Posts about PA Education
In our last blog, we explored why PA doctorates have become such a hot topic. A master's degree remains the standard entry-level credential for our profession, and for now it remains the terminal degree for most physician assistants.¹ Now let’s answer the question most readers are really asking:
Every few weeks, it seems like another colleague announces they've earned a Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) or Doctor of Physician Assistant Studies (DScPAS). Universities are launching new doctoral programs, and some are introducing bridge or add-on pathways for practicing PAs. Social media is full of graduation photos. Sooner or later, someone asks: "Is this...
Whether you are a new graduate or an experienced advanced practice clinician (APC) looking for a change, navigating the job market can be daunting. There’s much more to unpack than just the salary, and the most important details are never going to be found on the job posting.
If you’re walking into 2026 feeling a bit overstretched, over-messaged, and maybe even a little under-caffeinated, you’re in good company. Clinical work has never been more complicated. Information is noisier, time feels tighter, and tough conversations seem to show up in nearly every shift.
The population is aging fast, and clinicians are feeling the impact. By 2030, 1 in 5 Americans will be over 65, and older adults already represent the highest healthcare utilization of any age group. Yet fewer than 45% of medical schools have a required geriatrics rotation, leaving most of us to piece together our knowledge on the fly.
Every October, we pause to celebrate physician assistants (PAs)—a profession built on compassion, adaptability, and teamwork. At Hippo, we’re proud to have PAs not only caring for patients across the country, but also shaping the way clinicians learn and grow.
When we last covered the PA Licensure Compact in our November 2023 blog: The Realities of PA Military Life, only two states had adopted the Compact. At the time, my family and I were bracing ourselves for a classic Maine winter. Think snowbanks taller than your car and possible moose sightings on a grocery run.
