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Physician assistant (PA)

Provided by: Healthwise
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Physician assistants (PAs) are health professionals who practice medicine under a doctor's supervision in medical and surgical settings. They can perform routine examinations, order laboratory work and X-rays, prescribe medications, and counsel people about their health.

Physician assistants attend an accredited 2-year program after at least 2 years of college. After graduating, they are eligible to take the Physician Assistant National Certification Examination (PANCE).

Author:Jeannette Curtis
Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Medical Review:Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated: 05/25/2007

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