NCCPA recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in Healthcare in 2023
5.19.2023 • The National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) has been selected by Modern Healthcare as one of the 2023 Best Places to Work in Healthcare.
5.1.2023 • A study by the NCCPA published in BMC Medical Education found that most PAs agree that PA certification is important for licensure requirements, for staying up to date with medical knowledge and for providing evidence of continued competency.
4.30.2023 • In the last decade, the PA profession has experienced an impressive 76% growth rate, and PAs interact with an estimated 10.4 million patients every week, according to the latest 2022 Statistical Profile on Board Certified PAs published by NCCPA. In 2013, there were 95,583 Board Certified PAs and by the end of 2022, the number of PAs reached 168,318.
4.28.2023 • The four national PA organizations have come together in the spirit of collaboration to form a collective known as the Cross-Orgs. This assembly is comprised of the AAPA, PAEA, NCCPA, and ARC-PA.
PAEA Gathers Experts to Consider Entry-Level Degree
3.24.2023 • Several speakers made the point that the Summit was never intended to resolve the question of whether a doctoral degree should be the entry-level degree for PAs or whether the master’s degree should continue as the minimum requirement.
“Board Certification” Terminology and Title Change – PA Insights Podcast with NCCPA
3.8.2023 • In this episode, we talk with the NCCPA President and CEO, Dawn Morton-Rias, Ed.D., PA-C, ICE-CCP, FACHE, about the "PA" title change and using the term “Board Certification” when referring to PANCE, PANRE, the PA-C credential, and NCCPA certification.
Newly Released Data on PAs Working in Medically Underserved Areas
3.1.2023 • The report provides data from each state on topics such as race/ethnicity, income, specialty practice areas, and settings, use of telemedicine, job satisfaction, burnout, retirement plans, and more. New to the report this year is information on PAs who practice in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) and Medically Underserved Areas (MUAs).
2.23.2023 • NCCPA continues its commitment of striving to meet the credentialing needs for PAs. Leaders of the Association of PAs in Occupational Medicine (APAOM) reached out to NCCPA expressing interest in a CAQ in occupational medicine, and we are pleased to announce that the NCCPA Board of Directors approved adding this specialty to the CAQ program.
PA-C Hayley Arceneaux makes history for space flight.
12.1.2022 • PA-C Hayley Arceneaux, a pediatric cancer survivor, became the youngest American to go to space last year after she spent three days in orbit on Space-X's Inspiration rocket. She is telling her story in a new book.
NCCPA Update on Board Certification and Title Change Terminology
11.30.2022 • Earlier this year, NCCPA’s Board of Directors examined the use of the term Board Certification when describing the certifying process PAs complete after graduating from an accredited PA program, passing the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination® (PANCE) and maintaining NCCPA certification. Reference to PANCE as “the boards” and NCCPA certification as “board certification” has been in use informally for decades and is routinely cited in credentialing documents.
10.1.2022 • In recognition of PA Week (October 6-12), NCCPA launched the “Certified PA Hero” campaign to increase awareness of Certified PAs and the quality care they provide to patients.
NCCPA Inaugural REPRESENT! Summit – “When They See Us” Recap
9.1.2022 • NCCPA held its first REPRESENT! Summit at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta, GA, September 8-9, 2022. The Summit gathered clinically practicing PAs, PA faculty and educators, PA students and leaders of PA organizations to discuss strategies to develop and sustain Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) efforts in the PA profession, diversify the PA workforce and promote inclusivity within PA educational and workplace settings.
The Latest in HIV Prevention – NCCPA PA Ambassador Talks PrEP Injectable Treatment
8.6.2022 • Martha Patricia Rodriguez, PA-C did not plan to specialize in HIV. As a new mom, she was desperate to find a job with a family-friendly schedule. She searched for PA jobs that would provide the flexibility she needed, and a position in HIV care turned up from a simple online job search.
Important Information Regarding PANRE-LA Eligible PAs
7.18.2022 • We are pleased to inform you that you have two options available for your recertification exam requirement – the new PANRE-Longitudinal Assessment (PANRE-LA) and the traditional PANRE.
NCCPA Board of Directors Approves New CAQ in OBGYN
5.31.2022 • The NCCPA Board of Directors is pleased to announce their approval to develop a new Certificate of Added Qualification (CAQ) in Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN).
Leaders from the Association of PAs in OBGYN (APAOG) reached out to NCCPA to request consideration of a CAQ in this specialty area.
Dermatology PAs: Give Your Feedback on the Dermatology CAQ Content Blueprint
3.14.2022 • PAs currently working in Dermatology are asked to give their feedback on the Dermatology Content Blueprint for the new Dermatology CAQ Exam.
Dermatology and Palliative Medicine/Hospice Care CAQs Coming Soon
12.1.2021 • Two new Certificates of Added Qualifications (CAQs) will soon be available for Certified PAs. Earlier this year, the NCCPA Board of Directors recently approved the development of CAQs for dermatology and palliative medicine/hospice care (PM/HC).
NCCPA Announces Permanent Alternative to PANRE, PANRE-LA
12.1.2021 • Beginning in 2023, PAs will have two options for their recertification assessment. The traditional PANRE that is administered at Pearson VUE test centers will remain as one option, and NCCPA will also launch an official alternative longitudinal, take-at-home process.
10.6.2021 • Each year, NCCPA joins the nation in recognizing PAs’ dedication to providing high-quality, accessible health care to millions of patients across the country. As PAs continue to meet the needs of patients during the pandemic, it is especially time to for celebrate them, and to highlight the value that they bring to the American health care system.
Coming Soon to Your Inbox: NCCPA Practice Analysis!
7.12.2021 • Want to have a direct impact on what’s included on the recertification exam? Here’s your chance to get involved! In early July, you will receive an email inviting you to participate in NCCPA’s practice analysis for the recertification exams.