Number
516
Name
Evaluating Physician Assistant/Associate Engagement, Experience, and Satisfaction with a Longitudinal Assessment for Recertification: A Concurrent Mixed Method Study
Date & Time
Sunday, June 7, 2026, 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Location Name
Oglethorpe Ballroom
Speakers
Authors
Andrzej Kozikowski, National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)
Wyatt Muncy, University of Georgia
Mirela Bruza-Augatis, National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)
Dawn Morton-Rias, National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)
Cynthia Griffith, National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)
Andrew D. Dallas, National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)
Yanlin Jiang, National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)
Joshua Goodman, National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)
Presentation Topic(s)
Other
Description
PURPOSE
Physician assistants/associates (PAs) fulfill recertification requirements
through the Physician Assistant National Recertifying Exam-Longitudinal
Assessment (PANRE-LA) or a traditional point-in-time PANRE. Prior research
found that over 90% report learning benefits from participating in PANRE-LA.
Further research is needed to characterize engagement, experience, and
overall satisfaction with PANRE-LA.
METHODS
We analyzed 2024 national data (N=8,701), integrating quantitative and
qualitative responses. The survey evaluated PAs’ experiences with PANRE-LA
vs. traditional PANRE. Engagement, satisfaction, fulfillment of expectations,
likelihood of recommending PANRE-LA, and preferences for future
recertification format were assessed as primary outcomes. Multivariate
analyses were used to identify differences across demographics and
specialties. Open-ended questions provided insights into recertification
preferences, perceived strengths/limitations, and overall experience.
RESULTS
When comparing PANRE-LA to traditional PANRE, respondents cited greater
convenience (91.8%), reduced preparation time (88.2%), lower test anxiety
(85.9%), less disruption to daily life (85.7%), enhanced learning (72.2%),
and increased confidence in performance (64.0%). Most participants perceived
difficulty of questions as comparable between formats (63.2%), found it
manageable to complete 25 questions per quarter (88.2%), and remained engaged
in a multi-year assessment program (79.3%). Satisfaction with PANRE-LA was
high: 92.2% felt it met expectations, 90.9% were satisfied, and 94.4% would
recommend it to others. When asked about future recertification preferences,
82.2% favored PANRE-LA, 1.2% preferred traditional PANRE, and 10.7% were
unsure. Multivariate analyses revealed that younger PAs held slightly more
favorable views, while dermatology PAs expressed less favorable perceptions
than primary care PAs. Qualitative findings further illuminated PAs’
experiences with recertification.
CONCLUSION
PANRE-LA was perceived more favorably than traditional PANRE. Most reported
high satisfaction with the quarterly structure and preferred it for future
recertification. Engagement in PANRE-LA is crucial, as this format was
designed to blend assessment and learning, leveraging principles of adult
learning to enhance professional competency, support continuous learning, and
ultimately improve quality of patient care.
Physician assistants/associates (PAs) fulfill recertification requirements
through the Physician Assistant National Recertifying Exam-Longitudinal
Assessment (PANRE-LA) or a traditional point-in-time PANRE. Prior research
found that over 90% report learning benefits from participating in PANRE-LA.
Further research is needed to characterize engagement, experience, and
overall satisfaction with PANRE-LA.
METHODS
We analyzed 2024 national data (N=8,701), integrating quantitative and
qualitative responses. The survey evaluated PAs’ experiences with PANRE-LA
vs. traditional PANRE. Engagement, satisfaction, fulfillment of expectations,
likelihood of recommending PANRE-LA, and preferences for future
recertification format were assessed as primary outcomes. Multivariate
analyses were used to identify differences across demographics and
specialties. Open-ended questions provided insights into recertification
preferences, perceived strengths/limitations, and overall experience.
RESULTS
When comparing PANRE-LA to traditional PANRE, respondents cited greater
convenience (91.8%), reduced preparation time (88.2%), lower test anxiety
(85.9%), less disruption to daily life (85.7%), enhanced learning (72.2%),
and increased confidence in performance (64.0%). Most participants perceived
difficulty of questions as comparable between formats (63.2%), found it
manageable to complete 25 questions per quarter (88.2%), and remained engaged
in a multi-year assessment program (79.3%). Satisfaction with PANRE-LA was
high: 92.2% felt it met expectations, 90.9% were satisfied, and 94.4% would
recommend it to others. When asked about future recertification preferences,
82.2% favored PANRE-LA, 1.2% preferred traditional PANRE, and 10.7% were
unsure. Multivariate analyses revealed that younger PAs held slightly more
favorable views, while dermatology PAs expressed less favorable perceptions
than primary care PAs. Qualitative findings further illuminated PAs’
experiences with recertification.
CONCLUSION
PANRE-LA was perceived more favorably than traditional PANRE. Most reported
high satisfaction with the quarterly structure and preferred it for future
recertification. Engagement in PANRE-LA is crucial, as this format was
designed to blend assessment and learning, leveraging principles of adult
learning to enhance professional competency, support continuous learning, and
ultimately improve quality of patient care.