In order to keep up with the increasing base of medical knowledge, PAs must practice lifelong learning. Consider that the National Library of Medicine (NLM) added more than 670,000 new medical articles published in 2007 and the FDA approved 127 new drugs between 2000 and 2006. In addition, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) estimates that at least 1.5 million preventable adverse drug reactions occur in the United States each year. According to the IOM, prescription drugs, herbal treatments, and OTC medications are changing so rapidly that clinicians cannot keep up; they need accessible electronic information. To keep their certification, PAs must pass the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) Recertification Examination every 6 years. Educational options include reading journals, textbooks, and review books; attending continuing medical education programs; consulting with colleagues; and doing individual medical information research.

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