What is a PA-C?

If you have ever asked the question “What is a PA-C?” or “How is a PA-C different from a PA?”, this blog post is for you! Read more to learn about the role of a physician assistant as well as compare and contrast PA vs PA-C.

PA vs PA-C

A PA, or physician assistant, is a medical provider who is trained to evaluate, examine, order tests, diagnose, and treat patients within a relatively broad scope alongside a collaborating physician. PAs work in a variety of healthcare sectors, from primary care to the ICU, specialty surgery to dermatology and everything in between. A PA-C or Board Certified Physician Assistant is a trained PA who has received and maintained a board certification. 

After completing a PA program, graduates must take and pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE), which is administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). This exam is a comprehensive test of the knowledge and skills that PAs need to practice medicine. Once a PA has passed the PANCE, they are certified by the NCCPA and earn the "PA-C" designation, signifying they are a Certified Physician Assistant. To maintain certification, PAs must complete 100 hours of Continuing Medical Education (CME) every two years and pass the Physician Assistant National Recertifying Exam (PANRE) every ten years.

Interested in learning more about the role of a PA? Read our post!

Are PA and PA-C used interchangeably? 

Most times, PA and PA-C are used interchangeably. Most PA’s will introduce themselves simply as PA’s and leave out the certification designation as this can be confusing to patients. It’s important however to include the “C” in PA-C on all formal documentation, professional communication, research, and other professional engagements as it signifies the provider has maintained board certification with the required CME and recertifying exam. 

Want to learn more about becoming a PA-C? Check out this post!