As shown below, most physician assistants worked in physicians’ offices or hospitals in 2010:
| Offices of physicians | 54% |
| Hospitals; state, local, and private | 24% |
| Outpatient care centers | 9% |
| Government | 4% |
| Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state, local, and private | 3% |
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Physician assistants spend much of their time on their feet, making rounds and evaluating patients. Physician assistants who work in operating rooms often stand for extended periods.
Most physician assistants work full time. About 13 percent reported working 50 hours or more per week in 2010. In hospitals, physician assistants may work nights, weekends, or holidays. They may also be on call, meaning they must be ready to respond to a work request with little notice.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition
