Postgraduate Education and Training for the Nephrology Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners

There is no consistent educational model to introduce the physician assistant and/or nurse practitioner to nephrology. The job descriptions of the nephrology physician assistant/nurse practitioner may be similar, but the training, state and federal licensing, background, and recertification are different for the 2 professions adding a level of complexity to the training of the physician assistant/nurse practitioner new to nephrology. On-the-job training is the most common modality, but formats, content, mentors, and practices vary from organization to organization and even within organizations. The advantage of on-the-job training is its flexibility while the disadvantage is its nonspecific outcomes. As nephrology practices vary widely and range from single provider private practices to multiprovider academic practices, it is difficult if not impossible to develop a generic orientation model. This article outlines the history and present state of postgraduate educational offerings for the physician as-sistant/nurse practitioner and provides insight into components of an ideal training program. (c) 2022 by the National Kidney Foundation, Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

There is no consistent educational model to introduce physician assistants and nurse practitioners to the field of nephrology. The job descriptions may be similar, but the training, licensing, background, and recertification differ for the two professions, making training in nephrology complex for new physician assistants and nurse practitioners. On-the-job training is common but varies in format and content. Due to the wide range of nephrology practices, it is difficult to develop a generic orientation model.