Make Ends Meet: 22 Lucrative Side Hustles for Physician Assistants

Are you a physician assistant (PA) looking to supplement your income? Or perhaps you’re just interested in exploring different ways to make money outside your day job? No matter the reason, side hustles have become increasingly popular in recent years as a way to earn extra cash.

As a physician assistant, you have a unique set of skills and qualifications that can translate into a variety of side hustles. Whether you’re looking to earn a little extra pocket money or build a full-time business, there are plenty of options out there for you.

In this article, we will explore some of the top side hustles for physician assistants. From freelance medical writing to tutoring and beyond, there are plenty of creative ways to earn extra income. So, if you’re ready to diversify your income stream and explore new opportunities, read on to discover some exciting side hustles for physician assistants.

Top Side Hustle Ideas for Physician Assistants

Here are some of the best side hustle ideas that you can start right away:

Telemedicine

Physician assistants can make money by providing virtual consultations, giving medical advice over the phone or via video chat, and writing prescriptions. With telemedicine, you can offer your services without having to worry about commuting to an office or clinic. Additionally, because most telemedicine platforms are cloud-based, you can work from anywhere with an internet connection.

Take Medical Surveys

As a physician assistant, you can make some extra money by participating in medical surveys. These surveys typically involve answering questions about your experience as a healthcare provider or patient, such as the quality of care you provide or have received. The surveys may also ask for opinions on new treatments or studies, and you can be compensated for your participation. 

Public Speaking

Physician assistants have a wealth of knowledge in medicine that they can share with audiences, whether it is through presenting at conferences, giving lectures at universities, or even hosting webinars. Public speaking provides a great opportunity to not only gain additional income but also build your network and increase the visibility of your practice.

Teaching

Teaching opportunities for PAs vary widely depending on where you live, what your qualifications are, and what kind of teaching you are interested in. For example, if you have a background in emergency medicine or pediatrics, you may be able to teach classes related to those topics at local hospitals or universities. You could also offer classes on medical coding or pharmacology through online platforms such as Udemy and Skillshare. 

Medical Consulting

Consulting for medical-related organizations is a great way for physician assistants to expand their network and gain experience in different areas of the medical field. You can offer your expertise on topics such as patient care, clinical procedures, and healthcare policy. You can also use your knowledge to help organizations develop new products or programs geared toward improving patient care.

Health Coach

As a health coach, you can help individuals understand their current lifestyle and habits, and create actionable plans to make healthier choices. Health coaches can work with clients individually or in a group setting, either in person or online. You can also provide nutrition advice, stress management techniques, and physical activity guidance.

If you earn at least $600 through freelance health coaching, you will receive a 1099 form from your client. It is advisable to establish an LLC to deduct the cost of equipment and materials used in providing your services.

Develop an Online Course

You can create courses related to medical topics, such as anatomy and physiology, or make educational videos related to the healthcare industry. This is a great way to help others learn while generating extra income. You can monetize your course by charging a fee for access.

Start a YouTube Channel

When starting your YouTube channel, it’s important to have a plan in place for what type of content you want to create. You may choose to focus on medical topics or provide educational videos related to the healthcare industry. You can also use the platform as an opportunity to share personal stories and experiences from your time as a physician assistant.

Start a Podcast

Whether it is healthcare related or a different topic altogether, starting a podcast is an excellent side hustle to bring in extra income. You don’t need any special equipment to get started – just a microphone and audio recording software. Once you have the basics in place, start planning what topics you want to discuss and who your target audience is. Podcasts can be monetized through advertisements or sponsorship deals.

Start a Medical Blog

By launching your medical blog, you can share your medical knowledge and expertise with a large audience. Not only will this help increase the visibility of your practice, but it can also prove to be a great source of passive income. With advertising, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing campaigns, you can monetize your blog and make extra money in your spare time. 

Write a Book

While writing can be a daunting task, it can also be very rewarding and provide additional income streams. First, you will need to determine what type of book you would like to write. It could be a self-help guide based on your experience as a PA, or a work of fiction that uses medical themes. Once you have chosen your topic, you will need to start researching and outlining the theme of your book. After that, it’s just a matter of writing and editing until it is ready for publication.

Photography

Many physician assistants are already adept at taking pictures with their smartphones or other cameras, so they can easily expand their skills by learning more about professional photography. There are a variety of ways to make money through photography, such as selling prints, stock photos, and offering services for events or products. With a bit of practice and dedication, PAs can make a good side income from their photography side hustle.

Contribute to Online Medical Websites

Physician assistants (PAs) can make extra money by contributing to online medical websites. This is a great way for PAs to share their knowledge, stay informed on the latest medical trends, and earn some additional income. One of the most popular online medical websites is Medscape, which offers up-to-date news and information about medical topics. You can contribute articles to the website in exchange for payment. 

Military Evaluations

As a physician assistant, you may be asked to conduct fitness-for-duty evaluations for military personnel. The evaluation process can include an in-depth review of medical records, physical examinations, laboratory tests, and other assessments that can help determine any medical conditions or disabilities that might disqualify the member from service. You can make extra money by conducting these evaluations on a contractual basis. 

Create and Sell Cosmetics

Physician assistants have many of the same skills as doctors, and they are well-versed in health, skincare, and beauty. By taking advantage of your knowledge base, you can start up an online cosmetic business or work with clients to develop custom products. With the right marketing plan and dedication, you can make a good side income by selling cosmetics.

Real Estate Investing

Real estate investing is a great side hustle for physician assistants because it offers the potential to generate passive income without requiring you to be physically present. With an understanding of the market and some research, you can purchase properties and rent them out, or buy and resell them for a profit. It’s a great way to diversify your income and build long-term wealth.

Sell Items Online

Selling items online can be done through a variety of different platforms, such as eBay, Amazon, Etsy, and more.  When selling items online, you will need to decide what type of items to sell. You may find it easy to sell medical supplies and equipment, as well as other products related to the industry. You can also source items from local thrift stores or garage sales to resell for a profit.

Bookkeeping

Bookkeeping is the practice of recording, tracking, and managing financial transactions such as sales, purchases, receipts, payments, and liabilities. This type of side hustle can be done remotely or in person depending on the needs of the client. As a bookkeeper, you should be familiar with the basics of accounting including creating financial statements, tracking profits and losses, managing accounts receivable and payable, preparing taxes, and more. You can offer bookkeeping services to individuals or businesses in need of assistance.

If you earn at least $600 through freelance bookkeeping, you will receive a 1099 form from your client. It is advisable to establish an LLC to deduct equipment and material costs incurred in providing your services.

Selling Baked Goods

With proper planning, baking can be an enjoyable and profitable business venture. To get started, you’ll need to understand the basics of food safety and handling. You’ll also need to research local regulations, such as health codes, which vary from state to state. Additionally, you’ll need to design a menu and price your goods competitively. 

Drive for Uber/Lyft

It is easy to get started driving for Uber/Lyft and can be a great way to make some extra income. You will need to meet the requirements of the company, such as having a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record. You can also set your own hours and work when you are available. This makes it easy to fit the side gig into your existing schedule. 

Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is essentially when an individual or business promotes another company’s products or services in exchange for a commission when they are successful in driving sales. It can be done through a variety of platforms, including blogs, social media, and email campaigns. It is important to research the products or services you are promoting and find relevant ones that fit the needs of your target audience.

Day Trading Stocks

Day trading stocks can be an attractive side hustle for physician assistants looking to diversify their income. Day trading involves buying and selling stocks within the same day, with the goal of making a profit on small price fluctuations throughout the day. Day trading requires a good amount of knowledge about the stock market and its trends and can be a risky venture if not done properly. However, with the right strategy and dedication, you can make some extra money by day trading stocks.

How to Start a Side Hustle as a Physician Assistant in 5 Steps?

For physician assistants (PAs) looking to make some extra money, a side hustle can be an ideal way to supplement your income. Starting a side business can take some work, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are five steps that can help you get started on your journey as a PA entrepreneur:

1. Figure out what type of business you want to start: The first step is to decide what type of business you want to start. Consider your skills and interests, research various options, and choose the one that best suits you.

2. Create a plan for your business: Once you’ve chosen an idea, create a plan that outlines all aspects of your business. This should include a budget, marketing plans, and operational plans.

3. Register your business: Once you have a plan in place, it’s time to register your business. This involves getting the necessary licenses and permits, as well as filing paperwork with the state or local government.

4. Market your services: Now that you have a business plan and are registered, it’s time to start marketing your services. Develop a strategy that includes website design, social media campaigns, and other methods of getting the word out about your business.

5. Keep learning and growing: The final step is to keep learning and growing as an entrepreneur. Read books, attend seminars, and take courses related to your industry to continue developing your skills and knowledge.

Earn Extra Cash with Side Gigs 

No matter which side hustle you decide to pursue, it’s important to remain focused and organized. Make sure you set achievable goals and track your progress so that you can reach your financial goals as quickly as possible. With the right planning and dedication, a side hustle can be a great way for PAs to make extra money on top of their regular income.

Keep in mind that you may incorporate your side hustles into an LLC. Collaborate with doola, and we can help you set up your LLC and reap the benefits of limited liability, flexibility, and tax deductions. We can also assist you in establishing your business, from opening a business bank account to managing your bookkeeping system.

FAQs

Do physician assistants have the time for a side hustle?

It depends on the individual’s schedule and workload. Some physician assistants may have more free time than others to pursue a side hustle, but it’s important to maintain a work-life balance.

Why would a physician assistant want a side hustle?

A side hustle can provide extra income, offer a creative outlet, and help build new skills and connections.

Can a side hustle detract a physician assistant from their main job?

It’s possible, so it’s important for physician assistants to set boundaries and prioritize their main job. However, with proper time management, a side hustle can provide a much-needed break from the intensity of healthcare work.

Are there any legal or ethical concerns with a side hustle?

Physician assistants should make sure that their side hustle does not conflict with any professional obligations or ethical standards. They should also consult their employer or lawyer to make sure they are legally able to participate in a particular side hustle.

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