Barriers to Equity in Physician Assistant Education: A Review Grounded in Retention and Leadership Theory

The persistent underrepresentation of Black, Hispanic, and socioeconomically disadvantaged students in physician assistant (PA) education threatens the diversity of the healthcare workforce and contributes to ongoing health inequities in underserved communities. Although national commitments to inclusion have increased, representation among PA graduates has not kept pace with national demographic trends. Advancing equity in PA education requires strategies that expand access and support student success through holistic admissions practices, supportive learning environments, culturally responsive instructional approaches, and leadership approaches that promote equitable educational outcomes.