Physician assistants (PAs) are highly trained and skilled health care professionals. A PA provides a broad range of medical services while working under the supervision of a physician.
What do physician assistants do?
Order lab tests and imaging
Perform histories and physicals
Document patient charts
Perform minor procedures
Make diagnoses
Interpret test results
Write orders and prescriptions, within an AHS facility
Where do physician assistants work?
Physician assistants conduct their work in many different settings and contexts, including:
Hospitals or health care centres
Community clinics
Emergency departments
Cancer care programs
What are the credentials for a physician assistant?
Completion of a two-year Physician Assistant Education Program (PAEP). This is after two to four years of university preparation.
Over 2,000 hours of clinical training in areas that may include: emergency medicine, pediatrics, internal medicine, orthopedics, sports medicine, general surgery, anesthesia, trauma and family medicine.
Member of the Canadian Association of Physician Assistants (CAPA)
