PA Associations

AAPA

American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA)

Founded in 1968, the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) is the national professional society for PAs (physician associates/physician assistants). It represents a profession of nearly 190,000 PAs across all medical and surgical specialties in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, and the uniformed services.

AAPA advocates and educates on behalf of the profession and the patients PAs serve. We work to ensure the professional growth, personal excellence and recognition of PAs. We also enhance their ability to improve the quality, accessibility and cost-effectiveness of patient-centered healthcare.

WAPA

Washington Academy of Physician Assistants (WAPA)

WAPA’s Mission

To cultivate a diverse and collaborative presence across all aspects of healthcare through advocacy, policy, and leadership. To exemplify professional growth, fortitude, and resilience in order to cultivate PA career development in WA state.

WAPA’s Vision

The Vision of the Washington Academy of PAs is to empower PAs to practice, without barriers, at their highest level of education and experience while fully realizing PAs as integral members and leaders of Washington’s healthcare team.

PAEA

Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA)

PAEA is the only national organization representing PA educational programs in the United States. Currently, all of the accredited programs in the country are members of the Association. PAEA provides services for faculty at its member programs, as well as to applicants, students, and other stakeholders.

Founded in 1972 as the Association of Physician Assistant Programs, the Physician Assistant Education Association took on a new name in 2005. Member programs voted to adopt the current name, PA Education Association, in 2022.