匹茲堡大學(xué)布拉德福德分校

Physician Assistants (PAs) are health care professionals that are either licensed or credentialed to practice medicine with physician supervision. The original PA curriculum was based on the fast track training of physicians during World War II. The scope of PA practice includes: obtaining the patient history and performing a physical examination, diagnosing and treating illness, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, patient education and counseling, assisting in surgery, and prescribing medications. PAs are also involved in education, administration and research.

Students interested in pursuing a career as a Physician Assistant will eventually need to earn a master’s degree. The Master of Science Physician Assistant Studies program prepares students to become highly qualified physician assistants, who will serve as tomorrow’s leaders in the provision of patient‐centered care, education and professional service. The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC‐PA) has granted Accreditation – Continued to the University of Pittsburgh Physician Assistant Program sponsored by the University of Pittsburgh. Continued accreditation is an accreditation status granted when a currently accredited program is in compliance with the ARC‐PA Standards.

Graduates of the professional program are eligible to sit for the Physician Assistant National Certification Exam (PANCE) administered by the National Commission on Certification of the Physician Assistant (NCCPA). All States and the District of Columbia have legislation governing the qualifications or practice of physician assistants. All jurisdictions require physician assistants to pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination. Only those successfully completing the examination may use the credential “Physician Assistant‐ Certified.” To remain certified, PAs must complete 100 hours of continuing medical education every 2 years. Every 10 years, they must pass a recertification examination (PANRE).