Physician Assistant Resume Example

Physician Assistants

Physician Assistants perform physical examinations, diagnose illness and develop treatment strategies, order and interpret lab tests, and assist doctors with surgeries and other medical procedures. 

Let’s review the steps to fixing up your resume. 

‍How to Write a Summary for a Physician Assistant

1. Mention your previous experience. How many clinics have you worked in? What kind of procedures have you participated in? What kinds of illnesses have you diagnosed and treated?
2. Describe your greatest strength. Do you excel at comforting patients? Are you a pro at interpreting lab results? 
3. Explain what you’re eager to accomplish in the next stage of your career. Are you looking to perform more operations? To work in a medical specialty?

How to List Your Work Experience as a Physician Assistant

1. Use reverse chronological format. List your most recent jobs first, as this shows managers how you’ve gained experience in the industry. 
2. Use action verbs related to being a Physician Assistant. Verbs are critical to demonstrating what you can do for the company. Review the following list for some powerful examples.

• Analyzed
• Assisted
• Diagnosed
• Evaluated
• Inspected
• Interpreted
• Operated
• Performed
• Processed
• Treated

See our list of over 350 action verbs to find more.

Senior Level Work Experience as a Physician Assistant

• Performed hospital and outpatient consultations for interventional radiological procedures
• Completed patient history and physical examinations
• Performed rounds and pre-sedation assessments
• Performed minor non-invasive clinical procedures, including suturing and IV implementation
• Diagnosed common and acute chronic illnesses, such as chronic pain, diabetes and asthma
• Educated patients and their families on disease prevention, nutrition, and treatment plans
• Collaborated with the health care team to establish and manage patient care
• Provided excellent medical care to patients under the supervision of a Physician
• Evaluated lab results and determine patient care plan
• Monitored patients' condition and progress and re-evaluated treatments as necessary
• Administered medications, sedatives, and antibiotics  

Junior Level Work Experience as a Physician Assistant

• Maintained patient records
• Reviewed patients’ medical histories 
• Assisted doctors with procedures
• Diagnosed patients with illnesses and physical traumas 
• Created treatment plans for over 56 patients
• Performed surgeries such as putting in chest tubes and cutting and draining abscesses
• Provided primary medical care and emergency services for patients of Cook County 
• Administered flu and vaccine injections
• Provided emotional support to patients and their families throughout their procedures 
• Advised and implement non-invasive treatments such as casts and splints
• Adhered to medical standards and procedures 
• Ordered laboratory and radiological studies and interpret results
• Collaborated with multiple physicians to determine best treatment options
• Presented clinical cases to the department to be used as educational materials
• Prescribed and recommended medications 

How to List Your Skills as a Physician Assistant

Physician Assistants need to be able to communicate effectively with patients, but you also need to be able to handle their medical needs quickly, independently, and with competency. 

• Communication 
• Detail-Oriented
• Compassionate
• Interpersonal Skills
• Problem-Solving Skills
• Ability to handle stress well
• Adaptability 
• Independent Thinker
• Time Management Skills 

How to List Your Education as a Physician Assistant

Physician Assistants require a bachelor’s degree and a few years of experience as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), paramedic, or EMT. This will strengthen your application to postgraduate school. Physician Assistant educational programs take about two years. 

Requirements for licensure vary by state but generally involve the following:

• Bachelor’s Degree needed in science major
• Patient care experience as registered nurse, EMT or paramedic in order to strengthen graduate school application
• Physician assistant education program
• Complete a background check
• Pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) from the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)
• Complete 100 hours of continuing education every 2 years
• Take a recertification exam every 10 years.

Physician Assistant Career Overview

Job Outlook

The job outlook for Physician Assistants is growing at 31% per year, which is considered to be much faster than average. In 2018 there were 118,800 jobs available.

Average Salary 

Physician Assistants make $112,260 per year on average. However, salaries could be as high as $157,120 depending on the state in which you work and the practice for whom you’re employed. 

Top Paying Salaries by State

• $137,060 -- Connecticut
• $129,520 -- Washington
• $129,440 -- New Jersey

Search for Physician Assistant Jobs

• Indeed
• Linkedin
• Simplyhired