American Academy of Physician Assistants

The American Association of PAs (later to become the American Academy of PAs) was established and incorporated in the state of North Carolina in 1968. The membership consisted of the first students and graduates (in 1967) of the Duke University PA program, the first such program.[2]

In 1973, the organization had 300 members and established joint national headquarters in Washington, D.C. with the Association of PA Programs (APAP), which is now the PA Education Association (PAEA).[3] The headquarters moved to Arlington, Va. in the late 1970s and then to Alexandria, Va. in 1988.

PAs who are graduates of PA educational programs accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the PA (ARC-PA) or one of its predecessor agencies are eligible for fellow membership in AAPA. Other membership categories include:

• PA students and pre-PA students
• Physicians
• PAs who are no longer practicing but wish to support the profession
• Related health professionals and service providers

Volunteer leaders (elected and appointed) and paid staff serve the profession from the national office headquarters in Alexandria, Va. and other U.S. locations.

There are two additional divisions of AAPA.

• The Student Academy is dedicated entirely to students completing an accredited PA program.
• The PA Foundation is the organization's philanthropic arm, fostering knowledge and philanthropy that enhance the delivery of quality healthcare.

• Advocacy and government affairs—AAPA’s advocacy staff works with policymakers and third-party payers at both the federal and state levels to support PAs’ ability to deliver quality healthcare with minimal barriers and practice at the top of their education and experience.
• Reimbursement and information—AAPA reimbursement staff work to ensure that insurance companies and other third-party payers cover PA-provided medical and surgical services.
• Professional Practice—The professional practice staff works with PAs on issues such as credentialing, privileging, Joint Commission, and liability insurance to secure professional standing and enable PAs to focus on patient care.
• Education and professional development—AAPA offers an array of CME opportunities, from live CME events to CME on demand digital libraries to online modules. In Learning Central, PAs can choose from a catalog of more than 250 online CME activities and customize their own curriculum.
• Public awareness building—AAPA actively promotes the value of PAs to patients, physicians and the general public through comprehensive marketing and communications campaigns.
• Research—In partnership with PA-focused organizations, AAPA collects data on the profession and analyzes and publishes its findings in reports and peer-reviewed journals. AAPA also produces original research that demonstrates the critical role PAs play in high-quality, accessible patient care. It produces an annual census and salary report.
• Publications—AAPA delivers information for and about PAs through the print and online publications, including PA Professional and JAAPA (AAPA’s scholarly, peer-reviewed journal).[4]
• Partnership with constituent organizations—Constituent organizations are independent organizations that AAPA officially charters or recognizes. These organizations are grouped into four categories and include chapters, specialty organizations, caucuses and special interest groups.[5]

• AAPA Conference: The world's largest PA educational and networking event.
• Continuing medical education: AAPA conducts a number of CME activities across the country through regional and other educational events.