The NCCPA said the profession grew 28.7 percent from 2017 to 2021, reaching 158,470 certified physician assistants at the end of last year.
Data was collected primarily from NCCPA profiles from its website as well as other strategies outlined by the organization.
Here are the 10 states that experienced the largest percent growth in the number of physician assistants from 2017 to 2021, according to the data:
1. Rhode Island — 48 percent
2. Mississippi — 47.2 percent
3. Indiana — 46 percent
4. New Jersey — 42.4 percent
5. Arkansas — 42.1 percent
6. Alabama — 40.9 percent
7. Nevada — 40.2 percent
8. South Carolina — 39 percent
9. Missouri — 37.6 percent
10. Ohio — 36.1 percent
Here are the 10 states that experienced the smallest percent growth in the number of physician assistants from 2017 to 2021, according to the data:
1. West Virginia — 8.4 percent
2. Vermont — 13.1 percent
3. Alaska and Washington, D.C. (tie) — 14.1 percent
4. South Dakota — 16 percent
5. Wyoming — 16.9 percent
6. New Mexico — 18.4 percent
7. Kansas — 19.4 percent
8. North Dakota — 19.6 percent
9. Maryland — 20.1 percent
10. Maine — 20.4 percent
To read more about the data, click here.
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.