From the desk of the ADPA President: Upcoming Vote: Expanding Membership to Strengthen PA Education

James R. Kilgore, DMSc, PhD, MS, BMSc, BS, PA-C, DFAAPA

One of the most important announcements from the PAEA recently occurred at the annual meeting last week. The Board of Directors has recommended creating a new membership category for PA-only post-professional doctoral programs.

Why this matters: With over “38” (Updated 9/25) such programs currently operating and more in development, this expansion ensures PAEA represents the full breadth of PA education. By creating a dedicated membership category for these programs, PAEA can: 

·       Expand opportunities for master’s and doctoral programs to collaborate, share innovations, and build bridges

·       Strengthen our collective voice in policy and advocacy by representing all stages of PA education

·       Ensure that doctoral programs receive tailored resources and support

·       Reinforce the Association’s role as the trusted, unifying voice for all of PA education

The Board will hold an electronic membership vote in late 2025. If approved, the category will launch in July 2026.

With the development of the post-professional doctoral programs, the creation of the “bridge programs” that allow a degree to be obtained within 1-6 months post-graduation from an entry-level PA program, and the ongoing research into curriculum and costs to develop the entry-level doctoral PA program, there will be a significant amount of activity in the area in the foreseeable future. This will be a great opportunity for PAEA to help facilitate conversations with the entry level masters programs and the post professional doctoral programs in the future.