Looking to Hire a PA?

PA Jobs NZ offers a boutique service and unrivalled expertise, transparency, and commitment when it comes to placing qualified PAs into New Zealand clinics.

01

PA Role

PAs are medical professionals bridging gaps and providing healthcare in Aotearoa.

All Physician Associate candidates must be certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) and have a minimum of five years of clinical experience as a PA. PAs are trained to:

  • Take medical histories
  • Conduct physical exams 
  • Order and interpret tests 
  • Diagnose and treat both acute and chronic conditions 
  • Develop treatment plans and provide patient education
  • Refer to specialists
  • Perform procedures


PAs practice medicine in collaboration with their supervising physician. The PA’s scope of practice varies depending on where they practise and the scope of their supervising doctor(s).

What a PA brings to the clinic
02

GP Role

A strong collaborative relationship with the supervising physician ensures a safe, effective, and rewarding experience.

It is the responsibility of the supervising physician to direct and review the work, records, and practice of the Physician Associate (PA) on a continuous basis to ensure that appropriate directions are given and understood and that appropriate treatment is rendered consistent with the applicable practice role. Supervision includes, but is not limited to: 

  • The continuous availability of direct communication either in person or by electronic communications between the Physician Associate and supervising physician. 
  • The personal review of the PA practice at regular intervals including an assessment of referrals made or consultations requested by the PA with other health professionals. 
  • Regular chart review; including review of all new ACC claims/chart notes. 
  • The delineation of a plan for emergencies. 
  • The designation of an alternate supervising physician in the absence of the supervisor. 
  • Medication support – Signing all prescriptions electronically or physically. We are working forwards prescription rights in the future.
GP Responsibilities
03

Our Role

We ensure a strong match between PAs and clinics across New Zealand by carefully aligning skills and needs, while providing seamless onboarding support for a smooth and successful transition.

  • Two physician reference checks and background checks to ensure they meet the highest standard. 
  • Immigration and visa assistance through our senior Immigration consultants.
  • Support for the PA throughout the moving process, including:
    • One-on-one help, by phone or video 
    • Resources for moving to NZ
    • Induction documents on arrival 
    • Connection to the wider NZ PA community and NZ PA Society 
  • An In-person induction for the PA and clinic to: 
    • Facilitate smooth integration of the PA profession
    • Promote a successful long-term placement
PA Jobs NZ Responsibilities

Benefits

Of Adding a Physician Associate to Your Team

Facts

Educated in general medicine

PAs are educated in general medicine, giving them a broad, comprehensive understanding of all areas of healthcare.

Improved accessiblity for patients

Having a PA on staff has permitted many physicians to provide same-day access for patients with acute problems. This also helps to relive physician burnout.

PAs are trusted healthcare providers

93% of patients agreed that PAs are trusted healthcare providers, 92% agreed that having a PA makes it easier to get medical appointments, and 91% agreed that PAs improve the quality of healthcare.

High patient satisfaction

Among patients that received care from a PA, more than nine in ten were satisfied (75%) or somewhat satisfied (18%) with the experience.

PAs can work in any medical specialty. 

While most PAs in New Zealand are practising in primary, urgent, and emergency care positions, PAs are able to work in any medical speciality. We require our candidates to have at least three years experience in the relevant field prior to moving to NZ.

Misconceptions

PAs are not rigorously medically educated

The PA educational system is comprehensive, rigorous, and purposeful, and covers largely the same curriculum as medical school.

PAs provide lower-quality care

PAs are trained to deliver high-quality care and work within a team-based approach with doctors to ensure patient safety. They are equipped to diagnose, treat, and manage various, undifferentiated conditions.

Hiring a PA is risky

In 2025, the medical malpractice insurer for all Harvard medical institutions conducted a comprehensive retrospective analysis of nearly 70,000 malpractice cases from 2012 to 2021. The analysis found no increase in the proportion of claims involving PAs, or nurse practitioners, compared to those involving physicians. Similar findings have been replicated around the world.

PAs are a replacement for doctors

PAs contribute significantly to healthcare capacity. They are intended to work alongside and complement the existing medical workforce, not to replace doctors.

PAs can only practice when physicians are onsite

Doctors do not need to be on-site while PAs are seeing patients. Collaboration or supervision can occur by electronic means or by phone contact when necessary.  

Testimonies

Interested?

Get in touch today

Whether you are a physician associate looking potential job opportunities in New Zealand, or a New Zealand clinic looking to hire a physician associate, we want to hear from you!

Email

admin@pajobsnz.co.nz​

Phone

+64 21 456 634​