History of PAs

Creation of PAs

1960

Creator: Eugene A. Stead Jr. M.D.
Created because of primary care physician shortage.

First Surgical Program Opens for PAs

1967

Founded in the University of Alabama

First Class of PAs Graduated

Oct 6, 1967

Graduated from Duke University.

First African American Graduates as a PA

1968

Prentiss Harrison was first PA African American in the country.

AAPA established and incorporated

1968

The American Association of Physician Assistants, or now known as The American Association of Physician Associates, was first established in North Carolina

First Physician Assistant Journal is released

1968

Vol. 1 No. 1

First Woman Graduates as a PA

1970

Joyce Nichol became first woman to graduate as a PA, additionally to being the first African American woman to practice as a PA.

First Six States Authorize PAs

1971

Six states pass legislation authorizing PAs

First PA book is published

1972

The Physician’s Assistant: Today and Tomorrow by Sadler, Sadler, and Bliss

First PA examination

1973

Administered by the National Board of Medical Examiners

First annual PA Day

Oct 6, 1987

20th anniversary of first graduating PAs

PAs get prescriptive authority

1990

PAs are commissioned in every branch of the military

1992

All states pass legislation allowing PAs to practice.

2000

Mississippi was the last state