AAPA

What is AAPA?

Founded in 1968, the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) is the national professional society for physician associates (PAs). It represents a profession of more than 178,700 PAs across all medical and surgical specialties in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, and the uniformed services. Learn more about AAPA.

Where can I find AAPA tax information?

• Dues Tax Information. Membership dues are not deductible as charitable contributions for income tax purposes. However, they may be deductible as an ordinary and necessary business expense or an itemized miscellaneous deduction subject to the restrictions imposed due to AAPA’s lobbying activities.

  The nondeductible portion of your annual dues spent on lobbying activities is about 4.26 percent. Approximately $38 of annual AAPA membership dues covers a one-year print subscription (12 issues) to the Journal of the American Academy of PAs for Fellow and Retired members, $12 of dues covers a digital only subscription for all other member types.

  The AAPA federal ID# is 23-7067770.

• PAC Tax Information. Contributions to the AAPA Political Action Committee (PA PAC) are voluntary and NOT tax deductible. Federal law requires PACs to report the name, mailing address, occupation and name of employer for each individual whose contributions exceed $200 in a calendar year. Please contact your CPA or tax specialist with questions.
• PAF Tax Information. PA Foundation (PAF) contributions are voluntary and tax-deductible. These contributions support PA Foundation programs. The PA Foundation federal ID# is 54-1071370.
• AAPA W-9. View the AAPA W-9.

What is AAPA’s mailing address?

2318 Mill Road, Suite 1300
Alexandria, VA 22314

PA Profession Information

Where can I file a complaint about a PA?

To file a formal complaint against a PA, you will need to contact the state’s medical licensing board where the PA practices, as they are responsible for regulating the practice of PAs and investigating complaints against them. Each state’s medical board should have a process in place by which you can submit complaints/concerns for investigation.

Where can I report disparaging information about PAs?

Reports of disparaging or slanderous information about PAs or the PA profession can be sent to the AAPA Communications Team at [email protected].

Where can I report complaints about a PA program?

Complaints or concerns about a PA program should be sent to ARC-PA at [email protected].

Account & Login

How do I reset my password?

Enter the Email Address associated with your AAPA account to receive a password reset link via email. If you have previously had an account merged, you will need to contact [email protected] / 703-836-2272 option 1 to assist with your password reset.

What if I forgot my username?

Enter the Email Address associated with your AAPA account to receive an email with reset instructions.

How do I update my contact or personal information?

Log in to My Account to update your contact or personal information.

How do I update my graduation date?

Have your PA program provide confirmation of your new expected graduation date and submit it to [email protected].

Advocacy

How do I contact my State or Federal Advocacy/Outreach directors, the Reimbursement & Professional Advocacy Teams, or the CO Outreach & Advocacy directors?

Find Advocacy team contact information here.

Where can I find information on state chapters, caucuses, specialty organizations, and special interest groups?

Find info on our constituent organizations here.

Where can I find information about the PA title change?

Find information on the title change here.

Where can I find more information about my state laws?

View this page on state laws and regulation resources.

What is OTP?

Optimal Team Practice (OTP) occurs when PAs, physicians, and other healthcare professionals work together to provide quality care without burdensome administrative constraints. Learn more about OTP.

How do I learn about the latest AAPA Advocacy efforts?

Stay up to date on all the latest Advocacy related news.

Certification and Credentialing

Questions about PA Educational Programs?

The PA Education Association (PAEA) is the national organization representing PA education programs in the United States. Its primary function is to advance excellence in PA education through leadership, scholarship, equity, and inclusion. PAEA provides resources and support for PA programs, faculty, students, and other stakeholders within the PA education ecosystem.

Questions about PA Program Accreditation?

The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the PA (ARC-PA) is the accrediting agency that protects the interest of the public and PA profession by defining the standards for PA education and evaluating PA educational programs within the territorial United States to ensure their compliance with those standards.

Questions about PA Certification?

For information or questions regarding PA certification or recertification, please contact the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).

Questions about AMA credentialing?

AAPA serves as the primary source and authorized agent for the PA profession in the American Medical Association’s credentials profiling service, used by nearly every hospital in the country. We collect graduation data directly from PA programs to meet AMA and Joint Commission “primary source” requirements.

To request the AMA’s credential profile service for a PA, please follow the steps on the AMA’s website. Please feel free to contact [email protected] for additional information on setting up your profile. To get information from AAPA regarding your credentialing request or status, please reach out to [email protected].

CME & CME Accreditation

How do I access AAPA CME?

• Information on everything related to AAPA’s CME can be found within CME Central. To search, review, purchase, and complete AAPA CME, you will need to log into Learning Central. That is also where you will find your CME Transcript and CME completion certificates.
• Questions about AAPA CME and Learning Central? Check out our CME FAQs.

How to Access the CME Included in Plus or Premium Membership

To access the CME included in your Plus/Premium membership, you must register the CME to your Learning Central account. Click on any of the included CME products and click “LEARN MORE & REGISTER” to begin accessing CME from that series. Once you’ve registered a course to your account, it will show up in “MY COURSES” in Learning Central for easy future access. You may register any included CME throughout the duration of your Plus/Premium membership term.

How do I know which CME is included in my membership?

Visit Learning Central and utilize the member type filter to discover CME included in your member type, or follow the links below to see:

• Included Professional CME
• Included Plus CME
• Included Premium CME

Where do I learn more about CME Accreditation?

Interested in hosting your CME on AAPA.org or need CME accredited for an event? AAPA is the only accreditor for the AAPA Category 1 CME system. For more information, please visit the CME Accreditation page or reach out to [email protected].

Working on a CME Accreditation Application? Check out our list of accreditation FAQs to assist with that process.

Communications

How do I adjust my communications settings within my AAPA account?

Your Communication Preferences are located within your AAPA Profile and include five categories; Publications, Products & Services, PA News, SMS, and Other. You can turn the various communications on or off based on your personal preferences. Please note that although your updated communication preferences are applied in real time, you may still receive some correspondence that you have opted out of, if that communication was already set to be sent before your updated changes were applied.

Why am I not receiving AAPA communications?

If you are opted in to receive an AAPA communication, but are still not receiving it, try the following troubleshooting steps:

• Check your Trash. Check your email account to see if our emails are going into a trash, junk, or spam folder. If they are, just right click on that email and select the junk or spam option that adds that email address or email domain to your “safe” list (“add to contacts,” “not junk”, “never block,” etc.).
• “Whitelist” AAPA. Many email providers block any email that comes from a bulk email system – even if that system is legitimate and in compliance with best practices. If your provider is blocking AAPA email, you’ll need to “whitelist” AAPA. If you are using a personal email provider, like Gmail or Yahoo, you’ll want to add the appropriate email domain or “from” email address (see list below) to your “safe” list. If you are using business email, you’ll want to contact your employer’s IT department or vendor.
• Medical Watch: Domain – [email protected]
• Surveys: Domain – [email protected]
• Huddle Daily Digest: Domain – [email protected]
• Try a different email account. Occasionally, despite AAPA’s adherence to email best practices, an email provider blocks AAPA emails in their spam filters and they are not delivered to your inbox. We work closely with these providers to resolve any issues as best as we can.

JAAPA

Does my AAPA membership include a JAAPA subscription?

Yes! A JAAPA print subscription is included for Fellow Professional, Plus, Premium, and also Retired Members. All other member types (Pre-PA, Student, & Affiliate) receive digital access to the journal.

How do I verify my mailing address and whether I am opted in to receive printed copies of the journal?

Log in to My Account to verify your mailing address, and check your Communication Preferences to ensure you have not opted out of print distribution (if your member type receives a print subscription of JAAPA).

How do I access digital copies of the journal?

To access digital copies of JAAPA, log in here using your AAPA ID/PW credentials.

I joined AAPA or renewed my Fellow or Retired membership; why have I not received a copy of the journal?

If you recently joined AAPA, renewed your dues after your previous membership expired, updated the primary mailing address on your account, or recently opted in to receive printed copies of the journal, it can take up to eight weeks for your mailed subscription to begin or resume. However, until your journals arrive, you can get instant access online to all past and current JAAPA articles now, and you can complete the JAAPA post-tests for CME credit on Learning Central.

Meetings

Where and when are the upcoming AAPA meetings?

Visit our Events page to learn more about AAPA Conference, specialty meetings, webinars, and networking events.

Where can I find out more about the next annual AAPA Conference?

See our conference website for more information.

Membership

Where do I find more information about AAPA membership and the various member types?

• Information related to AAPA Membership can be found within Member Central.
  • Pre-PA Members
    This membership option is reserved for individuals who intend to apply for but are not yet accepted and enrolled in ARC-PA accredited PA programs.
  • PA Student Members
    Current students enrolled in an ARC-PA accredited program.
  • Fellow Members
    Fellow members must have graduated from a PA program accredited by ARC-PA (or a predecessor agency) and/or passed PANCE. For membership purposes, once you are a PA/Fellow member, you will remain a Fellow member if purchasing membership until you enter retired membership eligibility.
  • Retired Members
    Retired members are past Fellow members of AAPA (minimum of 5 years) who are at least 65 years old. Members who previously held retired membership prior to 2025 may continue to renew in this membership category.
  • Affiliate Members
    Affiliate members are other healthcare professionals, representatives of businesses, or individuals who do not qualify for any other membership category and wish to stay current with the PA profession.

Where can I locate information about exclusive AAPA membership discounts?

Find details on personal and professional discounts received through AAPA Membership here.

How do I send or print a membership invoice?

You can generate an invoice in your account.

Where do I find my dues receipts?

You can view your receipts from within your account.

How do I print my membership card?

You can print your membership card at your convenience in your account.

Are there any restrictions to AAPA membership?

In accordance with AAPA Bylaws Article X, Section 5, “Any individual who has their PA certificate, registration, or temporary permit currently revoked as the result of a final adjudicated disciplinary action for violation of their professional practice statues or regulations shall be ineligible to apply for AAPA membership during the period of that revocation.” For additional questions, or to contact the Judicial Affairs Committee Chair, email [email protected].

What membership discounts or promotions does AAPA offer?

• Discounts for Military/Uniformed Service PAs
  PAs in active or reserve military/uniformed service duty are eligible for $50 off a one-year Fellow Professional membership. Please enter/update your status and organization in your account, then use the code MILU50 at checkout to receive the discount. Military discounts are not eligible for auto-renewal and are only eligible for Fellow Professional membership.
• Discounts for Federally Employed PAs
  PAs who are Federally employed are eligible for $50 off a one-year Fellow Professional membership. Please note your Federal employment status in your account, then use the code MILU50 at checkout to receive the discount. Federal discounts are not eligible for auto-renewal and are only eligible for Fellow Professional membership.
• Discounts for New Graduates
  • First Year: Starting within 90 days of their expected graduation date, and for 12 months beyond that date, PAs can receive $150 off Fellow Professional membership. Simply use the promo code NEWGRAD at checkout.
  • Second Year: PAs between 12- 24 months after their expected graduation date can receive $75 off Fellow Professional membership. Simply use the code NEWPA at checkout.
• Discount for Enrolling in Auto-Renewal
  Fellow members may sign up for auto-renewal while purchasing or renewing membership. Auto-renewal awards a member a 5% discount on discount on any Fellow membership dues option. Read the full terms and conditions related to auto-renewal.
• What happened to the Sustaining membership option?
  Sustaining membership was discontinued in 2022 and is no longer an available membership option. If you are serving in a volunteer capacity, or experiencing a financial hardship due to unemployment, or a temporary or permanent disability, please reach out to [email protected].

Payments & Upgrades

Help, I’m having payment issues!

Email [email protected] or call 703-836-2272 (option 1) M-F from 9-5 ET.

Can I get a refund on my membership or product purchase?

Membership dues and product purchases are non-refundable and all sales are final. Please review our terms and conditions for more information.

How do I print a membership dues invoice?

You can print a membership invoice in your account.

What’s the difference between a membership renewal and a membership upgrade? 

• Membership Renewal – Purchase of a membership at full price for a full year/term which could start immediately, or at the end of a current paid term.
• Membership Upgrade – Immediately moving between membership tiers within the same membership term, by paying the difference in full price between the tiers (does not extend membership end/paid through date).

How can I determine which Fellow Membership is right for me?

Use our membership fit finder tool!

What is Auto-Renewal?

Fellow members may sign up for auto-renewal while purchasing or renewing membership. Auto-renewal awards a member a 5% discount off fellow membership dues. Read the full terms and conditions related to auto-renewal

When does my auto-renewal payment get processed?

Automatic payments are processed on the 15th day of your membership expiration month. You will receive a reminder email on the 1st day of the same month to the primary email address on your AAPA account.

How do I make changes to my auto-renewal?

Fellow Professional, Fellow Plus, and Fellow Premium membership types are all eligible for auto-renewal. To change the level of Fellow membership for your upcoming renewal, visit “Manage my Auto-Renewal.” For any additional questions on your auto-renewal membership please email or call the AAPA Customer Care team at [email protected], 703-836-2272, Option 1 (M-F, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. ET).

How do I update my PAC or PAF donations within my auto-renewal?

To add or edit donations for your upcoming renewal, visit “Manage my Auto-Renewal.”

How do I update my payment method foruto-renewal?

To update your payment method for future auto-renewal payments, visit “My Payments.”

How do I opt out of future auto-renewal processing?

You can opt out of the auto-renewal program at any time, just visit “Manage my Auto-Renewal,” or contact Customer Care to make the request: [email protected] or 703-836-2272 Option 1 M-F 9AM-5PM ET.

Can I enroll in auto-renewal without making a payment?

Current Fellow members may enroll in auto-renewal at any time without being charged until their current membership is up for renewal. To enroll in auto-renewal before your membership expires without making an immediate payment, visit “Manage my Auto-Renewal.”

Can I use another promo code along with auto-renewal?

Additional promo codes may not be applied to auto-renewal membership purchases. If you want to enroll in the auto-renewal program for future renewals, but utilize a different promo for your current purchase, please check the “Yes, I’d like to enroll in auto-renewal to save 5% on my membership every year” box while progressing through the payment process online. When you get to your cart/payment screen, remove “AUTOPAY” on the checkout page and replace it with your preferred promo code to redeem that other promotion, while keeping yourself enrolled in auto-renewal program. The promotional savings will then be applied to your current purchase, and your future renewals will reflect the 5% autorenewal savings.

PA Students & Pre-PAs

What member types are available for individuals seeking to enter the profession?

• Pre-PA Membership – For individuals who plan to apply to an ARC-PA accredited PA program but are not yet accepted or enrolled.
• PA Student Membership– For individuals currently enrolled in an ARC-PA accredited PA program.

I just joined as a Student Member, when will I receive my Maxwell Quick Medical Reference book?

Student members receive a welcome kit in the mail, including the Maxwell Quick Medical Reference book, within six to eight weeks from when your Student Membership payment is processed. The kit is sent to the preferred/primary address on your AAPA account.

What should I do if my graduation date has changed since purchasing my Student Membership?

Please submit confirmation of your updated expected graduation date to [email protected]. This confirmation should come from your PA program or university and must be official—such as letter on university letterhead or an email from program faculty or staff—rather than a self-reported update.

Where can I find more information about resources for PA programs, including presentations on the PA profession and AAPA’s role?

AAPA is your partner in supporting the next generation of PAs. Access classroom-ready resources on the PA profession, advocacy, clinical topics, and career development on the PA Program Portal. For additional questions, contact us at [email protected].

Where can I find information about Pre-PA and Student Membership Cohort Billing?

Cohort Billing simplifies the student membership registration process by allowing PA programs to enroll an entire cohort with a single invoice—saving time and effort. Learn more here.

What resources are available for Pre-PA Clubs and Advisors?

AAPA supports Pre-PA advisors and student organizations with tools to guide aspiring PAs. Explore resources on becoming a PA, applying to PA school, running a club, and scheduling live presentations in our Pre-PA Advisors and Clubs Toolkit.

What is the AAPA Student Academy and what does it do?

The Student Academy is led by the Student Board of Directors and represents PA students nationwide. It supports AAPA’s mission through student engagement, leadership, and advocacy.

To learn more about the Student Academy, student societies, the assembly of representatives or student leadership opportunities, visit the Student Academy page or contact Caitlin Harrison, Senior Manager, Student Academy & Volunteer Engagement, at [email protected].

Questions about PA Educational Programs?

The PA Education Association (PAEA) is the national organization representing PA education programs in the United States.

• The Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) operates the CASPA application portal, which most PA programs use. This is where you’ll complete and submit your application.
• You can browse accredited PA programs and compare prerequisites, deadlines, and requirements using PAEA’s CASPA Program Directory.

Questions about PA Program Accreditation?

The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the PA (ARC-PA) is the agency responsible for accrediting PA programs in the U.S. They define the standards for PA education and ensure programs meet those standards through regular evaluation.

If you’re looking to confirm whether a program is currently accredited, ARC-PA is the official source. You can view a full list of PA programs and their accreditation status on the ARC-PA website here.

Where can I report complaints about a PA program?

Complaints or concerns about a PA program should be sent to ARC-PA at [email protected].