Free Physician Assistant General Information Questions and Answers

Question 1

What position does PA have among US News and World Report's "top 100 jobs"?

Accepted Answer

3

Answer

Physician Assistant has consistently ranked near the very top of U.S. News & World Report's Best Jobs list, placing 3rd in the cited ranking. The other positions don't match the report's listed standing for the PA profession.

Question 2

Feldshers in Russia received instruction in the 1650s.

Accepted Answer

2.5 years

Answer

Feldshers in Russia in the 1650s typically received about 2.5 years of training, including basic medical skills such as bloodletting, wound care, and childbirth.

Question 3

Who established MEDEX?

Accepted Answer

Richard Smith

Answer

MEDEX (Medicine Extension) was established in 1969 by Richard Smith and John Coombs at the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle, Washington, to train physician assistants to provide primary care services in rural and underserved areas.

Question 4

How many PA programs are there right now?

Accepted Answer

282

Answer

As of September 2025, there are 282 accredited PA programs in the United States.

Question 5

Which DOES NOT fall under IPC's purview?

Accepted Answer

Lower or stabilized costs

Answer

Lower or stabilized costs are not a competency of IPC.

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Free Physician Assistant General Information Questions and Answers