What is a Physician Assistant (PA)?

NAVIGATE

What is a PA?

Becoming a PA

PA Education

PA Certification

PA Scope of Practice

Specialties

PA Practice by province

PA Organizations 

SECTION 1

What is a PA?

Physician Assistants (PAs) are healthcare professionals who work in collaboration with physicians and other healthcare providers to deliver patient care.

Rooted in the concept of team-based care, PAs work under the supervision of licensed physicians, but they possess the autonomy to perform a wide range of clinical tasks and procedures.

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How to become a PA in Canada

To gain admission to a PA program in Canada, you must meet several key requirements. These ensure that applicants are well-prepared for the rigorous training and responsibilities that come with the PA role.

  1. Eligibility: Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

  2. Meet Admission Requirements: Complete required courses, minimum GPA, and gain healthcare experience. Coursework required is usually at a university/undergraduate level. What is required will vary between PA programs.

  3. Apply to a PA Program: Submit necessary documents and pass the interview process. What is required will vary between PA programs. View PA programs in Canada.

  4. Complete PA Program: Includes didactic learning and clinical rotations.

  5. Certification: Pass the PA Entry to Practice Exam to become a Canadian Certified Physician Assistant (CCPA).

  6. Job Search: Use resources like CAPA and hospital job boards to find a PA position.

  7. Maintain Certification: Complete Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours.

SECTION 3

PA Education

PA programs are offered programs typically last two years and combine didactic instruction with hands-on clinical training to create a well-rounded and competent healthcare professional.

PA School Year 1 (PA-S1)

1st year of PA school consists of didactic, classroom learning supplemented with hands-on clinical skills where students learn medical foundations. There is also early exposure to health care through clinical placements in the first year. This comprehensive curriculum covers essential medical sciences, clinical medicine, pharmacology, ethics, and patient communication. Students learn to perform physical examinations, interpret diagnostic tests, and develop clinical reasoning skills.

PA School Year 2 (PA-S2)

2nd year of PA school consists of clinical placements in core and elective rotations. Students gain practical experience in various medical specialties including Family Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine, Psychiatry, Geriatrics, Women’s Health, Paediatrics, Surgery and more. These rotations take place in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings, where students work alongside healthcare professionals to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios.

During their clinical rotations, PA students are assigned preceptors who are experienced healthcare providers. Under their guidance, students develop practical skills, enhance clinical decision-making, and gain exposure to different patient populations.

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PA Certification

In Canada, Physician Assistants (PAs) are certified through the Physician Assistant Certification Council of Canada (PACCC). This certification is essential for PAs to practice in Canada and demonstrates that they meet the national standards for competency and practice in the profession.

Step 1: Complete an Accredited PA Program

Candidates must graduate from a Physician Assistant program that is accredited by the Canadian Medical Association’s Conjoint Accreditation Services (or an equivalent recognized by PACCC). In Canada, there are a few key programs, such as those offered by:

View Overview of PA Programs where we cover stats, class sizes, curriculum overview and admission requirements.

Step 2: Pass the PACCC Certification Exam

  • After completing the PA program, graduates must pass the PA Entry to Practice Certification Examination administered by PACCC. This exam is typically offered once a year and tests the candidate's knowledge and skills across various areas of medical practice.

  • The exam is comprehensive, covering topics like clinical medicine, diagnostics, therapeutics, and professional practice.

Step 3: Obtain the CCPA Credential

  • Upon passing the certification exam, candidates are awarded the Canadian Certified Physician Assistant (CCPA) designation. This credential signifies that the individual has met the national standards for entry-level PA practice in Canada.

Step 4: Main Certification

  • Continuing Professional Development (CPD): CCPAs must participate in ongoing professional development to maintain their certification. This includes completing a minimum of 40 CPD credits every two years.

  • Certification Renewal: The CCPA designation must be renewed every five years, which includes demonstrating ongoing professional development and maintaining a current practice.

Importance of PACCC Certification

  • Professional Recognition: The PACCC certification ensures that PAs are recognized as qualified healthcare professionals capable of providing high-quality care.

  • Employment Requirement: Many employers, including provincial health authorities and the Canadian Armed Forces, require PACCC certification for employment as a PA.

  • Consistency of Care: Certification ensures that all PAs across Canada meet the same rigorous standards, which supports consistent and high-quality care across the healthcare system.

SECTION 5

PA Scope of Practice

Physician Assistants' scope of practice in Canada encompasses a wide range of medical and clinical responsibilities, allowing them to provide comprehensive and patient-centred care under the supervision of licensed physicians.

The scope of practice for PAs may vary slightly across provinces and territories, but their core functions remain consistent.

Here are some key components of their scope of practice:

  • Patient-Focused, Culturally Competent Care: PAs are dedicated to providing patient-centred care that is respectful of each individual's cultural background, beliefs, and preferences. They establish a strong rapport with patients, ensuring open communication and active involvement in healthcare decisions. This patient-focused approach enhances patient satisfaction and overall health outcomes.

  • Patient Assessment: Physician Assistants are trained to conduct thorough patient assessments, which include taking detailed medical histories and performing comprehensive physical examinations. These assessments help in the accurate diagnosis and formulation of treatment plans.

  • Ordering and Interpreting Investigations: PAs have the authority to order and interpret various investigations, such as blood tests, imaging (x-rays, CT scan, MRI, ultrasound, etc.) and other diagnostic procedures, which aids in the timely diagnosis and treatment of patients.

  • Diagnosis and Treatment Planning: Physician Assistants excel in clinical reasoning and are skilled at formulating comprehensive differential diagnoses. They analyze patient data, interpret test results, and collaborate with physicians to arrive at accurate and timely diagnoses, which is crucial for initiating appropriate treatments promptly.

  • Prescribing Medications: Under the guidance and supervision of a licensed physician, PAs are authorized to prescribe medications to patients. This includes both ongoing prescriptions for chronic conditions and short-term medications for acute illnesses.

  • Procedures and Interventions: Physician Assistants are trained to perform minor medical procedures and interventions. These may include suturing wounds, administering injections, lumbar punctures, casting and reduction of fractures, joint injections, removing sutures or staples, and providing wound care.

  • Patient Education: PAs play a crucial role in patient education. They take the time to explain medical conditions, treatment options, and preventive measures to patients, empowering them to actively participate in their healthcare decisions.

  • Collaboration with Healthcare Team: Physician Assistants are adept at collaborating with various members of the healthcare team, such as nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists, and social workers. This teamwork ensures comprehensive and coordinated care for patients.

  • Surgical First Assist: In some healthcare settings, PAs may assist in surgical procedures, working closely with surgeons and other surgical team members to ensure smooth and safe operations.

  • Medical Documentation: PAs are responsible for maintaining detailed medical documentation, including progress notes, discharge summaries, and admission orders. This ensures accurate and continuous communication between healthcare providers and supports seamless transitions of care.

  • On-call/Pager Responsibilities: In certain healthcare settings, PAs may have on-call or pager responsibilities, responding to urgent medical situations and providing timely medical advice and intervention.

  • Follow-up Care: PAs often handle follow-up care for patients after hospital discharge or medical visits. They ensure patients' progress is monitored, and any necessary adjustments to treatment plans are made.

  • Patient Advocacy: Physician Assistants serve as advocates for their patients, ensuring that their concerns and preferences are heard and respected. They work to address any barriers to healthcare access and promote patient well-being throughout their treatment journey.

Learn more about the PA role and scope of practice.

SECTION 6

Specialties PAs can work in

One of the key strengths of Physician Assistants lies in their ability to work across a wide range of medical specialties, making them valuable assets in various healthcare settings. Scope of practice reflects the supervising physician they work with.

Some specialties PAs can work with can include (but are not limited to):

  • Family Medicine

  • Emergency Medicine

  • Surgery

  • Pediatrics

  • Internal Medicine

  • Orthopaedic Surgery

  • Dermatology

  • Psychiatry

  • Cardiology

  • Oncology

  • Geriatrics

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN)

  • Nephrology

  • Neurology

  • Endocrinology

  • Urology

  • Pulmonology

  • Gastroenterology

  • Infectious Disease

  • Rheumatology

  • Hematology

  • Pain Management

  • Occupational Medicine

  • Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R)

  • Radiology

  • Plastic Surgery

  • ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat)

  • Allergy and Immunology

  • Sports Medicine

  • Palliative Care/Hospice

Lateral Mobility

Lateral mobility refers to the ability of Physician Assistants (PAs) to move between different medical specialties during their careers. Unlike some healthcare professionals who are often trained and restricted to a single specialty, PAs have the flexibility to switch fields without needing to undergo entirely new formal education.

This is because PAs are trained in a broad, general medical model that equips them with the foundational knowledge and skills to work in various areas of medicine. For example, a PA who starts their career in emergency medicine could later transition to dermatology or orthopaedics with additional on-the-job training and experience.

This flexibility is a significant advantage of the PA profession, allowing PAs to pursue different interests and respond to changing healthcare needs throughout their careers.

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Where PAs Practice in Canada

900+ PAs are working across Canada.

At the beginning of 2023, PAs worked in 5 provinces - Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.

Towards the end of 2023, legislation and/or pilot programs were introduced in 5 more provinces including BC, Saskatchewan, Quebec, PEI and Newfoundland and Labrador.

Each province is at a different stage in integrating and regulating PAs, reflecting varied approaches to addressing healthcare system demands and workforce challenges.

The Canadian Association of Physician Assistants continues with efforts to expand the scope and recognition of PAs, with legislative changes, and the introduction of PAs in more provinces and territories. 

SECTION 8

Last updated November 9, 2024.