PA Workforce

Certificates of Added Qualification are not essential for PAs and should not be forced. But the author will get one anyway.

Gaining an understanding of EHR, starting with learning what meaningful use means, is vital to the the future of the PA profession.

The first PAs trained during the 1970s are now making retirement choices. Instead of dropping out of the medical workforce at 65, some are choosing to remain, though not necessarily maintaining the same activity level or doing the same kind of work.

Health care policy experts generally agree that the United States will face a medical provider shortage in the near future. In recent years, however, other developed nations have also recognized emerging health care provider shortages; and in many of these countries, the establishment of a PA-like profession is a serious option. Recent data suggest that worldwide physician shortages—and thus the establishment of additional PA-like professions outside the United States—are likely.

Any PA student or practicing PA has undoubtedly been asked the question, "What is the difference between a PA and a nurse practitioner (NP)?"