A physician assistant in the United States, Canada and other select countries or physician associate in the United Kingdom ( PA ) is an Advanced Practice Provider (APP). PAs are medical professionals who diagnose illness, develop and manage treatment plans, prescribe medications, and often serve as a patient’s principal healthcare provider. With thousands of hours of medical training, PAs are versatile and collaborative. PAs practice in every state and in every medical setting and specialty, improving healthcare access and quality. In the United States and Canada physician assistants are nationally certified by their respective certifying body. Physician assistants complete their qualifications for certification in less time than a traditional medical degree by following an educational model based on the fast-tracked training of physicians during the shortage of providers during World War II.
Physician assistants or physician associates may: conduct patient interviews and take medical histories conduct physical examinations order and interpret diagnostic tests and exams diagnose illnesses formulate treatment plans coordinate and manage care perform medical procedures prescribe medications conduct clinical research patient counselling advise on preventative health care first assist in surgery Physician assistants train to work in settings such as hospitals, clinics and other types of health facilities or virtually via telemedicine services. Physician assistants are commonly found working in academics, teaching and research as well as hospital administration and other clinical environments. Physician assistants may practice in primary care or medical specialties, including emergency medicine, surgery, cardiology, etc. Extensive clinical training precedes obtaining a certification to practice as a physician assistant. Physician assistant education is similar to phys...
The occupational title of physician assistant and physician associate originated in the United States in 1967 at Duke University in North Carolina. In the United States, a certified PA may add "C" at the end of their credentials (PA-C). This credential is awarded upon the successful completion of the Physician Assistant National Certification Exam (PANCE) administered by the national commission on certification of physician assistants and subsequently certification with the respective medical board or equivalent in the state which the physician assistant intends to practice. In a few select states, the title (PA-R) is used as an equivalent of (PA-C). In Canada, a certified PA may add "CC" at the beginning of their credentials (CCPA) which refers to Canadian Certified Physician Assistant. This credential is awarded upon the successful completion of the Canadian physician assistant entry to practice certification examination administered by the physician assistant c...
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