Message from the President and CEO

We continue to have good news to share about the PA profession—including its impressive growth with over 8,000 new PAs passing the PA National Certifying Exam (PANCE) and earning certification last year. With ARC-PA projecting 52 additional PA programs in the next three years, we anticipate the number of newly-certified PAs will continue to grow at an impressive rate. The growth is not surprising when you consider these new graduates are in high demand, with over three-quarters receiving multiple job offers and over half receiving three or more offers.

This is a tribute to all Certified PAs who have opened up access to high quality, cost-effective care and earned the confidence of physicians and patients alike, based on proven knowledge and skills. Thanks to all who contributed by updating their PA Profile, as this information sheds light on the profession as a whole, and how PA-Cs are improving the healthcare landscape. The future of the profession has never looked brighter.

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About the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants

The National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) is the only certifying organization for the 139,000 physician assistants (PAs) in the United States. The PA-C credential is awarded by NCCPA to PAs who fulfill certification, certification maintenance and recertification requirements. NCCPA also administers the Certificate of Added Qualifications (CAQ) program for experienced, Certified PAs practicing in seven specialties. For more information, visit https://www.nccpa.net.