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HealthcareTop JobColorado Talent Pipeline Report-aligned occupation with strong annual openings, growth, and wage signals.

Physician Assistant

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.

Annual openings

244

Median wage

$134,540

Typical education

Master's degree

Growth 2026–2032

+12%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

Master's degree

Credential requirement

Credential requirements not reported

Work experience

No previous work experience is required, but it could be an additional step on a career pathway.

With specific certifications, Physician Assistants can prescribe medication, a role that is highly valued in the Healthcare and Behavioral Health industries.
This job is valued in Healthcare and Public Health settings.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Automation exposure

Low exposure

Tasks here lean on judgement and people skills that are hard to automate.

A typical day

  1. Interpret diagnostic test results for deviations from normal.
  2. Prescribe therapy or medication with physician approval.
  3. Obtain, compile, and record patient medical data, including health history, progress notes, and results of physical examination.
  4. Examine patients to obtain information about their physical condition.
  5. Administer or order diagnostic tests, such as x-ray, electrocardiogram, and laboratory tests.
  6. Instruct and counsel patients about prescribed therapeutic regimens, normal growth and development, family planning, emotional problems of daily living, and health maintenance.
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