As I review the data from this year’s Statistical Report of Certified Physician Assistants, I harken back to what I said on the 50th anniversary of the profession, “Certified PAs are valuable members of health care teams, and the demand for our services continues to grow.” Two years later, I am pleased to note that not only are certified PAs currently meeting that demand by collectively treating 9.1 million patients per week, we are poised to do so well into the future. From 2013 to 2018 the rate of certified PAs per 100,000 population increased from 31 to 40. This is especially important as 13% of U.S. patients currently live in a county with less than one primary care physician per 2,000 patients. Recent research indicates that this shortage will only worsen in the years to come, as fewer providers choose to enter primary care and more age into retirement. The increase in the number of PA programs provides some hope in this regard, as the number of PA educational programs increased from 180 in 2013 and to 238 in 2018. The PA workforce continues to grow! We can report that many of the aforementioned patients are being seen by PAs in a hospital setting, as for the first time since we began this publication six years ago, more certified PAs are choosing to work in hospitals as opposed to office-based private practices. As the need for certified PAs has grown, compensation for PA services has also increased. Over the last six years, the average salary for certified PAs increased 15.7%, with the average salary being $110,567 in 2018. From growing opportunities to provide high quality health care for millions of patients who need it, to more college graduates entering the profession and increased compensation for PA services– the professional outlook for PAs continues to be bright. NCCPA is able to serve as the most comprehensive aggregate source on the PA profession, due to more than 89% of
certified PAs who complete and update their profile throughout the year. We appreciate PAs for their willingness to help promote greater understanding of the profession. NCCPA stands with the profession and looks to the year ahead as we continue to demonstrate the positive impact that certified PAs have on the nation’s health care system, and why we are indeed essential members of health care teams.

I hope the information in this report is helpful.

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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.