Physician Assistant McMaster University

Overview

Physician Assistants (PAs) are health care professionals who work under the supervision of a physician.

Physician assistants (PAs) are health care professionals who work with physicians to provide health care. Under the overall supervision of a physician, PAs take histories, conduct physical examinations, order and interpret tests, diagnose and treat illnesses, counsel on preventive health care and may assist in surgery. A PA’s practice may also include education, research and administration.

More information on the role of the Physician Assistant in Ontario can be found on the HealthForceOntario website.

Career information and after graduation of the McMaster University Physician Assistant Education Program

• The program recommends all graduates register with the Canadian Physician Assistant Association (CAPA). CAPA is the professional body representing PAs and PA practice in Canada. Additional information is available on the CAPA website
• PAEP graduates are eligible to challenge the National Certification Exam through the Physician Assistant Certification Council of Canada (PACCC). Additional information is available on the CAPA website
• PAEP graduates work in a variety of medical settings, including clinics, hospitals, and community settings. Graduates may also be interested in research, medical education, quality assurance, management, or administrative roles. Graduates may also choose to be employed in more than one setting depending on personal preferences (specialty of choice, combination of part time roles, role flexibility, etc.)
• Health Professional Regulatory requirements change from province to province and are subject to change