In a typical work setting, physician assistants:

Interpersonal Relationships

• Have a high level of social contact. They spend a lot of time talking to patients and doctors.
• Communicate with others by telephone, e-mail, face-to-face, and with written letters and memos daily.
• Are responsible for the health and safety of others.
• Often deal with conflict situations in which people may be rude or upset.
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• Work in a group or as part of a team and are partly responsible for the work done by coworkers.

Physical Work Conditions

• Always work indoors.
• Are regularly exposed to infections or disease from patients.
• Work very close to patients. They often work within inches of other people.
• Always wear gloves or other safety attire.
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• Often wear a lab coat or other uniform.

Work Performance

• Must be exact in their work. Errors could endanger patients' health.
• Make decisions on a daily basis that strongly impact patients. They consult doctors for some decisions, but make most without talking to a supervisor.
• Are usually able to set their tasks for the day independently.
• Work in a competitive atmosphere and meet daily deadlines.
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• Repeat the same mental and physical activities.

Hours/Travel

• Generally have a set schedule each week.
• May work full time or part time. Most work more than 40 hours a week.
• May work weekends, nights, or early mornings depending on the practice and the setting.