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The Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) is the first such service for the physician assistant profession. Since April 17, 2001, CASPA has allowed prospective PA students to submit their applications to CASPA through a secure Web server. After creating an account, a CASPA user will be able to log on as many times as necessary to complete an application. As part of an interactive application process, applicants can update their address, telephone number, and other biographical information, and submit application fees on-line. They will also be able to check the status of their application and be notified via e-mail when their materials have been received. As of February 15, 2001, about half of all accredited PA programs had elected to participate in CASPA. UT Southwestern Department of PA Studies is pleased to be one of the participating programs.
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Established in 1968, American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) is the national voice for PAs in all medical and surgical specialties. Its mission is to promote quality, cost-effective, and accessible health care and to promote the professional and personal development of physician assistants. The Academy is a wealth of information for anyone interested in the profession.
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The Texas Academy of Physician Assistants (TAPA), a fully chartered constituent chapter of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, is recognized as the inclusive organization most representative of Texas PAs. Its mission is to provide quality, accessible health care, advance the professional development of physician assistants, and provide leadership and representation for physician assistants throughout Texas.
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Founded in 1972, Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) provides its member programs and their faculty an avenue to address the important issues of accreditation of educational programs, legislation, educational technology, professional news and faculty enrichment. Activities include publications, representation and advocacy, meetings and research.
PAEA has recently developed an online version of the Physician Assistant Programs Directory. The directory provides a searchable database, hotlinks to program Web pages, and more frequently updated information. This is a must for those individuals considering application. It is located at http://www.apap.org/directory/index.htm.
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The National Commission on the Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) assures the public and others that NCCPA credentialed physician assistants meet established standards of knowledge and clinical skills upon entry into practice and throughout their careers. The NCCPA, through innovation and development, will continue as the recognized leader and primary resource in the assessment and credentialing of physician assistants.
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All applicants are required to take the general Graduate Record Examination (GRE) administered by the Educational Testing Service. The exam has three components: verbal, quantitative, and analytical. It can be taken at designated times if a paper test is preferred or by appointment is computer testing is desired.
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Texas Medical Board (TMB) is the state agency responsible for the licensure and discipline of physician assistants in Texas. Its mission is to protect and enhance the public's health, safety and welfare by establishing and maintaining standards of excellence used in regulating physician assistants and ensuring quality health care for the citizens of Texas.
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The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA), initially established by the American Medical Association, evaluates PA programs and awards accreditation based on compliance with guidelines in the Educational Standards for Physician Assistant Education.
