Plastic Surgery Physician Assistant Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the evolving world of medical aesthetics, the importance of plastic surgery physician assistants has never been greater.

Advancements in plastic surgery continue to grow and with each innovation, the demand for skilled hands who can assist, improve, and ensure the safety of these procedures increases.

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

Whether you are:

• A job seeker attempting to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of the plastic surgery field,

You’re in the right place.

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

Let’s delve right into it.

Plastic Surgery Physician Assistant Duties and Responsibilities

A Plastic Surgery Physician Assistant plays a critical role in providing care to patients undergoing various plastic surgery procedures.

Their medical knowledge and clinical skills are vital in assisting plastic surgeons before, during, and after surgeries.

They have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Evaluate patients and discuss their medical history, cosmetic concerns, and desired outcomes
• Assist the plastic surgeon in conducting physical examinations and surgical procedures
• Provide preoperative and postoperative care to patients, including sutures removal and wound dressing
• Explain surgical procedures, risks, benefits and alternative treatments to patients
• Administer and monitor anesthesia during surgical procedures
• Order and interpret diagnostic tests, such as X-rays and blood tests
• Record patient’s health progress and report to the plastic surgeon
• Ensure all surgical instruments and equipment are properly sterilized and maintained
• Assist in managing emergencies, such as post-operative complications
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in plastic and reconstructive surgery

 

Plastic Surgery Physician Assistant Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and skilled Plastic Surgery Physician Assistant to join our practice.

In this role, you will work closely with our plastic surgeons to assess, diagnose, and treat patients undergoing cosmetic and reconstructive procedures.

Your responsibilities will include preoperative and postoperative care, patient education, and assisting in surgical procedures.

Our ideal candidate has a strong background in surgical settings, possesses excellent interpersonal skills, and is committed to providing exceptional patient care.

 

Responsibilities

• Assist surgeons in performing plastic and reconstructive surgeries
• Conduct preoperative and postoperative patient evaluations
• Provide patient education regarding surgical procedures and postoperative care
• Document patient history and surgical details accurately
• Administer and monitor patient medications as directed by the supervising physician
• Coordinate with healthcare team to ensure optimal patient care
• Comply with all healthcare regulations and standards
• Participate in ongoing education and training to keep abreast of latest advancements in the field

 

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Physician Assistant studies
• Current, unrestricted license to practice as a Physician Assistant
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in a surgical setting, preferably in plastic or reconstructive surgery
• Ability to interpret medical tests and results
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Detail-oriented with strong observational skills
• Certification from the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)

 

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities
• Malpractice Insurance

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Plastic Surgery Physician Assistant
• Work Environment: This role requires a combination of office and surgical suite settings. Regular exposure to surgical environments is expected.
• Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Lead Plastic Surgeon.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $85,000 minimum to $120,000 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 Plastic Surgery Physician Assistant Do?

Plastic Surgery Physician Assistants, also known as PA’s, work under the supervision of a licensed Plastic Surgeon.

They assist the surgeon in performing a variety of cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries.

They are responsible for providing preoperative and postoperative care to patients.

This includes conducting physical examinations, taking medical histories, ordering and interpreting lab results, and providing wound care and suture removal.

During surgery, they assist the surgeon by retracting tissues, suturing incisions, and providing other technical assistance as required.

They may also perform minor procedures under the supervision of the plastic surgeon.

In addition, Plastic Surgery Physician Assistants often provide consultation to patients, explaining the procedures, risks, and benefits involved, thereby helping them make informed decisions.

They also manage patient follow-up care, which includes monitoring the patient’s recovery, changing dressings, removing stitches, and referring patients for physical therapy or other necessary treatments.

They play a pivotal role in ensuring a smooth and safe recovery for the patient.

Their work also involves administrative tasks, such as maintaining patient records, coordinating with other healthcare professionals, and staying updated with the latest advancements in plastic surgery.

 

Plastic Surgery Physician Assistant Qualifications and Skills

A skilled Plastic Surgery Physician Assistant must have the following qualifications and skills that align with the job requirements:

• An in-depth understanding of surgical procedures and medical terminology, especially in the realm of plastic surgery.
• Strong attention to detail and precision to ensure surgical procedures are conducted accurately and safely.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with patients, explaining procedures, possible risks, and post-surgery care.
• Ability to work under pressure in high-stress environments such as the operating room.
• Strong physical stamina to assist in lengthy surgical procedures and provide post-operative care.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills to aid in assessing patients’ health conditions, interpreting diagnostic tests, and deciding on the best course of action.
• Strong organizational skills to manage patient records, schedule surgeries, and handle other administrative tasks.
• Compassionate and empathetic nature to provide emotional support to patients before and after procedures.
• Excellent manual dexterity to assist surgeons during procedures and perform tasks such as suturing wounds and removing stitches.
• Strong collaboration skills to work effectively within a team of healthcare professionals, including surgeons, nurses, and anesthesiologists.

 

Plastic Surgery Physician Assistant Experience Requirements

Plastic Surgery Physician Assistants typically must first complete a master’s degree from an accredited physician assistant program, which includes didactic and clinical education in various medical and surgical disciplines.

Entry-level candidates may have 1 to 2 years of healthcare experience, often through internships or part-time roles in medical or surgical settings.

It’s not uncommon for these professionals to gain on-the-job experience in roles such as medical assistant, emergency medical technician (EMT), or nurse, which provides a solid foundation for their work as a Physician Assistant.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often have a background in a surgical specialty, ideally plastic surgery.

They develop their skills by assisting surgeons during procedures, conducting patient evaluations, and managing post-operative care.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have some leadership experience and have been involved in complex plastic surgical procedures.

They are likely to have advanced skills and knowledge in reconstructive and cosmetic surgery techniques, patient assessment, and postoperative care.

At this stage, they might be ready for a higher supervisory or managerial role within a surgical team.

Additionally, all Plastic Surgery Physician Assistants are required to maintain their certification through the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA), which includes continuing education and recertification exams.

 

Plastic Surgery Physician Assistant Education and Training Requirements

Becoming a Plastic Surgery Physician Assistant requires a significant level of education and training.

The first step is to obtain a Bachelor’s degree, usually in a science-related field such as biology or chemistry.

Following this, aspiring Plastic Surgery Physician Assistants need to complete a Master’s Degree from an accredited Physician Assistant program, which typically lasts two to three years.

These programs offer coursework in medical sciences, as well as clinical training in various medical settings.

After completing their Master’s degree, individuals must then pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) to become certified.

Once certified, they can apply for state licensure to legally practice.

Plastic Surgery Physician Assistants often gain experience in a surgical setting before transitioning into plastic surgery.

They may also complete a postgraduate residency program in plastic surgery to gain hands-on experience and specific training in this specialty area.

While not always required, many Plastic Surgery Physician Assistants also seek out additional certifications related to plastic surgery to enhance their skills and knowledge.

They are also expected to participate in continuing education throughout their career to stay up-to-date with the latest advances in the field.

Finally, they must possess a strong set of soft skills, including excellent communication and interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and the ability to handle high-stress situations.

 

Plastic Surgery Physician Assistant Salary Expectations

A Plastic Surgery Physician Assistant can expect to earn an average salary of $109,621 (USD) per year.

The actual salary may differ based on factors such as years of experience, level of specialization, and the geographical location of the workplace.

 

Plastic Surgery Physician Assistant Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Plastic Surgery Physician Assistant need?

Plastic Surgery Physician Assistants need strong medical and surgical skills, with a focus on understanding plastic and reconstructive surgery procedures.

They should also possess excellent interpersonal skills to interact with patients, their families, and the entire healthcare team.

Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and empathy are also crucial in this role.

 

What qualifications do Plastic Surgery Physician Assistants need?

Plastic Surgery Physician Assistants need to have completed an accredited Physician Assistant program and pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) to become certified.

A license to practice in the state where they work is also needed.

Additional specialized training or experience in plastic surgery can be a valuable asset.

 

What should you look for in a Plastic Surgery Physician Assistant resume?

When reviewing a Plastic Surgery Physician Assistant’s resume, look for an active certification and state license, a degree from an accredited Physician Assistant program, and any relevant experience in plastic surgery.

Additionally, any additional medical certifications, such as Basic Life Support (BLS) or Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), can be beneficial.

 

What qualities make a good Plastic Surgery Physician Assistant?

A good Plastic Surgery Physician Assistant should be patient-focused, with a strong commitment to providing high-quality care.

They should be diligent, with an attention to detail that ensures all surgical procedures are carried out accurately and safely.

Excellent communication skills are also important, as they will need to effectively explain complex medical procedures to patients.

 

Is it difficult to hire Plastic Surgery Physician Assistants?

Hiring a Plastic Surgery Physician Assistant can be challenging due to the specialized nature of the role.

It requires finding a candidate with a unique blend of surgical and medical skills, along with a focus on plastic and reconstructive procedures.

Offering competitive salaries and a supportive, team-focused work environment can help attract qualified candidates.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve demystified the complex role of a Plastic Surgery Physician Assistant.

And guess what?

It’s not just about assisting in operations.

It’s about sculpting the future of aesthetic and reconstructive medicine, one procedure at a time.

With our must-have Plastic Surgery Physician Assistant job description template and real-world examples, you’re poised to make your next career move.

But why stop there?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your best tool for crafting precision-focused job listings or honing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every surgical procedure is a part of a bigger picture.

Let’s shape that future. Together.