What is a Physician Assistant?

A physician assistant (PA) is an advanced practice clinician. The pphysician assistant profession began in the 1960s due to the shortage of primary care physicians in the United States. The first physician assistant class graduated in 1965 from Duke University Medical Center in North Carolina and were comprised of Navy corpsman and Army medics who had medical training during their military service and gained experience during the Vietnam War. Physician assistant training programs are usually 2-3 years in length and the curriculum of the PA program is based on the fast-track training of medical doctors during World War II.. After graduation from an accredited PA program the physician assistant must pass the NCCPA-administered Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) before becoming a PA-C. This national certification is required for licensure.

Physician assistants provide a broad range of preventive and medical services. The physician assistant is trained to diagnose, treat and manage most acute and chronic illnesses and injuries. The PA is qualified to provide a number of health care services such as taking the patient's history and performing a physical exam. Physician assistants also can order laboratory tests and procedures and prescribe medications.

Physician assistant jobs

Physician assistants are employed in primary care clinics as well as hospitals and emergency departments. Physician assistant jobs are in several specialties, including pediatrics, orthopedics, cardiology, internal medicine, mental health, dermatology, and surgery.

The Physician assistant job outlook is expected to be excellent with the demand for Physician assistant job opportunities increasing. Employment and jobs for physician assistants is strong because PAs are able to deliver quality cost effective healthcare. As healthcare costs continue to increase, so will the demand for physician assistant jobs.