The physician assistant/associate (PA) profession has seen explosive growth in the last two decades — expanding from 135 accredited programs nationwide in 2004 to more than 310 by 2024. Yet even as the number of programs rises, demand for PAs continues to outpace supply, creating urgent workforce gaps across the country.
Maryland reflects this national trend. What began as a single PA program at the Community College of Baltimore County-Essex in the early 1990s has grown to six programs statewide. Despite this progress, these programs routinely turn away qualified applicants due to limited capacity.
At the forefront of advocacy and leadership, Maryland’s PA educators and institutions are working to address the shortage by expanding clinical training opportunities, strengthening preceptor pipelines, and shaping policies that support workforce growth and educational access
