Do More Than Belong.
Volunteering is the act of donating time and energy for the benefit of other people in the community. Here at the AAPA, your professional community relies on volunteers for just about everything we do; whether it’s sharing a Facebook post or pulling together a conference, your participation in AAPA affairs makes a difference for the community. Yes, everyone’s level of participation varies over time. But it’s up to all of us to get involved, to be engaged within the pathologists’ assistant community, to keep the profession in the limelight and thriving. So, take a second and see how YOU can “Do More Than Just Belong”.
Immediate Needs
APPLY FOR A FELLOW TRAVEL GRANT
Fellows, apply for a Travel Grant to attend an upcoming conference! Sponsored by: Nicklas Laboratory Staffing
JOIN A SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP (SIG)
Connect with like-minded PA colleagues, while you discover and explore new pathology-related interests. New SIGs just launched!
BRING THE PRECEPTOR PROGRAM TO LIFE
We’re seeking members with a passion for creativity, dedication to teaching, and a desire to share their pathology expertise with PA students and residents.
JOIN THE GROSSING GUIDELINES TEAM
Calling all our creative PA colleagues! We’re now seeking applications for the volunteer position of Grossing Guidelines Design Project Coordinator.
How to Get Involved
Write Journal Articles
Each peer-reviewed article published in The Cutting Edge is eligible for the Journal Award. The top three article authors will receive cash prizes. Judging is completed by members of the editorial board.
Speak at Conferences
Have a topic you’re passionate about and want to share with fellow PAs? Speakers are always needed to give one-hour lectures to attendees at our meetings and conferences.
{NEW} Annual Conference T-Shirt Design Contest
Design the 2026 Conference T-Shirt! Your Creativity, Your Voice!
Volunteer on a Committee
There are a wide range of micro opportunities from staffing the PR booth, to participating in a task force such as the salary survey, to committee work, to serving on the Board of Trustees (BOT)
Photo Contests
Have you come across an exceptional specimen? Consider entering it in the AAPA Annual Photo Contest. Winners will be shared with the AAPA membership and receive free membership dues or the equivalent in “AAPA Bucks”.
Present a Poster
Earn CMP points, share your expertise, get others interested, gain experience presenting, discover something new – all while having a great time with fellow conference attendees! Open to Fellows, Associates, and graduating student members.
Special Interest Groups
SIGs allow members to customize their professional growth by providing a deeper level of engagement in areas meaningful to them. Meet with like-minded PAs to share resources and information.
Promote PA Day
PA Day is officially April 14th. Find out why “It Pays to Know” the value of a Certified Pathologists’ Assistant, and take a moment to plan for your PA Day celebration this year.
Participate in Social Media
Connect with other members through Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, the website forums or social link pages. By participating with other PAs online you help spread awareness of the profession.