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Perceived efficacy and utility of postgraduate physician assistant training programs
Kristen K Will1, Jennifer Williams, Ginny Hilton
1Kristen K. Will is director of executive education and a clinical assistant professor in the College of Health Solutions at Arizona State University in Tempe, Ariz. Jennifer Williams practices in the Division of Hospital Internal Medicine at the Mayo Clinic Arizona in Phoenix. Ginny Hilton is in the Norwalk-Yale PA surgical residency program at Norwalk (Conn.) Hospital. Laurie Wilson is a trauma and critical care advanced practitioner fellow at St. Luke's University Hospital in Bethlehem, Pa. Holly Geyer practices in the Division of Hospital Internal Medicine at the Mayo Clinic Arizona. The authors have disclosed no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise.
Postgraduate physician assistant (PA) programs enhance career competitiveness and reduce onboarding time. Most graduates recommend these programs as a valuable alternative to on-the-job training.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Physician Assistant Studies
- Graduate Medical Training
Background:
- Physician Assistant (PA) education is evolving.
- The role of postgraduate PA programs in professional development requires further investigation.
- Understanding graduate perspectives is crucial for program refinement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the perceived effectiveness of postgraduate PA programs.
- To evaluate the perceived utility and career impact of completing a postgraduate PA program.
Main Methods:
- An online survey was distributed to graduates of postgraduate PA programs.
- The survey included demographic and descriptive questions on program utility.
- A 75% response rate (113 of 149 graduates) was achieved.
Main Results:
- 97% of graduates felt postgraduate training increased job market competitiveness.
- 74% reported a reduction in time to full productivity.
- 95% of respondents would recommend completing a postgraduate PA program.
Conclusions:
- Postgraduate PA programs offer a viable alternative to traditional on-the-job training.
- Graduates perceive significant benefits, including enhanced career prospects and streamlined integration into practice.
- These programs contribute to professional growth and career advancement for physician assistants.
