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The PA ProfessionBackgroundThe first educational program for physician assistants opened in 1965 in response to a perceived shortage and maldistribution of physicians. Accordingly, the physician assistant (or physician associate) was initially viewed as a substitute for the doctor; the PA was an individual who, with appropriate supervision, would provide medical care to rural and other medically underserved populations in place of a physician. Recently, The American Academy of Physician Assistants, the Association of PA Programs and the National Commission on the Certification of Physician Assistants created a document which outlines the Competencies of the Physician Assistant Profession. Educated in the medical model, a PA is defined by the American Academy of Physician Assistants as "a health professional who practices medicine with the supervision of a licensed physician." Physician utilization of physician assistants creates a unique health care team dedicated equally to 1) increasing accessibility to high quality health care, 2) providing comprehensive health care services, 3) maintaining an atmosphere of caring and trust between the patient, the family, and the health care team, and 4) improving the continuity of patient care within the health care system. The PA is distinguished from other health care professionals by his/her education as a generalist, by the breadth of his/her clinical knowledge, by the extent to which s/he is given decision-making authority regarding patient care, diagnosis, and treatment, and by the depth of his/her clinical experience. PAs practice medicine in all 50 states as well as internationally. Currently 48 states, the District of Columbia, and Guam have granted PAs prescriptive practice legislation. The American Academy of Physician AssistantsIn 1968, the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) was organized as the professional organization for physician assistants. Its objectives include aiding the ongoing development, evaluation, and acceptance of the physician assistant concept. (It serves as a forum and clearing house for such professional business as insurance, employment, and continuing medical education.) Students and graduates of PA programs are encouraged to become members of the Academy and have the opportunity to participate in the continuing development of the PA profession. For many years, students, graduates and faculty of the Yale PA Program have held leadership roles. The Association of Physician Assistant ProgramsThe Association of Physician Assistant Programs (APAP) was established in September 1972 and currently represents one hundred thirty-two member programs. The programs collaborate on educational issues such as admissions criteria, curriculum design, evaluation studies, and PA work force patterns. Please visit the Association of Physician Assistant Programs web site for more information regarding Physician Assistant Education. The Connecticut Academy of Physician AssistantsThe Connecticut Academy of Physician Assistants is the state chapter of the AAPA. Chartered by the AAPA in 1976, its goal is to further the PA concept while being responsive to the specific professional needs of the state membership. Perhaps its most important function is to initiate and support state legislation fostering the growth of the PA profession. Conn-APA publishes a members' newsletter, acts as a contact for new PAs coming into the state, provides scholarships for PA students, and sponsors continuing medical education programs. National Commission on Certification of Physician AssistantsBeyond initial certification, the NCCPA also maintains a system for certificate reregistration (every two years) based on continuing education requirements and recertification by examination every six years. The certification exam is offered annually to graduates of accredited PA programs. Over 99% of Yale graduates have been certified - 97% on their first exam attempt. Visit the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants Web site. Legal IssuesBetween 1971 and 1991, Connecticut PAs practiced under Public Health Act 171 which stipulated that legal prohibition against the practice of medicine would not apply to physician assistants. An additional statement defining "the physician assistant" according to necessary education and national certification was added in 1981. On January 1, 1991, a new law on PA licensure and prescriptive rights was enacted. The law, which replaced the former delegatory legislation, allows for the licensure of PAs and grants PAs the authority to prescribe, dispense, and administer controlled substances. Criteria for full Connecticut PA licensure include a baccalaureate degree, graduation from an accredited PA program, passage of the NCCPA certification exam, maintenance of continuing education requirements, 60 hours of pharmacology instruction, and appropriate application and renewal fees. There are provisions for temporary licensure as well. This law precludes individuals lacking minimal credentials from identifying themselves as PAs. Information regarding licensure requirements and application can be found at State of Connecticut Department of Public Health. The question of malpractice frequently arises among individuals seeking information regarding the profession. Since PAs share legal, ethical, and moral responsibility for patients' care with their supervising physicians, they must carry malpractice insurance. This insurance is available to them as riders to the malpractice policies of employing physicians, or is provided by the institutions where they work. Such insurance is also available on an individual basis through the American Academy of Physician Assistants. Graduate Employment OpportunitiesBecause of their extensive training, physician assistants have a wide variety of employment options. These opportunities include working in private or group practices, in hospitals and in Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), or public clinics. In all cases, the physician assistant must work with the supervision of a licensed physician while their employer may be an individual, a group, or an agency. The Yale Program maintains employment listings to aid students in their job search. In addition, a Seminar on Employment is offered to students during their second year in the Program. The Seminar reviews topics such as writing a resumé, negotiating contracts, and PA salary scales and benefits. The salaries of PAs are commensurate with their status as professionals. As PAs work alongside physicians, their hours are similar. Salaries differ throughout the country according to geographic areas, practice settings, and PA responsibilities.
Last modified: Thursday, 27-Sep-2007 15:27:24 EDT
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