About Physician Assistants
Physician Assistants (PAs) are trained healthcare providers who work under the supervision of a physician. PAs work in a variety of clinical team settings to complement existing services and help improve patient access to quality health care.
PA Regulation
On April 1, 2021, PAs will come under CPSA regulation. We’ve supported this move for years and welcome them as the newest regulated member of Alberta’s healthcare team.
As professionals supervised by physicians, PAs will follow all CPSA Standards of Practice and comply with our continuing competence requirements.
We’re still working on all the details for this change. We will update this page and connect with PAs directly as more information becomes available.
History of PAs
Physician assistants have a long history serving Canadians either in the public healthcare system or in the Canadian Armed Forces. While this may be the first time many have heard of PAs, they’ve played an important role in health care for decades.
"Physician assistants have played an important role in health care for decades."
- Dr. Scott McLeod, CPSA Registrar
Physician Assistant FAQs
All FAQsAs a CPSA registered physician assistant, can I bill Alberta Health for my services?
No. Physician assistants cannot bill Alberta Health independently. PAs are paid by their group or Primary Care Network (PCN).
How can I hire a physician assistant?
The Canadian Association of Physician Assistants (CAPA) posts PA positions on their website free of charge for employers. CAPA can also email job advertisements to their Canada-wide membership (~700 PAs) for a fee of $250. See more information.
How does the role of physician assistant differ from other healthcare professionals?
This chart helps explain how PAs fit in among others who provide similar levels of care:
| Physician Assistant (PA) | Clinical Assistant | Nurse Practitioner (NP) |
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I’m a physician assistant and I’ve voluntarily registered with CPSA. Will I need to register again in April?
Previously, our process was to maintain a listing of PAs who voluntarily shared their names, credentials and contact information with us. As of April 1, 2021, PAs will need to formally register with CPSA. More details will be shared as we approach that date.
What is CPSA’s responsibility regarding physician assistants?
Starting April 1, 2021, CPSA will begin regulating PAs. We have long supported the physician assistant regulation, and we’ve been engaged with PAs since 2010. Currently, there are over 60 PAs who have voluntarily registered with CPSA.
What is a physician assistant?
Physician assistants (PAs) are healthcare professionals who have the knowledge, training and skills to provide a broad range of medical services within healthcare teams. PAs provide care to patients under the supervision of a physician registered for independent practice in Alberta.
What responsibilities do physician assistants have as regulated healthcare professionals?
As professionals supervised by physicians, PAs will be expected to follow all CPSA Standards of Practice and comply with CPSA continuing competence requirements.
Once under CPSA regulation, PAs will need to formally register with CPSA. If you are a PA, watch for more information about our PA registration process.
What services are offered by a physician assistant?
The services offered by a PA depend on the individual PA-physician relationship. Some PAs see and assess patients, take patient histories, perform physical exams, educate patients, perform procedures, assist in surgery and more. PAs provide these types of services under physician supervision.
What type of education is needed to become a physician assistant?
PAs in Canada receive their medical education through university programs designed to meet competencies outlined by the Canadian Association of Physician Assistants (CAPA). There are 4 PA education programs in Canada, and each program sets its own admission requirements.
Will physician assistants need to renew their registrations every year?
Yes, PAs will renew their registration annually.
Will there be a registration fee for PAs?
Yes, PAs will pay a fee to register with CPSA, and when renewing their registration annually. We will share fee information once it is available.