2026 Physician Associates Provider Guide
Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) play a pivotal role in healthcare in the United States, from diagnosing and treating patients to conducting research and continuing their education. APPs make up about 41% of the healthcare workforce in the following roles: Physician Associates (PAs) [previously called Physician Assistants], Nurse Practitioners (NPs), Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), and Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs).
In this blog, we will discuss primarily Physician Associates, 2026 advanced practice provider employment trends, and how PAs continue to revolutionize healthcare.
What is an Advanced Practice Provider (APP)?
An Advanced Practice Provider is a healthcare professional who has undergone advanced training in a particular field and is licensed to diagnose, treat, and care for patients.
PAs, NPs, CRNAs, and CNMs are all considered APPs.
Each type of APP has their own education and licensing requirements:
What is a Physician Associate (PA)?
A Physician Associate is a licensed healthcare provider who practices medicine in various specialties and settings, such as family medicine or surgery.
Physician Assistants can write prescriptions for patients, diagnose conditions, manage treatment plans, and order tests.
Physician Assistant Employment Trends
Employment Opportunities for APPs
As outlined in this blog, all advanced practice providers will experience significant employment growth over the next ten years due to two primary factors: an aging population and healthcare provider burnout.
By 2034, the United States is expected to have more citizens aged 65 and older than those aged 18 and younger—the first time in the country’s history. This means that more healthcare providers are required to care for the elderly. Additionally, healthcare providers are also retiring and switching careers at higher rates than in the past (due in part to the COVID-19 pandemic).
Therefore, APPs will become more important than ever as their expertise will be needed to fill employment gaps.
New Opportunities for APP Career Advancement
As we enter 2026, advanced practice providers are stepping into more leadership roles than in the past, with titles such as Lead APP, Chief APP, and Director of Advanced Practice. Not only this, but the following trends are also emerging:
More leadership and system-level roles
New program development opportunities
Expanded scope and autonomy
Locum tenens as a career option
In addition, new program development opportunities are opening, and APPs are seeking more specialty care and procedural roles.
Advanced Practice Provider Specialties in Highest Demand
The following APP specialties are experiencing high demand in 2026:
Surgical subspecialties and procedural roles (General trauma, orthopedic, cardiovascular/cardiothoracic, and neurosurgery are a few examples)
Next Steps for Advanced Practice Providers
Next Steps for Advanced Practice Providers
As the healthcare shortage grows, it is important to find innovative solutions that enable patients to receive the care they need. Overall, advanced practice providers are becoming more trusted and valued healthcare providers who are assuming more leadership roles. There are more NP and PA specialties and subspecialties than ever before, and the scope of care is expanding as autonomy increases.
As APPs gain more practice authority across the country, employment opportunities across state lines will continue to increase, leading to more flexibility and a better work-life balance.
Partnering with an industry-leading locum tenens agency, like Clinical Magnet, is a smart way to learn of the newest opportunities nationwide while being supported by a dedicated team.
In 2024 Clinical Magnet spun off from ICON Medical Network which has been working with APPs since 2010, providing permanent, direct hire opportunities for APPs of all types.
Contact us today to receive custom tailored support from our team.