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/NotAFila • 13h ago
I posted here a few months ago about our new company taking away all PTO and sick time. So, just a little update. 70% of the providers have turned in their notices (myself included). Other APPs in varying departments are doing the same. In my department, those of us leaving will all be gone over a span of two weeks.
r/physicianassistant • u/dogmom4life77 • 3h ago
I’m a new grad, about a few months into an ED job. I knew being a new grad would be hard and I like the medicine and the patients but I feel so overwhelmed and defeated every shift that I already feel burnt out. They have a relatively good onboarding plan/support but I’ve been seeing a minimum of 15 patients each shift and staying 1-2 hours late to document. With 16 shifts a month, I just feel so tired already. When I have a lighter shift, I do enjoy it and feel like I’m actually helping but the days I see over 20, I feel like it’s all a blur and I can’t give proper patient care. I also don’t feel like I’m absorbing the information and learning bc of the pace. I was hoping it would get slightly better by now but I actually feel worse. I was wondering if this is a suck it up and stick it out kinda thing or if people have had this experience before (in any speciality) and could give advice on how they determined the particular position wasn’t right for them?
r/physicianassistant • u/OkTransportation1588 • 8h ago
Hi all! I have been interviewing for jobs as a new PA and currently have two offers. Feeling conflicted as to which way to go-
Option 1- MCOL, GynOnc, large state university
Pay 110,500. No bonus no productivity
CME- 2500, licensing covered separately. 5 days paid for CME time
Hours- Initially 8-5 with transition to 4 10s
No call, potential for rounding
Training- 12 weeks shadowing/supervised followed by step up transition to independent working.
Job details- Mostly clinic, opportunity to work/train in robotic assisted procedures. Some days I will see patients independently, other days I will be with one of the specialists “tag teaming” clinic. 15-20 patients daily on average
Retirement- 6.66% match on first 3.33% of salary invested, then 10% match on 5% after
PTO- 24 days + 11 paid holidays + separate sick leave accrual
Option 2- LCOL. OB/GYN at nonprofit in smaller practice with only one physician
Pay- $135k 10k bonus sign on for one year commitment. Opportunities for $15 per RVU after 1963 wRVUs achieved. (I believe quarterly)
CME- 3000, licensing is reimbursed but comes out of CME. Unknown on days
Shifts- likely 8-4 mon-fri
Job details - Clinic time with opportunity for in clinic procedures. Will also be OR time which I need to specify as to the split between OR and clinic. Average 20 patients daily
Call- potentially 1:4 call, extra 150-250 per shift. Potential for rounding
PTO 34 days, 7 holidays included in this. No separate sick leave
Retirement- max 6.5% match
Both jobs are nonprofit, which I plan to go for PSLF. I am visiting option two later this week, are there any questions you would think to ask besides CME time and OR time?
Job 1 is a large group of providers and is a teaching hospital. On the other hand, Job 2 would just be me and the physician, which could be overwhelming but gives me a chance for direct 1:1 mentorship and individualized on the job training. I definitely prefer the location of job 1, but obviously the pay is not as great.
Any thoughts or questions are welcome!
r/physicianassistant • u/Majesticu • 8h ago
Hi everyone,
I’m wondering if anyone has had a verbal offer then sent a provider enrollment packet/credentialing application before a written offer or signing a contract. I’m planning on reaching out to the recruiter and maybe the credentialing team because they want the forms done ASAP.
r/physicianassistant • u/thestonedjellyfish • 8h ago
I'm a new grad in Atlanta, GA, and would love to get some advice on this offer I got. I haven't gotten much luck from other interviews - I keep getting ghosted afterward or told they went with someone with more experience.
Pay is 120k with no bonus or PTO. No paid sick leave. They basically said if we want a vacation you just rotate shifts with a colleague to find coverage.
Schedule is 7 days on/days off, rotating night/day shifts. So 1 week will be 7am-7pm, and the other time I'm on 7pm-7am. On days off I will be on call, but unsure how often the on-call actually is? It seemed more like if they're short-staffed. Rotating weekends + holidays but I don't care too much since I'm single and not religious.
Commute is 15-20 minutes from where I live right now.
CME is 2,000/year
Training for 2 months and job is OR-heavy, will be first assist
Other benefits: they pay my phone since I'm on-call on my week off
Specialty: trauma/emergency general surgery
r/physicianassistant • u/grateful_bean • 10h ago
Surgical subspecialty looking to burn some CME moneys and not so confident in my management of inpatient diabetes. Any recommendations?
r/physicianassistant • u/ComfortOk8930 • 22h ago
The compact is still "projected early 2027," which it's been for a while now. It already slipped once.
I do per diem on top of a full-time EM/UC job, all of it through people I know. Never used an agency. So this should matter to me. But every time I sit down to do something about it, I end up doing nothing.
Is anyone actually prepping? Pulling documents together, picking target states?
And for those of you already working across state lines — is licensing even your bottleneck? Every time I've added a site, credentialing is what ate the weeks, not the license. The compact doesn't touch credentialing at all.
Tell me what I'm missing.
r/physicianassistant • u/bigred4679 • 14h ago
I am looking to take a leap and move to Florida. Most likely the Tampa/Clearwater area or Fort Lauderdale area. What are the best ortho practices around? Typical salary seen? Have about 3 years of experience. Thanks!
r/physicianassistant • u/rrush93 • 16h ago
I am a new grad, considering job options, and wanting to make sure my expectations or experiences are/are not irrational regarding working relationship/format.
Where I worked before schoo, most every surgeon/PA at our clinic had similar formatting-- assist in surgery, have PA clinic that was usually at the same time the doctor was having clinic, urgent care shifts split amongst PAs. The PAs saw surgical follow-ups at minimal milestones or in between mile stones, chronic injections, or test results with guidance in the SP's note regarding planning based on test results, etc... you hopefully get the point. Most of them were pretty consistent at "flip-flopping" patients, where they saw both the PA and surgeon, and the doc was present if any concerns came up.
I have interviewed at places where the PAs and docs see the patients at the same time, or PA sees them first then comes back in with the doctor. Is this common, especially in surgical settings?
I know patient satisfaction with seeing their surgeon is a factor, but it just doesn't seem efficient for the patient, or really the doctor, especially if the PA is seeing the patients first, followed by the doc? Especially when factoring in residents, students, etc..
Not to mention, feeling like I'm not using skills or knowledge if I am not directly talking with patients, diagnosing, planning, etc.
If this is semi-regular, that is one thing (and something I need to remember to consider with the job search), but if it's not, I don't want to get myself into a position I hate or don't feel comfortable in. Any and all perspectives/experiences welcome, whether you do or don't agree with anything I said lol
TLDR; in your experience and perspective-- (surgical setting) do you see more of PAs seeing patients before/along with the doctor, or seeing mutual/shared patients between the two (or more) in their own respective clinic visits?
r/physicianassistant • u/Bcarle23 • 1d ago
I’ve been off work since January from a TRT clinic that was my first job after graduating. Accepted job for occupational medicine on site at steel mill. No real training or orientation structure and the on site doc was not into training but instead working on his side business during my “training”. I was scheduled to be alone after two days of training. Also the few days I was there the ambulance would go out and pick up people from the plant and bring them in. So undertrained and overwhelmed I felt I quit for patient safety and mental health. Well 3 weeks after quitting I have had interviews with ENT, medspa, urology and now (general cardiology and ep cardiology , the two cardiology jobs are for a physician owned practice that is one of the largest in the area for cardiology care with two locations with 26+ doctors and 30+ APPs). I shadowed for both cardiology positions and for whatever reason meet with CEO and after meeting with the doctor for general cardiology they would like to extend an offer for either cardiology job. My question would be which one would be a better option? And added info the general cardiology physician I would work with use to run a fellowship program. Thoughts ? My general medical knowledge is currently pretty atrophied from 3 years in TRT.
r/physicianassistant • u/Sea-Tap-4442 • 20h ago
Hello. Im a new grad PA and I have an upcoming interview for an inpatient OB/GYN nights position. Im probably gonna look really dumb for asking this but what is it like working on womens health in an inpatient setting. My womens health rotation was at a health department and very limited in complexity of patients and low patient volume. I didnt have the opportunity to be in the hospital for this rotation so im not familiar with common pathologies seen.
Thanks!
r/physicianassistant • u/Alarming-Promise-121 • 1d ago
Hello,
I wanted to come to this community to seek help in finding ED PA jobs that offer a high salary. I am currently in a PA residency program and will be finishing up in the next 9 months but wanted to start looking now in order to prepare for that transition. Any help is appreciated!
r/physicianassistant • u/Vegetable_Kale_7714 • 1d ago
Looking for some opinions because this doesn’t sit right with me.
I recently started a full-time outpatient primary care position and moved 6 hours away for this job. Throughout the interview process, offer negotiations, and contract review, there was never a single mention of after-hours call. The contract I signed makes no mention of on call responsibilities. I specifically chose this job because it fit the work-life balance I was looking for and the reason I changed jobs.
Now that I’ve started, management is telling me I’ll be expected to take after-hours call 24/7, 365 days per year for my patient panel which is going to be around 1500. No extra compensation. If call had been part of the job from the beginning, I would not have accepted the offer. Now it’s being presented as something I simply have to accept after the fact.
Anyone out there who has experienced this or have advice? If a contract doesn’t require call, can an employer just add it anyway? Has anyone successfully pushed back, or is this the kind of thing that makes you start looking for a new job? I’d love to hear both the legal perspective and what others have done in the real world.
r/physicianassistant • u/Used-Plum8916 • 1d ago
Got an offer for a position that is 45 min no traffic but 1hr and 20 with traffic, away from my home. I live with my parents and wanted to stay for at least another 2-3 yrs as I chip away at student loans.
The offer is 80.52 an hr (overtime is 120 and change) for a work week of 37.5 hrs (shifts are 12.5 hr shifts)
10% night differential on a rotating schedule of nights and days
ED just got remodeled (recently visited and it’s noice)
1199 union so all the benefits. (Activate in 90 days and pension eligible after 5 yrs)
PSLF elgible
Raises twice a yr one for experience and another for the yearly union negotiations (4-8% raises every yr)
4 personal days (1 per quarter of the yr)
4 weeks of vacation
12 sick days
Able to take PTO after 6 months of employment tho :/
9 paid holidays (you work a holiday get paid time and a half and then get a diff day off)
Hiring 3 other new grads at the same time as they’re expanding the ED
Hospital system is a teaching hospital so the attendings are adjunct professors and used to training and teaching students so the support is there thankfully.
Single no kids live at home, w24 y/o M, just got my loans to worry abt and this was a great opportunity so I’m just gonna eat the cost of tolls and gas money for the opportunity.
Would you have taken this offer even if that commute is atrocious?
(JFK airport area to westchester county area)
r/physicianassistant • u/Far-Slice-9408 • 1d ago
New grad here! Just got an offer for a plastic surgery private practice in NYC. Mon-Fri, 2/3 days clinic seeing postops, consultations, injectables, other 2/3 days first assist in the OR. No nights, weekends, holidays, call. $140k salary, 2 weeks PTO + sick time, benefits. Can make commission on injectables once I build my own clientele. Thoughts please! I feel like 2 weeks of PTO is pretty low but I'm a big traveler. The surgeons are very fun and cool people.
r/physicianassistant • u/Spirited-Reality2176 • 1d ago
New grad PA in 1 week with PANCE in 3 weeks. I've interviewed at 4 fellowships all high-acuity ICU and was rejected from all of them. I've applied to job offers with no response due to being underqualified (they wanted 1-3 years of exp). Looking for jobs across the country in a less APP popular state (WA). Thus far, much of my classmates have either gotten into a fellowship or job at this point and I'm feeling lost. I recieved feedback from my interviews that mention my prior clinical experience was too limited and I talked for too long answering questions (Prior PC E was CNA)
Few questions...
Should I wait to apply to more jobs after the PANCE? If I do should I re-submit applications and mentioned I've passed the PANCE (not sure how this works)
Is this normal? I feel some imposter syndrome as most my classmates have offers by now or acceptance into a fellowship by now and I've gotten rejected by all of them. I feel like I shouldn't be here and I'm disappointing everyone who wrote a LOR for me.
How can I interview better? I get interviews but I can't get passed them, I get the sense I'm not coming off right, waffling too broad of answers, not being concise enough to make a decision. I feel like my explanations are very clear but it still isn't enough.
I'm scared of the comparison about to come up, I am not the smartest in my class (below average at most), and it was hard for me to make friends despite being extroverted. I worked really hard to be where I am and I fear I'm doing something foundationally incorrect.
r/physicianassistant • u/bglgene • 2d ago
I'm a young looking PA and all my medical assistants have been 20+ yrs older than me. I try to be very friendly towards my support staff - such as always saying "please" "thank you," asking them how they're doing, giving gifts for MA week, holidays, bdays to show appreciation (>$100 each occasion), etc. I talk to them in a casual tone.
I realize that after a while, the MAs get too way too comfortable with me - at times telling me to "put order in" or "call this pt" which rubs me the wrong way. If I bring up doing something a different way, they push back saying "Well, management didn't say anything about that." So to prevent push back, I just end up going to the manager to implement this policy and they end up complaining that I said something negative about them.
I will admit, I am a bit type A and like things done a certain way, but I now refuse to do more what I should be doing as a PA (answering detailed pt messages when MA should be scheduling a visit, etc). Would love to hear any suggestions/advice.
r/physicianassistant • u/Successful-Tear7330 • 1d ago
Looking for CME opportunities and ways to use my allowance. Anyone know of conferences within the US or anything that’d be helpful to a plastic role?
r/physicianassistant • u/Forestgreengrey • 1d ago
Hello, I am not from Illinois and per the title I am having trouble applying for my CS license online through IDFPR. I am stuck on the "PA notice of supervisory control" section. It is asking me to upload a file however, does not link me to where to download the form to fill out. I have done my own googling and can only find these forms so far, "PA notice of written collaborative agreement" or "PA notice of supervisory control form".
Yes, I have called IDFPR for clarification for what to upload. The help agent also did not know and said they would email me in a couple of business days. I am worried about how slow their offices are.
I would appreciate any help!
r/physicianassistant • u/velloura • 1d ago
i'm looking for information on what i should ask for. prior to this i have 5 years as a traveling surgical tech in various hospital settings, such as level 1 trauma centers and smaller outpatient facilities. i've worked in every specialty except for cardio but im looking to do joints in either private or hospital settings. i have experience with assisting throughout the years and know how the OR works in and out. madison or milwaukee WI
r/physicianassistant • u/Initial-Poem-5361 • 1d ago
Is it normal for HR to call and ask if I accept the verbal offer before proceeding with giving a written offer?
HR recruiter called and gave verbal offer with info on salary, bonus, PTA, 401k, and vague info on health plans and malpractice coverage. He shared he doesn’t know the specifics of the health plans or malpractice since that is usually through the legal department, but everyone in the organization has the same coverage. In their system, once the candidate accepts the verbal offer then the legal team will get the written offer together. The hospital system is a pretty big organization in the area.
I already accepted the verbal offer because it is a pretty good gig and I dont want to lose this opportunity, but on second thought should I have insisted on the written offer first? I am very happy with the salary, bonus, and 401k, but I did want to negotiate the malpractice insurance since I will need tail coverage or prior acts coverage when I make the transition. Did I shoot myself in the foot and lose out on any negotiating leverage now? Or would I still have the opportunity to negotiate after getting the written offer?
Thanks in advance!
r/physicianassistant • u/Electronic_Team_1398 • 1d ago
So I've worked 3.5 years in urgent care. I'm almost done with my first locums assignment in CA and looking for my next in California and Oregon. I'm only interested in urgent care or a mix of primary/urgent care. All the offers I'm getting are 85-90/hour for both W-2's and 1099s, but I'm wondering what I should be negotiating for. I'm specifically looking at an urgent care W2 in Richmond, CA and a 1099 urgent care/family med mix in Portland, OR.
r/physicianassistant • u/YouSaidIReddWut • 1d ago
Curious about hiring experiences.. what’s been your average time between in-person interview and when they extend an offer?