Physician assistants (PAs) are health professionals who practice medicine under a doctor's supervision in medical and surgical settings. They can perform routine exams, order lab work and X-rays, prescribe medicines, and counsel people about their health.

A physician assistant completes an accredited PA program after college. After graduating, he or she is eligible to take an entry-to-practice exam administered by the Physician Assistant's Certification Council (PACC). Each province has its own regulations for physician assistants. Not all provinces have PAs.