The NCCPA has been providing certification programs for PAs for more than 40 years. We have profile information on 94 percent of the nation's 115,500 Certified PAs. Per the latest data, Certified PAs are increasingly moving into areas where there is strong patient need. Here's a quick summary of findings from our 2016 Statistical Report of Certified Physician Assistants by Specialty, released earlier this summer.

A continuing trend toward specialization. Over 70 percent of PAs work in specialties outside of primary care, including in highly technical surgical specialties.
Healthy workforce gains. Almost 6,900 new PAs entered the workforce last year indicating the profession continues to be an attractive option for those seeking a medical career with stability, professional fulfillment and flexibility to move across specialties.
Two new medical specialties captured. As America's population lives longer with chronic diseases, pain management and hospice and palliative medicine are growing areas, captured for the first time in this report.
A capacity for growth. Most of the 69 unique medical and surgical specialties experienced growth, with significant growth found in family medicine, emergency medicine and orthopaedic surgery.
PAs meet patients where they live. PAs are filling care gaps in rural states such as Alaska, Idaho, and Montana where PA-to-patient ratios are higher than most states.

Certified PAs work in every clinical setting, including almost 40 percent in hospitals. More than 18 percent work in surgical subspecialties, including cardiothoracic and vascular surgery, and orthopaedic surgery. Another 13 percent work in emergency medicine. Certified PAs also provide care in virtually all specialty areas, including oncology, gynecology, gastroenterology, psychiatry and neurology.

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