University of New England

Physician assistants (PAs) are health professionals licensed to practice medicine with physician supervision. Physician assistants are qualified by graduation from an accredited physician assistant educational program and/or certification by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.

Within the physician/PA relationship, physician assistants exercise autonomy in medical decision making and provide a broad range of diagnostic and therapeutic services. The clinical role of physician assistants includes primary and specialty care in medical and surgical practice settings in rural and urban areas. Physician assistant practice is centered on patient care and may include educational, research and administrative activities.

The mission of the University of New England Physician Assistant Program is to prepare master's-level primary care physician assistants who practice with physicians and other members of the health care team. Special emphasis is placed on educating clinicians who will provide healthcare to rural and urban under served populations. The University of New England is committed to developing practitioners who are skilled in primary medical care, geriatrics, health promotion and public health practice.