Physician assistants (PAs) are health professionals who practice medicine under a doctor's supervision in medical and surgical settings. They can perform routine exams, order lab work and X-rays, prescribe medicines, and counsel people about their health.
A physician assistant completes an accredited PA program after college. Then he or she is eligible to take the Physician Assistant National Certification Examination (PANCE).
Current as of:
October 9, 2017
Author:
Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Catherine Devany Serio, PhD - Psychology, Behavioral Health & Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine & Brian O'Brien, MD, FRCPC - Internal Medicine