Public Perceptions and Career Intentions Regarding Clinical Nurse Specialist and Physician Associate Roles: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

AIM: To assess public awareness, perceptions, and educational intentions regarding Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) and Physician Associate (PA) roles in Israel, and to identify predictors of interest in these career pathways. BACKGROUND: Amid physician shortages, countries are promoting advanced roles such as CNSs and PAs to strengthen healthcare capacity. In Israel, both roles are relatively new and underrecognized. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of 200 adults in Israel used descriptive statistics to assess familiarity and interest in CNS and PA roles. Two multiple linear regression models identified predictors of interest in pursuing each role's educational pathway. FINDINGS: Awareness of advanced roles was limited: 25.5% and 21% reported familiarity with CNSs and PAs, respectively. Despite this, 26.5% expressed interest in the CNS pathway and 17% in the PA pathway. Women were more likely to favor the CNS role; men showed greater interest in the PA role. Self-efficacy, career motivation, and gender predicted CNS interest (R2 = 0.332). PA interest was predicted by academic background and gender (R2 = 0.256), but not by self-efficacy or motivation. DISCUSSION: These findings highlight the need to clarify role definitions, address gendered perceptions, and implement targeted outreach. Differences in predictors suggest that CNS and PA roles appeal to distinct motivational and cognitive profiles. CONCLUSION: Despite low awareness, there is substantial public interest in CNS and PA roles. Tailored educational and communication strategies are needed to increase understanding and engagement. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Nurses should use clinical encounters to explain CNS and PA roles and build trust. IMPLICATIONS FOR HEALTH POLICY: Policymakers should support awareness campaigns, training incentives, and curricular integration to promote role legitimacy and address global workforce challenges.