20 Questions

Physician Assistant Job Interview Questions to Ask Employer

Strategic questions that help you understand the role, practice environment, and career opportunities in physician assistant positions.

1

What will my scope of practice be and what procedures can I perform?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Understanding your scope of practice is crucial for knowing your responsibilities and ensuring the role aligns with your skills and interests.

2

How will I be supervised and what's the physician oversight structure?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Understanding supervision helps you know what support and guidance you'll receive and how your work will be reviewed.

3

What's the patient volume and what types of cases will I handle?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Understanding patient volume and case types helps you assess whether the workload and patient mix align with your preferences and skills.

4

What are the opportunities for professional development and continuing education?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Understanding development opportunities helps you assess whether the position will support your career growth and learning goals.

5

What's the practice culture and how do team members collaborate?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Understanding the practice culture helps you assess whether the work environment aligns with your values and working style.

6

What are the compensation and benefits, including malpractice insurance?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Understanding compensation and benefits helps you assess whether the position meets your financial needs and provides adequate protection.

7

What's the schedule and what are the expectations for call coverage?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Understanding scheduling and call expectations helps you assess whether the position fits with your work-life balance needs.

8

What are the opportunities for advancement and career growth?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Understanding advancement opportunities helps you assess whether the position offers long-term career potential and growth opportunities.

9

What's the practice's approach to quality improvement and patient safety?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Understanding quality and safety approaches helps you assess whether the practice values these important aspects of healthcare.

10

What are the opportunities for specialization or subspecialty work?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Understanding specialization opportunities helps you assess whether the position offers the clinical focus you're interested in.

11

What's the practice's approach to technology and electronic health records?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Understanding technology approaches helps you assess whether the practice uses systems that align with your preferences and skills.

12

What are the opportunities for research or academic involvement?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Understanding research and academic opportunities helps you assess whether the position offers the intellectual stimulation you're seeking.

13

What's the practice's approach to diversity and inclusion?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Understanding diversity and inclusion approaches helps you assess whether the practice values these important aspects of healthcare.

14

What are the opportunities for mentorship and professional guidance?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Understanding mentorship opportunities helps you assess whether the position offers the support and guidance you need for professional development.

15

What's the practice's approach to work-life balance and employee wellness?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Understanding work-life balance approaches helps you assess whether the position supports your personal and professional well-being.

16

What are the opportunities for leadership and management roles?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Understanding leadership opportunities helps you assess whether the position offers the management and leadership experience you're seeking.

17

What's the practice's approach to continuing medical education and training?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Understanding education and training approaches helps you assess whether the position will support your ongoing learning and development.

18

What are the opportunities for community involvement and outreach?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Understanding community involvement opportunities helps you assess whether the position offers the community engagement you're interested in.

19

What's the practice's approach to patient care and what's the patient population like?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Understanding patient care approaches and population helps you assess whether the position offers the clinical experience you're seeking.

20

What are the next steps in the hiring process and when can I expect a decision?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Understanding the hiring process helps you know what to expect and how to prepare for the next steps in the interview process.

Excelling in Physician Assistant Interviews

Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.

Best Practices

Understand the Practice Environment

Ask questions that help you understand the practice culture, patient population, and work environment to ensure it's a good fit.

Focus on Professional Development

Ask about opportunities for growth, learning, and advancement. This shows you're committed to your professional development.

Discuss Scope of Practice

Understand your responsibilities, supervision, and scope of practice. This helps you assess whether the role aligns with your skills and interests.

Question Sequences

The Role Understanding Sequence

1
What will my scope of practice be and what procedures can I perform?
2
How will I be supervised and what's the physician oversight structure?
3
What's the patient volume and what types of cases will I handle?

The Professional Development Sequence

1
What are the opportunities for professional development and continuing education?
2
What are the opportunities for advancement and career growth?
3
What are the opportunities for mentorship and professional guidance?

Common Pitfalls

Don't Focus Only on Compensation

While compensation is important, focus on the role, practice environment, and professional development opportunities as well.

Don't Ignore Scope of Practice

Make sure you understand your scope of practice and supervision. This is crucial for your professional development and job satisfaction.

Don't Skip Questions About Culture

Ask about practice culture, work-life balance, and team dynamics. These factors significantly impact your job satisfaction and success.

Conversation Templates

The Role Understanding Approach

1
Step 1: Start with: "What will my scope of practice be and what procedures can I perform?"
2
Step 2: Follow with: "How will I be supervised and what's the physician oversight structure?"
3
Step 3: Conclude with: "What's the patient volume and what types of cases will I handle?"

The Professional Development Approach

1
Step 1: Begin with: "What are the opportunities for professional development and continuing education?"
2
Step 2: Ask: "What are the opportunities for advancement and career growth?"
3
Step 3: End with: "What are the opportunities for mentorship and professional guidance?"

Further Reading

"The Physician Assistant's Guide" by PA career resources
"Healthcare Career Development" by healthcare career guides
"Medical Practice Management" by practice management resources
Physician assistant career and development guides
Healthcare career advancement resources

Find Your Perfect Questions

Search our collection of thoughtful questions for any conversation or situation