Key challenges physician assistants face and emerging trends in the profession
The healthcare landscape is shifting rapidly, and at the center of this evolution is the physician assistant (PA) workforce. As patient demand rises and primary care gaps widen, PAs are stepping up to provide critical support in both urban and rural settings. Federal employment projections estimate the PA workforce will grow between 20% and 28% from 2024 to 2034. This is among the fastest rates for any healthcare profession, with approximately 12,000 new PA positions expected to open each year.
These experts play a vital role in reducing wait times and supporting the diverse needs of patient populations. However, rapid growth brings its own set of hurdles. A comprehensive survey of 203 practicing PAs conducted in September 2025 provides a detailed look at the biggest physician assistant trends and the most important challenges physician assistants face today.
Bridging the gap between PA education and real-world practice
Survey results show that most PAs want more hands-on training before starting their careers, with over three in five (62%) wishing they had more clinical experience during their education. While almost all PAs (96%) felt prepared for patient interactions when they began practicing, only 80% felt ready for documentation tasks, highlighting the need for better preparation in administrative responsibilities.
Navigating the challenges physician assistants face with AI and insurance
The daily reality of being a PA has evolved significantly in a short time. Seven in ten PAs (70%) say their profession has changed over the past three years. When asked to identify the biggest drivers of this change, two factors stood out: dealing with insurance companies (42%) and the rise of artificial intelligence (40%).
The AI revolution in PA practice
Artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept; it is here, and it is actively reshaping workflows. Currently, 56% of PAs use AI in their practice. The primary use cases are administrative:
- 61% use AI for documentation
- 48% use AI for patient notes
Despite widespread adoption, 87% of PAs feel they need more AI training. This highlights a gap in education and support. For hospital leaders, investing in AI training is a key opportunity to boost efficiency and reduce staff burnout.
