“What does a PA do?”—the answer is broader than you might think. A Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) prepares graduates for one of the most versatile and in-demand roles in healthcare today. From emergency departments to surgical suites, primary care clinics to specialty practices, physician assistants (PAs) play a crucial role in delivering patient-centered care. PA careers are a fit for someone just starting their journey in a healthcare field or for someone considering a career shift.

Understanding the PA Role

PAs are licensed clinicians who diagnose illnesses, develop and manage treatment plans, prescribe medications, and often serve as a patient’s principal healthcare provider. Working in collaboration with physicians and other members of the healthcare team, PAs practice with a high level of autonomy and responsibility across various clinical settings. While their scope of practice may vary by state, all PAs are educated in the medical model and trained to provide care across the lifespan.

Graduating with a Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies typically takes about two to three years of intensive classroom and clinical training. This foundation prepares students to work across virtually every area of medicine.

Common Work Settings for PAs

One of the benefits of becoming a PA is the flexibility to work in a variety of healthcare environments. Common settings include:

  • Hospitals – PAs are often found in inpatient units, emergency rooms, and surgical teams.
  • Primary care practices – Many PAs serve as primary providers for patients, particularly in underserved areas.
  • Outpatient clinics and urgent care centers – Fast-paced environments where PAs diagnose and treat common illnesses and injuries.
  • Specialty offices – Such as dermatology, cardiology, orthopedics, and more.
  • Academic medical centers and research institutions – For those who combine clinical work with teaching or research.
  • Rural and community health centers – Where PAs help bridge gaps in provider shortages.

The flexibility in location and practice type makes this profession appealing to someone looking for career adaptability.

Top Specialties for PA Careers

While some PAs spend their entire careers in one specialty, others enjoy transitioning between fields. Unlike many healthcare roles, PAs are not locked into a single specialty and can change practice areas with relative ease.

Here are some of the top specialties for PA careers:

1. Emergency Medicine

Fast-paced and high-stakes, this setting is ideal for PAs who thrive under pressure. Responsibilities include managing trauma cases, performing procedures, and making critical decisions in real time.

2. Surgery

Surgical PAs assist in the operating room, provide pre- and post-operative care, and sometimes manage surgical consults. Common subspecialties include orthopedics, cardiothoracic surgery, and neurosurgery.

3. Primary Care

PAs in family medicine or internal medicine often serve as the first point of contact for patients, managing chronic diseases, preventive care, and wellness screenings.

4. Dermatology

A highly competitive field, dermatology PAs treat skin conditions, perform minor surgical procedures, and assist with cosmetic treatments.

5. Orthopedics

In this hands-on specialty, PAs help manage musculoskeletal injuries, assist in surgery, and provide rehabilitation care.

6. Cardiology

Cardiology PAs manage patients with heart disease, assist in diagnostic testing, and participate in patient education and lifestyle counseling.

7. Psychiatry

With mental health needs on the rise, PAs trained in behavioral medicine help assess, diagnose, and manage psychiatric conditions in both inpatient and outpatient settings.

Why Choose a PA Career?

PAs are among the fastest-growing professions in the United States. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of physician assistants is projected to grow 28 percent from 2023 to 2033—much faster than the average for all occupations.

This strong demand is fueled by a growing population, expanded access to healthcare, and a shift toward team-based care models. PAs are especially valued for their adaptability, cost-effectiveness, and ability to improve access to quality care.

In addition to job security, the PA profession offers:

  • Competitive salaries – With median annual wages exceeding $133,000.
  • Work-life balance – Many roles have regular hours and fewer on-call responsibilities compared to other medical careers.
  • Professional autonomy – PAs often diagnose and treat independently within their collaborative agreements.
  • Lateral mobility – The ability to switch specialties without returning to school.

A Dynamic Degree with Long-Term Impact

If you are exploring graduate programs and wondering, “What does a PA do?”—consider not only what they do, but the impact they make. PAs improve patient outcomes, address provider shortages, and promote health equity across diverse communities. Programs like the one at the MGH Institute of Health Professions—part of Mass General Brigham and a leader in health professions education—prepare graduates to lead in both clinical care and interprofessional collaboration.

A Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies equips you with the skills, confidence, and credentials to succeed in a wide range of roles throughout your career. From direct patient care to leadership in healthcare innovation, PA careers continue to evolve and expand with the needs of the healthcare system.