Primary Care Physician Assistant Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the modern healthcare landscape, the need for primary care physician assistants is more pronounced than ever.

As healthcare continues to evolve, the demand for skilled individuals capable of providing, coordinating and overseeing primary healthcare only grows stronger.

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

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to grasp the full scope of this role,
• A hiring manager formulating the perfect job candidate profile,
• Or simply intrigued by the role of a primary care physician assistant,

You’ve come to the right place.

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

Let’s dive right in.

Primary Care Physician Assistant Duties and Responsibilities

Primary Care Physician Assistants are healthcare professionals who provide general medical services under the supervision of a licensed physician.

They handle a wide range of medical issues and act as the first point of contact for patients.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Conducting physical exams and taking medical histories
• Diagnosing and treating illnesses and injuries
• Ordering, performing and interpreting diagnostic tests, such as lab work and x-rays
• Prescribing medication and therapies under the supervision of a physician
• Providing health maintenance care, including routine check-ups and patient counseling to prevent illness and disease
• Assisting in minor surgical procedures
• Referring patients to specialists as necessary
• Educating and guiding patients on disease prevention and healthy lifestyle habits
• Communicating with patients and their families to explain diagnoses and treatments
• Maintaining patient confidentiality and accurate medical records

 

Primary Care Physician Assistant Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Primary Care Physician Assistant to join our healthcare team.

The Physician Assistant will be responsible for providing both acute and chronic medical care, conducting check-ups, diagnosing illnesses, writing prescriptions, and overseeing patients’ health improvement.

Our ideal candidate is someone with a strong commitment to providing high-quality patient care, possesses excellent diagnostic skills, and is able to work in a fast-paced environment.

 

Responsibilities

• Provide primary healthcare services under the supervision of a physician.
• Conduct physical exams, evaluate patient health status and develop treatment plans.
• Diagnose and treat chronic diseases or disorders.
• Prescribe medications ensuring minimal risk to patient health.
• Explain procedures and discuss test results or prescribed treatments with patients.
• Monitor patient progress and make adjustments in treatment as necessary.
• Coordinate with medical professionals in the community for referrals.
• Provide guidance on maintaining good health and disease prevention.

 

Qualifications

• Current state Physician Assistant license.
• Completion of a physician assistant educational program.
• Experience in primary care, family medicine, or emergency medicine.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Knowledge of medical laws and ethics.
• Ability to operate as part of a team, alongside physicians and other nurses.
• Proficiency in medical procedures and techniques appropriate for a primary care setting.

 

Benefits

• Healthcare coverage
• Retirement plan
• Dental and vision insurance
• Paid time off
• Continuing education assistance

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Primary Care Physician Assistant
• Work Environment: Medical clinic or hospital setting. Some weekend or evening shifts may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Primary Care Physician.
• Salary: Based upon candidate experience, qualifications, and the local market.
• 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 Primary Care Physician Assistant Do?

Primary Care Physician Assistants, also known as PAs, work in healthcare settings like clinics, hospitals, and doctor’s offices.

They work under the supervision of a primary care physician and are a vital part of the healthcare team.

They provide a broad range of healthcare services that were traditionally performed by doctors.

These may include conducting physical exams, diagnosing and treating illnesses, ordering and interpreting tests, developing treatment plans, counseling on preventive healthcare, assisting in surgery, and writing prescriptions.

Primary Care Physician Assistants often serve as the patient’s principal healthcare providers, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

They often take medical histories, conduct physical exams, and may refer patients to specialists when necessary.

They are also responsible for educating and counseling patients about their health issues and preventive care.

This includes explaining complex medical information in a way that patients can understand.

In some cases, they may also conduct research or teach in medical schools and other academic settings.

They are also responsible for administrative tasks such as managing patient records, scheduling appointments, and coordinating with other healthcare professionals.

 

Primary Care Physician Assistant Qualifications and Skills

Primary Care Physician Assistants are essential in the healthcare industry for their patient care and medical assistance abilities, including:

• Strong knowledge of common diseases, medical conditions, and healthcare procedures to assist in diagnostics and treatment plans.
• Excellent communication skills to interact with patients, listen to their concerns, explain medical procedures, and relay critical information to the primary physician.
• Superior interpersonal skills to build trust and rapport with patients and their families, providing comfort and assurance during medical examinations and procedures.
• Good time-management skills, enabling them to handle multiple patients efficiently without compromising the quality of care.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment, collaborating closely with healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, and other medical staff.
• Problem-solving skills, particularly in urgent or emergency situations, to make quick decisions under the guidance of the primary physician.
• Physical stamina to cope with the demands of long shifts, often standing for extended periods, while maintaining attention to detail in patient care.
• Organizational skills to manage patient records, schedule appointments, and coordinate tests or procedures.

 

Primary Care Physician Assistant Experience Requirements

To become a Primary Care Physician Assistant, candidates typically need a Master’s degree from an accredited educational program.

However, experience requirements differ based on the specific job role and the medical facility.

Entry-level candidates may have less than a year of experience, usually gained through internships or clinical rotations included in their Physician Assistant studies program.

These experiences often provide exposure to a wide range of medical conditions and patient demographics, offering a solid foundation for primary care practice.

Candidates with 1 to 3 years of experience have usually worked in a medical setting, such as a hospital or clinic.

During this time, they may have gained experience in patient examination, diagnosis, treatment plan development, and other duties associated with a Physician Assistant role.

Those with more than 3 years of experience often have developed a more profound understanding of primary care needs.

They are typically experienced in managing chronic diseases and performing minor surgical procedures.

For candidates with more than 5 years of experience, they may have held leadership roles, like supervising medical staff or coordinating patient care.

These candidates are often considered for senior positions within a practice due to their extensive clinical experience and leadership skills.

Some roles may also require specialized experience, such as experience in geriatrics, pediatrics, or women’s health.

Continuing education and professional development are highly valued in this field to keep up with medical advancements.

 

Primary Care Physician Assistant Education and Training Requirements

Primary Care Physician Assistants typically require a master’s degree from an accredited educational program.

Before enrolling in a master’s program, candidates must have completed a bachelor’s degree, preferably in a related field like biology, chemistry, or health science.

These master’s programs cover subjects like pathology, human anatomy, physiology, clinical medicine, pharmacology, medical ethics and physical diagnosis.

Most programs also include supervised clinical training in primary care, family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics.

All states require Physician Assistants to be licensed.

For licensure, candidates must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) from the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).

To maintain their certification, Physician Assistants must complete 100 hours of continuing medical education every two years and sit for a recertification exam every ten years.

In addition to the formal education and licensing, Physician Assistants need good communication skills, emotional resilience, adaptability, and a desire to continue learning as medicine evolves.

Many Physician Assistants also specialize in a particular area of medicine, such as pediatric or geriatric care, which may require additional training or certification.

 

Primary Care Physician Assistant Salary Expectations

A Primary Care Physician Assistant can expect an average salary of $107,038 (USD) per year.

The actual salary can vary based on factors like years of experience, the level of specialization, geographical location, and the specific healthcare institution.

 

Primary Care Physician Assistant Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Primary Care Physician Assistant need?

A Primary Care Physician Assistant needs a broad range of skills.

They should have excellent diagnostic skills to determine and treat a variety of health conditions.

They should also have strong interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with patients and their families.

Moreover, they should have good problem-solving skills to make critical decisions regarding the health care of patients.

 

What qualifications does a Primary Care Physician Assistant need?

A Primary Care Physician Assistant must have a master’s degree from an accredited Physician Assistant program.

After completing this program, they must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination to become certified.

To maintain certification, they must complete a certain number of continuing medical education hours every few years.

 

What does a typical day look like for a Primary Care Physician Assistant?

A Primary Care Physician Assistant typically starts their day by reviewing the schedule and the medical history of the patients they will be seeing.

They spend most of their day examining patients, diagnosing illnesses, providing treatment, and counseling patients on preventive health care.

They might also order and interpret tests, prescribe medication and perform procedures like suturing wounds.

 

What qualities make a good Primary Care Physician Assistant?

A good Primary Care Physician Assistant is empathetic and can provide comfort and reassurance to patients in distress.

They are thorough and detail-oriented, ensuring accurate diagnosis and treatment plans.

They have excellent communication skills to discuss complex medical conditions and treatments in a way that patients can understand.

They also need to be good listeners to understand the concerns and symptoms described by patients.

 

What should I look for in a Primary Care Physician Assistant’s resume?

Check for their education and make sure they have completed an accredited Physician Assistant program.

They should be certified and ideally have some experience in a primary care setting.

Look for any specialization or additional training that might be relevant to your practice.

References from previous employers or supervisors can also provide valuable insights into their clinical skills and professionalism.

 

Conclusion

There you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the true essence of being a Primary Care Physician Assistant.

And guess what?

It’s not just about prescribing medication.

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

With our handy Primary Care Physician Assistant job description template and real-life examples, you’re well-prepared to make your next career move.

But why stop there?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your ally in crafting accurate job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every patient interaction is part of the larger healthcare narrative.

Let’s shape that future. Together.