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2-step progression from Physician Assistant to Physician (MD/DO). Potential salary increase of 79% from entry to advanced level.
Entry Salary
$133,260
Physician Assistant
Top Salary
$239,200
Physician (MD/DO)
Total Steps
2
licenses
Median Salary
$133,260
Master's in PA Studies + PANCE
Avg. Licensing Cost
$1,784
Avg. Timeline
2.6 years – 3.1 years
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Median Salary
$239,200
Medical degree (4 years) + residency (3-7 years) + USMLE/COMLEX
Avg. Licensing Cost
$496
Avg. Timeline
7.1 years – 11.5 years
The physician career path is a professional progression from Physician Assistant to Physician (MD/DO). It includes 2 licensing levels, each with increasing education, responsibility, and earning potential.
Advancing from Physician Assistant ($133,260 median) to Physician (MD/DO) ($239,200 median) represents a 79% salary increase based on BLS national median data.
Each step requires additional education and licensing. Physician Assistant: Master's in PA Studies + PANCE. Physician (MD/DO): Medical degree (4 years) + residency (3-7 years) + USMLE/COMLEX. The total time depends on the pace of your education and state-specific processing times.
Planning your next career move?
Salary data from BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024 national medians. Licensing costs and timelines are averages across all US states derived from verified state licensing board data. Individual state requirements vary — see state-specific pages for details.