Project Access
Project Access is a national outreach initiative of the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) and the Physician Associate Foundation (PAF) designed to spark curiosity, expand horizons, and open doors to the Physician Associate/Assistant (PA) profession. Through the passion and lived experiences of practicing PAs, Project Access connects with K–12 and college students to illuminate what a career as a PA looks like—and why it matters.
Our goal is to increase awareness of the PA profession, demystify the path to becoming a PA, and inspire the next generation of healthcare leaders. We are especially committed to reaching students from diverse backgrounds and communities who are Underrepresented in Medicine (URiM), ensuring that every student can see themselves reflected in the future of healthcare and empowered to pursue a meaningful career as a PA.
Project Access Presentation Toolkits
Grades K–3
- Project Access Quick Start Guide
- Slides help you introduce yourself to your audience
- Coloring Sheet
Grades 4–8
- Project Access Quick Start Guide
- Slides help you introduce yourself to your audience
- Word search
Grades 9–12
- Project Access Quick Start Guide
- Slides help you introduce yourself to your audience
- What is a PA? handout
- “What is a PA” video
College Students
- Project Access Quick Start Guide
- Slides help you introduce yourself to your audience
- What is a PA? handout
- “How Do I Become a PA” video
Request a Toolkit
Once you complete this brief form, the toolkit you requested will be emailed to you. Please note – these materials are intended for use by physician associates and PA students only. If you have questions or need additional assistance, please contact Kim Williams at [email protected].
FAQs About Project Access Visits
Any PA or PA student with a passion for educating underrepresented minority students about the PA profession can set up a Project Access visit with a local school or community organization.
Project Access is a PA- and PA student-led effort supported by tools and resources from AAPA and PAEA. You can hold a Project Access event anytime or anywhere. It could be held in your local school or at a community event.
A Project Access visit can be completed in an hour or less.
Use the downloadable Project Access Toolkit on this page for guidance on reaching out to potential schools and organizations, as well as content that can be used during your presentation.
About a week after your visit, it’s a good idea to follow up with your contact at the school or organization to thank them for the visit. At this time, you can also invite interested students to visit your workplace or PA program.
The official title of the PA profession is “physician associate.” As the organization representing the PA profession, AAPA has transitioned to the American Academy of Physician Associates.
PAs should continue to use “physician assistant” or “PA” as their official legal title in a professional capacity, particularly in clinical settings and with patients.
Title change implementation is a complex undertaking that will take time to wholly implement. It also involves other national PA organizations (PAEA, NCCPA, and ARC-PA), PA programs, AAPA Constituent Organizations, as well as state and federal governments, regulators, and employers.