Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners

At many locations, the Family Medicine Department team includes physician assistants and nurse practitioners.

What is a physician assistant?

A physician assistant (P.A.) is a licensed health professional who practices medicine under the supervision of a doctor. As part of the physician/P.A. team, the physician assistant works together closely with your primary care doctor. What a physician assistant can do depends on state regulations as well as the support needed by the doctor.

Physician assistant training programs usually last at least two years. Admission requirements vary by program, but many require at least two years of college and some health care experience. All states require physician assistants to complete an accredited education program and to pass a national exam in order to obtain a license.
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What is a nurse practitioner?

A nurse practitioner (N.P.) is a registered nurse (R.N.) who has completed advanced education (a master's degree at minimum) and training in the diagnosis and management of common medical conditions, including chronic illnesses such as diabetes and asthma.

Like physician assistants, nurse practitioners provide a broad range of health care services and work in partnership with a primary care physician. What a nurse practitioner can do depends on the regulations of the state and the scope of practice defined by the doctors in the group.

To be licensed, a nurse practitioner must first complete the education and training necessary to be a registered nurse (R.N.). In most cases, state regulations require and professionals and employers in the field strongly recommend a master's degree as a minimal requirement for nurse practitioners.

Both our physician assistants and nurse practitioners at PAMF provide high-quality, cost-effective care under the supervision of your primary care doctor.

Depending on the location, physician assistants and nurse practitioners may perform:

• Routine exams
• Simple office procedures
• Contraceptive counseling
• Vaccinations
• Wound care

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