What is a "Physician Assistant, Certified" (PA-C)?
Physician Assistant-Certified. It means that the person who holds the title
has met the defined course of study and has undergone testing by the National
Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. The NCCPA is an independent
organization, and the commissioners represent a number of different medical
professions.
What is an "Orthopaedic Physician Assistant Certified" (OPA-C)?
Orthopaedic Physician Assistant-Certified. A PA with this certification has met
the criteria set forth by the National Board of Certification of Orthopaedic
Physician Assistants and has successfully passed the examination as such, and
maintains the certification by complying with the bylaws of the NBCOBA.
What is a "Surgical First Assistant/Interoperative Assistant"?
A surgical first assistant is a physician assistant who has participated in the
certification program developed by the Liaison Council on Certification for
Surgical Technologists. The advanced SFA credentialing has expanded to include
the first assistant in a "specialist" role.
What is a "Certified Nurse Practitioner" (CNP)?
A Nurse Practitioner is a registered nurse (RN) with advanced training in
diagnosing and treating illness. Nurse Practitioners prescribe medications,
treat illness, and administer physical exams. NPs differ from physicians in
that they focus on prevention, wellness, and education. NPs specialize in
providing all encompassing individualized care.
