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The profession of a PA was developed to improve and expand healthcare. Due to a shortage in primary care physicians. A class of PAs was created at Duke University Medical Center by Eugene A. Stead, Jr., MD in 1965. The educational program provided to this class included Eugene’s knowledge of how quickly doctors were trained during WWII. Based on his war experience, he also chose the professors to conduct this program from the Navy Hospital. The first PA class graduated on Oct. 6, 1967. -
The American Academy of Physician Associates was established in North Carolina during 1968. The first class of graduates from the Duke program were the initial members. -
The first woman, Joyce Nichols, to be formally educated as a PA. She is also the first African-American woman to practice as a PA. -
The PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination ) was exam required to become certified as a physician assistant. The national AAPA and Association of Physician Assistant Programs headquarters was established in Washington, D.C. which consisted of 300 members. -
The nationwide dissemination of physician assistant as an established profession occurs in the 1980s. All states authorize the delegation of responsibility by the physician to the physician assistant and prescription writing in the majority of states. More employment seen within physician offices of physician assistants. Officer status within the military is offered to members that are physician assistants. -
Recertification by examination is introduced by the NCCPA. PA reimbursement services were approved under Medicare, Part B. -
Accredited PA Programs increase to 114 from 45. Smaller colleges, affiliated with hospitals in their community, were offering new programs. Master’s degree for PA programs became a trend due to the majority of the applicants to the new programs already had a baccalaureate degree. More employment opportunities available than the number of graduates from the programs. -
PAs become recognized as covered providers at a uniform rate of pay by the Balanced Budget Act. -
ARC-PA is a freestanding accreditation agency. CAP (Central Application Service) is launched for PAs. Celebration of PA profession 40th anniversary which causes interest internationally to grow. -
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was signed by President Obama. This act insured an additional 20-30 million patients which required additional PA employment. Physician Assistant degrees are rated as most desirable for opportunities, satisfaction with job and income. -
Certificate of Added Qualifications are added by the NCCPA for PA credentials in a specialty.