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

Physician assistants attend an accredited 2-year program after at least 2 years of college. After graduating, they are eligible to take the Physician Assistant National Certification Examination (PANCE).

By	Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Last Revised	August 20, 2010