Description
Provide healthcare services typically performed by a physician, under the supervision of a physician. Conduct complete physicals, provide treatment, and counsel patients. May, in some cases, prescribe medication. Must graduate from an accredited educational program for physician assistants.
- • Examine patients to obtain information about their physical condition.
- • Interpret diagnostic test results for deviations from normal.
- • Make tentative diagnoses and decisions about management and treatment of patients.
- • Obtain, compile, and record patient medical data, including health history, progress notes, and results of physical examination.
- • Administer or order diagnostic tests, such as x-ray, electrocardiogram, and laboratory tests.
- • Prescribe therapy or medication with physician approval.
- • Perform therapeutic procedures, such as injections, immunizations, suturing and wound care, and infection management.
- • Instruct and counsel patients about prescribed therapeutic regimens, normal growth and development, family planning, emotional problems of daily living, and health maintenance.
- • Provide physicians with assistance during surgery or complicated medical procedures.
- • Supervise and coordinate activities of technicians and technical assistants.
- • Visit and observe patients on hospital rounds or house calls, updating charts, ordering therapy, and reporting back to physician.
- • Order medical and laboratory supplies and equipment.
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Healthcare & Human Services
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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Last reviewed: Jan 2026
