Physician Assistant Clinical Doctorate Update
The American Academy of Physician Assistants posted on its Web site an update about its investigation of a possible physician assistant clinical doctorate degree.
Is the clinical doctorate appropriate to the profession as an entry-level degree, as a postgraduate degree, or not at all?
How should the PA profession approach the emerging issue of the clinical doctorate? Many health professions, including physical therapy, nursing, audiology, and pharmacy, have implemented or are making plans to implement the clinical doctorate as a part of their profession. These professions have cited leadership skills, higher pay, and patient acceptance as reasons why a doctorate education is needed. The PA community has for the most part been officially silent on this issue but recognizes that this position will not serve the profession well in the long run.
The AAPA and PAEA will invite 40 to 50 people from within the profession and outside the profession to a three-day summit meeting in Atlanta from March 25-27.
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