Professional organizations for Physician Assistants

Empowering Physician Assistants through community, education, and certification

Physician Assistants (PAs) play a critical role in modern healthcare, and many professional organizations support them.

The PA Education Association (PAEA)

The PA Education Association (PAEA) is the only national organization representing PA educational programs. PAEA works to ensure quality PA education through the development and distribution of educational products and services geared toward meeting the emerging needs of PA programs, the PA profession, and the healthcare industry.

The National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)

The National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) is the only certifying organization for PAs in the United States. Established as a not-for-profit organization in 1974, NCCPA provides certification programs that reflect standards for clinical knowledge, clinical reasoning, and other medical skills and professional behaviors required upon entry into practice and throughout the careers of PAs.

American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA)

AAPA is the national organization that advocates for all PAs and provides tools to improve PA practice and patient care.

The Arizona State Association of Physician Assistants (ASAPA)

The mission of ASAPA is to advocate for and promote the professional development of physician assistants in all things related to becoming a physician assistant (PA).