ABOUT CERTIFIED PAs

Certified physician assistants (PAs) are licensed and certified health care professionals who practice medicine with physician supervision and bring a breadth of knowledge and skills to patient care. Though their role in any particular workplace is determined in consultation with the supervising physician, certified PAs can take histories, conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, counsel on preventative health care, assist in surgery, perform a variety of procedures and write prescriptions.

More than 99 percent of PA employers surveyed in 2005 agreed that PAs provide high quality health care, are compassionate clinicians and are valuable members of the health care delivery system.

More on PA Certification

Verify a PA's certification status

Learn more about PA certification

Read more about the role, qualifications and value of certified PAs (PDF)

Ready to Hire a PA?

Visit the American Academy of Physician Assistants' PA Job Link Center for information about hiring a PA, state regulations governing PA practice, and much more.

Also, local and specialty PA organizations often have advertising opportunities and other resources that prospective PA employers may find helpful.