PAs are considered a mid-level healthcare provider, similar to a Nurse Practitioner (NP), but receive education based on the medical model as opposed to the nursing model. The degree of autonomy depends on the state, workplace, and coworkers. They are able to prescribe medicine and see patients independently, but they (usually) still work under a physician and collaborate with their medical team.

For example, a PA at a teaching hospital (like UMich) would likely not perform many procedures since med students, residents, and fellows are learning in the same environment. Alternatively, a PA in a private office might perform more procedures since they’re less invasive (thus not requiring a MD degree) and don’t have students/residents/fellows learning to do procedures alongside them.

Below are some articles to better understand the profession:

• AAPA’s **What Is a PA** - AAPA (American Academy of Physician Assistants) is the primary organization for PAs, and they have useful resources for PAs and some for PA students and more (but some cost money)
• MCPHS’ [**PA vs NP Professions](https://www.mcphs.edu/about-mcphs/news/difference-between-physician-assistant-and-nurse-practitioner#:~:text=Physician assistants train using the,the patient with the disease.)** - Mass Gen Hospital’s article on what differentiates a PA vs NP