Chapter 10: Physician Assistant

• In 2021, 277 education programs for PAs were accredited.
• PAs held about 125,500 jobs in 2019.
• All jurisdictions require PAs to pass the PANCE.
• What does PANCE stand for?

  Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination
• Who is the PANCE administered by?

  The NCCPA
• What does NCCPA stand for?

  The National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants
• To remain certified, PAs must complete 100 hours of continuing medical education every two years.
• PA programs usually last at least 2 years in a postgrad setting.
• Around 54% of jobs for PAs were in the offices of physicians
• Around 26% of jobs for PAs were in public or private hospitals
• The rest of jobs for PAs were in outpatient care centers
• PAs must complete an accredited education program and pass a national exam to become licensed