A person who performs a number of tasks that were traditionally performed by the physician: taking medical histories, making routine examinations, etc. Training for usually includes a specialized 2-year program always works under the supervision of a physician.
A specially trained, and licensed (when necessary) or otherwise credentialled, individual who performs tasks, which might otherwise be performed by physicians themselves, under the direction of a supervising physician. Also known as physician extenders and by many other essentially synonymous terms. Many were paramedics initially trained by the military (e.g. corpsmen and pharmacists’ mates) and later further trained in medical schools to assist physicians in civilian health services. Other examples of similar occupations are dentists’ assistants, nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, psychiatric therapy assistants and rehabilitative personnel. Physician assistants are usually salaried rather than reimbursed on a fee-for-service basis, although the supervising physicians may receive fee-for-service for their services.
A person who assists a physician by carrying out designated tasks, such as taking medical histories and performing certain examinations. May or may not be a trained allied health professional.
An allied health professional for whom the American Medical Association’s Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation (CAHEA) has accredited education programs. Many PAs belong to the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), a national professional society.
A specially trained and licensed individual who performs tasks usually done by physicians and works under the direction of a supervising physician. The PA training programs are accredited by the American Medical Association. All states require PAs to pass the certification examination of the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.