Understanding the Nonclinical Opportunities for Physician Associates
As a physician associate (PA), your professional background is not limited to direct patient care. Your extensive training and skills can open doors to a variety of nonclinical roles across different sectors. These positions allow you to use your medical knowledge, communication abilities, and passion for making an impact in new and meaningful ways.
Jennifer Anne Hohman, founder of PA Career Coach, highlights that there are numerous exciting nonclinical roles for PAs that draw upon their unique skill set. She emphasizes the importance of understanding personal burnout triggers and conducting thorough research into potential nonclinical roles, along with self-assessment, to build a sustainable career path.
Here are eight career opportunities where PAs can apply their nonclinical skills:
1. Medical Writer
Medical writing enables PAs to leverage their medical expertise to create content for various audiences. This can include patient education materials, continuing medical education (CME) modules, regulatory documents, and scientific manuscripts. The work is diverse and can often be done remotely, offering flexibility in scheduling.
Dawn Knapp, PA-C, who writes and edits CME materials, shares how her role as a medical writer allows her to continue educating others beyond the clinical setting. She notes that the ability to communicate complex medical concepts clearly is a key strength of PAs, which translates well into this field.
To learn more about becoming a medical writer, visit the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA), which offers training, certification, and networking opportunities for professionals interested in medical communication.
2. Clinical Research Associate
Clinical research associates (CRAs) manage clinical trials by monitoring study sites, ensuring compliance with protocols, and acting as a liaison between sponsors and research teams. A successful CRA combines scientific knowledge with attention to detail, organizational skills, and strong communication abilities.
Some CRA roles require frequent travel, so comfort with being on the road is essential. Proficiency in electronic data capture systems and trial management software is also important.
For more information, visit the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP), which provides certification programs, career guidance, and a professional community for clinical research professionals.
3. Teaching and Academia
PAs interested in teaching can transition into academia by securing faculty or instructional positions within PA programs. This requires a master’s degree at minimum, with a doctoral degree offering opportunities for tenure-track positions or program leadership.
Hohman recalls helping a PA in orthopedic surgery transition into a full-time PA program faculty role. Her experience in precepting students and her passion for education were key factors in her success.
Academic institutions often value NCCPA certification and teaching certifications. Prior teaching experience, research, and familiarity with curriculum design are also beneficial.
4. Medical Science Liaison (MSL)
Medical science liaisons (MSLs) serve as scientific experts for pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or medical device companies. They build relationships with key opinion leaders, present new data, and support clinical and educational initiatives.
Breaking into an MSL role can be challenging for PAs, but it is possible. Starting as a CRA, medical affairs associate, or medical information specialist can help gain industry experience before transitioning into an MSL role.
The Medical Science Liaison Society offers resources and professional development tools for those interested in this field.
5. Health Informatics Specialist
Health informatics specialists apply clinical knowledge to health technology, working with electronic health records (EHRs), clinical decision support tools, and data analytics to improve patient outcomes.
While a PA's clinical background is valuable, additional training in health informatics, data analytics, and IT is helpful. Pursuing a postgraduate certificate or master’s degree in health informatics can provide the necessary foundation.
Participating in EHR optimization projects or healthcare IT committees can further bridge the gap between clinical expertise and informatics proficiency.
For more information, visit the American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA), which provides education and networking in the field of medical informatics.
6. Healthcare Administration and Management
PAs in healthcare administration oversee the operations of medical practices, hospitals, or other healthcare facilities. Responsibilities may include strategic planning, budgeting, staffing, and compliance.
To pursue this path, PAs should seek leadership/management roles in their current jobs and consider earning an MHA, MPH, MBA, or healthcare leadership certificate. Networking with organizations such as the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) and the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) can be beneficial.
Additional credentials like the Certified Medical Manager (CMM) or Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) can enhance career prospects.
7. Public Health Professional
Public health careers allow PAs to focus on population-level health issues, such as disease prevention, health promotion, and epidemiology. This work involves policy, program design, and community outreach.
To enter this field, PAs can earn a Master of Public Health (MPH) or a relevant public health certificate. Volunteering or taking part-time roles in public health projects can help gain experience.
The American Public Health Association (APHA) offers networking, job postings, and resources for those interested in public health.
8. Regulatory Affairs Specialist
Regulatory affairs professionals ensure that medical products comply with laws and guidelines throughout their development, approval, and marketing. This field includes pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and medical devices.
PAs typically need additional formal training in regulatory affairs, such as a certificate from the Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society (RAPS) or a master’s program. Gaining experience with clinical trials, compliance documentation, or quality assurance can also be beneficial.
Networking with regulatory professionals, attending industry conferences, and familiarizing oneself with FDA, EMA, or other regional guidelines are also helpful.
Finding the Best Fit
According to Hohman, developing self-understanding and clarity is crucial when identifying a meaningful and sustainable nonclinical career. If burnout is the reason for exploring nonclinical roles, it’s important to assess whether changes in the clinical environment could address the issue.
If a transition is necessary, consider a phased or partial move into a nonclinical role. Talking to people in the envisioned role can help determine if it truly fits. Reflecting on what initially drew them into medicine can guide PAs in selecting a path that leverages their skills and training into a fulfilling career.
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