Military Physician Assistants
Military Career
General Information
Description
Physician assistants are nationally certified health professionals who provide primary medical care, including diagnosing and treating diseases, and prescribing medication. They often work under the direction of a physician. When a physician is unavailable, physician assistants serve as the authority on determining medical necessity, priority, and requirements for emergency care, stabilization, and patient evacuation.
Explore this career outside the MilitaryWork Environment
Physician assistants work in hospitals and clinics on land and aboard ships.
Workplace at a Glance
What you can expect to experience while on the job
- Responsibility
- Exposure to job hazards
- Physical activity
- Decision making
- Repetitiveness
- Level of competition
- Time pressure
Comparable Industries
- Health Science
Military Outlook
Service Branches
Jobs in this career field may be available in other service branches. Call or email a particular branch for more info.
Army
Marine Corps
Navy
Air Force
Coast Guard
Space ForceMilitary Status
- Officer
- Managerial/professional
- College degree required
Military Workforce
Physician Assistants in the Military
2,917
Salary
Salary Information
Median Military Salary This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.
$121,111
Military Salary Range Salary varies based on years of service, degree level, special pays, family status and location. Learn more about Military benefits.
$41,853 - $292,243
What makes up a Military salary?
Military salaries include a lot more than just base pay.
They also offer:
- Housing allowances
- Subsistence allowances
- Special and incentive pays
- Cost-of-living allowances
- Hazardous-duty pay
- Bonuses
Learn more about what goes into a salary with the compensation estimator
Learn more about military insurance and retirement benefits
Education
Most Common Education Levels
People in this career achieve this level of education.
-
Master's degree 81%
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First professional degree 13%
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Bachelor's degree 5%
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High school 0%
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Some college 0%
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Doctoral degree 0%
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Associate's degree 0%
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Post baccalaureate 0%
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Less than high school 0%
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Post-doctoral training 0%
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Post-master's certificate 0%
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Post-secondary certificate 0%
Military training
Officers typically enter the Military after they have completed a four-year college degree; enlisted service members can transition to officer positions through a variety of pathways and earn a degree while serving. Job training for physician assistants primarily consists of classroom instruction, including practice in providing patient healthcare, and on-the-job learning in various training environments. Physician assistants often have the opportunity to teach, research, and learn at various health education programs. Like other officers working in healthcare, they complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, orientation to military structure, healthcare and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development. Job-specific training content may include: Fundamental medical care proceduresPrinciples of behavioral and dental scienceHealthcare administration techniques
Read MoreSkills at a Glance
Skills helpful in this career
- Verbal skills
- Critical thinking & problem solving
- Equipment operation & maintenance
- Math & science skills
- Technology design & control
- Leadership
Related College Majors
Select major to see colleges that offer it
Knowledge
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Psychology
- Therapy and Counseling
- Customer and Personal Service
- Biology
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