| Background. The recent advancements in medicine and the subsequent need for additional clinical training have resulted in the awarding of Clinical Doctorate (CD) Degrees for several allied health professionals. Few studies have been conducted within the physician assistant (PA) profession related to changing the entry-level degree for PAs to a clinical doctorate. Methods. A descriptive, quantitative study assessing PA students' perceptions of changing the entry-level credential for PAs to a clinical doctorate was conducted with full-time students from 30 randomly selected PA programs utilizing the PA Doctorate Degree Survey. Results. Of the 30 PA programs selected, 83% (25) agreed and returned permission letters and 25% (486) of students completed survey. Of the respondents, 56.1% (272) were first year students and 43.0% (213) were second year students. Both groups had a negative perception of changing the entry-level degree for PAs to a clinical doctorate, however, first year PA students had a significantly higher perception score of the entry-level CD for PAs than second year students ( t(483)=2.116, p<.05). Significantly more first year students indicated they would seek a CD, if offered, compared to the second year students (chi 2 (1)5.832, p<.05). First year students had a significantly more positive perception that the CD will enhance the reputation of the profession than 2nd year students (U=25022.50, p<.05). Conclusions. The present findings lend additional support to previous studies endorsing the master's degree as the entry-level and terminal degree, and the majority of stakeholders seem to agree. However, some within the profession feel the entry-level doctorate degree for PAs is inevitable. |
