Physician assistants are healthcare professionals who are authorized by the state to practice medicine as part of a team with physicians.

PAs are:

• Certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants  
• Licensed, certified or registered in the state in which they practice 

PAs deliver a broad range of medical and surgical services, including: 

• Conducting physical exams 
• Obtaining medical histories
• Diagnosing and treating illnesses 
• Ordering and interpreting tests 
• Counseling on preventive health care 
• Assisting in surgery 
• Prescribing medications 

You can learn more about the profession on the Quick Facts page.