APCs receive extensive education and training that’s built on the same basic premise as a physician, including internal medicine. In the case of a CRNP, it requires an accredited, approved master's or postmaster's nurse practitioner program. A PA-C needs an undergraduate degree and physician assistant master’s degree. In addition to formal education, APCs customarily receive additional physician-supervised training. There also is mandated continuing education.
Michele Hartzell, PA-C, is Assistant Chief Quality and Patient Safety Officer for LVHN. She specializes in emergency medicine. “APCs are involved in nearly all areas. We’re trained to care for patients in all facets of their treatment,” she says. “We’re diagnosing, ordering tests, prescribing medication, performing procedures, and much more. The list is extensive and we’re all in.”