What does a physician assistant certified do?

PA-C stands for Physician Associate - Certified. A PA-C has typically completed 27+ months of masters-level training in the medical-model. Following school they have successfully passed the nationally-recognised PANCE exam before obtaining state licensure. In the US there are currently 165,000+ practicing PAs working across all medical specialties/sub-specialties in all 50 states. PAs work under the direction of a physician whom dictates his/her scope of practice. In order to maintain certification, PAs must pass a recertification exam, called the PANRE, every ten years. They must also complete 100 hours of CME training every two years. NB: You may also see the designation PA-S. The 'S' denotes student. These are not certified PAs...yet

PA-Cs work alongside physicians, providing direct patient care and assisting in various medical procedures. They perform physical exams, interpret tests, and prescribe medications, enhancing overall patient care.PA-Cs collaborate closely with physicians, forming a dynamic team to address diverse patient needs.

A Physician Assistant Certified (PA-C) is a healthcare professional who works under the supervision of a licensed physician to provide medical care to patients. Their duties typically include conducting physical examinations, diagnosing illnesses, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, prescribing medications, developing treatment plans, and providing patient education and counseling. PAs work in various healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and physician offices, collaborating closely with physicians and other healthcare team members to deliver comprehensive patient care.

In order to practice clinically as a PA in the United States you must first graduate from an NCCPA-certificated US PA program of which there are approximately 300 all across the continental US. The typical length of PA school is 27 months. After PA school graduation you must pass the PANCE exam which is taken at a Pearson VUE testing centre. The exam is made up of 300 multiple-choice questions, divided up into five blocks of 60 questions. A score of 350 is required to pass, and most candidates take some form of review course to prepare. PANCE results are typically published within ten (10) days of the exam date through the NCCPA portal online. You will then be eligible for state licensure and thus clinical practice.

PAs underwent a title change & are known as Physician Associates, reflecting our essential role in collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. As a PA-C, we're not only certified to practice medicine but also equipped with the drive for continuous self-improvement & desire to share knowledge to empower others. We approach patient care with curiosity & innovation, ensuring both our patients & fellow health professionals benefit from our contributions. Personally, outside clinical responsibilities as a PA-C, I'm passionate about educating the public through evidence-based health lectures & resources. I strive to inspire positive lifestyle changes in both my patients & loved ones. PAs are true team players, committed to collaboration & growth!

Not everyone who wants to work in healthcare can as many lack the necessary skills and qualities. Intelligence/aptitude aside, it takes a special type of person to work with patients - I believe medicine is a calling vs. simply a job or a career. Communication is key, as are adept interpersonal skills, active listening skills, and the ability to work in teams. Empathy (where appropriate) is also important, as well as compassion, respect for diversity/inclusion/equity and the ability to speak up and ask for help if needed. Finally, one must be able to critically think in medicine in order to collate information from multiple sources and arrive at the correct diagnosis/treatment decision etc.

An important thing to consider is that PAs in the US are now known as Physician Associates and not Assistants. This change was voted on in May 2021 at the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) House of Delegates (HOD) meeting. As of December 2023, the AAPA has officially changed its legal name, as have five of the 50 state chapters.

A physician assistant (PA) is a licensed medical professional who holds an advanced degree and is able to provide direct patient care. They work with patients of all ages in virtually all specialty and primary care areas, diagnosing and treating common illnesses and working with minor procedures.