The AAPA is set up into the governing body - Board of Directors and the policy-making body - House of Delegates.  The Board of Directors AAPA has 13 elected officials who meet three times a year and responsible for the Academy's administrative and financial management.  Each year, the AAPA membership votes on candidates to become a member of the board.

The second part of AAPA is our House of Delegates, which consists of voting delegates from chartered constituent chapters, officially recognized organizations, the Caucus Congress, the Student Academy, and the Physician Assistant Education Association.  The House comes together once a year at AAPA's Annual Conference to vote on professional issues which shape the policies and direction of the Academy.

The Student Academy has its own structure, starting with students at individual PA educational programs. All student members of AAPA are considered members of the Student Academy.  Students at each PA program may elect one representative to attend the Assembly of Representatives (AOR), the legislative body of the Student Academy, which meets once a year at the AAPA's Annual PA Conference. The AOR sets policy and elects the Student Academy officers. The student officers direct the Student Academy affairs for the following year. Any AAPA student member is eligible for a student officer position. PA students are involved in many aspects of the AAPA, including constituent organization leadership, Academy leadership, and regional activities.

You elect the leaders of your constituent organization and national PA association. Your vote represents the most fundamental level of your involvement as a member and is crucial in deciding who will guide the development of the PA profession. Remember to exercise this privilege at election time.