4 answers
Kaley
Student
New Bern, North Carolina
1
Question
Updated
263 views
How often do you have to work throughout the week on average being a physicians assistant? #Spring26
I am getting ready to graduate high school next month and I really want to become a Physicians Assistant. I am wondering how often you have to work throughout the week and if it is an exhausting job? #Spring26
Login to comment
4 answers
Grace Paul
Caregiving
8
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Grace’s Answer
A Physician Assistant’s schedule isn’t fixed—it depends on where they work. Most PAs work around 4–5 days a week, usually totaling about 40 hours weekly.
In hospitals, the hours can include long shifts, nights, weekends, and holidays, which can feel more demanding. In outpatient clinics or private practices, the hours are usually more regular (weekday daytime schedules) and easier to plan around.
So, it can be a busy and sometimes tiring job, but many PAs choose settings that offer a better balance between work and personal life. But choose what works for you better.
In hospitals, the hours can include long shifts, nights, weekends, and holidays, which can feel more demanding. In outpatient clinics or private practices, the hours are usually more regular (weekday daytime schedules) and easier to plan around.
So, it can be a busy and sometimes tiring job, but many PAs choose settings that offer a better balance between work and personal life. But choose what works for you better.
Grace Paul
Caregiving
8
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Grace’s Answer
A Physician Assistant usually works full-time, about 35–50 hours per week, typically 5 days a week with 8–10 hour shifts. In hospitals or emergency settings, they may also work nights, weekends, or longer 12-hour shifts, while clinic-based PAs often have more regular weekday hours.
The job can sometimes be exhausting, especially in fast-paced areas like emergency medicine or surgery, but it is usually more balanced in outpatient clinics. Overall, it depends on the specialty and work environment you choose.
The job can sometimes be exhausting, especially in fast-paced areas like emergency medicine or surgery, but it is usually more balanced in outpatient clinics. Overall, it depends on the specialty and work environment you choose.
Grace Paul
Caregiving
8
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Grace’s Answer
A Physician Assistant’s schedule isn’t fixed—it depends on where they work. Most PAs work around 4–5 days a week, usually totaling about 40 hours weekly.
In hospitals, the hours can include long shifts, nights, weekends, and holidays, which can feel more demanding. In outpatient clinics or private practices, the hours are usually more regular (weekday daytime schedules) and easier to plan around.
So, it can be a busy and sometimes tiring job, but many PAs choose settings that offer a better balance between work and personal life.
In hospitals, the hours can include long shifts, nights, weekends, and holidays, which can feel more demanding. In outpatient clinics or private practices, the hours are usually more regular (weekday daytime schedules) and easier to plan around.
So, it can be a busy and sometimes tiring job, but many PAs choose settings that offer a better balance between work and personal life.
Thanks for your encouragement!
Kaley
Lauren Tatum
Physician Assistant
1
Answer
Pomona, California
Updated
Lauren’s Answer
It all depends on what your specialty is. I work in urgent care so I work 3 days a week….2 12s and 1 8 (32 hours). Some urgent cares have a 3 12s (36 hours) schedule while some have a 3 10s (30 hours) or 4 10s (40 hours) schedule. As far as it being exhausting it just depends on the day… what kind of patients you’re seeing, if you’ve worked straight days or have had a few days off in between, etc. Usually by the end of a 12 hour shift you start feeling tired and mentally drained.