The healthcare landscape is evolving fast, and Advanced Practice Providers (APPs)—like nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician associates (PAs)—are playing a bigger role than ever in both delivering care and advancing organization-wide growth strategies.
With physician shortages, rising patient demands, and a push toward more efficient, cost-effective care, employers can’t afford to overlook the return on investment in workforce development, particularly APPs. It isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential. Here’s why:
The Clinician Shortage is Real—And APPs Can Help
The U.S. is facing a projected shortage of up to 86,000 physicians by 2036. This gap is troubling outright and, worse yet, without a solution patient care will suffer.
The good news is that properly trained APPs are well-equipped to help close the gap. APPs are able to diagnose, treat, prescribe, and manage patient care in various settings, often improving accessibility, especially in underserved areas. In one study, patients in a critical care setting had similar 90-day survival rates when cared for by NP teams compared to traditional physician resident teams. Additionally, patients treated by NP care teams in the intensive care unit experienced lower mortality rates and shorter stays in the hospital.
Employers who prioritize their APP workforce and support them through continued clinical education and professional development will be the ones to successfully navigate this shortage.
APPs Strengthen Interdisciplinary Teams
The best healthcare happens when providers work together. APPs are collaborators with physicians, pharmacists, nurses, and broader clinical care teams to provide well-rounded treatment.
Real-world instances have shown that the integration of APPs into select practices reduced 30-day complications by 17%, 90-day readmissions by 18% and mean length of stay by a third of a day. When APPs are fully supported and empowered, they improve care coordination, reduce medical errors, and help streamline patient management. That’s a win for everyone—patients, providers, and healthcare organizations alike.
Compliance and Patient Safety Depend on Effective Training
Prioritizing APPs isn’t only about making them better clinicians—it’s about reducing risk, improving outcomes, and ensuring top-tier patient care is delivered in every care environment. As the roles of APPs expand, so does the need for clear training and robust preparation as these professionals transition to practice and move between specialties. Effective training programs help avoid major compliance and patient safety risks.
Published data also confirms that the quality of care provided by APPs in terms of mortality and length‑of‑stay was equal to that of physician residents in certain healthcare settings. APPs excelled in such team settings, showing the clear impact of effective training.
Employers that invest in structured onboarding, continuing education, and leadership development will build a workforce that’s both competent and confident in their abilities.
A Strong APP Workforce Enjoys Lower Burnout and Higher Retention Rates
Burnout in healthcare is at an all-time high and turnover is a major concern. But evidence has shown that healthcare employees stay where they feel valued and supported, incentivizing employers to mitigate conditions and risks for burnout.
Providing APPs with career growth opportunities—whether it’s through mentorship, leadership roles, or skill development—benefits not only them, but the entire organization. Happy, engaged providers deliver better care, stay longer, and create a more stable workforce.
Ultimately, APPs aren’t just filling gaps in care or stepping in to support areas where physicians are too stretched —they’re shaping the future of healthcare. Without intentional development, their full potential is not seized.
Employers who prioritize APP training, support, and career growth will be the ones leading the charge in 2025 and beyond. Investing in APPs is both good for business and essential for better patient care, stronger teams, and a more sustainable healthcare system. If your organization isn’t already focused on APP development, it’s time to start.
Jim Creason
Jim Creason is President and CEO of ThriveAP.
