Physician Assistant profession (PA)

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Types of health care providers

HISTORY OF THE PROFESSION

The first Physician Assistant (PA) training program was founded in 1965 at Duke University by Dr. Eugene Stead.

Most programs require applicants to have at least 2 years of college experience. Applicants also need some experience in the health care setting, such as an emergency medical technician, ambulance attendant, health educator, licensed practical nurse, or associate-degree nurse. Because of the competitive environment, the average PA student has a bachelor's degree in some field and about 4 years of health-related experience. Educational programs for PAs are typically associated with colleges of medicine. They vary from 25 to 27 months in length.

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The first PA students were mostly military medics (or corpsmen). They were able to expand on the knowledge and experience they received in the military to move into a role in primary care. Over the years, the profession has become less male dominated. About 58% of PAs today are women. The physician assistant role has allowed PAs to perform tasks previously only performed by doctors: history taking, physical examination, diagnosis, and patient management.

Numerous studies have noted that PAs can provide high-quality health care -- comparable to that of a doctor -- for about 80% of the conditions seen in primary care settings.

SCOPE OF PRACTICE

The physician assistant is prepared, both academically and clinically, to provide health care services under the direction and supervision of a doctor of medicine (MD) or osteopathy (DO). PA functions include performing diagnostic, therapeutic, preventive, and health maintenance services.

PAs in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Guam have prescriptive practice privileges. They may not receive direct third-party (insurance) reimbursement for their services, but their services are billed for through their supervising doctor or employer.

See also: Types of health care providers

PRACTICE SETTINGS

PAs practice in a variety of settings in nearly every medical and surgical specialty area. Many practice within primary care areas, including family practice. Other common practice areas are general surgery, surgery specialties, and emergency medicine. The rest are involved in teaching, research, administration, or other nonclinical roles.