AAPA

AAPA Statement on NCCPA Announcement Regarding Specialty Certification

On August 11, 2009, the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) released a statement announcing that it will introduce a new voluntary specialty certification program for physician assistants (PAs) in emergency medicine, orthopedic surgery, cardiovascular surgery, nephrology and psychiatry in 2011. As a matter of policy, the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), is opposed to specialty certification and to the use of specialty examinations that could reduce the profession’s versatility and flexibility. AAPA remains committed to the concept of preserving the ability of PAs to maintain such clinical flexibility, which continues to be a hallmark of the PA profession.

The AAPA recognizes the NCCPA as an independent certifying body, not bound by AAPA’s policies, and views the emerging options for PAs in specialty practice as an important topic for ongoing discussion and communication with our members, non-members and physician colleagues.

NCCPA’s decision follows several years of deliberation in which various interested parties, including AAPA, participated. The Academy independently continues to review and consider options that assist practicing PAs to improve their skills and enhance their ability to provide the highest level of care for their patients.

The AAPA looks forward to learning more about the specialty certification process to be launched by NCCPA.

1. PA Programs: PA Educational Programs are accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA), the sole such accrediting body in the U.S.
2. CME: AAPA offers a variety of services related to continuing medical education (CME). Information on AAPA CME approval processes, listing of approved AAPA CME activities and materials, post-test processing, and PANCE/PANRE review materials are included on the following pages.
3. Certification: Issued by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA), the Physician Assistant-Certified (PA-C) credential is a mark of professional accomplishment, indicating the achievement and maintenance of established levels of knowledge and clinical skills. The PA-C credential is widely recognized within the medical professions and beyond. In fact, all 50 states, the District of Columbia and the American territories have decided to rely on NCCPA certification as one of the criteria for licensure or regulation of physician assistants.
4. PA Development Toolbox: Physician assistants exercise leadership skills in all levels of their personal and professional lives - in their clinical practices, volunteer organizations, families, and community outreach. Recognizing this, the AAPA Leadership and Professional Development Council manages the PA Toolbox to provide you with the resources or tools that you need to enhance your development.