A PA-C stands for Physician Assistant-Certified. A PA-C is a licensed healthcare professional who has completed specialized medical training and has passed a national certification exam (PANCE) administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). They are trained to diagnose and treat illnesses, provide preventive care, order tests, prescribe medications, and perform some medical procedures, all under the supervision or in collaboration with a physician. PA-Cs often work alongside doctors and other healthcare providers to deliver quality care. They typically complete around two years of graduate-level training, including extensive clinical rotations, which is less training than a medical doctor (MD). While PA-Cs are not doctors, they provide many of the same medical services and help extend healthcare access by managing routine patient care and assisting in more complex cases when needed. In summary, a PA-C is a certified physician assistant who works closely with doctors to provide medical care, but does not have the full independent practice authority of a medical doctor.
