The PA Job Search: Where to Find the Jobs

PA Job Search: Where to Actually Find PA Jobs

By: Savanna Perry, PA-C

TL;DR

New PA jobs come from a mix of places, not just one. Start with online searches and hospital sites, then lean on your preceptors and program connections, and don't be afraid to cold call offices. The more flexible you are on location and specialty, the easier the search gets.

Last Updated: June 12, 2026

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Where do you even start looking for PA jobs online?

The internet is the obvious first stop, and it works. When I was starting out, I would just search something like "physician assistant job augusta ga" and it usually pulled up Indeed or a similar job site. Most of those results go through an agency or are hospital listings.

Looking directly at the websites of hospitals in the area you want can also help. The one downside is that these listings don't always update very often, but there are usually at least a few open positions posted at each hospital in any given area. Cast a wide net here and check back regularly.

In this post:

How do preceptors help you land a job?

When you're on rotations, make it well known to your preceptors and the staff what areas you're interested in working in. When I first started rotations, I thought I should act like I loved whatever specialty I was in that month. But once I started being honest and talking about my love for dermatology and surgery, that's when I started hearing about real job opportunities.

I credit my first job mostly to my surgery preceptor. He was a colleague of a doctor I'd heard was hiring, and he called her on my behalf. One thing to know: it's often said at rotation orientation that you'll get tons of offers on rotations, but that isn't always true. Sites that have hosted students for years usually aren't hiring. You have a much better shot at sites that haven't had students before.

In Our Experience

In our experience coaching new grads, the people who land jobs fastest are the ones who tell everyone what they want and follow up without being shy. I landed my own derm job through a surgery preceptor's connection, so those relationships matter more than any job board.

Do cold calls really work for finding PA jobs?

One of my teachers recommended cold calling and it felt incredibly intimidating, but now I definitely recommend it. The best approach is to call offices, ask to speak to the office manager, and then ask if they're looking to hire a PA.

Most offices I called said not currently, but asked me to send my resume anyway. I felt like that was a dead end, but I actually met 2 different PAs while I was looking who recognized my name from my resume and then told me about jobs they'd heard about. So even a "no" can put your name in front of people who matter. Don't be scared to reach out, the worst thing that happens is they say no!

Every Pre-PA Should Know...

Cold calling has a low hit rate per call, but it only takes one office manager remembering your name to open a door.

What about program resources and staffing agencies?

Some programs are really great about helping students find jobs after graduation. Ask your advisor and any faculty you feel comfortable with whether they know of open positions, especially if you want to stay near your program. My program had a job board and a Facebook page for alumni where jobs were posted often. See if yours has something similar, and if it doesn't, you could start one yourself!

Staffing agencies are another route. Some offices use agencies to find PAs. I've talked to a few of these and I'm not totally sure how effective they are. Two of my closer friends from my program applied and interviewed through an agent, but they had to follow up very frequently and ultimately it didn't go anywhere for them.

Free Resume Download → https://www.thepaplatform.com/services/free-resume-download/

Need to Know:

Start broad online with Google, Indeed, and specific hospital career pages
Hospital listings update slowly, so check back often
Tell preceptors and staff exactly what specialty you want
Rotation sites that always host students are less likely to be hiring
Cold call offices and ask to speak with the office manager
Check your program's job board and alumni network

Listen to the full episode

We talked through this on The Pre-PA Club podcast. Press play for the full episode.

Episode show notes, takeaways & chapters

In this episode, Savanna Perry, an experienced dermatology Physician Assistant, delves into the crucial topic of job searching for newly graduated PAs. She articulates the concerns regarding the saturation of the PA job market, particularly with the increase in PA programs, and reassures listeners that opportunities still exist, especially in less saturated areas. Perry emphasizes the necessity of being adaptable in terms of location and specialty, suggesting that graduates who are willing to explore positions outside major cities may find greater success.

Perry shares a wealth of practical strategies for job searching, highlighting the importance of networking and utilizing connections built during PA school. She encourages students to engage with faculty, preceptors, and fellow students to uncover potential job openings and gain insights from those already in the field. Furthermore, she discusses the value of online job boards and the significance of applying to positions that may list experience as a requirement, noting that new graduates should not shy away from such opportunities. Perry's personal anecdotes from her own job search journey provide valuable context and encouragement for her audience.

As the episode unfolds, Perry outlines various job search methods, including the use of social media and professional organizations, as well as the importance of staying proactive in reaching out to potential employers. She wraps up by reminding pre-PA students to remain patient and persistent in their job search endeavors, reinforcing the message that with the right approach, they can secure rewarding positions in their desired fields.

What we cover

Finding a job as a PA can be challenging, especially in saturated markets, but rural areas often offer more opportunities.
It is advisable to begin your job search early, as some PAs secure positions before graduating or passing their boards.
Networking through preceptors and utilizing social media can significantly enhance your job search efforts.
Applying to positions that require experience, even as a new grad, can lead to unexpected opportunities.
Cold calling offices and sending unsolicited resumes can be effective strategies for job searching in the PA profession.
Staying flexible and open to positions outside of dermatology initially may provide valuable experience and lead to your desired specialty.

Chapters

0:03 – Exploring Job Opportunities After PA School
3:48 – Navigating the Job Search as a PA
9:15 – Exploring Job Opportunities After Graduation
19:12 – Navigating the Path to Dermatology
26:46 – Transitioning Careers: Insights from a PA

Episode: How to Find a PA Job · Follow The Pre-PA Club on Apple Podcasts or Spotify · Browse all episodes

FAQ

Where do most new PAs find their first job?

Through a combination of online job sites, rotation preceptors, and program connections. Personal connections from rotations tend to be the most effective.

Is it normal to not get job offers during rotations?

Yes. Despite what orientation might suggest, not everyone gets offers on rotations, especially at sites that host students every cycle. It's not a reflection of your ability.

Are cold calls worth it for PA jobs?

They can be. Most offices won't be hiring when you call, but asking to send your resume keeps your name circulating, and PAs you meet may tip you off to other openings.

Should I use a staffing agency to find a PA job?

You can, but results vary. Some applicants find them slow and have to follow up constantly. They're worth trying as one channel, not your only one.

Does location affect how easy it is to find a PA job?

Yes. Some areas are more saturated with PAs than others, so the more flexible you are about where you'll work, the better your luck will be.

What should I have ready before I start applying?

A polished resume or CV that you can send the moment an office manager or preceptor asks for it. Speed matters in a rolling job market.

New Graduate Coaching → https://www.thepaplatform.com/new-graduate-coaching/

CLOSING

Finding that first PA job takes a mix of online searching, networking on rotations, and a little bravery with cold calls. Stay flexible and keep your name in front of people, and the offers will come. If you want a head start, grab our free resume template so you're ready to send the second an opportunity pops up.