--- title: Celebrate Physician Assistant Week with VISTA description: October 6 through 12 is National Physician Assistant Week. Come celebrate with VISTA! image: https://blog.vistastaff.com/hubfs/Blog_Images/VV-PA%20Week-Blog%20Featured%20image-1280x720.jpg --- [![VISTA-logo-primary-tagline](https://blog.vistastaff.com/hs-fs/hubfs/VISTA-logo-primary-tagline.png?width=150&height=51&name=VISTA-logo-primary-tagline.png "VISTA-logo-primary-tagline")](https://www.vistastaff.com) # [VISTA Voice](https://blog.vistastaff.com) ## Celebrate Physician Assistant Week with VISTA ![](https://blog.vistastaff.com/hubfs/vistastaff-oct2015/favicon002.png)Posted by [VISTA Staffing](https://blog.vistastaff.com/author/vista-staffing) on Oct 11, 2021 9:00:00 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ![VV-PA Week-Blog banner-4000x800](https://blog.vistastaff.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Images/VV-PA%20Week-Blog%20banner-4000x800.jpg?width=4000&name=VV-PA%20Week-Blog%20banner-4000x800.jpg) October 6 through 12 is [National Physician Assistant Week](https://www.thepalife.com/pa-week/). Officially celebrated for the first time in 1987, it marks the anniversary of the first graduation of physician assistants from [Duke University's Physician Assistant Program](https://fmch.duke.edu/duke-physician-assistant-program/news-and-events/duke-physician-assistant-program-birthplace) in 1967. The week allows physician assistants (PAs) the opportunity to educate others about the profession. In addition, it gives patients a chance to show their appreciation to practitioners who help make the medical field that much more efficient. ## History of the Physician Assistant Profession [In 1965](https://fmch.duke.edu/all-divisions/news-and-events/cfm-50th-anniversary-origins-department), a faculty committee at Duke University Medical Center was appointed to examine the future role of preventive medicine in the university's curriculum. As a result, the department was redeveloped to have a broader role in healthcare interwoven with internal medicine, pediatrics, psychiatry, and other clinical teachings. The new focus was on groups of patients, the organization and delivery of healthcare, and access to healthcare. In addition, utilization of diverse disciplines such as social sciences, economics, epidemiology, biostatistics, and computer science. The two-year physician assistant program was designed to train people to fill the gap between doctors and nurses during a time when a nursing shortage existed. PAs have been an integral part of healthcare for almost 25 years. Statistical information compiled by the [National Commission of Certified PAs](https://www.nccpa.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Statistical-Profile-of-Certified-PAs-2020.pdf) shows nearly 150,000 certified PAs currently practicing in the United States. What’s more, [91% of patients](https://www.berxi.com/resources/articles/pa-week-celebration-ideas/) say PAs improve the quality of healthcare. ### Physician Assistant Week Celebrations Several virtual and in-person events will be hosted during PA week. - - ###### [PAs on the Plaza](https://www.facebook.com/events/248273140549166/): to kick off PA Week 2021, PAs and PA students will pack the Today Show Plaza with white coats on Wednesday, October 6, from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. Participants are asked to bring their own posters and remember to wear a short or long white coat. - ###### [PA Foundation Fitness Events](https://pa-foundation.org/annual-conference-activities/): the Physician Assistant Foundation sponsors the Pacers for Health wellness challenge and 5K walk/run. Registration is open to practicing PAs as well as students. - ###### [AAPA Virtual Career Fair](https://app.brazenconnect.com/events/nOnQw?utm_medium=AAPA.org&utm_source=AAPA&utm_campaign=AAPA_2021): the American Academy of Physician Assistants connects PAs with potential employers in private practice, group practices, hospitals, and health systems during this free online symposium. PAs will close out the week with this popular recruitment event on Tuesday, October 12, from 5 to 8 p.m. EDT. #### PA Career Trends for the Future Physician Assistants are in high demand. As are, the profession is one of the fastest-growing in the country, with the number of jobs increasing by [more than 300%](https://nationaltoday.com/national-physician-assistant-week/#:~:text=National%20Physician%20Assistant%20Week%20is%20celebrated%20every%20year,in%20a%20wide%20spectrum%20of%20conditions%20and%20tasks.) between 2011 and 2014. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for PAs is projected to [grow 31%](https://nationaltoday.com/national-physician-assistant-week/#:~:text=National%20Physician%20Assistant%20Week%20is%20celebrated%20every%20year,in%20a%20wide%20spectrum%20of%20conditions%20and%20tasks.) between 2020 and 2030. Over the decade, an average of 12,200 openings for PAs is expected per year. Much faster than the average for all other professions. ##### The Benefits of Locum Tenens for PAs Because PAs are so broadly trained, they are well suited to locum tenens positions. In addition, [working locum tenens](https://blog.vistastaff.com/is-working-locum-tenens-right-for-me) offers flexibility and the freedom to choose a suitable work schedule. Travel, exposure to different work environments, and the ability to go where care is most needed are all part of the package. Locum tenens positions offer PAs improved quality of life, the opportunity for higher pay, and a CV that reflects independence and adaptability. ## Locum Tenens Placement with VISTA If you're a physician assistant looking to make a difference, check out VISTA's [job board](https://www.vistastaff.com/job-board/) to find your next assignment. We offer rewarding opportunities in all 50 states to Advanced Practice Providers. Our experienced recruiters will match your skills and experience to a facility that is right for you in the place where you want to work. VISTA provides competitive compensation and paid professional liability insurance with no placement feels. Our dedicated team will help you determine your best options and assist with licensing, credentialing, and securing privileges. Assignments last from a few weeks to several months with the possibility of permanent employment. Speak with a [VISTA recruiter](https://www.vistastaff.com/interest-forms) today to get started.  [![Guide to Locum Tenens](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/1554807/120bc23e-26e9-4b37-a54a-e11f69b92f5b.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/1554807/120bc23e-26e9-4b37-a54a-e11f69b92f5b) Topics: [Advanced Practice Providers](https://blog.vistastaff.com/topic/advanced-practice-providers), [Physician Assistant Week](https://blog.vistastaff.com/topic/physician-assistant-week)   **Want to read more? Click [here](https://blog.vistastaff.com/archive) for even more industry updates.** **Welcome to our Blog!** **About VISTA Staffing Solutions** VISTA Staffing Solutions has over thirty years of experience providing award-winning customer service to clients and providers alike. Headquartered in Salt Lake City with additional offices in Atlanta and Houston, and employs approximately 1,000 people between corporate staff and field clinicians and contracts with over 2,500 physicians across 60+ specialties and subspecialties. VISTA helps U.S. hospitals, medical practices, and government agencies optimize their physician staffing, ensure quality and continuity of care for patients, and maintain financial stability. As a leading provider of U.S. Locum Tenens and Permanent Physician Search Services, VISTA also operates VISTA Select, a first-of-its-kind technology and services solution utilizing advanced data and analytics to provide healthcare organizations with customizable workforce optimization solutions.  ### Subscribe to Email Updates ### Posts by Topic - [Locum Tenens Clinician (51)](https://blog.vistastaff.com/topic/locum-tenens-clinician) - [Advanced Practice Providers (47)](https://blog.vistastaff.com/topic/advanced-practice-providers) - [Physicians (41)](https://blog.vistastaff.com/topic/physicians) - [Locum Tenens Work (39)](https://blog.vistastaff.com/topic/locum-tenens-work) - [Locum Tenens Government (15)](https://blog.vistastaff.com/topic/locum-tenens-government) - [Industry Updates (11)](https://blog.vistastaff.com/topic/industry-updates) - [VISTA (9)](https://blog.vistastaff.com/topic/vista) - [Recruiting (7)](https://blog.vistastaff.com/topic/recruiting) - [Government (6)](https://blog.vistastaff.com/topic/government) - [Licensing & Credentialing (6)](https://blog.vistastaff.com/topic/licensing-credentialing) - [HR (3)](https://blog.vistastaff.com/topic/hr) - [Interview/Hiring Tips (3)](https://blog.vistastaff.com/topic/interview-hiring-tips) - [Stories From VISTA Physicians (2)](https://blog.vistastaff.com/topic/stories-from-vista-physicians) - [Telehealth (2)](https://blog.vistastaff.com/topic/telehealth) - [Physician Assistant Week (1)](https://blog.vistastaff.com/topic/physician-assistant-week) - [Primary Care Week (1)](https://blog.vistastaff.com/topic/primary-care-week) [see all](https://blog.vistastaff.com/celebrate-physician-assistant-week-with-vista#) ### Corporate Background At **VISTA Staffing Solutions**, we want to make it possible for you to work on your terms, allowing you to provide your expertise to those who need it most. We have opportunities for physicians in all specialties, from domestic locum tenens jobs to government and permanent positions, with openings covering all 50 states. Founded in 1990, VISTA is headquartered in Salt Lake City with additional offices in Atlanta and Houston. **[PHONE: 800-366-1884 | 801-487-8190](tel+:18014878190)** **CORPORATE OFFICE:** 2800 East Cottonwood Parkway, Suite 400, Cottonwood Heights, Utah 84121  [AN INGENOVIS HEALTH COMPANY](https://www.ingenovishealth.com/)   | [Staffing Solutions](https://www.vistastaff.com/staffing-solutions/) | [VISTA Select](https://www.vistastaff.com/staffing-solutions/vista-select/) | | --- | --- | | [Trust, Transparency, Accountability](https://info.vistastaff.com/trust-transparency-accountability) | [Careers](https://www.vistastaff.com/current-openings/) | | [Clinician Job Board](https://www.vistastaff.com/job-board/) | [Contact Us](https://www.vistastaff.com/contact-us/) | | [Advanced Practice](https://www.vistastaff.com/advanced-practice/) |   |     [![icon-blog.png](https://blog.vistastaff.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Badges_Icons_and_Banners/pinpng.com-blog-icon-png-2064259.png?width=21&name=pinpng.com-blog-icon-png-2064259.png "icon-blog.png")](https://blog.vistastaff.com)[![icon-fb.png](https://blog.vistastaff.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Badges_Icons_and_Banners/60fea6773d624000048712b5.png?width=20&name=60fea6773d624000048712b5.png "icon-fb.png")](https://www.facebook.com/VISTAStaffing)[![icon-twitter.png](https://blog.vistastaff.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Badges_Icons_and_Banners/twitter-3-24.png?width=20&name=twitter-3-24.png "icon-twitter.png")](https://twitter.com/vista_staffing)[![icon-linkedin.png](https://blog.vistastaff.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Badges_Icons_and_Banners/linkedin-3-24.png?width=20&name=linkedin-3-24.png "icon-linkedin.png")](https://www.linkedin.com/company/vista-staffing-solutions-inc-)[![icon-instagram](https://blog.vistastaff.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Badges_Icons_and_Banners/Instagram%20white%20icon.png?width=20&name=Instagram%20white%20icon.png)](https://www.instagram.com/vistastaffing/)[![icon-youtube](https://blog.vistastaff.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Badges_Icons_and_Banners/toppng.com-youtube-clipart-png-black-white-youtube-symbol-1024x721.png?width=28&name=toppng.com-youtube-clipart-png-black-white-youtube-symbol-1024x721.png)](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4bKhEXo9HZKIfo8ZW6hyYg)   [![VISTA-logo-staffing-IGV-white](https://blog.vistastaff.com/hs-fs/hubfs/VISTA-logo-staffing-IGV-white.png?width=180&height=128&name=VISTA-logo-staffing-IGV-white.png "VISTA-logo-staffing-IGV-white")](https://www.vistastaff.com) © 1999 - 2023 VISTA Staffing Solutions