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Physician Assistant (PA)

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

Physician assistants attend an accredited program for 24 to 26 months. After graduating, they are eligible to take an entry-to-practice exam administered by the Physician Assistant's Certification Council (PACC). Each province has its own regulations for physician assistants. Not all provinces have PAs.

Last Revised: December 3, 2010

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & Donald Sproule, MD, CM, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine & E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine

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