FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What is Pi Alpha?

The Pi Alpha Honor Society was organized in 2004 by the Physician Assistant Education Association (formerly the Association of Physician Assistant Programs) for the promotion and recognition of significant academic achievement, leadership, research, community/professional service, and the encouragement of a high standard of character and conduct among physician assistant (PA) students and graduates.

2. What does Pi Alpha stand for?

The motto of Pi Alpha is "Scholarship, Service, Leadership." The organization is committed to lifelong learning and participation in intellectual life. The seal will be:

Back to Pi Alpha Home

Pi Alpha’s colors are blue and dark green.

3. What does Pi Alpha do?

The national society undertakes activities to recognize academic excellence and encourage the intellectual life of its members. An annual spring reception, featuring a national speaker, will be held at PAEA’s Semiannual Meeting to recognize the work of the society and to convene members. For a more complete listing of society activities, visit the national Pi Alpha Web site, http://www.paeaonline.org/pialpha.htm.

4. Who is eligible for induction into Pi Alpha?

• Current students of PA programs accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) that have chapter status through Pi Alpha (student membership requires a minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale and demonstrated excellence in research, publishing, community/professional service, or leadership activities).
• Full-time PA faculty who have three years’ experience with a PA program and who have fulfilled the criteria of distinguished scholarship, as well as leadership or service to a physician assistant program or the profession.
• Alumni who have met current criteria for induction.
• Individuals who have rendered distinguished scholarship, as well as leadership or professional service to the PA profession, and those who are not eligible for election through other means may be considered for honorary status.

5. How many individuals are eligible for induction each year?

• Students and alumni: not to exceed 15% of the graduating class.
• Faculty: no limit.
• Honorary members: one per graduating class.

6. How are chapters established?

A chapter may be voluntarily chartered at an institution with a PA program accredited by the ARC-PA. An application signed by the PA program director and at least two full-time members of the PA program faculty must be sent to the National Physician Assistant Honor Society Advisory Committee. If the application is approved by the advisory committee (and an initiation fee has been received from the program), a charter will be granted.

7. What is the cost of the chapter charter and inductee fees?

• Chapter charter fee: a one time, nonrefundable fee of $200.
• Inductee fee: $25 per inductee.

8. What are the benefits of membership in Pi Alpha for inductees?

Although Pi Alpha is the official honor society for the PA profession, membership is not just a matter of self-esteem, an item for a resume, or mention in job interviews. It implies a lifelong commitment to learning applied to benefit others. It also represents membership in a community of scholars, "a fellowship of learners, rather than of the learned."

9. What do charter programs and inductees receive?

• Charter programs receive a certificate of membership, national honor society updates, and publication in the national directory.
• Inductees receive a certificate of membership, pin, honor cord, national honor society updates, and publication in the national directory.

10. How do inductees participate in the life of Pi Alpha?

Following induction into the society, students, alumni, faculty, and honorary members may wear the honor society membership pin and honor cord at appropriate events and attend the annual spring reception.

11. Where can I get further information about Pi Alpha?

The honor society Web site at http://www.paeaonline.org/pialpha.htm will provide all authorized information about the society and membership.

12. What is the relationship between PAEA and Pi Alpha?

PAEA proudly sponsors Pi Alpha and provides the administrative support to carry out the work of the honor society. Pi Alpha is governed by an advisory committee comprised of a chair, secretary/treasurer, and three members at large - two PA graduates and one PA student - who oversee the work of Pi Alpha and report to PAEA’s Board of Directors.

13. What is Pi Alpha’s yearly timeline?

PI Alpha nominations are due at the PAEA national office at least 30 days in advance of the date the materials are needed at your program. Materials that are requested within seven business days of this date will be assessed an additional charge for shipping.