Nurse Practitioners & Physician Assistants

A nurse practitioner is a registered nurse, Master of Science prepared, who is certified to practice primary health care. A physician assistant is a college graduate who has completed a two-year curriculum in basic sciences taught by physicians and PA's, followed by clinical practice and rotations through the medical specialties. Nurse practitioners and physician assistants are recognized as primary care providers and provide direct patient care. They see patients for routine exams, diagnose and treat common health problems, order and interpret studies such as lab tests and x-rays, and provide prenatal care, women's health care and well baby exams. They are expert in the areas of prevention and guidance.

In our offices, nurse practitioners and physician assistants always work as part of a health care team under the direction of a family physician. Patients may request a specific nurse practitioner or physician assistant as their primary care provider if they so desire.