Latest News
Recapping the OAPA Member Town Hall
On August 5, a small but mighty group of members gathered via Zoom for an OAPA Member Town Hall. The event was designed to inform, connect, and engage our community around the work we’re doing and what’s coming next. If you didn’t make it, here’s what you missed.
Candidates Sought for State Medical Board's PA Policy Committee (PAPC)
The State Medical Board of Ohio is seeking applications for two licensed PAs to join the Physician Assistant Policy Committee (PAPC). This role offers the opportunity to shape policies on licensing, regulations, and prescriptive authority. If you’re passionate about advancing the PA profession and influencing key practices in Ohio, please apply now to make a meaningful impact!
"Next Stop: Clinical Practice" Recap & Takeaways
OAPA's insight-packed event, "Next Stop: Clinical Practice," was a live virtual Q&A that took place last weekend. Aimed at current PA students and recent grads, the event delivered exactly what it promised: real-world advice, practical tools, and encouragement from those who’ve already made the leap from classroom to clinic. Read on for more about the event and key takeaways!
Notice of Proposed OAPA Bylaws Amendments - July 2025
The OAPA Membership Committee recently presented two proposals to support the next generation of PAs, including extending OAPA student membership duration and creation of a Pre-PA membership category. The Board of Directors approved these proposals and the voting membership will now be asked to vote on related Bylaws amendments between August 30-September 17.
Ohio's Melissa Bowlby, MHA, MSBS, PA-C Honored as an AAPA Distinguished Fellow (DFAAPA)
The American Academy of Physician Associates has named their newest cohort of AAPA Distinguished Fellows, and among the honorees is Ohio's Melissa Bowlby, MHA, MSBS, PA-C! OAPA celebrates the good work of our members and congratulates Melissa on this major professional achievement.
Your Work Matters! Grow Your PA Career with OAPA
No matter your career stage, the Ohio Association of Physician Assistants offers powerful ways to grow professionally, expand your network, and support the PA community in Ohio. Be an AUTHORITY. Be an ADVOCATE. Be a LEADER. Start your career growth with OAPA today!
Volunteer with OAPA: Shape the Future of the PA Profession in Ohio
OAPA thrives because of the time, talent, and dedication of our members. As we continue advancing the PA profession in Ohio, we invite you to take the next step in leadership — by volunteering. As a volunteer-lead organization, OAPA is only as strong as the collective effort our members put forth to pursue our vision of Ohio as the premier state for PAs. Please join in the cause today!
Psychiatry PAs Help Meet the Need for Mental Health Care
More than 3,000 PAs nationwide are working in psychiatry, and that number continues to grow. PAs in primary care also provide mental health support as they care for their patients holistically. Learn more about how PAs meet the critical need for mental health care in the American healthcare system.
2025 Pharmacology On-Demand Content
This 12 credit, on-demand CME program covering myriad areas of pharmacology for PA practice is now available for purchase!
OAPA Launches a Pre-PA Virtual Event Series
We are excited to announce a new initiative from the Ohio Association of Physician Assistants designed specifically to support Pre-PA students as they navigate their journey toward becoming future PAs. This three part series, presented by the OAPA Membership Committee, will help Pre-PA students better understand the CASPA, prepare for interviews, and hear from current PA students about the experience of PA school. Sign up for one, two, or all three sessions!
Honoring PA Excellence: OAPA Awards and Scholarships Now Open
One of the most rewarding activities for a membership community like OAPA is celebrating past and future member achievements by granting awards and scholarships. Awards recognize those who have made a significant positive impact on the PA profession, while scholarships support Ohio PA students as they pursue their education. As such, we are excited to announce the opening of our award nominations and scholarship applications for 2025!
Ohio PA Advocacy Day
Join the Ohio PA community at the iconic Ohio Statehouse for an impactful day! OAPA is excited to bring back our PA Advocacy Day during which PAs, educators, and students will convene to celebrate, support, and advance the profession with Ohio lawmakers. We are welcoming all in the Ohio PA community, whether you have been practicing for decades or are just starting your didactic year of PA school.
Ohio Leads the Way on PA Title Change: House Bill 353 Introduced
OAPA is proud to announce the introduction of HB 353 to change the title of the PA profession in Ohio from "Physician Assistant" to "Physician Associate." We extend our appreciation to Ohio Representatives Brian Lampton and Gayle Manning for sponsoring this bill. Read on for how you can help to advance this legislative initiative!
Ohio PAs Represent OAPA at the AAPA House of Delegates
A delegation of 9 Ohio PAs recently represented OAPA at the 2025 American Academy of Physician Associates House of Delegates (AAPA HOD) in Denver, CO. Delegates from across the country gathered to debate and vote on the resolutions that will shape the future of the PA profession.
State Medical, Pharmacy, and Nursing Boards Issue Joint Regulatory Statement on Retail IV Therapy Clinics
In response to the increasing number of retail IV therapy clinics operating in the state, the State Medical Board of Ohio, Ohio Board of Pharmacy, and Ohio Board of Nursing issued a joint regulatory statement highlighting critical patient safety concerns and the importance of regulatory compliance in this emerging sector.
Support PA Education: Protect Federal Student Loan Access
The House Education and Workforce Committee unveiled a proposal to eliminate the Grad PLUS loan program and impose new, restrictive borrowing caps on federal Stafford loans for graduate borrowers, including PA students. If enacted, this proposal would severely limit access to affordable financing for PA students — threatening the future health workforce at a time of growing provider shortages, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
Call for Posters: 2025 OAPA Annual Conference
OAPA is proud to support research that drives the PA profession forward. As part of our commitment, the 2025 OAPA Annual Conference will feature a dedicated platform for Ohio PAs and PA students to present their innovative work. Whether you're exploring clinical practice, education, policy, or beyond—this is your moment to shine. Join us this October at the Renaissance Columbus Westerville-Polaris and make your mark. Poster submissions are open now through August 15, 2025—submit your work today!
Download and Share: Must-Have Materials to Promote the PA Profession
Access an infographic about the PA profession in Ohio and a one-pager about PA Title Change to help educate your healthcare colleagues and advance Ohio PA advocacy!
PA Rises to #3 Best Job in 2025 U.S. News & World Report Rankings
U.S. News & World Report named the PA profession #3 among the 100 Best Jobs across all occupations based on such factors as median salary, unemployment rate, 10-year growth volume, 10-year growth percentage, future job prospects, stress level, and work-life balance!
On-Demand CME: Weighing Your Options: A Review of Antiobesity Treatment Options
Earn 1 CME credit while learning from Emily Doycich, PharmD, BCPS, and Shanail Berry, M.D. about criteria for medical weight management and current medications approved for weight loss.
Amended Rules on Medications for Opioid Use Disorder
On Wednesday, October 9, the State Medical Board of Ohio voted to amend the administrative rules for medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), effective October 31, 2024. The amendments reflect changes in federal law and allow prescribers to safely provide needed treatment to vulnerable patients.
OAPA Recognizes Senator Roegner for Ongoing Legislative Support
At the 2024 OAPA Annual Conference, OAPA provided a special recognition for State Senator Kristina D. Roegner for her leadership on the PA Licensure Compact and other support of PAs.
