Discrepancies in Faculty Hiring Policies and Practices in Physician Assistant/Associate Education: Implications for Transition to Entry-Level Doctoral Degrees

Although neither institutional nor accreditation standards universally mandate policies that exclusively consider academic credentials, 78% of responding PA programs appear to apply degree expectations for full-time principal faculty. Experience remains a primary qualification for preceptors, with formal degree requirements less common. These findings offer insight into current hiring practices and faculty qualification requirements amid ongoing discussions about doctoral-level entry into the profession.