New Study Highlights Learning Preferences of Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants

    ROSWELL, GA, September 19, 2023 /24-7PressRelease/ -- A new study, "The Current Learning Landscape of NPs/PAs," published in Almanac, examines the educational realities, preferences, and perceived needs of Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and Physician Assistants (PAs). As lifelong learners, many NPs and PAs are on a constant quest to enhance their knowledge and skills, and this report uncovers data on everything from annual investment in CE to preferred format.

"It is important for educational institutions and professional organizations delivering Continuing Medical Education to understand the preferences and needs of licensed NPs and PAs," said study co-author Charles Dillehay, founder, Skin, Bones, Hearts & Private Parts. "NPs and PAs are essential members of the healthcare team and play a critical role in delivering high-quality healthcare. With their advanced training and expertise, NPs and PAs contribute significantly to the provision of high-quality care."

The survey, which took place in spring 2023, received 481 responses, 322 from NPs and 132 from PAs.

Key findings include:
• 75 percent of all respondents spend more than $750 per year on CE
• 61 percent of NPs reported accumulating 30 CME hours a year, while PAs reported accumulating 50 hours a year
• For all respondents, 81-100 percent reported that their employers contribute to CE spending
• Both NPs and PAs prioritize live, in-person meetings over online enduring or virtual live education
• The primary driver of participation in CE/CPD for both NPs and PAs is educational topics. The most sought included cardiology, orthopedics, diabetes, infectious care, mental health, and dermatology.
• Both NPs and PAs attempt to leverage a wide variety of professional resources to stay up to date with emerging changes in practice. Outside of CE/CPD interventions, the websites, and journals from the relevant professional organizations (AANP and AAPA) are a primary source for news.
• While journals were an oft-listed source for professional news, there was a sizable portion of both NPs and PAs who do not have access to clinical journals.
• Not all social media is created equally! While more than half of NPs and PAs leverage LinkedIn for professional purposes, less than 10% claimed using Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok.

The full results of the study, plus the data tables, are available online.

Skin, Bones, Hearts & Private Parts is one of the most popular and fastest growing events in the country. Life is short, budgets are limited. Make the most of your CME or CE experience! To learn more about the CME Conferences, visit SkinBonesCME.com or call us at 770.640.1022.

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