A Student Member is a PA student enrolled in an ARC-PA accredited physician assistant program. Student Members have all the rights and privileges of a Fellow Member, except that Student Members do not have the right to vote (except for voting by Student Directors as part of the NCAPA Board).
How much does it cost?
A one-time payment of $20 covers membership for any PA student enrolled in a program in North Carolina for the entire time the student is in PA school. Student membership is in force until December 31 of the year in which the student graduates, after which the new graduate is eligible for Fellow or Associate membership in NCAPA at the discounted rate of $75 for the first year as a licensed PA.
What kind of opportunities does NCAPA offer for students?
- Leadership Retreat: Each Fall, the NCAPA hosts a one-day event at the Stead Center in Durham for student members in North Carolina. The day includes presentations regarding leadership opportunities, professional development, preparedness for the early years of practicing as a PA, and networking with fellow students and experienced PAs.
- Student Medical Challenge Bowl: A Jeopardy-style competition with teams selected at random (not school vs. school) is held at the Stead Center each year in April/May. NCAPA’s Challenge Bowl can be used as preparation for the AAPA Student Medical Challenge Bowl, which is held each year at the AAPA annual conference.
- Student Representatives: Each PA program in NC elects one representative from each incoming class to serve as an NCAPA Student Representative. These representatives collaborate with the Student Affairs Committee, attend BOD meetings, and provide information to fellow students regarding PAs and NCAPA. The student representatives serve a term of one year.
- Student Directors: The NCAPA Board of Directors (BOD) has two Student Directors-at-Large. Members of the previous year’s NC PA program student representatives are eligible to run for these seats. Student Directors are elected no later than November 1 by NCAPA student members. The Student Directors serve a term of one year, which begins on January 1 of the year following the election.
- Student Affairs Committee: The Student Affairs Committee is a standing committee of the NCAPA with the mission to represent and voice the concerns of the PA student community while supporting efforts in achieving academic success. Student members may serve on this committee, as well as a few other committees such as Government Affairs, that provide opportunities for student members.
- PA Student Advocacy Tool Kit: Gather your PA student peers and head to the NC Legislature! The tool kit provides you with everything you need to know about organizing an advocacy event for your PA program.
- NCAPA Endowment Grants: Educational scholarships are awarded to one student at each PA program in the state. Applicants must be NCAPA student members attending a North Carolina PA program and be enrolled or entering their second year in PA school in September of the award year. The application deadline is July 1st. Grants are awarded in August.
To become a Student Member or for more information, contact Caroline Purdy, Membership Services Manager, at caroline.purdy@ncapa.org.
