What You Should Know:
– A new Wolters Kluwer survey of practicing Physician Assistants (PAs) reveals a profession in rapid transition. While the workforce is projected to grow by 28% through 2034, PAs are grappling with a significant skills gap: 56% now use AI daily, yet 87% report needing more formal training.
– As the debate over the “Physician Associate” title heats up and administrative burdens mount, hospital leaders face a critical window to modernize training and support this essential clinical backbone.
Wolters Kluwer Survey Reveals 87% of PAs Need More AI Training Despite High Adoption
The Physician Assistant (PA) profession is no longer just a support role; it is a primary engine of American healthcare. With the workforce expected to expand by nearly 30% over the next decade—adding 12,000 new positions annually—PAs are stepping into the void left by physician shortages in both rural and urban centers.
But a new survey from Wolters Kluwer, Future Forecast: The Growing Impact of PAs in Healthcare, suggests that while PAs are ready to lead, the infrastructure supporting them is lagging behind. From the “wild west” of AI adoption to the identity crisis of a title change, the profession is at a pivotal crossroads in 2025.
The AI Paradox: High Usage, Low Training
The most striking finding in the 2025 data is the rapid, almost grassroots adoption of artificial intelligence. AI is no longer a “future” concept for PAs; it is a daily tool.
- 56% of PAs actively use AI in their practice.
- 61% of those users rely on it for documentation.
- 48% use it for patient notes.
However, this adoption is largely happening without a safety net. Despite the widespread use, 87% of PAs say they need more AI training, and only 32% report having clear workplace guidelines for safe usage.
This disconnect creates a risky “shadow IT” environment where clinicians are using tools to reduce burnout (like AI scribes) without formal institutional support or governance. For hospital administrators, this is a clear call to action: formalize AI training or risk unmanaged liability.
The “Physician Associate” Identity Crisis
As PAs take on more autonomy—96% report having autonomy in their roles—the friction over their professional title is growing.
- 45% of PAs would prefer the title “Physician Associate” to better reflect their expertise.
- Only 43% believe patients truly understand their role in the care team.
This isn’t just semantics. It’s about clarity in a fragmented system. The push for “Physician Associate,” already adopted by the AAPA, aims to decouple the profession from the “assistant” label that implies direct supervision rather than collaboration. As of late 2025, while some states like Oregon have moved to recognize the new title, the broader industry remains in a confusing transition period.
The Education-Practice Gap
The survey also highlights a disconnect between the classroom and the clinic. While 96% of PAs felt prepared for patient interaction upon graduation, the administrative reality was a shock.
- 62% wished for more hands-on clinical experience during school.
- Only 80% felt ready for the crushing weight of documentation.
This “admin gap” is likely fueling the rapid adoption of AI documentation tools. New PAs are entering a system drowning in paperwork and are immediately turning to technology to survive.
The 2026 Outlook: Resilience Meets Innovation
Despite these hurdles—dealing with insurance companies was cited as the top change driver by 42% of respondents—morale remains surprisingly high. 97% of PAs are satisfied with their ability to practice at the top of their license.
The data paints a picture of a workforce that is resilient but hungry for evolution. They are adopting AI faster than their employers can regulate it and pushing for a professional identity that matches their contribution.
For healthcare leaders, the roadmap for 2026 is clear: Invest in tech education, clarify the roles, and let PAs lead.
