Iowa could soon see a shortage of physicians assistants. That could be a big problem, especially in many rural counties. A University of Iowa study shows 32 percent of the physician assistants population is 50 or older. The study says those P\As will reach retirement in the next 15 years.
The state is facing a problem of recruiting and retaining physicians to replace them. Iowa depends on PAs because there is a shortage of primary doctors in the state, especially in rural areas, so physicians assistants are filling the gaps.
The study says only 25 percent of physicians assistant graduates practice in Iowa. Right now there are four colleges where people can study to become a PA.