaction is a step towards a healthier future.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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