This course traces the history, development and current status of the physician assistant profession. Students will explore the role of the physician assistant as part of the health care team. The student will research and investigate the state and national legislation that governs the profession. Topics will include a historical perspective of the profession, current trends and issues of the profession; the PA role in health care delivery, competencies integral to the PA profession; political and legal factors that affect PA practice; importance of biomedical ethics, patient confidentiality and professionalism, in relation to their role as health care providers; content reviewing the professional organizations, program accreditation, graduate certification, certification maintenance, license application, employment issues and professional liability will be discussed.