Physician assistants in Texas

Understanding the health requirements of a state begins with identifying the population at need and the workforce available to meet those needs. A descriptive study was undertaken to examine the physician assistant (PA) workforce in Texas as part of an ongoing effort to meet the health needs of Texas residents. In September 2000, Texas had 2237 licensed PAs practicing in 186 counties. Education for PAs in Texas began in 1970 and currently includes one private, one military, and six public programs. Most practicing PAs in Texas graduate from in-state programs and tend to locate within the state. Preparations are under way to shift the public undergraduate programs to graduate degree programs. Although barriers to health care access in Texas remain a substantial public health issue, PAs have helped reduce these barriers, especially in many rural communities. The supply of and demand for Texas PAs appear to be in equilibrium. Policy implications are discussed.