What is a PA?

What is a PA?
 
PAs (physician associates/physician assistants) are licensed clinicians who practice medicine in every specialty and setting.
 
Trusted, rigorously educated and trained healthcare professionals, PAs are dedicated to expanding access to care and transforming health and wellness through patient-centered, team-based medical practice.
 
 
What education do PAs have?
 
PAs are educated at the master’s degree level. There are more than 306 PA programs in the country and admission is highly competitive, requiring a bachelor’s degree and completion of courses in basic and behavioral sciences as prerequisites. Incoming PA students bring with them an average of more than 3,000 hours of direct patient contact experience, having worked as paramedics, athletic trainers, or medical assistants, for example. PA programs are approximately 27 months (three academic years) after earning a bachelor’s degree, and include classroom instruction and more than 2,000 hours of clinical rotations.
 
 
What is the public perception of PAs?
 
PAs are trusted healthcare providers. A 2022 NCCPA study found that over two thirds of respondents reported having received medical care from a PA. The same study found more than 93% of patients were satisfied with medical care rendered by a PA. Respondents reported that they believed PAs are well educated in medicine and have more time to spend with patients regarding their medical concerns.*
 
Likewise, a 2023 Harris Poll found extremely high satisfaction rates among Americans who have seen a PA or have a family member who has seen a PA. The survey found that 90 percent regard PAs as trusted healthcare providers and 91 percent believe that PAs are part of the solution to address the shortage of healthcare providers.**
 
*“Public Perceptions of Physician Assistants Reporter from 2018 and 2022 Surveys.” The most recent NCCPA survey was conducted in January 2022 with 1,521 respondents.
 
**”The Patient Experience: Perspectives on Today’s Healthcare.” The research was conducted online in the U.S. by The Harris Poll on behalf of AAPA among 2,519 adults age 18+. The survey was conducted from February 23 – March 9, 2023. Interviews were conducted in English and Spanish.
 
 
For more information please visit: https://www.aapa.org/about/what-is-a-pa/

​Thank you to our dedicated PAs
Barb Brittell
Leon Koenck
Lon Transue

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