What a PA Retirement Wave May Mean for Healthcare Access
A recent survey by the NCCPA indicates a significant number of physician assistants (PAs) are planning to retire, particularly in rural states. States like Wyoming and Alaska show higher percentages of potential retirees, raising concerns about healthcare access in these areas. The aging PA workforce, combined with declining interest in primary care specialties, suggests a need for increased recruitment efforts to address future healthcare shortages.
- ▪5.8% of PAs in the US plan to retire within the next 5 years, with higher rates in rural states.
- ▪States like Wyoming and Alaska have over 14% of PAs indicating plans to retire.
- ▪The aging PA workforce reflects the original cohort of PAs who began their careers in the 1960s and 1970s.
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| Original publisher | Medscape |
| Canonical URL | https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/what-pa-retirement-wave-may-mean-healthcare-access-2026a1000gyo?src=rss |
| Publication time | Mon, 25 May 2026 02:32:46 EDT |
| Retrieval time | 2026-05-25T06:37:36.378Z |
| Last seen | 2026-05-25T06:37:36.378Z |
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Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Each year, the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) fields a survey across the US physician associate (PA) workforce to gain a greater understanding of the underlying demographics, employment characteristics, and practice data for the field. While past NCCPA Statistical Profiles of Board-Certified PAs by State have highlighted growing burnout symptoms in the PA population and gender wage gaps, this year’s survey has identified a new trend involving workforce transitions, particularly in rural states. Across the board, 5.8% of PAs in the US reported that they planned to retire within the next 5 years.
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