Advancing PA Education and the Profession Through State Advocacy and Engagement with State Chapters
As the PA profession continues to grow, complementing federal advocacy efforts with state-level engagement has never been more important. From PA modernization and licensure compact legislation to clinical education capacity and workforce development, many of the policies that directly affect PA education programs, faculty, students, and practicing PAs are shaped within state legislatures and regulatory agencies.
For PA educators and students, engagement with state chapters is a critical way to help shape the future of the profession and ensure that educational priorities, such as clinical site shortages and their impact on workforce recruitment and retention, remain visible in state chapter policy discussions and advocacy agendas.
Why State Advocacy Matters
While national conversations play an important role in advancing the profession broadly, many of the most immediate decisions affecting PA education and practice occur at the state level. State laws and regulations influence clinical rotation availability, preceptor support, licensure requirements and regulatory processes, workforce pipeline initiatives, and funding opportunities for PA education programs and graduates.
It is important to elevate the voice of PA education in state policy conversations because faculty and program leaders understand firsthand the challenges facing PA programs and students, the evolving needs of the health care and education systems, and the importance of preparing a highly qualified PA workforce. Their perspectives can help policymakers better understand these challenges, connect legislation to real-world outcomes, and become stronger champions for the PA profession.
The Importance of Engaging with State Chapters
State PA chapters serve as vital hubs for advocacy, collaboration, and leadership. They play a critical role in advancing the profession, supporting legislative initiatives, fostering collaboration among a wide range of stakeholders, and ensuring that the voices of PA educators, students and clinicians are represented in important policy conversations.
For PAEA members, involvement in state chapters provides an opportunity to influence meaningful change, bridge the gap between educational and professional issues, support data-informed decision-making, and help ensure that educational priorities remain part of broader professional advocacy efforts.
In addition to advocacy, state chapters foster professional connection and collaboration across academic and clinical settings. These relationships create opportunities for preceptor recruitment, professional development and mentorship, while also providing pathways to share resources, best practices, and innovative approaches to common challenges.
Ways to Become Involved
The continued growth and success of the PA profession depend on active engagement from all stakeholders, including PA programs. Advocacy does not always require a significant time commitment or prior legislative experience. Small, consistent actions can have a meaningful impact, and every level of involvement contributes to a stronger and more unified PA community. Below are several ways PA educators and staff can make a difference:
Become a Member of Your State PA Chapter
Joining your state chapter is an easy way to stay informed about issues affecting the profession in your region, learn about active advocacy campaigns, and connect with other PA leaders. Membership supports advocacy efforts while also providing valuable networking opportunities.
Respond to Legislative Action Alerts and Participate in Advocacy Efforts
Many state chapters distribute timely updates when important legislation or regulatory changes arise. Contacting legislators, submitting testimony, sharing expertise on educational issues, or participating in advocacy days can help amplify the perspectives of PA educators and students.
Encourage Student Engagement
Introducing PA students to advocacy early in their education can help cultivate the next generation of professional leaders and advocates. Faculty can encourage students to participate in state chapter activities and attend conferences, town halls, advocacy days, and other state meetings and events.
PAEA also developed an Advocacy Curriculum, a comprehensive resource designed to support PA faculty in teaching students how to improve their leadership skills and become successful advocates for PA education and the profession.
Volunteer for Committees or Leadership Roles
Many state chapters have committees focused on legislative affairs, conference planning, student affairs, membership, and communications, among other areas. Serving in these roles strengthens collaboration between PA programs and other leaders in the field.
By becoming involved with state chapters and broader PAEA advocacy efforts, PA educators can strengthen their programs and communities while helping shape the profession for generations to come.
As always, PAEA remains committed to highlighting opportunities for collaboration and stakeholder engagement to address programs’ core challenges, particularly shortages of clinical training sites and preceptors. To learn more about state-level advocacy efforts and involvement with state chapters, please contact Tyler Smith, chief policy officer, at tsmith@PAEAonline.org or Lizeth Zardeneta, state advocacy and external affairs manager, at lzardeneta@PAEAonline.org.
