PA program characteristics and diversity in the profession

Coplan, Bettie; Bautista, Tara G.; Dehn, Richard W.

doi:10.1097/01.jaa.0000530295.15656.51

Cited by 16 publications

(25 citation statements)

References 7 publications

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“…Although the results of this small study are not generalizable, it is a reminder that the PA profession lacks diversity [20]. Eighty-seven percent of certifi ed PAs are white [20], and the profession has experienced a 10-year decline in diversity in the profession, despite an increase in the growth of the profession [70]. Evaluation of factors that contribute to diversity in the profession, and factors that contribute to satisfaction among PAs who identify as racial or ethnic minorities, is necessary to support and cultivate a representative workforce.…”

Section: Diversity and Inclusion In The Pa Professionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Burnout and Job and Career Satisfaction in the Physician Assistant Profession: A Review of the Literature

et al. 2018

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Section: Diversity and Inclusion In The Pa Professionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Burnout and Job and Career Satisfaction in the Physician Assistant Profession: A Review of the Literature

et al. 2018

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“…As shown in Table 2 , the programs differ with regard to several characteristics that have the potential to influence URM student attendance: admissions requirements, faculty demographics, and experience with holistic review (Alger & Carrasco, 1997 ; Coplan et al, 2018 ; Wells et al, 2011 ; Yuen & Honda, 2019 ). Although most PA schools require a standardized exam (e.g., 58% require the GRE and 6% accept the GRE or MCAT) and hands-on clinical experience for admission (Physician Assistant Education Association, 2020 ), Program 1 does not require a standardized exam.…”

Section: Cross-case Analysis and Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Percentiles were determined using a ratio of program first-year student demographics to a program’s regional population demographics (e.g., percentage of Hispanic students in a program located in a regional division of the U.S./percentage of the Hispanic population in that regional division of the U.S.) (Kaiser Family Foundation, 2016 ). This ratio was used to account for the influence of population demographics in PA program locations, which have been shown to moderately correlate with URM enrollment (Coplan et al, 2018 ).…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

How organizational culture influences holistic review: a qualitative multiple case study

Coplan

Evans

2021

Adv in Health Sci Educ

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Studies primarily involving single health professions programs suggest that holistic review in admissions can increase underrepresented minority (URM) representation among admitted students. However, data showing little improvement in the overall proportion of URMs in many health professions, despite widespread use of holistic review, suggest that relatively few programs using holistic review admit substantial proportions of underrepresented minorities. Therefore, more research is needed to understand factors that facilitate holistic review practices that successfully promote diverse student enrollment. The literature suggests that a supportive organizational culture is necessary for holistic review to be effective; yet, the influence of culture on admissions has not been directly studied. This study employs a qualitative, multiple case study approach to explore the influence of a culture that values diversity and inclusion (‘diversity culture’) on holistic review practices in two physician assistant educational programs that met criteria consistent with a proposed conceptual framework linking diversity culture to holistic admissions associated with high URM student enrollment (relative to other similar programs). Data from multiple sources were collected at each program during the 2018–2019 admissions cycle, and a coding manual derived from the conceptual framework facilitated directed content analysis and comparison of program similarities and differences. Consistent with the conceptual framework, diversity culture appeared to be a strong driver of holistic admissions practices that support enrolling diverse classes of students. Additional insights emerged that may serve as propositions for further testing and include the finding that URM faculty ‘champions for diversity’ appeared to strongly influence the admissions process.

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“…[1][2][3] Despite the increasing population diversity, for more than a decade the percentage of underrepresented minority students entering and graduating from PA programs has been stagnant. 27 According to the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics, between 2000 and 2016, the percentage of blacks in the labor force remained constant at 12% while the percentage of Hispanics increased from 11% to 17%. 28,29 During the same period, the percentage of black and Hispanic PA students decreased from 6.2% to 3.9% and from 7% to 6.5%, respectively.…”

Section: Special Articlementioning

confidence: 99%

The need for greater diversity in the PA profession

Coplan

Fleming

2019

Jaapa

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Leading organizations committed to improving health and healthcare in the United States agree that a more diverse healthcare workforce is needed to combat widespread disparities affecting underrepresented minority and underserved populations. Until the 1990s, a higher proportion of underrepresented minorities entered PA programs than other healthcare professions programs, such as medical school. However, in recent years, the PA profession has struggled to increase diversity among its ranks. This article reviews the rationale for greater diversity in the PA workforce, discusses the obstacles that underrepresented minority students and PA educators face, and makes recommendations to address diversity. The PA profession's rapid growth presents an opportunity to expedite change through community outreach, sustained commitment to diversity, research, and policy change.

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PA program characteristics and diversity in the profession

Abstract: Further research is needed to identify strategies to increase underrepresented minority participation in healthcare professions programs.

Cited by 16 publications

References 7 publications

Burnout and Job and Career Satisfaction in the Physician Assistant Profession: A Review of the Literature

Burnout and Job and Career Satisfaction in the Physician Assistant Profession: A Review of the Literature

How organizational culture influences holistic review: a qualitative multiple case study

The need for greater diversity in the PA profession

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