Physician's assistants work under the supervision of a physician, who can be on or off site.
PAs receive two years of postgraduate training and pass a national certifying exam.
They are licensed by the states. Many health care analysts believe that physician's assistants, who typically deliver quality routine health care less expensively than doctors, could be an important part of the American health care system, as they are in Canada and some European countries. Despite the fact that the profession originated in the United States, strict regulations have limited opportunities there. Licensed from Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.