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AAPA -- American Academy of Physician Assistants
AAPA is the national organization representing Physician Assistants. AAPA’s mission is to “promote quality, cost-effective, accessible health care, and to promote the professional and personal development of physician assistants.” AAPA sponsors an annual conference at different locations across the United States. Thousands of PA’s and PA students attend this major event.

SAAAPA -- Student Academy of the American Academy of Physician Assistants
Phone: 703-836-2272
This component of AAPA represents PA students. Student representatives from PA Programs have voting privileges on issues that affect PA education. This organization also facilitates communication between student groups from different PA Programs.

Pi Alpha -- National Honor Society for Physician Assistants
Pi Alpha is the national physician assistant honor society organized by the Physician Assistant Education Association for the promotion and recognition of significant academic achievement, leadership, research community/professional service, and related activities, and the encouragement of a high standard of character and conduct among both physician assistant students and graduates.

Each year a member PA Program can select up to 15% of its graduating class for membership into Pi Alpha. Inductees are announced at the annual awards ceremony in May.

PSPA -- Pennsylvania Society of Physician Assistants
Phone: 724-836-6411
PSPA is the state level organization that is a constituent chapter of AAPA. PSPA supports lobbying activities on behalf of PA’s and provides continuing medical education (CME) opportunities. The organization sponsors an annual conference that includes a competition between students from different PA Programs across the state.

NCCPA -- National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants
Phone: 678-417-8100
This organization is responsible for preparing and administering the Physician Assistant National Certification Examination (PANCE). They also maintain a record of Continuing Medical Education (CME) hours that a PA must log to remain certified.