Career Resources

PA JobSource

PA JobSource is an interactive, map-based career exploration platform that is available exclusively for AAPA members. Explore the map and connect with virtually every PA employer in the United States today.

PA Scope of Practice

PAs are proven and integral members of the U.S. healthcare system. But what exactly do PAs do? And who decides? The boundaries of each PA’s scope of practice are determined by these parameters: education and experience; state law; policies of employers and facilities, and the needs of the patients. 

Specialty Transitions: Researching the Best Options for You

PA Career Coach Jennifer Hohman frequently works with clients who are considering changing their specialty. Find out how she helps her clients find the right specialty for them through careful self-assessment, research, and networking.

Payer Reimbursement Policies for PAs

Explanation of third-party reimbursement for PAs.

An In-Depth Guide to PA Recruiting

Learn about the remarkable contributions that PAs make every day and gain insights into how you can recruit highly qualified PAs for your open positions. Read interviews from expert sources on what matters in PA recruitment.

PA smiling on the computer

How to Tailor Your Job Application for a Specialty Transition

Any successful career transition is rooted in self-knowledge, curiosity and a zestful movement towards what inspires you as a clinician. PAs have unique career journeys given their ability to navigate specialty transitions that can be both exciting and daunting.

AOP Guide

Explore a new career direction or specialty with this collection of AAPA and partner resources, salary data, and CME on various practice areas, including Administration, Dermatology, Education, Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, Hospital Medicine, Internal Medicine, Orthopaedic Surgery, Telemedicine, and Urgent Care.

Three PAs talking

Why I Changed Specialties as a PA

One of the major advantages of becoming a PA is that it is relatively easy to change from one specialty to another without the need for new certification. More than 50% of PAs will change specialties during their careers, according to AAPA’s Salary Report.

PAs and Team Practice

A summary of PAs in team-oriented care models.

A physician associate/physician assistant in surgical gear

What is a PA?

What is a PA (physician associate/physician assistant)? PAs are licensed clinicians who practice medicine in every specialty and setting.

What You Always Wanted to Know About EMPAs, But Were Afraid to Ask

In this article written for the American College of Osteopathic Emergency Physicians, the Society of Emergency Medicine Physician Assistants (SEMPA) provides a brief history of emergency medicine PAs (EMPA), gives a primer on PA training and discusses EMPA onboarding and utilization.

Competencies for the Physician Associate Profession

Professional competencies for physician assistants include the effective and appropriate application of medical knowledge, interpersonal and communication skills, patient care, professionalism, practice-based learning and improvement, and systems-based practice.

PA Employer Q&A with Allegheny Health Network

Allegheny Health Network champions PAs.

Making the Case for Improving PA Utilization and Retention

Senior executive for the largest hospital system in Texas expounds on PA hiring, utilization and retention.