Student and Pre-PA Events

Back by popular demand, this lounge is designed for PA students to relax and mingle between sessions. This area will host multiple networking events throughout the conference as well as some tasty treats to keep you powered for the day!

Join PA leaders and experts for presentations and networking sessions created for PA students. Pre-PAs and early career PAs are welcome too! From networking sessions on clinical specialties to navigating the PA job search, there’s a topic for PA students at every point in their journey.

Network, mix, and mingle with PA students and pre-PAs from all over the country at the Opening Reception. No sign-up needed — find the Student Sync-Up area once the reception opens.

Join the 2026-27 Student Board of Directors for breakfast in the Student Lounge! Meet your PA student leaders who represent the PA voice nationally and find out more information about PA student leadership and volunteer opportunities with the Student Academy and AAPA.

Join us for iScan27, the gamified ultrasound event for students!

Students will get a chance to show off their point-of-care ultrasound skills, compete with other students from around the country, and learn from ultrasound experts across a variety of medical specialties. Plan on about 3 to 4 hours of scan time, plus an additional hour if your team makes it to the finals!

Prizes will be awarded to teams with the highest points total. During the event, students will not only get lots of hands-on scan time, but will also answer clinical knowledge questions, interpret ultrasound clips, and integrate information into clinical scenarios. Pre-competition information and study materials to help you prepare will be sent out after registration.

No time to review pre-course information beforehand? Not super sono-savvy? Bad Wi-Fi connection? No worries! This event is meant to be fun “medu-tainment” with a chance to interact with sono-savvy PA pros on all topics PA and POCUS.

iScan Questions? Contact [email protected].

Team and individual sign up can be done through the registration portal. Pricing is $150 per team (up to 5 participants) or $50 per individual. Team rosters must be submitted no later than April 15, 2027 to [email protected].

Cheer on your PA program at this high-energy medical game show. More information to come as the 2027 event is finalized.

What types of questions are asked during the competition?

Questions are asked on a variety of subjects, including physical diagnosis, microbiology, anatomy, OB/GYN, pulmonary, cardiology, primary care, emergency medicine, and surgery.

What are the eligibility requirements?

• At least 75% of all PA students attending the team’s PA program must be AAPA student members.
• All team members must be AAPA student members currently enrolled in an accredited PA program that has a student society registered with AAPA.
• All three team members must be registered for AAPA’s Conference.
• Only one team member per team can be graduating within 30 days of competition.

How do I register a team?

Team sign-ups for the 2027 Challenge Bowl will open January 2.

What is the cost of registration?

There is no entrance fee. Participants must be registered as conference attendees and show their conference name badge at team registration.

When will I know if my team has been accepted?

• Teams will receive an email from AAPA staff regarding their team’s status.
• For more information, contact the Student Academy National Office at 571-319-4310 or email [email protected].