Creating an eye-catching physician assistant (PA) resume that effectively highlights your clinical skills and patient care experience is crucial for landing interviews. Whether you’re a new graduate, an experienced PA specializing in emergency medicine, or pursuing a niche like dermatology, tailoring your resume to the role is key. This guide will provide expert tips and insights to help you translate your patient care experience into a results-driven resume.
Key takeaways:
- Emphasize your commitment to patient-centered care: Use tangible examples from your medical career to convey your genuine passion for patient-centered care and advocacy.
- Detail quantifiable achievements: Utilize specific numbers and outcomes, such as patient satisfaction scores and clinical metrics, to demonstrate your impact.
- Use keywords for ATS: Highlight relevant clinical and procedural skills from the job posting to ensure your resume surpasses applicant tracking systems (ATS).
Most Popular Physician Assistant Resumes
Physician Assistant Resume Example

Why this PA resume example is strong:
In this resume example, the candidate effectively captures their experience working in fast-paced emergency care settings. Focusing on specific metrics, such as their exceptional patient satisfaction scores, helps communicate the value they can bring to future health care organizations.
New Grad Physician Assistant Resume Example

Why this new grad PA resume example is strong:
This resume example captures the most compelling aspects of the candidate’s internship experience. The bullet points focus on family medicine, making them an excellent fit for primary care settings.
Dermatology Physician Assistant Resume Example

Why this dermatology PA resume example is strong:
In this example, the candidate demonstrates expertise in patient care and cosmetic dermatology. The bullet points are concise yet descriptive, emphasizing their ability to support dermatologists performing procedures for various skin conditions.
Emergency Medicine Physician Assistant Resume Example

Why this emergency medicine PA resume example is strong:
This resume illustrates the candidate’s proven track record of delivering exceptional care in high-stress emergencies. Providing tangible numbers and metrics, such as the 16% reduction in patient wait times, helps set this resume apart from other applicants.
Internal Medicine Physician Assistant Resume Example

Why this internal medicine PA resume example is strong:
Casey showcases strength in continuity of care and preventative medicine — two essential aspects of internal medicine roles.
OB-GYN Physician Assistant Resume Example

Why this OBGYN PA resume example is strong:
Taylor brings a blend of clinical and patient-focused care ideal for women’s health, with relevant experience in both preventive and surgical support.
Experienced Physician Assistant Resume Example

Why this experienced PA resume example is strong:
Morgan’s progression into leadership and extensive scope of practice are valuable in advanced PA roles.
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Physician Assistant Emergency Medicine Resume Example

Why this emergency medicine PA resume example is strong:
Jamie demonstrates experience with high-risk, fast-paced emergency environments and shows value with trauma certifications.
Urgent Care Physician Assistant Resume Example

Why this urgent care PA resume example is strong:
Cameron highlights efficiency and multitasking, key traits for urgent care centers that value speed and quality.
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Pediatric Physician Assistant Resume Example

Why this pediatric PA resume example is strong:
Alex’s resume clearly focuses on pediatric-specific skills and includes education relevant to working with children and families.
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Geriatric Physician Assistant Resume Example

Why this geriatric PA resume example is strong:
Jordan’s resume shows empathy and medical attention tailored for aging adults. The focus on medication management is a plus.
Telemedicine Physician Assistant Resume Example

Why this telemedicine PA resume example is strong:
Taylor highlights a modern, digital-first practice style that’s valuable for remote care providers and startups.
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Preventive Medicine Physician Assistant Resume Example

Why this preventive medicine PA resume example is strong:
Cameron aligns clinical expertise with public health strategy — a valuable combination for health-focused organizations.
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Psychiatry Physician Assistant Resume Example

Why this psychiatry PA resume example is strong:
Jamie presents a caring, holistic approach to mental health, which is ideal for behavioral health clinics and psychiatric hospitals.
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Rehabilitation Medicine Physician Assistant Resume Example

Why this rehab PA resume example is strong:
Riley shows impact with quantifiable results and a multidisciplinary focus, critical in post-operative and rehabilitation care.
Surgical Physician Assistant Resume Example

Why this surgical PA resume example is strong:
Drew’s resume is structured to showcase advanced surgical assistance and patient care. The use of numbers and specific procedures adds credibility.
Cardiology Physician Assistant Resume Example

Why this cardiology PA resume example is strong:
Pat’s resume balances clinical expertise with preventive care, understanding both immediate and long-term patient needs.
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Urology Physician Assistant Resume Example

Why this urology PA resume example is strong:
Cameron’s resume reflects targeted experience and patient-centered care within a niche field. The detail in post-op and diagnostics highlights clinical precision.
Oncology Physician Assistant Resume Example

Why this oncology PA resume example is strong:
Riley demonstrates empathy alongside technical skills, showing the importance of medical accuracy and emotional support in cancer care.
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Neurology Physician Assistant Resume Example

Why this neurology PA resume example is strong:
Taylor’s resume outlines a specialized, consistent career path and highlights continuity of care for chronic neurological conditions.
Physician Assistant Text-Only Resume Examples and Templates
How To Write a Physician Assistant Resume Example
Before writing your content, selecting a well-structured template that allows the hiring manager to navigate your experience, qualifications, and achievements easily is essential. Your PA resume should include these sections:
- Contact information
- Profile
- Key skills
- Professional experience
- Education and certifications
1. Share your contact information
Provide your full name, phone number, email address, location, and a link to your professional LinkedIn profile. Make sure your contact information is current and professional.
2. Write a compelling profile summarizing your physician assistant qualifications
Your resume summary should provide an engaging snapshot of your experience and expertise. Mention your PA credentials, years of experience, and critical clinical specializations. Tailor this section to match the job description by highlighting skills and health care environments relevant to the role you’re applying for.
For example, if you’re pursuing a role as a PA at a high-volume hospital, emphasize your background in delivering exceptional care to patients in intensive care units (ICU) and emergency rooms. If you’re targeting a position that requires a strong administrative background, you might demonstrate your expertise in managing patient documentation in electronic health records (EHR) systems.
Senior-Level Profile Example
Certified PA with over 10 years of experience delivering acute and primary care in high-volume emergency and trauma departments. Adept at diagnosing, treating, and managing critical and chronic conditions in patients of all ages. Skilled in conducting complex procedures such as intubation, suturing, and emergency resuscitation.
Entry-Level Profile Example
New graduate PA with extensive family medicine, pediatrics, and geriatrics training. Strong focus on holistic patient care and wellness. Experienced in diagnostic testing, patient education, and developing treatment plans for chronic and acute illnesses.
3. Add an accomplishment-driven professional experience section
Your professional experience section should emphasize your most impressive achievements as a PA rather than simply detailing daily job responsibilities. As you describe your work history, reflect on how your efforts have contributed to positive clinical outcomes. Paint a picture for the hiring manager, demonstrating how you’ve consistently delivered exceptional care to diverse patient populations throughout your career.
Senior-Level Professional Experience Example
Senior-Level Professional Experience Example
Physician Assistant, Miami General Hospital, Miami, FL | July 2020 – present
- Deliver emergency treatment to over 40 critically ill patients per shift in a high-volume trauma center with a 1-to-7 nurse-patient ratio
- Perform a wide range of lifesaving procedures, including intubations, chest tube insertions, and suturing for trauma patients
- Coordinate with nursing teams to implement a rapid triage system for minor injuries and illnesses, resulting in a 16% reduction in patient wait times
Entry-Level Professional Experience Example
Physician Assistant Intern, Smith Clinic, New York, NY | January 2023 – present
- Assisted with over 200 patient assessments in pediatrics and family medicine under physician supervision
- Conducted routine diagnostic tests and developed treatment plans for chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes
- Educated patients on disease prevention and health management
Resume writer's tip: Quantify your experience
Incorporating complex numbers is a great way to heighten the impact of your achievements. Featuring metrics allows you to fully convey the impact of your clinical efforts and establish a sense of scope for the health care environments you’ve worked in. For example, emphasizing a 93% patient satisfaction rating in a 500-bed hospital demonstrates that you can deliver quality care in high-volume medical settings.
Do
- “Delivered quality treatment to over 35 patients per day in a high-volume emergency department with a 1-to-7 nurse-patient ratio and coordinated with multidisciplinary teams to enhance clinical workflows, resulting in an 18% reduction in average wait times”
Don’t
- “Responsible for treating multiple patients per day in the emergency department”
Resume writer's tip: Tailor your resume for each application
Customizing your resume for each job is the best way to show hiring managers that you have the clinical skills and knowledge that a theory organization seeks. As you build out your bullet points, integrate specific keywords from the job description. For example, if you were pursuing a niche position at a dermatology office, you might highlight terms such as “cryotherapy,” “skin biopsies,” and “laser therapy.”
What if you don't have experience?
If you’re a new graduate or changing specialties, focus on clinical rotations, internships, or volunteer work that aligns with the job you’re applying for. Highlight skills you developed during your education and training that are transferable to a PA role.
4. Include relevant education and certifications
Education and certification are critical in the medical field. Be sure to provide a comprehensive list of your degrees and any specialized certifications. For example, if you’re targeting a position in an ICU unit, you might consider obtaining an Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) credential. If your long-term goal is to pursue a career in pediatric care, it’s best to pursue a Pediatric Physician Assistant-Certified (PA-C) designation.
Education
Template:
[Degree Name], [School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] | [Graduation Year]
[Relevant coursework or honors]
Example:
Master of Science (M.S.) Physician Assistant Studies
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX | May 2020
Certifications
Template:
[Certification Name], [Awarding Organization] | [Completion Year]
Example:
- Certified Physician Assistant (PA-C) | National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) | June 2020
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) | American Heart Association | August 2021
- Basic Life Support (BLS) | American Heart Association | June 2021
5. List pertinent key skills
Most organizations utilize an ATS to identify qualified candidates quickly. To maximize your chances of landing the interview, build a robust skills section that pulls specific keywords directly from the job posting. Feature a mix of clinical specializations and interpersonal skills to show potential employers that you’re a versatile candidate who excels in all aspects of patient care.
Key Skills and Proficiencies | |
---|---|
Acute care | BLS |
Clinical operations | Communication |
Critical care | Dermatology care |
Diagnostic testing | EHR |
Emergency care | HIPAA |
Medical triage | Patient assessment |
Patient education | Patient-centered care |
Pediatric care | Wound care and suturing |
Resume writer's tip: Use common action verbs
Use strong action verbs in your professional experience section to convey your clinical duties and achievements. Avoid using passive language and instead focus on your impact in previous roles.
Action Verbs | |
---|---|
Administered | Assessed |
Collaborated | Communicated |
Coordinated | Delivered |
Diagnosed | Educated |
Enhanced | Evaluated |
Identified | Implemented |
Improved | Monitored |
Performed | Prescribed |
Supported | Treated |
How To Pick the Best Physician Assistant Resume Template
When selecting a resume template, prioritize structure and readability over visual elements. A clean, well-organized layout ensures hiring managers can quickly find the most important information, such as your education, certifications, and clinical experience. Stick with a format that is professional and easy to scan.
Frequently Asked Questions: Physician Assistant Resume Examples and Advice
Your Physician Assistant CV should include a strong profile summary that emphasizes your specializations and key skills. Highlight any specific accomplishments that show your ability to impact the company, such as saving money, improving processes, or leading teams. Tailor the skills section to match the requirements of the job you're applying for to increase your chances of being noticed.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, PA occupations are expected to experience a massive spike in growth over the next decade. With a 28% increase between 2023 and 2033, plenty of opportunities are available on the open market. You'll still face intense competition for the most lucrative PA roles, so aligning your resume with the job description is essential.
For instance, if you're targeting a position in an ICU, focus on highlighting your experience treating patients in high-pressure, critical care situations. If you're interested in pediatric care, demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively with parents and families and deliver empathetic care to children in clinical settings.
The reverse chronological resume format is ideal for PAs. This format allows you to present your most recent experience first, which is essential for showcasing your relevant clinical expertise. It also makes it easier for hiring managers to quickly see the progression of your career and the medical environments you've worked in.
Include a cover letter with your resume
A tailored cover letter is an essential complement to your resume. Use the cover letter to emphasize your passion for medicine and expand on any critical accomplishments in your resume. You can also explain why you are particularly excited about the role and how your skills align with the job’s requirements.
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