Physician Assistant Specialties

Physician assistants are educated as generalists and credentialed by NCCPA (PA-C). Subspecialty practice is built on top of that generalist credential through fellowship, on-the-job training, and Certificate of Added Qualifications (CAQ) where available. Advanced Practice Recruiters is the nation's first dedicated APP recruiting firm, founded 2006, and places into every PA subspecialty below.

Primary & Ambulatory Care PA Specialties

• Family Medicine PA — broad primary care across the lifespan.
• Internal Medicine PA — adult primary care, often in concierge or chronic-care settings.
• Pediatrics PA — pediatric primary and ambulatory care.
• Urgent Care PA — episodic care, acute issues, often per-shift compensation.
• Geriatrics PA — long-term care, SNF, and home-based primary care.

Surgical PA Specialties

• General Surgery PA
• Orthopedic Surgery PA — first-assist, sports medicine, joint replacement.
• Cardiothoracic Surgery PA — open and minimally invasive cardiac and thoracic procedures.
• Neurosurgery PA — cranial and spine.
• Plastic Surgery PA — reconstructive and cosmetic.
• Vascular Surgery PA, Trauma Surgery PA, Transplant Surgery PA, Surgical Oncology PA.

Hospital-Based & Specialty PA Roles

• Hospitalist PA, Critical Care PA, Emergency Medicine PA.
• Cardiology PA — invasive, interventional, EP, non-invasive.
• Dermatology PA, Pain Management PA, GI PA, Oncology PA, Pulmonology PA, Endocrinology PA, Nephrology PA.
• Behavioral Health PA, Addiction Medicine PA.

Frequently Asked Questions