Physician Associate

Often you will hear a physician assistant referred to as a “physician associate.” A physician associate and a physician assistant are one in the same. I have also heard them referred to as “physician extenders,” though I believe that terminology is becoming more and more obsolete. Physician associates can work as a surgical physician assistant, primary care, the ER, OBGYN, as well as many other specialties. One of the more popular physician assistant positions currently is working as an orthopedic physician assistant. You may also see the acronym “PA-C” used to refer to a physician assistant or physician associate.

Physician assistant salary can vary across specialties, as well as different parts of the country. Physician assistant jobs in Pennsylvania pay much lower than physician assistant jobs in other parts of the country. Part of this is because Pennsylvania has more PA programs than any other state. With high supply, the salaries there tend to decrease. Depending on the state, physician assistants are sometimes able to work interchangeably with nurse practitioners. If you are interested in physician assistant employment, please click on the green box to receive assistance.