Physician assistants: an empirical analysis of their general characteristics, job performance, and job satisfaction

This report describes the general characteristics, job performance, and job satisfaction of a nationwide sample of 939 physician assistants who graduated in 1974 or before. Physician assistants were found to be working predominantly in primary care specialties and in smaller communities. Favorable levels of role acceptance, income, and job opportunities were observed, but opportunities for career advancement were considered to be limited. The strongest correlates of both job performance and job satisfaction are the degree of physician supervisory support and amount of responsibilities for patient care.