Physician Assistant (PA)

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 18, 2016

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