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Physician Assistant Shadow Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Located in the shadow of Mount Nebo and on the banks of the Arkansas River, Dardanelle offers a ... We support our physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants with national capabilities ...

Experienced NP/PA Injector - Northwest Atlanta

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$104K - $135K/yr

... Physician Assistant (PA) Injector to join our team. This is a rare opportunity to join a well ... Supportive team environment-new providers will have the chance to shadow and be evaluated in a real ...

New

Second 12-hour shadow shift Coverage Model: * Three weekday services * Multiple coverage periods ... Emergency Medicine, Surgery, and Critical Care providers assist with procedures as needed. Patient ...

Showing results 41-60

Physician Assistant Shadow information

See salary details

$58.5K

$120.2K

$177.5K

How much do physician assistant shadow jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for physician assistant shadow in the United States is $120,212.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $135,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

What cities are hiring for Physician Assistant Shadow jobs?

Cities with the most Physician Assistant Shadow job openings:

What states have the most Physician Assistant Shadow jobs?

States with the most job openings for Physician Assistant Shadow jobs include:

Infographic showing various Physician Assistant Shadow job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,212 per year, or $57.8 per hour.

Unpaid Pre-Health Clinical Internship

Genesis Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

Gurnee, IL • On-site

Full-time, Internship

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

About Genesis Orthopedics & Sports Medicine
Genesis Orthopedics & Sports Medicine is a leading orthopedic and sports medicine practice in the Chicagoland area, dedicated to providing comprehensive musculoskeletal care. Our clinical team includes board-certified orthopedic surgeons, sports medicine physicians, physician assistants, physical therapists, and athletic trainers working collaboratively to deliver exceptional patient outcomes.
Internship Overview
Genesis Orthopedics & Sports Medicine is seeking motivated pre-health students and recent graduates for our Unpaid Pre-Health Clinical Internship. This educational opportunity is designed for individuals pursuing careers in medicine, physician assistant studies, nursing, physical therapy, or other allied health fields who wish to gain meaningful, hands-on clinical exposure in a fast-paced orthopedic setting.
This is an unpaid, educational internship. Interns will not provide independent patient care but will observe, shadow, and assist clinical staff under direct supervision, gaining invaluable exposure to the day-to-day operations of an orthopedic and sports medicine practice.
Clinical Scribing & Documentation
A core component of this internship is medical scribing. Interns will be trained to accurately document patient encounters in real time under physician supervision, including:
  • Documenting patient histories, chief complaints, and review of systems
  • Recording physical examination findings as dictated by the provider
  • Transcribing assessment and plan details, including diagnoses and treatment orders
  • Learning medical terminology specific to orthopedics and sports medicine
  • Navigating electronic health record (EHR) systems

Learning & Shadowing Opportunities
  • Shadow orthopedic surgeons, sports medicine physicians, and physician assistants during patient encounters
  • Observe surgical procedures including arthroscopy, joint replacement, fracture repair, and soft tissue reconstruction
  • Attend clinical rounds and case discussions
  • Learn patient intake workflows: rooming patients, collecting medical histories, and vital signs
  • Gain exposure to diagnostic imaging interpretation (X-ray, MRI)
  • Understand referral pathways, insurance authorization, and care coordination processes

Exposure to Clinical Operations
Interns will gain a broad understanding of how an orthopedic practice operates, including:
  • Front desk operations, patient scheduling, and check-in/check-out workflows
  • Medical billing and coding fundamentals
  • Prior authorization and insurance verification processes
  • Inventory management for medical supplies and DME (durable medical equipment)
  • Quality assurance and patient safety protocols
  • HIPAA compliance and patient confidentiality standards
  • Physical therapy and rehabilitation observation

Requirements
Qualifications
  • Current pre-health undergraduate student, recent graduate, or gap-year student pursuing a career in healthcare (medicine, PA, nursing, PT, or allied health)
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 preferred
  • Strong interest in orthopedics, sports medicine, or musculoskeletal health
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Detail-oriented with the ability to multitask in a fast-paced clinical environment
  • Professional demeanor and strong work ethic
  • Ability to maintain strict patient confidentiality (HIPAA compliance required)
  • Ability to reliably travel to clinic locations across the Chicagoland area as needed
  • CPR/BLS certification preferred but not required

Benefits
What You'll Gain
  • Direct clinical experience in a high-volume orthopedic and sports medicine practice
  • Medical scribing skills highly valued by medical, PA, and nursing programs
  • Mentorship from experienced physicians, PAs, and clinical staff
  • Observation of surgical procedures and advanced diagnostic techniques
  • Understanding of the full patient care continuum-from initial consultation through post-operative rehabilitation
  • A strong letter of recommendation upon successful completion (based on performance)
  • Clinical hours applicable to professional school applications

This is an unpaid educational internship. Interns are not employees of Genesis Orthopedics & Sports Medicine and will not receive wages, salary, or benefits. All interns are required to sign a HIPAA Confidentiality Acknowledgment and an Unpaid Internship Acknowledgment prior to beginning the program. Genesis Orthopedics & Sports Medicine is an equal opportunity provider.