Complete Story
09/17/2025
Step Up, Represent, and Compete at the 2025 PA Student Challenge Bowl
Attention all students from Ohio’s 17 PA programs...mark your calendars for Thursday, October 23, 2025. The annual OAPA PA Student Challenge Bowl is back, now held in conjunction with the OAPA Annual Conference in Westerville!
This fast‑paced, fun, game‑show style competition is your chance to test your clinical knowledge, bond with classmates, meet peers from other programs, and maybe even bring home bragging rights for your school. The Challenge Bowl offers something for everyone: teamwork, learning, excitement, and community.
What to Know
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Who: A team of 3 players + 1 alternate (total 4 students) from each PA program. One must serve as Team Captain to manage communications.
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When: October 23, 2025
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2:45‑3:00 pm — Team registration
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3:00‑3:45 pm — Meet & greet, game rules & instructions
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3:45‑5:45 pm — Multiple breakout rounds
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5:45‑7:00 pm — Networking happy hour break
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7:00‑8:30 pm — Final rounds on the main stage
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Where: Renaissance Columbus Westerville‑Polaris
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Cost: Flat fee of $195 per program to register a team. Challenge Bowl participants and spectators are not required to also be registrants of the OAPA Annual Conference, although it is welcome.
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When to Register: By October 10, 2025
- How to Register: Use this registration form
Why Participate?
Reflecting back on the 2024 event, nine PA programs brought teams, each competing in at least four rounds, then advancing through semi‑finals and finals. University of Mount Union emerged as the winner, with Lake Erie College close behind in second. Aside from the competition itself, the day featured a shared lunch and plenty of opportunities to connect with students and faculty from around the state.
This year’s format builds on that energy, with broader exposure and the added excitement of being part of the OAPA Annual Conference. It’s not just about winning: it’s about pushing yourself, seeing how you compare, sharing knowledge and tips, and setting the bar high for clinical reasoning and teamwork.
Voices From the Event
“Watching teams compete side by side, cheering each other on, is one of the most rewarding parts of this event. You’ll walk away smarter, more confident, and with connections across the state.” — Allyson Whittaker, PA-S, OAPA Student Representative
How to Be Involved
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Rally your classmates: gather your team of 3 + alternate, appoint a captain.
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Talk with your PA program leadership to secure funding or support.
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Register before October 10 -- coordinate early so you don't miss the deadline!
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Prepare: review key clinical topics, practice teamwork, maybe even do mock buzzer drills.
Don’t miss this chance to show off your skills, represent your school, and be part of an inspiring Ohio PA tradition. Whether you’re going for the title, the experience, or simply the camaraderie, the 2025 Challenge Bowl is for you. See you there!
