Students are encouraged to become members of a wide variety of professional associations. For example, the GWU Department of PA Studies supports the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) and the North Carolina State Association of Physician Assistants (NCAPA), of which students are strongly encouraged to become members to allow our student society to participate in the AAPA National Student Challenge Bowl as well as the state level NCAPA Challenge Bowl and a variety of other national, state, and regional activities. In addition, leadership opportunities and occasional scholarships are available from the organizations listed below:
Professional Associations
Professional Activities
Attendance at a state or national conference is encouraged and is the student’s financial responsibility. Faculty will attempt to honor a student’s request to attend a conference given adequate notice; however, an excused absence from class, lab, or rotations will be approved by individual faculty.
The Gardner Webb University PA Student Society is the leadership group of PA students meeting regularly to discuss common interest issues. The GWUPASS is registered with the Student Academy and can annually prepare for and participate in the National Student Challenge Bowl. The didactic class should elect class representatives by the end of the Spring I semester. The election includes the following Student Society officers:
Each member of GWUPASS is strongly encouraged to join the AAPA (a one-time payment of $75 covers membership through graduation). In addition, eligibility to participate in the AAPA National Student Challenge Bowl requires at least 75% of students in the program to be members.
A member of the PA faculty is appointed as the student government faculty advisor by the department director. The role of the faculty advisor is to motivate future leaders in the PA profession by encouraging participation, providing information about resources, and nurturing interest in the activities of the program’s student society.
