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Approximately half of all PAs will change specialities during their career

By Alyson Rockhold, PA-C, MPH

Do you want to know my favorite part about being a PA? It’s the flexibility!

Over the last 10 years, I’ve worked in 4 different areas of medicine. Switching specialties keeps me on my toes and provides lots of excitement. I’ve gone from delivering babies to talking to patients with schizophrenia to scrubbing in for surgery. Each new job has stretched me as a PA and given me the opportunity to explore my variable interests.

Sometimes, I switched specialties out of necessity. For example, one time I moved to a new location and there were no job openings in my field. I was grateful for the flexibility to apply to many different PA jobs instead of just one specialty. Being able to cast a wider net made it easier for me to find a job.

The flexibility of the PA profession has given me an enviable career. Will it do the same for you? Let’s look at some common questions about PA’s professional flexibility. Perhaps these answers will help you decide if being a PA is right for you:

How common is it for PAs to change specialties?

Here’s the basic answer: The American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) states that 50% of PAs will change specialties during their career. According to the AAPA’s 2019 Salary Report, approximately seven percent of PAs switch specialties each year. Therefore, if you pursue a career as a PA, it’s likely that you’ll have the opportunity to change specialties.

It is relatively easy for PAs to change specialties because of our broad education and general certification process. Other medical professions, such as NPs and MDs, require specialized certifications for each field of medicine. So, PAs are unique in our ability to change fields without needing a more specialized certification. (Although, some specialty PA certification programs are currently available.)

What are the pros and cons of a PA changing specialties?

Pros:

• Prevent burnout: When one area of medicine becomes monotonous and tiresome, I start envisioning my next adventure. It’s enjoyable to explore new interests gradually, and I appreciate the flexibility of not being confined to a single field. This was particularly valuable during my early years as a graduate when I relished the freedom to delve into various medical fields. I knew that if I didn’t find satisfaction in one area of medicine, I could easily transition to another.

• Work-life balance: There’s a period in life when being on call or working 12-hour shifts can work well. But, once you start having a family, you may need a 9 to 5 lifestyle. As a PA, you could start in the ER in your 20s then settle into an office job in your 30s.

• Work-life balance: There’s a phase in life where being on call or working 12-hour shifts might be suitable. However, as you begin to raise a family, a more traditional 9-to-5 schedule may become necessary. As a PA, you have the flexibility to start in the ER in your 20s and then transition into an office job in your 30s.

Cons:

• Weak teamwork: Medicine operates as a collective effort, and as PAs, we collaborate within a team structure at all times. Consequently, each time you transition to a new position, you’re essentially disbanding a team. Changing specialties might disappoint your current supervising physician, and frequent switches can raise concerns when potential employers review your resume. For instance, I’ve encountered interviewers who scrutinized my resume and inquired about my long-term commitment to their practice.

• Lack of experience: If you had cancer, would you go to a provider with 30 years of oncology experience or one who just left their nephrology job in search of greener pastures? In the end, experience is highly valued in any field.

• Endless training: Shifting specialties can resemble a fresh start. You’ll find yourself revisiting the learning process, asking numerous questions, and potentially undergoing training alongside recent graduates. It can be challenging to revert to a student-like role after gaining experience in a different specialty.

There definitely is something unique about the flexibility of the PA profession. The ability to switch specialties can make for a very rewarding career. However, PA application experts warn against focusing on this topic too much in applications and interviews. Listing flexibility as your main reason for becoming a PA can make you look flighty and unfocused.