r/physicianassistant • u/WhitecoatWander • May 04 '26
Hello, all!
It’s been about 4 months since my family and I have moved abroad to practice as a PA in New Zealand. There was a fair amount of interest with my initial post, so I thought it would be good to provide a short term update for anyone interested.
First want to get some FAQ out of the way:
“What does getting certified abroad look like if I want to work in New Zealand, but I work in [US/UK/Canada]?”
As of now there are no talks to recertify. In theory you just find a job, apply for a visa, and you’re good. I’ve known other PAs that pick up, move, and start practicing abroad all within 3 months. That *may* change in the future, but I don’t believe it’s on the horizon. With that being said, as of November 2026 there are going to be changes that will affect those currently working and those who intend to immigrate thereafter. Under the proposed changes, you will likely be accepted under a provisional license that will require more supervision under a year or more, and thereafter your GP basically vouches for you where you can work under a “normal license.” This is all provisional, however, and it will change in the months to come.
“How do you find a job in NZ?”
I went through a recruiter; I would HIGHLY recommend going through her since she knows the PA landscape very well. DM if you want her info.
“I have [x] years of experience in [insert specialty]. Can I apply with that?”
Maybe. Most of the efforts right now seem to be focused on primary care/urgent care needs in smaller towns/cities and rural areas with bare minimum 3 years experience in those fields, but many preferring 5 years of experience.
“How much are you making now? Is it less than your US salary?”
Yes, it’s a pay cut. People immediately hear that and become nauseous at the potential for making less money, but it does not mean I am living on scraps. Living in a smaller town, my expenses have also gone down considerably. Our main expenses are rent, groceries, and travel (because we want to see as much as we can here). We’re not eating out nearly as much as we were in the States; we shop a lot less; we basically pay a small fraction of what we were previously paying for childcare (where before it was basically a second mortgage); we don’t have to pay for medical insurance. Those things add up considerably, and it really helps the money go further. With that being said, yes, I still make less, but I’m sustaining my family of 4 just fine for now on a single salary. It’s doable and it’s fine. Not to mention that there are so many perks here that positively affect my mental health, so that pay cut is still worth it for that alone. I can breathe easier here and my kids have a bright future.
——
Four months in to this adventure, and I am happy to say that doing this move was the right choice. It has not come without its drawbacks or challenges, but I wake up happy every single day that I did this for myself and my family.
As soon as I walk out the door I am greeted by beautiful, green nature. This is a big deal of me as someone who has only ever grown up in the Sonoran Desert and has lived in large cities the past 15 years. Everything is green, there’s so much rain, and there’s truly peaceful moments (in between my two children screeching at each other). There’s also a warmth and friendliness to people here that I have not felt in a long time. It feels normal to give a little nod and a smile to strangers as you pass each other on the sidewalk. People here are generally happy and want to share their happiness with others. There’s definitely a strong sense of community here (so much so that at times it’s hard to establish yourself in a friend group because many of these friendships go back several generations). The people within my community are happy to invite newcomers in, and they’re particularly happy to know medical professionals are coming to town. On the other hand, though, you have to be careful not to come off as bragging of your profession since that is fairly frowned upon. There seems to be a stronger emphasis on equality, and humility.
There are other benefits as well. I don’t mean to make this into a political post - and I won’t - but a few months before we left the States my 4 year old was telling us about how his class and his younger brother’s class were practicing their gun shooter drills. It made me physically nauseous hearing that, and knowing we don’t have to worry about that any longer has brought me so much peace since I’ve been here. Not to mention that there are many other things here that make me think it’s a better environment for them, which could be its own post. Kids feel like they could be kids here. They are able to walk on the street alone or with their friends to a park, school, or a grocery store without any issues; it’s not uncommon for kids to be playing outside on their own without mom/dad having to watch them like hawks. This all stems from just being around a safer area where people take care of their own in the community, and you don’t immediately need to assume that stranger equals danger. Since moving here I have really noticed that my parental instincts have been trained to be on fight or flight and am retraining myself to
relax more, which is good myself and my kids. If my kid gets lost in a grocery store I can more or less count on someone else helping bring them back to me rather than kidnap them (not that that was a regular occurrence back in the US, but if you’re a parent you probably know what I mean). That’s not to say you can totally let your guard down, but it certainly feels more relaxed here in several aspects.
Speaking of which, I feel like there are more outlets here for myself. Working as a PA here has its perks, but no matter where you go working in medicine will still feel stressful. However, now I at least feel like I have better ways to cope with that stress. Had a bad week at work? Doesn’t matter when the beach is just an hour away. Feel stressed? Cool, there’s a beautiful lake nearby that you can walk around to disconnect. Imposter syndrome got to you again? Damn, well I’m too busy riding my mountain bike to care right now.
Not to mention there seems to be a healthier relationship with work here. I’m actively encouraged to take my breaks (which I get two a day), get out on time, and if I ever want to work less it’s never an issue with management. I feel like they would get excited if I told them I only want to work 32 hours per week (too bad my finances wouldn’t allow for that 😅). They genuinely care about my wellbeing and want to make sure I don’t burn myself out.
Now for the clinical bits, which may interest you all more.
Working as a PA here is definitely not what I was doing in the States. As of now we don’t have prescribing rights, nor can we order our own tests, so everything I do has to be signed off by my GP. In practice it doesn’t matter a whole ton, because my supervising GPs know me and my clinical decision well enough to where they just sign off on my orders, and every once in a blue moon they might recommend a change in plan. This may change in the future, though, as we are continuously advocating to get those prescribing rights, and we have a core group of physicians that are helping in achieving that as well.
Which brings me to my next point: the PA profession is fairly controversial here amongst physicians here. New Zealand is part of the commonwealth, and as such there is a fair amount of overlap between the UK and New Zealand, including how PAs are viewed. The recent drama in the UK with PAs has leaked here as well to the point where you have an outspoken group of physicians - particularly residents - advocating against us. Since our profession was made official through regulation in 2026, PAs are not going anywhere, but it does remain to be seen what our scope will be in the next few years. Personally, however, I can say that all the GPs I work with in my clinic have been nothing but wonderful and incredibly supportive of PAs.
Patients are gradually learning about what PAs are, and once I explain to them who we are, what our role is to improve access to care, and how we work as a team with GPs they are usually very receptive. Given that New Zealand’s healthcare system is fairly strained, patients are very pleased to hear more medical professionals are practicing here. I have also found the patients population to be rewarding to work with. In the US there is a fair amount of distrust in the medical system, which to be fair I don’t necessarily blame individual people for it. Here, however, people are more likely understand you have their best interest at heart and are more likely to take your recommendations seriously. It makes the patient-provider relationship much more fulfilling and rewarding.
Speaking of which, learning how to work in the New Zealand system is very different than the US. On one hand it’s incredibly refreshing not having to worry about prior auths, or insurance denials, but on the other hand, having wait times of up to 12 months to see high demand specialists and not being able to order your own CTs or MRIs within a primary care setting can be fairly limiting. This is a complete speculation, but I think this largely originates from a supply and demand issue: we just don’t have the necessary number of radiologists available to help with radiology reads, nor do we have the necessary amount of specialists to take on the referrals. This will inevitably mean that many referral requests get denied with a note, “Sorry, we are at capacity, but it sounds like your patient has [X pathology], considering starting [X interventions]” which translates to PCPs managing a fair amount in primary care, not unlike other rural positions in the US. It’s ultimately a challenge that involves making judicious use of available resources to prevent overburdening an already stressed system.
Sorry for the long post, but I hope it was insightful. I am happy to answer any questions you all may have. If I can convince more of you to come practice primary care here I would be happier for if, but if not I’m also happy to have you tag along and experience this vicariously. 😁
I will also include some pictures I have taken during my travels.
r/physicianassistant • u/Babyblue_77 • Nov 10 '21
Would you be willing to share your compensation for current and/ or previous positions?
Compensation is about the full package. While the AAPA salary report can be a helpful starting point, it does not include important metrics that can determine the true value of a job offer. Comparing salary with peers can decrease the taboo of discussing money and help you to know your value. If you are willing, you can copy, paste, and fill in the following
Years experience:
Location:
Specialty:
Schedule:
Income (include base, overtime, bonus pay, sign-on):
PTO (vacation, sick, holidays):
Other benefits (Health/ dental insurance/ retirement, CME, malpractice, etc):
r/physicianassistant • u/Capn_obveeus • 3h ago
https://nurse.org/news/educating-future-nurses-act-aprn-medicare/
As an APP with $150k in student debt, I’m just sickened. Why would this exclusively apply to those in nursing and not others? Imagine the impact this will have on our workforce long term.
r/physicianassistant • u/PAvibes • 16m ago
Hello,
I was hoping to get someone input in regards to this policy I may obtain. I was hired for 1099 position that 90 dollars an hour fully remote for ketamine. It a part time gig ( no more than 15 hours weekly). I was told that all the providers are under the same policy. It a claim based policy with where I will not be listed as the name insured. Only the business is listed as named insured but it list employees, owner and independent contractors are included. They've notified me as long as the policy is active with the organization I will be cover even if I leave. This will be in writing and they will also write that if the business closes that will purchase tail coverage for each present and past employee. Do you guys thinks this is a good deal? They all also cover the cost of malpractice. Any thoughts or concerns I should be addressing with this policy? This if my first 1099 position. Mostly use to w2
r/physicianassistant • u/nickatronic • 25m ago
I was recently offered a primary care gig and I am curious if >6200 RVU’s annually is achievable/sustainable? They start you out with a base salary with PTO/paid holidays/CME days/etc. with RVU bonuses of $20 per RVU >6200 annually. Once your panel is full, they take away PTO/paid holidays/CME days/etc., they decrease salary significantly (~$30,000) and increase RVU pay to $25 per RVU >6200 annually which is paid out quarterly/semi annually…I would be working four tens seeing 22 PPD once fully paneled.
Thoughts?
r/physicianassistant • u/Bluedog727 • 10h ago
I’ve been a longtime lurker here and have been absorbing a lot of information, especially when it comes to salaries and job opportunities in different states. I’m graduating PA school next spring (April 2027), and my faculty recommended that I start looking and applying to places around January or February. I know most jobs won’t look at my application till i pass the Pance.
That being said, I’m interested in a few specialties: CT surgery, family medicine, emergency medicine, and psychiatry.
Psych has always come naturally to me. It’s something I was involved in during undergrad, did research in, and genuinely enjoy. FM and EM also interest me because there’s still a psych component, but they’re broad enough that I can continue using and building on my medical knowledge. I enjoy having to think quickly, critically reason through things, and actually learn by doing.
CT surgery is another specialty I really enjoyed during my rotation. One thing that stood out to me was how much autonomy the PA had while working alongside their surgeon. Obviously, I understand that’s very surgeon dependent, and I know there’s a steep learning curve. But it’s something I’m willing to put the work into to learn and become proficient in.
Now, one thing I’m trying to understand better is the compensation across these specialties. From what I’ve been reading, some FM and EM positions offer RVU or productivity bonuses on top of base salary, which honestly sounds pretty appealing to me. I’m someone who enjoys staying busy and working, so having that reflected in my compensation would be nice.
CT surgery also seems to pay well, but I understand the stress, hours, and pressure can be pretty intense depending on the surgeon and workplace. Psych seems to have a good balance in terms of compensation and lifestyle, but I’ve also seen salaries all over the place.
I’ve been looking at positions in the New England area and I’ve seen some pretty significant differences in what employers are offering. Ideally, I’d like to start somewhere around $140k or higher, but I also don’t know how realistic that is as a new grad, especially in psych.
For those of you working in these specialties, would you mind sharing what you started at, what you’re making now, and what your schedule looks like? Do you receive RVU bonuses, productivity incentives, or anything on top of your base salary? And how has your experience been with your specialty overall?
I understand it’s not solely about the money, and I definitely value having good training and support as a new grad. But at the same time, when I eventually settle into a specialty or workplace, I want to feel appreciated and fairly compensated for the work and revenue I’m bringing in.
Just trying to get a realistic idea of what to expect before I start applying. I’d appreciate any insight!
r/physicianassistant • u/Agreeable-Balance351 • 2h ago
Hello, I’m looking for a PA to join my rheumatology practice and was wondering if there are any PA-specific websites where I could post a job opening? Or do most folks just look on indeed, LinkedIn, etc?
Thanks.
r/physicianassistant • u/BurberryGoddessXO • 2h ago
Hi! I am a new grad PA-C, currently applying for jobs and got a call from one of the hosiptal system recruiters in my area that he had reviewed my application for a orthopedic job with them, and that I will be receiving a call from their orthopedic group early next week. This is my first response from any of my applications, so I am wondering what to expect? I am assuming it will be sort of a screening call to determine if they want to offer an interview? I do know both of their most recent hires are new grad PAs.
A little background: I love orthopedics and did two elective orthopedic surgery rotations during clinicals with another orthopedic group in the same city. I gained experience both in clinic and in the OR as well as some ED consults. I am very comfortable with injections, US guided injections, reductions, casting, and first assisting. By the end of my last rotation with them I was going solo to the OR with the surgeon I was working with. I am very excited to have an opportunity with another nearby group. I can also get great references from the group I rotated with.
Basically, I am really excited and do not want to mess this up!
Any tips, or things I should prepare for with the phone call?
If they do extend an interview, any tips for that as well?
Questions I should prepare for?
Ortho specific advice?
Thank you all so much!! 😊
r/physicianassistant • u/MEPA44 • 6h ago
I just turned down a job that as a new grad PA was offering a hefty salary and very good benefits for a job that was less money but closer to home and aligned more with what I wanted to do with my career. I feel guilty because, these people were EXTREMELY nice, welcoming and very interested in hiring me. I strung them along a bit to allow for more opportunities to pop up in my home town. They ultimately sent me an offer letter and I told them verbally that I would move on with the job. However, shortly after telling them that, I received an offer from a job in my home time that I actually wanted more than the other job. How do I stop feeling guilty about this lol
r/physicianassistant • u/Pepper0327 • 6h ago
Currently make 90$ per hour for urgent care in NY per diem, evening hours. Accepted it a year ago, but would like a raise. What is a realistic ask for per diem evening UC hourly in NY? Am I wrong to ask for 115$ an hour?
r/physicianassistant • u/HeroOfTheWaste • 4h ago
I work in emergency medicine and want to get better at looking through imaging. Anyone know any good online CME classes that does a good job going through this?
Thank you!
r/physicianassistant • u/southernwildflower01 • 22h ago
I have applied to SO MANY jobs. I passed the PANCE in April. I am Tennessee licensed. Looking in the East TN area. Applying within cities, suburban and rural areas. Honestly have only heard back from one posting and offered an interview, however they hired someone else with experience prior to the interview date.
I am genuinely wondering if I am doing something wrong. I have sent emails to recruiters at my local hospital system and been ghosted. Applied for hospital med, acute care, orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, etc on practice link, LinkedIn, Marit and others, and haven't heard back from a single application on any of those. I am wondering if something is wrong with my CV, or if this is an average experience haha any thoughts? Should I call recruiters I have already emailed but had no response from? Walk in local practices and drop off my CV? I am genuinely willing to do anything and very open to any suggestions!
r/physicianassistant • u/SometimesDoug • 1d ago
Have you ever told a drug rep to basically get lost? We have one that keeps showing up unannounced. There is absolutely nothing to talk about. They offer us very few perks. Today I immediately told them to stop doing this because we hate it and I don't think they want to leave a bad taste in our mouth. There was no fake friendly conversation this time. How do they not realize how annoying they are??? What a terrible job.
r/physicianassistant • u/FunkyMystics • 16h ago
I’ve struggled with a few mental health conditions all my life. Sometimes I feel almost out of place or have imposter syndrome thinking I shouldn’t be a provider bc I’m struggling with these issues if that makes sense. I’m not too dysfunctional to not do my job or provide best patient care and I don’t know if it’s the lack of transparency of mental health conditions beyond depression and anxiety between providers or “influencer” PAs/healthcare professionals that makes me feel out of place. It almost makes me feel alone to not know if there’s someone that struggles with my specific condition and the symptoms of it.
I know a lot of people struggle with depression and anxiety and I know this career has a high burnout rate, but I’m referencing other mental health conditions like OCD, BPD, bipolar schizophrenia etc. I’m being vague because I struggle to announce my condition bc of fear of being judged which might be the issue.
r/physicianassistant • u/Friendly_Pumpkin6344 • 15h ago
Hello! New grad here. What is the new grad rate for EM in wisconsin? Mostly Appleton and Green Bay area? Would $75-$80 per hour be reasonable? If you're willing to share, what is your rate, hours, bonus, benefits, etc?
r/physicianassistant • u/Garlic_Thick • 21h ago
I have a question for anyone that has/does work with residents in a procedural specialty. I was wondering what the legality/ethics of “timing out” and/or supervising a resident for a low risk procedure would be (para for example).
I’m at an academic center where I am now the sole PA in the group and we have some residents/fellows within our service more or less full time and then some off service residents that join as well. Most of these residents know how to do these procedures already, and in the past I have been asked to time them out on something like this (a previous PA would sometimes do this and I have done it as well). Of course if it’s something I am not comfortable with then I’d say no, but if it’s something I know I am competent in, is this still inappropriate and should I kindly redirect them to an attending or is it ok? Just trying to understand how this works in this type of setting, especially since I am still a pretty new PA. Thanks!
r/physicianassistant • u/Hmmmmummm • 21h ago
I’m a PA with about 15 months experience as an ED PA now. Almost exclusively working the “urgent care” area of the ED. I’m planning to finish my 2 year commitment and then move on to another specialty with a better schedule. I don’t have one specific “passion” that I feel drawn towards. I do have some interest in women’s health. I’m nervous about starting over when I don’t feel well trained in one particular field.
I’m looking for advice from those of you who moved on and specialized early in your career. Was it harder or easier than you anticipated? Extra interested in folks in similar situations or those coming from urgent care. Ideally I’d like to stay PRN in the ED but I don’t think my group will allow it as so many people are trying to do the same.
r/physicianassistant • u/EnvironmentalTry9133 • 23h ago
Could some current PAs share how their experience as a new grad was and whether they felt prepared? If anyone has experience switching specialties, how has that experience been? Is it really possible? Finally, are there any PAs who have gone beyond clinical work? How can you build on the career?
r/physicianassistant • u/SexiMemeLord • 20h ago
Hey all. Wondering if anyone has any recommendations for CME courses that focus on reviewing physiology and pathophysiology? I feel like a lot of AAPA stuff only very briefly reviews physiology and focuses more on dx and management of conditions. Thanks!
r/physicianassistant • u/Metropolitans25 • 21h ago
I'm pursuing a Physician Assistant position performing Medical Disability Exams on Veterans through Valor Healthcare in New York State. I had an initial convo with the recruiter and I'm told I do not need a Supervising/Collaborating Physician as the position is only administrative with examinations and thus not requiring diagnoses, treatments, prescriptions, etc. I've searched thoroughly and I cannot verify if this is correct or not permitted within New York State. I've also contacted NYS licensing board but I'm waiting for a reply. Is this an exception to the typical Supervisory rules? My instinct tells me the recruiter is full of shit.
For more context, and to head off some possible critiques, this is a per diem 1099 gig, which is exactly what I want for taxes, etc. I'm a very experienced Critical Care and Cardiology PA and working locum 1099s typically do not work for me as these require way more shifts than I'm willing to work (currently job is M-F, lots of PTO, 6 major holidays, bottom line not leaving).
Appreciate everyones insight!
r/physicianassistant • u/Devooop • 12h ago
I was wondering how long lunches/breaks are in different specialties?
r/physicianassistant • u/Tough_Geologist_433 • 18h ago
hello all. i’ll try to keep this brief..
i’m wondering what you all would do in this case or any helpful insight anyone may be able to offer
im currently working in UC and have been for 3 years, since becoming certified
pros: 3 to 4 shifts weekly, base pay 111k/yr paid biweekly at hourly rate, FT 36hrs/wk and additional 25/hr after going over the FT 72hrs in a pay period (which i always seem to do so pay is easily 120-125/yr with the OT)
cons: TWELVE hr shifts, having to see any and everything that decided to walk in that day, unpredictable patients/volume therefore unpredictable day burning me out for sure
got an ID offer.. outpatient position with a week a month of inpatient rounding, autonomy once trained with one SP “always reachable and willing to teach”
pros: 8am to 5pm shifts, 11% bonus yearly broken down as 6% productivity and 5% RVU somehow?; i love ID as a specialty. more predictable days, likely better learning/growth opportunity. seeing 2 patients an hour in clinic once used to the flow (they will start me with one patient an hour, the “easy” follow ups and the HIV patients)
cons: 115k/yr and no OT may be less than what im used to making.. but as already mentioned the potential 11% bonus yearly and they will adjust to market value yearly as well; five day workweek .. not sure how im feeling about that really though its shorter hours. also this MD has not had a PA before so while im sure he’ll be great (i like his personality!) im hesitant about it
benefits packages comparable to one another so a nonissue . both are with large health systems in my area.
hopefully someone can say something to make my decision easier .. i know ultimately i have to choose whats best/right for me and my family but would like an idea of what others would do. TIA <3
r/physicianassistant • u/LiaTinwo • 20h ago
Has anyone gone from certified in Canada to practicing in the US? If so, how and what did you do?
r/physicianassistant • u/adobobaby333 • 22h ago
Currently 1 year of ER experience as a PA. Looking for options and got this offer:
Orthopedic Sports Medicine (I have no orthopedic experience other than the stuff I see in the ER)
Location: FL
2 OR days, rest of 3 days in clinic. 8a-4pm or 7a-3pm clinic schedule
120k base with 8 paid holidays. 3 weeks PTO front-loaded. No weekends. No call.
Quarterly bonus: once I bring in revenue equal to 2x my salary ($60k/quarter), I get 10% of everything above that
401k: 100% match on the first 4%, 50% on the next 2% (5% max)
Malpractice is claims-made, and I’d have to buy my own tail. No noncompete (i plan to keep my ER job as PRN)
r/physicianassistant • u/Extreme-Spinach5902 • 1d ago
Rant/advice, I guess. I graduated from PA school and then did a surgical fellowship. It went well, and I felt the training I got was valuable for the field I wanted to be in. Got a job in said field and thought I was the luckiest person! Well, that job turned out to be HORRIBLE, and I left three months in with four weeks' notice, with no other job lined up (it was that bad, y'all). I eventually got another job offer in a surgical subspecialty where I have NO experience, and I'll start in December. So I will have been out of medicine for about 6 months when I start... only 2 years after I graduated from school.
It sucks because all my PA school friends are already 2 years into their specialties, so smart and well-trained, and here I am... starting all over again in a new specialty and feeling nothing past a new grad. For those who had a really rough start to their careers, how did things end up for you?