Physician Assistant Resume Examples & Templates
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A physician assistant is a highly skilled and trained medical professional who works under the supervision of a licensed physician. They are responsible for providing a wide range of healthcare services, including diagnosing and treating illnesses, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, and prescribing medications. Physician assistants also assist in surgeries, perform physical exams and provide patient education and counseling. They play a crucial role in the health care system, especially in areas with a shortage of physicians.
Advance in your career with a well-written physician assistant resume. Our guide can help you write an effective physician assistant resume to showcase your skills and present you as a desirable candidate.
Start by editing this sample physician assistant resume template, or explore our 40+ resume templates to find the best one for you.
Physician assistant resume example (text version)
Luke Diaz
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
(555) 555-5555
example@example.com
Professional Summary
Seasoned physician assistant with over a decade of experience providing high-quality health care services. Skilled in conducting thorough patient assessments, interpreting diagnostic tests and formulating effective treatment plans. Proficient in managing acute and chronic conditions across various specialties. Demonstrated leadership abilities and a track record of fostering a collaborative and patient-centered approach within health care teams.
Work History
November 2021 – Current
St. Clair Hospital – Pittsburgh, PA
Lead Physician Assistant
- Lead a team of 10 physician assistants, providing guidance and fostering a collaborative environment.
- Coordinate care for a caseload of over 800 patients, ensuring timely and comprehensive medical services.
- Conduct thorough physical examinations and manage chronic conditions by monitoring patient health and treatment progress to make necessary adjustments in care.
September 2016 – October 2021
The IMA Group – Pittsburgh, PA
Physician Assistant
- Collaborated with supervising physicians and performed various medical procedures such as wound suturing, joint injections and minor surgical procedures, maintaining a success rate of 99%.
- Achieved a 98% accuracy rate in diagnosing medical conditions, contributing to timely and effective patient care.
- Implemented an electronic medical records (EMR) system, reducing documentation errors by 30%.
June 2012 – August 2016
Primary Care Solutions – Pittsburgh, PA
Physician Associate
- Provided comprehensive and compassionate patient care by conducting physical exams, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests and formulating treatment plans.
- Analyzed complex medical information of 500 patients to make informed decisions regarding health services.
- Performed and interpreted various diagnostic procedures, including EKGs, X-rays and laboratory tests, contributing to a 10% improvement in diagnostic accuracy.
Skills
- Patient assessment and diagnosis
- Treatment planning
- Electronic Medical Records (EMR)
- Emergency medicine
- Team leadership
- Patient education
- Communication
- Problem-solving
Education
- University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh, PA
Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies - University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh, PA
Bachelor of Science in Emergency Medicine
Certifications
Certified Physician Assistant (PA-C) – (Updated 2023)
Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) – (Updated 2023)
Basic Life Support (BLS) – (2022)
5 essentials of a top physician assistant resume
Contact details
Your contact details should appear in the header of your physician assistant resume. Include your full name, city, state and ZIP code, followed by your phone number and email address. If you have a professional website or networking profile like LinkedIn, add them last.
Personal statement
Your physician assistant resume summary is your chance to make a great first impression on the hiring manager. In no more than five sentences, tell the hiring manager how long you have been in the industry, one or two professional accomplishments you’ve made in your career and your job-relevant skills. Tailor this section to the particular job description.
Here’s an example of an excellent physician assistant resume summary:
“Experienced and dedicated physician assistant with over five years of clinical experience in various medical settings. Skilled in conducting patient assessments, diagnosing and treating illnesses and prescribing medications. Proven track record of providing high-quality patient care and collaborating with healthcare teams to achieve optimal patient outcomes. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with a compassionate and empathetic approach toward patient care.”
If you are just starting your career as a physician assistant, write a physician assistant resume objective instead because it focuses on your goals.
Skills
Add a skills section to your physician assistant resume so hiring managers can see how your skills match the job requirements at a glance. Use a bulleted list to include both hard skills like electronic medical records (EMS) and diagnostics, and soft skills, such as patience, analytical thinking and problem-solving. Other physician assistant resume skills you might add include dedication, compassion and commitment to improving the health and well-being of patients.
Work history
The work history section of your physician assistant resume is meant to highlight your accomplishments as a physician assistant. Starting from your most recent job, add each company name, their locations and the dates of your employment. For every job, include a bulleted list of three measurable accomplishments, like the number of patients seen on a daily or weekly basis and the number of specialized treatments performed. If you are applying for your first job, then include clinical work, rotations, volunteer experiences and community service in your work history section.
Follow the lead of these examples of accomplishments for a physician assistant resume to impress hiring managers.
- Treated and managed 500+ patients with chronic illnesses, resulting in a 75% decrease in hospital admissions.
- Implemented a new patient education program, resulting in a 30% increase in patient compliance and satisfaction.
- Developed and implemented a new protocol for post-operative care, resulting in a 50% decrease in post-operative complications.
Education
Whether you’ve been a physician’s assistant for 1 or 20 years, potential employers want to know about your educational background. If you’re writing your first resume, highlight this section at the top of your resume, using the functional resume format. Otherwise, place it at the bottom so that hiring managers can see your current and previous jobs and job-matching skills.
Educational requirements for physician assistants include:
- Obtaining a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as biology or health care
- Completing a physician assistant program accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).
These programs usually take around two years to complete and include coursework in anatomy, pharmacology, medical ethics and clinical rotations.
- After completing the program, prospective physician assistants must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) and obtain a state license to practice.
- In some cases, additional education, such as a master’s degree, may be required for certain job positions or career advancement.
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Action words for a standout physician assistant resume
Action words build powerful statements while saving precious space. This is a great tool to project confidence in your physician assistant resume. Combine them with measurable achievements to create an effective resume for a physician assistant.
Here’s a short list of action words for a physician assistant resume:
- Diagnose
- Treat
- Prescribe
- Monitor
- Assess
- Educate
- Collaborate
- Communicate
- Document
- Order
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Top skills for a physician assistant resume
Create a skills section with your strongest abilities to grab the hiring manager’s attention. Use the physician assistant job description to match the required skills to the skills and traits that fit you.
Sample hard and soft physician assistant resume skills for your resume include:
- Diagnostics
- Health risks assessments
- Screening
- Treatment plan development
- Patient education
- Patient care
- Treatment and diagnosis
- Problem-solving skills
- Compassionate care
- Interpersonal skills
Certifications for a physician assistant resume
You must include your National Commission for Certification of Physician Assistants certification along with the certification number in your physician’s assistant resume.
Other certifications available for physicians assistants include:
- American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) Certification
- Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE)
- Certified Physician Assistant (PA-C)
- American Society of Orthopedic Physician’s Assistants (ASOPA) Certification
- National Certification Council of Ophthalmic Medical Assistants (NCCOMA)
- Society of Emergency Medicine Physician Assistants (SEMPA) Certification
- National Board for Certification of Hospice and Palliative Nurses (NBCHPN) – Hospice and Palliative Care Certified Physician Assistant (HPCC-PA)
- American Association of Surgical Physician Assistants (AASPA) Certification
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certification
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
If you’re in the process of obtaining a certification, include it with your expected completion date.
Check out our library of 800+ resume examples for more inspiration to create an inspired resume for the physician assistant job of your dreams.
Pair your resume with a matching cover letter
Physician assistant resume FAQ
How do I put a physician assistant license on my resume?
To add your physician’s assistant license to your resume, mention it in your physician assistant objective statement or resume summary. Review the physician assistant resume example on this page for guidance.
For example, “Highly organized and compassionate physician assistant with a strong background in patient care and clinical procedures. Possess a current state licensure and a passion for providing quality health care. Eager to utilize my skills and knowledge to impact a new health care setting positively.”
Next, display your licensure in a separate section under your education section. Here’s how:
- Start with your personal information. Add your name, contact information and professional title (physician assistant) at the top of your resume.
- Add your education and training. List your educational background, including the institution’s name, degree or certification, and graduation date. Include your physician assistant degree from an accredited program.
- Include your license number. Under the education section, include your physician assistant license number to verify your credentials and show that you are legally qualified to practice as a physician assistant.
- Mention your state of licensure. Along with your license number, mention the state where you are licensed as a physician assistant. This is important as different states may have different requirements for licensure.
Is it necessary to include clinical rotation experience on my physician assistant resume?
Yes, including clinical rotation experience on your physician assistant resume is essential. This experience demonstrates your practical skills and hands-on experience in a clinical setting, which is crucial for a physician assistant role. It also shows potential employers that you have gained real-world experience and been exposed to various medical specialties. Including this experience on your resume can make you stand out as a candidate and show that you are well-prepared for the demands of the job.
How can I make my physician’s assistant resume stand out from other job applicants?
You can take several steps to make your resume shine above the rest.
- Use a clean and professional layout. Choose a simple, easy-to-read font, such as Arial or Times New Roman, and stick to a consistent format.
- Showcase your education and certifications, which are crucial to your qualifications as a physician assist. List your highest degree first, including the institution’s name, degree earned and graduation date. Also, mention any relevant certifications and licenses, such as the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) or state licensing.
- Use numbers to demonstrate the impact. Potential employers want tangible results, so use numbers and metrics to quantify your achievements. For example, mention the number of patients you have treated, the success rate of your treatment plans, or any awards or recognition you have received.
- Tailor your resume to the job description. Make sure to customize your resume for each job you apply for. Use keywords and phrases from the job description to show how your skills and experience align with the position’s requirements.
- Keep it concise. Your resume should be no more than two pages long. Be selective in what you include and focus on the most relevant information.
- Proofread and edit. Before submitting your resume, make sure to proofread it for any spelling or grammatical errors. Ask a friend or mentor to review it for feedback and make any necessary edits. A well-polished resume will make a strong impression on potential employers.
What’s the best physician assistant resume format?
The best resume format for your physician assistant resume depends on your career goals, work experience and the specific job you’re applying for. as well as the specific job you are applying for. The chronological resume format is most common and used by job seekers with at least one year of work experience; the functional format works well for job seekers with no experience in their chosen profession; and the combination format is ideal for job applicants who have more than 10 years of work experience.
How do you write a physician assistant master’s degree on a resume?
If you have a master’s degree, place it in your education section, with your bachelor’s degree under it. Include the full name of the institution you received the degree from and the dates when you received each. There is no need to include the graduation year if a decade has passed since you graduated.
For example:
San Juan Bautista School of Medicine 2008 – 2020
Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies
Do’s and don’ts for building a physician assistant resume
- Use measurable achievements to describe your physician assistant skills and experience. For example, “Managed patient appointments and schedules for a team of three physicians, resulting in a 20% increase in overall patient satisfaction scores.”
- Use action words such as administer, support and educate to make an impact on your physician assistant resume.
- Tailor your resume to your target physician assistant job.
- Use keywords from the job description throughout your physician assistant resume.
- Format your physician assistant resume so that it’s ATS-friendly.
- Lie about your physician assistant experience and skills.
- Boast about your “incomparable” physician assistant abilities. Instead, highlight your certifications, licenses and accomplishments.
- Include irrelevant personal information such as your ethnicity and age.
- Add skills and experience that do not pertain to a physician assistant.
- Forget to proofread. A physician assistant resume with errors is unprofessional and will be discarded.
Top 4 tips for acing a physician assistant interview
Research the company before your interview.
Research the institution’s history, goals and values through its official website, social media and the news. This knowledge will show your potential employer interest, dedication and commitment — traits that hiring managers look for in every candidate. It will also help you craft your questions for the interviewer. Plus, having a glimpse of the company culture before you arrive will give you an idea of what to expect on arrival so that you can feel confident.
When researching a clinic or hospital look for:
- Scope of practice: Consider the state laws and regulations regarding the scope of practice for physician assistants in the specific location. This will affect your ability to practice and provide care.
- Supervision: Determine the level of supervision required by the hospital or clinic. Some states may require direct supervision, while others allow for more autonomy.
- Practice setting: Consider the type of practice setting, such as a hospital, clinic, or private practice. Each setting may have different workflows, patient populations, and expectations.
- Patient volume: Evaluate the expected patient volume and workload. This will impact the time you spend with each patient and the stress level on the job.
- Specialty: If you have a specific area of interest or expertise, look for job opportunities in that specialty so you can utilize your skills and knowledge to the fullest.
- Team dynamic: Consider the dynamics and culture of the health care team you will be working with. A positive and supportive team can greatly impact job satisfaction.
- Continuing education: Research the opportunities for continuing education and professional development. This is important for maintaining and improving your skills as a physician assistant.
- Patient population: Consider the demographics and diversity of the patient population you will be serving. Doing so can impact the types of conditions and treatments you will encounter and may also influence your cultural competence.
Practice at home.
Prepare for any scenario by practicing an interview with the help of a friend or relative. Review the most common interview questions, such as: “Why did you choose this career?” and behavioral questions such as “Discuss a time you didn’t meet expectations.”
Be ready for in-depth questions about your experience and skills as a physician’s assistant, such as:
- What experience do you have as a physician assistant?
- How many years have you been practicing as a physician assistant?
- What is your area of expertise as a physician assistant?
- What drew you to become a physician assistant?
- What do you know about our health care facility/clinic?
- How do you stay current with developments in the medical field?
- Can you describe a difficult situation you faced as a physician assistant and how you handled it?
- How do you handle patient complaints or difficult patients?
- How do you work with and communicate with other members of the health care team?
- Can you discuss your experience with electronic medical records and other technology used in health care?
Pro tip: Practice in front of a mirror. Remember to look at your facial expressions and body language, which hiring managers will notice.
Be proactive and ask questions.
You are also interviewing the employer. Prepare at least three that will help you learn more about the company, its mission and values and its role.
Here are some example questions to get you started:
- What specific duties and responsibilities will I have as a physician assistant in this role?
- Can you tell me about the supervision and collaboration model between physicians and physician assistants in this practice?
- How does this practice support continued education and professional development for physician assistants?
- Can you provide information on the patient population and typical caseload for a physician assistant in this position?
- What is the on-call schedule for physician assistants in this practice?
- Can you explain the process for documenting and communicating patient care between physicians and physician assistants?
- What technology and electronic medical record system does this practice use for patient care?
- How does the practice handle any legal or ethical issues that may arise for physician assistants?
- Can you provide information on the compensation and benefits package for physician assistants in this practice?
- How does this practice promote a positive work-life balance for physician assistants?
Use open-ended questions and allow the interviewer to answer before moving on to the next one. You can bring a small notebook or piece of paper with your questions written down.
Gather your references.
Contact former managers and colleagues and ask if they will provide positive references as you apply for physician assistant positions. Your potential references should be able to vouch for your work experience, work ethic, job-related skills and personality. Explain to them where you are in the process and let them know they might receive a phone call or email message from a recruiter or hiring manager. It’s best to have two to three letters of recommendation.
If this is your first full-time job as a physician’s assistant, you can request a reference from a mentor, classmate, clinical partner, or school instructor.
CV examples for the next step in your medical career
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Sources
- American Academy of Physician Assistants. What is a PA?
- Bureau of Labor Statistics. Physician Assistants
- Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science. Physician Assistant
- National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)
- American Board of Medical Specialties. Become Board Certified: Define the Specialist You Want to Be
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Physician Assistant Resume Example
Kellie is a career advice writer. She is committed to helping job seekers navigate the job market and succeed in their careers.
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