Academic Rank Barriers for Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners

摘要

The aim of this study was to assess physician assistant (PA) and nurse practitioner (NP) perceived barriers to obtaining academic rank. A questionnaire was administered to PAs and NPs at the 3 main campuses of an academic medical enterprise. Of the 800 surveys sent out, 403 (50%) were returned. Overall, 70% of respondents indicated that they did not have academic rank. Most (74%) felt that achieving rank was important. The most common barrier to achieving rank was "lack of time"; 64% indicated 2 or more barriers. Strategies to improve recognition through academic advancement need to be developed and tested for their effect on PA and NP careers.