Physician Assistant (PA) Profession

What is a Physician Assistant?

• Physician Assistants (PAs) are health care professionals trained in the medical model at nationally accredited educational programs. 

• PAs are not independent clinicians.

• PAs are highly skilled professionals licensed to practice medicine with the supervision of a physician.  

• PAs have the ability for autonomous decision making and patient management which contributes to the physician/PA team, and ensures the highest quality standard of patient care. 

• PAs deliver a broad range of medical and surgical services to diverse rural and urban populations.

• Once PAs obtain national certification, they can practice in any discipline of medicine and can change disciplines without additional formal training.

• PAs must re-certify every 6 years and obtain 100 hours of CME every 2 years to maintain certification.

What are abilities of a Physician Assistant?

•  Elicit medical histories

• Perform physical exams

• Order & interpret labs and diagnostic tests

• Manage acute illness & chronic diseases

• Prescribe medication

• Write patient orders

• Perform Patient Education & Counseling

• Make referrals

• Perform specific procedures

• Assist in surgery

What types of Procedures are PAs trained to perform?

PAs are trained to perform many types of procedures, here are some examples:
 

Contact UAMS-CHRP    Catalog    For Current Students    For Faculty & Staff    For Alumni   CHRP Home