Become a PA: Pre-PA Workshop

  • Saturday, May 16 | 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Aspiring to become a PA? This workshop welcomes future, first-time, and repeat PA school applicants — 100% of attendees at the 2025 Pre-PA Workshop said they would recommend the workshop to a peer!

This is a ticketed event. Sign up during the registration process and add this event to your schedule in My Conference Planner.

 

You can expect:

  • Expert-led presentations exploring profession trends, application requirements, and admissions strategies
  • Live panel discussions with current PA students and educators, including an open Q&A
  • Breakout sessions centered on guidance, networking, and managing expectations, led by PAs, PA educators, and PA students
  • Resource fair equipped with PA program staff and companies to support your path to PA school
  • One-on-one feedback sessions to review personal application materials and to practice interview skills (limited availability, advanced sign up required)

Here is what past attendees have shared about the event:

  • “I have attended the AAPA conference before, but this was my first pre-PA workshop with AAPA. It was so much fun and so inspiring! I left with awesome new connections and a plan for my PA journey.”
  • “Coming to the pre-PA workshop was very useful for me in learning how to be a competitive applicant and what I will need to be doing in the next few years.”
  • “The access, support, and inspiration I gained from this workshop made me feel more prepared, and more excited to take on the next step.”

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AAPA 2026 – Pre-PA Information
Who Should Attend? Registration Options
Pre-PAs – anyone who is considering becoming a PA Register for the full conference experience!
Take advantage of everything that AAPA 2026 has to offer, including other education and networking opportunities.Pre-PA members can purchase a day pass for $49.
No discount code needed. Includes single day registration for Saturday, May 16. You can also attend Main Stage events and get networking opportunities at the Opening Reception.
PA Programs and other Pre-PA Products and Services – PA programs and other organizations who would like to share your products and services with this audience Interested in connecting with Pre-PAs? Grab a tabletop exhibit or sponsor the event.
Event Agenda
Time Activity
8:00 AM Doors Open
8:00 – 9:00 AM Resource Fair
9:00 – 9:15 AM Welcome from AAPA
9:15 – 10:00 AM CASPA Overview

  • Donna Murray, DMSc, MS, PA-C, North Carolina ATSU
10:00 – 10:35 AM PA Student Panel

  • Ali Chamberlain, PA-C
  • Kimberly Montano, PA-S2, MPH, USC Primary Care PA Program
  • Brionna Palmer, PA-S2, University of Maryland Eastern Shore
  • Kevin Amemiya, PA-S2, Saint Louis University
10:35 – 11:05 AM Breakout – Student Networking
11:05 – 11:20 AM Break & Resource Fair
11:20 – 11:30 AM AAPA Federal Student Loan Update

  • Tate Heuer and Aimee Brierly, AAPA
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM Paying for PA School

  • Korey Philpot, Juno
12:00 – 1:15 PM Lunch & Resource Fair
1:15 – 1:45 PM Clarity Gets You Interviews: How to Strengthen Your PA Application Essays

  • Ashni Soto, PA-C, Owner of My PA Resource
1:45 – 2:25 PM PA Program Panel: Navigating Your Path To Success

  • Wayne Buxton, Pre-PA, UC Davis PA Program Matriculant
  • Thomas Hartman, DMSc, PA-C, A.T. Still University PA Program
  • Varsha Castro-Gusman, MMS, PA-C, Xavier University of Louisiana PA Program
  • David Brissette, MMSc, PA-C, Yale PA Program
2:25 – 2:55 PM Breakout – Group Mentorship
2:55 – 3:00 PM Closing Remarks
Select times Sign up in advance for one 15-minute session. First come, first serve.

  • Personal Statement Review / Resume Review / Mock Interviewing
After the Workshop Don’t miss the Main Stage event at 3:30-5 PM, Opening Reception at 5-7 PM, and the Expo at 5-7 PM. Check the conference app for more information on sessions and events.
Special thanks to our generous sponsors!

Champion Sponsor:

Supporting Sponsors:

Tabletop Exhibitors

  • A.T. Still University Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies
  • A.T. Still University Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences
  • Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences
  • EDGE-PA Program | Charles R. Drew University Medicine & Science
  • The George Washington University’s Physician Assistant Program
  • Juno
  • Lake Erie College PA Program
  • Lincoln Memorial University – School of Medical Sciences
  • My PA Resource
  • NCCPA
  • PA History Society
  • Southern California University of Health Sciences Master of Science: PA Program
  • Touro University Nevada
  • The University of South Alabama Physician Assistant Program – Allied Health
  • Xavier University of Louisiana PA Program in Partnership with Ochsner Health
  • Yale University Physician Associate Program