ARC-PA – http://www.arc-pa.org/
The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) is the recognized accrediting agency that protects the interests of the public, including current and prospective PA students, and the PA profession by defining the standards for PA education and evaluating PA educational programs within the territorial United States to ensure their compliance with those standards.
PAEA (Physician Assistant Education Association) – http://paeaonline.org/
PAEA is the only national organization representing physician assistant 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. The Association was founded in 1972 as the Association of Physician Assistant Programs. Member programs voted to adopt the current name in 2005.
CASPA – https://caspa.liaisoncas.com/applicant-ux/ – /login
CASPA (Centralized Application Services for Physician Assistants) is a service of the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA), the only organization representing PA educational programs nationwide, and has been offered to applicants since 2001. The online application is designed to simplify the PA school application process by allowing students to apply to several programs with only one application.
NCCPA –http://www.nccpa.net/
The National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants is the only certifying organization for physician assistants in the United States. Established as a not-for-profit organization in 1974, NCCPA is dedicated to assuring the public that certified PAs meet established standards of clinical knowledge and cognitive skills upon entry into practice and throughout their careers. All U.S. states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. territories have decided to rely on NCCPA certification as one of the criteria for licensure or regulation of PAs. As of Dec. 31, 2016, there were approximately 115,500 certified PAs.
AAPA – https://www.aapa.org/
Founded in 1968, the American Academy of PAs is the national professional society for PAs. It represents a profession of more than 115,500 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.
MAPA – https://www.mdapa.org/
The Maryland Academy of Physician Assistants, Inc. is the officially chartered state chapter of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA). MAPA is a non-profit, 502c6, organization which was founded in 1979. MAPA is managed by a combination of Physician Assistants who volunteer their time and expertise as well as a paid association management staff.
MAPA is part of a nationwide network of PA state chapters devoted to representing and promoting the interests of PAs as well as advocating the highest quality delivery of healthcare to our patients. In addition, MAPA has a close relationship, both geographically and in principle with its parent organization, the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) whose national headquarters is located in Alexandria, VA. MAPA participates with both the AAPA as well as the National Commission of Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) organizations.
MAPA members serve on the AAPA House of Delegates and help to develop national strategy and policies. Several MAPA members have held important offices (including President) on both the AAPA and NCCPA boards. As with any professional society, the Academy’s strength lies in its membership. MAPA members are committed to their profession as well as increasing the public’s access to and awareness of cost-effective quality health care.
OnlinePADegrees.com (Scholarship Resources https://onlinepadegrees.com/scholarships/)
This resource features over 60 up to date scholarship opportunities for physician assistant students.
