Physician Assistants & Nurse Practitioners
At Beacon Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, there are many Physician Assistants that work with the physicians in the office and assist in the operating room. Our Nurse Practitioners are also a valuable part of the team as they help in a clinical capacity and supplement our orthopedic urgent cares. Each Physician-PA team has developed their own working relationship to give our patients the best care and to allow the physician to work as efficiently as possible.
What is a Physician Assistant?
- A PA is a healthcare provider who has graduated from a credentialed master’s level PA program.
- A PA must pass a certifying exam by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.
- A PA is required to complete continuing medical education and pass a recertification exam every 6-10 years.
What are typical Physician Assistant duties?
- Perform physical exams
- Order and interpret labs and diagnostic procedures
- Formulate diagnoses
- Implement treatment plans in collaboration with their supervising physician
- Provide therapeutic injections
- Order and apply splinting and casting
- Assist the supervising surgeon in the operating room
- Prescribe medications, Physical Therapy, and orthopedic devices
Physician Assistants at Beacon Orthopaedics
All of the PAs practice under the supervision of one of our physicians. The PAs at Beacon Orthopaedics are an integral part of the healthcare team. They work very closely with their supervising physician to treat the orthopedic needs of the patient. This team approach provides patients with increased availability, increased patient satisfaction, and a high level of orthopedic care.
For more information about PAs click here.
What is a Nurse Practitioner?
- An NP is a healthcare provider who has graduated from a master’s or doctoral program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
- Depending on the state, an NP must completed 1,500-2,500 hours of advanced practice in the last 3 years.
- An NP must renew their certification every five years through the board and the state.
What are typical Nurse Practitioner duties?
- Managing care for patients with musculoskeletal conditions or injuries
- Perform physical exams
- Order and interpret labs and diagnostic procedures
- Prescribe medications, Physical Therapy, and orthopedic devices
- Formulate diagnoses
- Implement treatment plans in collaboration with their supervising physician
- Order and apply splinting and casting
- Orthopaedic Nurse Practitioners may assist surgeons in the operating room
- Some orthopaedic Nurse Practitioners provide therapeutic injections
