Physician Assistants (PAs) are skilled health care professionals licensed to practice medicine under physician supervision. PAs are certified to conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, counsel patients about preventive health care, provide immunizations, and write prescriptions.

Studies have shown that PAs are widely accepted by patients and can autonomously perform most routine functions in a general medical practice. Further, federal government studies have shown that PAs, working under the supervision of a physician, provide care that is comparable to physician care.

After graduating from an accredited physician assistant program, PAs must pass a national certification examination developed by the National Commission on Certification of PAs in conjunction with the National Board of Medical Examiners. They sit for recertification every six years.

For more information about Physician Assistants, please visit:

• American Academy of Physician Assistants
• Physician Assistant Education Association