Characteristics of nurse practitioners and physician assistants in the United States. Issue 1 (2nd September 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hooker, Roderick S.; Brock, Douglas M.; Cook, Michelle L.
• Is Part Of: Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. Volume 28:Issue 1(2016)
• Page Start: 39
• Page End: 46
• Publication Date: 2015-09-02
• Subjects: Nurse practitioners -- physician assistants -- healthcare delivery -- healthcare collaboration; Nurse practitioners -- Periodicals; Nursing -- Periodicals; 610.730692
• DOI: 10.1002/2327-6924.12293
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2327-6886

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Nurse practitioners (NP) and physician assistants (PA) serve as independent or semiautonomous providers and as fundamental members of healthcare teams. Purpose: Differentiating roles of health professionals is needed for optimal employment utilization. Clinically practicing PAs and NPs were characterized. Methodology: Data included wage and workforce projections to 2022.Variables included number practicing, age, gender, race, ethnicity, education, principal employer, practice specialty, and wages. Results: Health delivery establishments employed 88, 110 PA and 113, 370 NP clinicians in 2013. Both were predominantly female: NPs were older (49 years) on average than PAs (38 years). A significant number of them practiced in physicians' offices or in acute care hospitals. Median wages were at parity. Growth predictions from 2012 to 2022 were 31%–35%. Conclusions: PAs and NPs constitute 20% of the composite clinician labor force (MD, DO, PA, NP). Labor market analysis suggests they are in demand. A majority of NPs and a third of PAs work in primary care fields. Their collective projected growth suggests a solution to emerging workforce shortages and an ability to help meet healthcare demands. Implications for practice: Adaptability to changing roles, especially in primary care and underserved areas, makes them facile responders to market demands in a continuously evolving healthcare environment.