You might hire a physician assistant to:
Examine patients and review their medical histories
- Provide urgent care such as setting broken bones or stitching wounds
Diagnose injury or illness and counsel patients
Order and interpret diagnostic tests, prescribe medication, and track progress
| Required skills and qualifications | Preferred skills and qualifications |
| Foundational knowledge in evidence-based practice, epidemiology, pathology, screening, diagnosis, and treatment across a wide range of conditions | At least one year experience in a setting relevant to the sought role |
| Demonstrated medical competence, which may include passing an exam and obtaining national or local licensure or board certification | Research skills and ability to apply statistical learnings to the practice |
| Analytical thinking skills to investigate and diagnose patient conditions | Stress management and self-care skills to avoid burnout |
| Professionalism with excellent communication skills, self-awareness, empathy, and commitment to ethics | Experience interacting with outside healthcare providers and insurers to provide collaborative top-level care |
| Competence with medical technology and electronic health records (EHR) systems | Flexibility to work overtime, varying shifts, or across locations as needed |
