Physician assistant

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.