2025 in Review: A Year of Growth, Grit, and Gratitude

2025 in Review: A Year of Growth, Grit, and Gratitude

By Terri Schmitt, PhD, APRN, FAANP, FNP-BC
Executive Director, NPACE

As 2025 draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on what has been a transformative year for healthcare… and for NPACE.

For Advanced Practice Providers (APPs), including Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and Physician Associates (PAs), this year has brought both challenge and change. From rising healthcare costs and shifting coverage models to the continued evolution of practice authority and scope, our professions remain resilient, innovative, and deeply committed to patient care. In a country where over 50% of all primary care visits are delivered by APPs, meeting patient needs in the most remote and underserved areas, APPs continue to be the foundation of care delivery.

At NPACE, we worked tirelessly to meet the moment. Our mission, to provide exceptional, evidence-based continuing education that empowers APPs, has never felt more urgent or more rewarding. I had the honor of meeting many of you at live conferences who shared how difficult your work is right now and how being with us, being fed, laughing, and learning were part of the balm you needed to continue to push forward in your work.

Thanks to the dedication of our team, partners, and community, 2025 has been a year of incredible growth and giving. This year has meant expanding on our goal to meet the education needs of PAs as well as NPs, updating our logo and brand, celebrating 45 years of non-profit professional development, and growth in how we supply information from podcasting to new partners.

In-Person Conference Highlights: Moments You Don’t Want to Miss Again
This year, we brought our signature blend of high-quality education and community connection to cities across the country. If you missed us in person, here’s a taste of what made each event unforgettable:

• Chicago (April): Our Pharmacology Conference was packed with cutting-edge updates, including sessions on the latest drug approvals and prescribing practices. And who could forget our Roaring 20’s Party? Flapper dresses, jazz, and joy filled the night as we celebrated the power of learning and laughter.
• Cape Cod (June): We marked 45 years of NPACE with a nostalgic All Things 80’s Party—complete with neon, big hair, and even bigger hearts. Clinically, we dove deep into topics like diabetes, dermatology, and mental health, and hosted keynote speaker Dr. Mimi Secore who is a crowd favorite.
• Phoenix (September): Set against the serene backdrop of Wild Horse Pass, our Arizona conference offered both Primary Care and Acute Care tracks, with a renewed focus on critical care, trauma, and heart failure. The peaceful setting and group wellness allowed for reflection and reconnection.
• Orlando (November): In partnership with APEA, we welcomed students and seasoned clinicians alike for a dynamic conference featuring standout sessions on iatrogenic medications and nephrology, ENT emergencies, and more. Our Golden Social Hour, reduced price tickets to the theme parks, and great hotel setting only enhanced attendee relaxation and fun.
• Virtual Conferences: We hosted two virtual events this year, including our wildly popular Lab Fest, which received some of the highest attendee evaluations we’ve ever seen. With topics ranging from thyroid labs to vitamin deficiencies, these events made it possible for APPs everywhere to learn from home, on their schedule.

Podcast Power: The Friends of NPACE
The Friends of NPACE Podcast has become a cornerstone of our mission to provide free, accessible education to all APPs. With over 8,000 downloads across platforms, we’ve tackled everything from veterans’ health with Dr. Ali Tayyeb to suicide assessment with Dr. Rhone D’Errico, and palliative care with Dr. Elena Prendergast.

Thanks to generous grant funding from partners like Novo, Haleon, and Genentech, we were able to offer CE/CME credit on episodes covering Type 2 Diabetes, migraines, sleep and pain, and IBS management. These conversations are real, relevant, and deeply human—and they’re just getting started. Season 3 is on the way!

On-Demand Learning: Anytime, Anywhere
We know your time is precious. That’s why our on-demand education continues to grow, with 150+ courses and curated bundles across specialties like Primary Care, Acute Care, Office Skills, Mental Health, Orthopedics, Advanced Psychopharmacology, and Women’s Health.

And here’s the exciting news; our brand-new 2026 exclusive bundles—including the Grand Pharmacology, MATE Act, Lab Fest, and Onco-Vision bundles—will be available by the end of December. These are perfect for using up your 2025 CE funding before the end of the year!

Partners & Perks: Stronger Together
We are proud to collaborate with an incredible network of partners who share our vision for accessible, high-quality education. From APEA and MyCME to Healio, NONPF, and Duet, our partnerships have expanded our reach and enriched our offerings. We also are working to bring the best information on practices and resources to APPs. We are proud of our work with partners like Berxi, Springer Publishing, MyAdvice, Lengea Law, Acute Care Horizons and Collaborating Docs. We will continue our strong partnership work.

Be looking for exciting new offerings in 2026 for healthcare organizations looking for direct access to all things NPACE, where clinics and health systems can give APPs direct access to CE/CME and exclusive discounts. Whether you are a small practice or a large health system, there’s a place for you in the NPACE family.

Giving Back: Education with Heart
This year, we deepened our commitment to equity and access:

• In Cape Cod, we partnered with Dress for Success to provide professional clothing to those in need.
• We launched our Student Seat Scholarship, offering five free seats at every conference to current APP students.
• We also gifted five full-time APP faculty seats at each live event—because those who teach deserve to be supported, too.

These initiatives are just the beginning. We believe in lifting as we climb.

Looking Ahead to 2026
If 2025 was about rebuilding and reconnecting, 2026 will be about reimagining. We’re planning themed conferences, new radiology and pediatric offerings, and even more ways to support your growth—clinically, professionally, and personally.

Whether you join us in person, online, or on-demand, we’re here for you. And if you still have 2025 CE funds, now’s the time to explore our learning center and invest in yourself.

With deep gratitude and admiration,

Terri Schmitt, PhD, APRN, FAANP, FNP-BC
Executive Director, NPACE