CAPA's FAQ

Who is CAPA?

CAPA is the Canadian Association of Physician Assistants, a national professional organization which advocates for Physician Assistants (PAs) and represents is membership across Canada and globally. CAPA has set and maintains the national standard of practice for PAs. It assists in providing the National Certification Process, the Certification Exam, and Registry for its members. CAPA's goal is to provide efficacious health professionals to the Canadian public, and to foster the development of the profession in all provinces. By helping to develop educational programs and assisting legislators, CAPA ensures quality health provision for Canadians.

Who are Physician Assistants and what do they do?

Physician Assistants (PAs) are highly skilled health professionals who support physicians in a range of health care settings. In Canada, the PA role was developed within the Canadian Forces Health Services to provide a full spectrum of medical care. PAs have been a safe and effective part of the U.S. health system for over 40 years. With appropriate physician supervision, a PA has the skills and experience to deal with medical emergencies as well as everyday health care needs. Depending on the agreement between the physician and the PA, activities may include conducting patient interviews, histories, physical examinations; performing selected diagnostic and therapeutic interventions; and counseling on preventive health care. PAs are physician extenders not independent practitioners; they work under the direction of a supervising physician within the client/patient-centred care team.

What will Physician Assistants mean for patients?

The PA role is designed to provide Canadians with improved and timelier access to appropriate health care providers, with the goal of improved patient satisfaction and patient care.  Importantly, the literature demonstrates that PAs are effective providers when measured against patient safety, quality of care, and productivity and make a significant contribution to the health care system.

What formal education do Physician Assistants have?

Accredited PA education programs are available in Canada and in the US. The PA education program taught at the Canadian Forces Medical Services School in Borden, Ontario, which includes training at civilian hospitals throughout Canada, has been accredited by the Canadian Medical Association since 20031. Training in accredited programs focuses on understanding the pathophysiology of disease, differential diagnosis determination, and treatment plan development. The Canadian Forces program includes 2,000 hours of clinical rotation in areas such as emergency medicine, pediatrics, internal medicine, orthopedics, sports medicine, general surgery, urology, anesthesia, trauma team and family practice. The University of Nebraska has endorsed this course as equivalent to a U.S.-accredited Bachelor’s PA program.

Where do Physician Assistants practice?

In the Canadian Forces, Physician Assistants support supervising physicians with medical emergencies as well as everyday health care needs. In Manitoba, they have practiced as "clinical assistants" since 2002, primarily in medical and surgical specialties. Ontario currently has numerous PA projects underway, employing PAs in emergency departments, in hospital services, community care centers, and other areas. The Ontario PA initiative is moving well and they hope to have over 100 PAs practicing in the province by March 2008.  In the US, more than 63,000 PAs assist physicians in a variety of settings, including urban neighborhoods, rural communities, hospitals, doctor’s offices, the military and public health. About 50% work in primary care, with the balance in specialties including surgery, internal medicine and emergency care.  
 

Can Physician Assistants safely deliver health care?

Yes. Canadian Forces PAs have been providing care safely in Canada and abroad for many years.  . Studies of PAs practicing in other countries indicate that the in-hospital mortality rate of patients who were treated by PAs is no different from the rates associated with other health professionals.  There is also no difference in incidence of drug reactions, medical errors, or complications, or need for additional medical interventions when care is delivered by PAs.

Are Physician Assistants replacing any other providers?

No.  PAs work to enhance the practice and the lifestyle of the entire medical team. They are integral to the team and supplement, not supplant the work of physicians. PAs work within interprofessional teams that might include nurses, nurse practitioners, physicians, and other providers. Every health professional serving patients brings unique qualities and experiences to the work they do, and does so in collaboration with the rest of the care team

Are Physician Assistants regulated through a college?

In the province of Manitoba, PAs are regulated through the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba.  In other provinces i.e. Ontario, PAs are currently not regulated as seen in other health care providers (e.g. paramedics).   It is however the vision of CAPA to eventually have all PAs regulated within Canada.   

What about insurance for Physician Assistants? 

 
For Certified Canadian Physician Assistant member’s liability insurance is currently available through Willis Insurance.  For other PAs, and in other jurisdictions, health care employees such as PAs would be covered under the employer's comprehensive general liability insurance. The Canadian Medical Protective Association provides professional liability protection to those physicians who supervise and work with PAs. 

What does “CCPA” stand for? What does the "CC" mean?

Canadian Certified Physician Assistant. It means that the person who holds the title has met the defined course of study and has undergone testing by the Physician Assistant's Certification Council (PACC). The PACC is an independent Council of the Canadian Association of Physician Assistant's (CAPA) that administers and maintains the PA certification process. The Certification Council consists of various members that represent a number of different medical professions as well as PAs.

How do I become a Physician Assistant?

At present the only PA education program in Canada is taught at the Canadian Forces Medical Services School in Borden, Ontario, which includes training at civilian hospitals throughout Canada and has been accredited by the Canadian Medical Association.  There has been interest from several educational institutions within Canada to provide PA training including the University of Manitoba which hope to have their program in place by Sep 2008. In the US there are 139 accredited programs with approx. 12,000 current students.