What is a Physician Assistant?
What medical training do PAs have?
After completing their undergraduate degree, individuals who want to become a physician assistant must complete a physician assistant graduate program (master’s degree). The United States has more than 315 accredited PA master’s degree programs, which take three academic years or 27 months to complete, according to the AAPA.
In addition, all physician assistants must pass a rigorous certification through the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. Once they have completed their PA master’s program and certification, the person is a qualified PA-C (physician assistant-certified).
Why are PA-Cs needed?
Access to quality healthcare is critical to the health of the community. Having healthcare teams comprised of physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners supports improved access to care for patients. With the addition of physician assistants to care teams, the healthcare industry and patients benefit from:
- Increased access to the care they need when they need it
- Improved efficiency in the delivery of care
- More available healthcare providers to address the overall shortage of physicians across the country
- Lower costs of care
We at DMG want to say to our dedicated physician assistants, “Thank you. We appreciate your commitment to high quality, patient-centered care.”
