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frequently asked questions

WHAT IS FAPA?

FAPA stands for "Future Aggie Physician Assistants" and is a Texas A&M recognized student organization dedicated to educating and informing students about the PA profession. We meet every other week on campus to have PAs, program directors, and students speak about their experiences and the PA graduate programs in Texas. 

HOW CAN I JOIN?
Just show up to our next meeting! FAPA is an open student organization and ALL students (yes that includes YOU) are accepted/encouraged to come to our meetings. Throughout the semester you can become an 'active member' by attending 4 out of the 7 meetings, obtaining 5 volunteer points and 5 social points, and paying dues. 
I WANT TO JOIN FAPA BUT CAN'T ATTEND MEETINGS, WHAT DO I DO?
You will have to earn more points than those who attend meetings to be considered active. Email fapasecretary@gmail.com for more information, and to make us aware of your situation. 

WHY SHOULD I BECOME AN ACTIVE MEMBER?

  • You can add it to your Resume/CASPA

  • Great opportunity for Networking

  • Must be active to apply to be a FAPA Officer

  • Must be active to apply to be a FAPA Small Group Leader

HOW CAN FAPA HELP ME?

  1.  For anyone who thinks they might want to be a PA, coming to a meeting is a good way to find out. We provide you with information from admissions counselors, and PA's from around the area, to help you come to a decision.  

  2. Meetings, events, volunteering, and the field trip are all great ways to network. The more effort you put into trying to make a relationship with your peers, the more you get out of it. Strike up a conversation with someone next to you and you could find out about patient contact jobs or shadowing opportunities.

  3.  This organization provides opportunity for leadership development through roles as small group leaders and officers. These positions will allow you to grow as a person, learn how to be patient, and show compassion for others.

  4. FAPA can provide reassurance that you are not in this process alone. Deciding on the healthcare field is a difficult decision, that ensures a long arduous road ahead of you. It can be comforting to know that so many of us are going through the same thing, taking the same classes, and all have the same goal in mind.

WHAT IS A PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT? WHAT DO THEY DO?

A PA is a nationally certified and state-licensed medical professional, trained under the medical model. PA's usually have graduated from a master's program, and are able to practice medicine on healthcare teams with supervising physicians and other providers. They practice and prescribe medication in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, and the uniformed services.

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