PA program characteristics and diversity in the profession

Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to identify PA program characteristics that may be associated with higher or lower percentages of underrepresented minority students in PA programs. Methods: Data from the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) 2002-2003 and 2012-2013 annual surveys were analyzed. Bivariate correlation coefficients and multiple regression modeling were used to identify relationships between program characteristics and percentages of black and Hispanic students. Results: The percentage of white matriculants in PA programs increased from 76.5% in 2002-2003 to 81.8% in 2012-2013; the percentage of black students decreased from 6.2% to 4.4%. Multiple linear regression revealed a modest negative relationship between master's degree and percentage of underrepresented minority students and a modest positive relationship between percentages of underrepresented minority employees and underrepresented minority students. Conclusions: Further research is needed to identify strategies to increase underrepresented minority participation in healthcare professions programs.12 month embargo; published online: March 2018. Note from author: "The tables got re-numbered in the final publication (table 4 became table 1, and tables 1,2,and 3 became 2,3,and 4 respectively."This item from the UA Faculty Publications collection is made available by the University of Arizona with support from the University of Arizona Libraries. If you have questions, please contact us at repository@u.library.arizona.edu