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Physician Assistant Shadow Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

PRN - Occupational Ther Asst

Vincennes, IN · On-site

$22.50 - $30.25/hr

Maintains effective and timely communication with team staff members (including nursing, physician ... Supervises OTA clinical students, student volunteers, and shadow students * Present and available ...

PRN - Occupational Ther Asst

Vincennes, IN · On-site

$22.50 - $30.25/hr

Maintains effective and timely communication with team staff members (including nursing, physician ... Supervises OTA clinical students, student volunteers, and shadow students * Present and available ...

Travel PCU RN

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$1.9K - $2.6K/wk

... or being assigned students to shadow them while on assignment **Floating and Relocation ... physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners in both short-term and permanent roles ...

New

Physician Assistant Shadow information

What is a physician assistant shadow?

A Physician Assistant (PA) shadow is a person, often a student or someone interested in the PA profession, who observes a practicing Physician Assistant during their daily work. The purpose of shadowing is to gain insight into the PA's responsibilities, patient interactions, and the healthcare environment. Shadowing does not involve direct patient care or hands-on tasks; rather, it is an observational experience meant to help prospective PAs understand the profession better and strengthen their applications to PA programs.

What can I expect when shadowing a physician assistant in terms of daily activities and learning opportunities?

When shadowing a Physician Assistant (PA), you can expect to observe a wide range of clinical activities, such as patient interviews, physical exams, procedures, and team consultations. You'll have the opportunity to witness how PAs collaborate with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to provide patient care. Shadowing also offers insight into the fast-paced nature of healthcare, the importance of communication, and the variety of specialties PAs can work in. To get the most from your experience, be proactive in asking questions and take notes on the different aspects of patient care and workflow.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a physician assistant shadow, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Physician Assistant Shadow, you need a solid understanding of basic medical terminology, professionalism, and a genuine interest in healthcare, often demonstrated by enrollment in a pre-med or health sciences program. Familiarity with clinical environments, patient privacy protocols (such as HIPAA), and observation guidelines is important. Strong communication, attention to detail, and a respectful, inquisitive attitude help you build rapport with clinicians and maximize learning opportunities. These skills and qualities are crucial for gaining valuable insights into the PA profession and making a positive impression for future career advancement.

What is the difference between Physician Assistant Shadow vs Physician Assistant?

AspectPhysician Assistant ShadowPhysician Assistant
CredentialsObserves PAs, no certification requiredRequires NCCPA certification and state licensure
Work EnvironmentShadowing in clinical settings, observing daily tasksPerforming patient exams, diagnosing, and treatment
Employer & Industry UsageUsed for pre-PA experience, educational purposesEmployed as licensed healthcare providers in various settings
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles before pursuing PA careerClarifying responsibilities and qualifications

The main difference between Physician Assistant Shadow and Physician Assistant is that shadowing involves observing PAs without performing clinical duties, primarily for educational or career exploration. In contrast, a Physician Assistant is a licensed healthcare professional actively providing patient care. Shadowing offers insight into the profession, while being a PA involves full clinical responsibilities.

How do I get physician assistant shadowing hours?

To obtain physician assistant shadowing hours, contact local clinics, hospitals, or healthcare providers to inquire about shadowing opportunities. Many programs require a background check and health clearances, and some may ask for a letter of interest or resume to demonstrate your commitment and relevant skills.

Why is it so hard to shadow a physician assistant?

Shadowing a physician assistant can be difficult due to limited opportunities, strict healthcare facility policies, and the need for appropriate health clearances and confidentiality agreements. Many programs require applicants to have relevant healthcare experience or certifications, making access more competitive and regulated.
Infographic showing various Physician Assistant Shadow job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

PRN - Occupational Ther Asst

Good Samaritan

Vincennes, IN • On-site

$22.50 - $30.25/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Essential Job Duties:

  1. Performs all essential job duties of a staff Occupational Therapist Assistant (see below).
    1. Implements (per state practice act) patient treatments within the established plan of care
    2. Communicates and reports current patient progress and discharge planning as appropriate with referring provider and overseeing Occupational Therapist. Maintains effective and timely communication with team staff members (including nursing, physician, therapy, respiratory, and social work) to optimize patient outcomes and discharge planning.
    3. Documents within state practice act guidelines and ensures that documentation meets requirements of organization and payor sources
  2. Under the supervision of an Occupational Therapist, provides patient treatments within the individualized patient plan of care, utilizing evidence-based practice for client-centered OT interventions to achieve established goals based on the evaluation and documentation findings completed the evaluating OT.
  3. Assists in discharge planning including home assessments and community outings as beneficial/appropriate, determination of a/e needs, communication to the patient, family, and other healthcare professionals 
  4. Provide patient and family education as related to current condition, discharge planning, or other factors. Participate in reporting to ancillary staff, patients, or families during team conference meetings as applicable
  5. Discusses patient concerns and barriers to patient progression or discharge in a progressional manner with the appropriate team members, including overseeing OT, physical therapy, social work, nursing, and physicians. Reports patient progress and changes in the patient's condition to OT in a timely manner to ensure high quality and safety outcomes.
  6. Exercises the skills, safeguards, and professional conduct of an Occupational Therapist Assistant.
  7. Supervises OTA clinical students, student volunteers, and shadow students
    1. Present and available as a resource for other occupational therapy staff
    2. Professional in method of communication and strives to facilitate team rapport through interactions
    3. Follows state practice act guidelines to remain within scope of practice
  8. Demonstrates thorough and comprehensible documentation that supports clinical provision of care and optimal reimbursement. Discusses changes to and progression of the POC and established goals with overseeing OT to ensure documentation is accurate and appropriate for patient at all times. Documents patient response to treatment as well as thorough progress notes and discharge summaries within the designated time frames.
  9. Contributes to a high-performance work environment by seeking additional resources that enhance and maintain current knowledge and skills
  10. Completes other duties and special projects as assigned from Manager or Director
     

Secondary Job Duties That May be Reassigned:

  1. Participates within departmental expectation of rotations per Physical Medicine and Rehab Therapy policy, which may include a holiday and/or weekend rotation.
  2. Responsible for reporting breakdown of necessary support services and providing suggestions for improvement in services to Manager and/or Senior Therapist.
  3. Assists in orienting/training staff members.
  4. Assists with departmental Performance Improvement Program.
  5. Maintains adequate supplies, assists in keeping department clean and ready for patient treatment.
     
Why Choose Good Samaritan? 

For more than 115 years, Good Samaritan has been dedicated to not only providing trusted, industry-leading health care, but to fill a vital role in southwest Indiana and southwest Illinois. Our hospital continues to adhere to the compassionate principles our facility was founded on and further our commitments to our patients, our staff, and the communities we serve. Good Samaritan is well recognized for its commitment to excellence as a 4-time designated Magnet facility, TJC Primary Stroke Center, and a Level III Trauma Center. 

We would love to welcome you to our Good Samaritan family. 
Join Our Team 

Good Samaritan is looking for compassionate, caring, and dedicated caregivers to join our team and help us continue our tradition of excellence. 

Job Specifications:

  • Education: Graduate of an accredited occupational therapist assistant educational program. Indiana certification. Continuing education to improve/maintain job skills. Educational CEU’s to maintain certification.
  • Experience: Clinical experience from certified occupational therapist assistant program.