PAEA is the only national organization representing PA educational programs in the United States. Currently, all of the accredited programs in the country are members of the Association. PAEA provides services for faculty at its member programs, as well as to applicants, students, and other stakeholders.

Founded in 1972 as the Association of Physician Assistant Programs, the Physician Assistant Education Association took on a new name in 2005. Member programs voted to adopt the current name, PA Education Association, in 2022.