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A Program may receive, at times, a portal acknowledgement for a file/template uploaded by the ARC-PA for the program to complete.
Probation is an active accreditation status and those entering a program that is on probation are entering a program that is accredited. In order to be eligible to take the PANCE, students must successfully complete a program that was accredited at the time the student matriculated. It is best to check with the NCCPA concerning exam eligibility criteria.
The ARC-PA does not provide this service.
Yes. Please request a receipt at Workshop Info.
No, the suggested evidence of compliance and performance indicators are just that, suggestions for how programs can demonstrate compliance with the Standards. They are not mandatory or exclusive lists and programs should feel free to submit other documentation in addition to or instead of the suggested evidence.
No, the suggested evidence of compliance and performance indicators are just that, suggestions for how programs can demonstrate compliance with the Standards. They are not mandatory or exclusive lists and programs should feel free to submit other documentation in addition to or instead of the suggested evidence.
Information on specific state requirements for PA practice should be addressed to the state licensing board of the state in which current PA students are interested in. There is a summary of state laws available on the AAPA website.
The ARC-PA only investigates concerns about a program when submitted in writing, signed, and related to the program’s compliance with the Standards. Concerns may be sent by email to Complaints@arc-pa.org.
The ARC-PA only investigates concerns about a program when submitted in writing, signed, and related to the program’s compliance with the Standards. Concerns may be sent by email to Complaints@arc-pa.org.
There is a listing of postgraduate accreditation fees on the ARC-PA website.
Information on this and other questions related to non-U.S. health professionals is found in this FAQ section on the page for those Educated Outside USA.
From the standpoint of the ARC-PA, individuals educated as physicians outside of the United States are not treated any differently than any other prospective PA student. To practice as a PA in the United States one must graduate from an ARC-PA accredited program and be certified by the NCCPA. If interested in applying to a PA program, such individuals should contact the PAEA for information on specific programs.
Before confirming your participation, please ensure your availability during the designated day and time.
The purpose of the site visit is to verify, clarify, and validate what the program wrote in its application regarding the program’s adherence to the Standards. The site visit team will report their findings to the commission based on evidence presented at the time of the site visit. The team will seek clarification on information provided by the program to the ARC-PA; thus, it’s important to respond honestly to any questions you are asked. You can anticipate questions related to the standards.
Before confirming your participation, please ensure your availability during the designated day and time.
The purpose of the site visit is to verify, clarify, and validate what the program wrote in its application regarding the program’s adherence to the Standards. The site visit team will report their findings to the commission based on evidence presented at the time of the site visit. The team will seek clarification on information provided by the program to the ARC-PA; thus, it’s important to respond honestly to any questions you are asked. You can anticipate questions related to the Standards.
The Provisional Pathway conference is held once a year.
Questions regarding eligibility for PANCE should be directed to the NCCPA, the entity that administers the exam.
Programs pursing accreditation should not matriculate students until the program has been granted provisional accreditation. In addition, prior to achieving provisional accreditation, the program must agree to inform, in writing, everyone who requests information, applies, or plans to enroll that the program is not yet accredited and must convey the implications of non-accreditation to applicants.
The ARC-PA does not archive copies of annual reports for programs. The program is responsible for maintaining copies of previous annual reports.
Yes. Please indicate the invoice number, a name and the program’s name on the check.
Continuous feedback and assessment contribute to the ongoing enhancement of the respective clinical postgraduate PA program and the overall quality of PA education. Programs may employ various methods to solicit constructive feedback, such as a preceptor’s evaluation of its trainees and curriculum, preceptors joining program advisory committee (PAC) meetings, focus groups, and more. For inquiries about providing program feedback, please reach out to the respective program.
The Standards do not address preceptors as providers for students.
The Standards do prohibit principal faculty, the program director and the medical director from participating as health care providers for students in the program, except in an emergency situation.
The Standards do not address preceptors as providers for students.
The Standards do prohibit principal faculty, the program director and the medical director from participating as health care providers for students in the program, except in an emergency situation.
For the Clinical Postgraduate Accreditation Standards, Standard D1.02 prohibits program faculty from serving as a health care provider for PA trainees in the program, except in emergency situations.
No, we do not currently accept credit cards.
Yes. Please contact Finance to obtain ACH information.
Deciding which program to attend is not a simple task. There are many accredited PA programs, sponsored by a variety of institutions that include state-funded and privately funded colleges and universities, as well as the military. Programs vary in their prerequisite requirements, their professional PA curriculum, their length, the tuition they charge, and the credential they grant. More information about programs can be found by contacting the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA).
If a PA program is accredited by the ARC-PA, it has met the Standards that provide the minimum requirements and criteria to which PA programs and their sponsoring institutions are held accountable. As long as prospective students are applying to a program that is ARC-PA accredited, students will be eligible upon graduation to sit for the PA National Certifying Exam (PANCE) offered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). Passing this exam is required for practice as a PA in all states.
The institution can certainly have two programs in the applicant process at the same time. There is no negative connotation, and each program would be reviewed independently from the other.
To become a PA in the United States, individuals must also attend and graduate from an ARC-PA–accredited entry-level PA program and pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) administered by the National Commission on Certifying of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
For information on PA programs, contact the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA). Eligibility criteria for taking the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) are available on the NCCPA website.
Additional information on practicing as a PA in the U.S. can be found on the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) website.
Continuous feedback and assessment contribute to the ongoing enhancement of the respective PA program and the overall quality of PA education. Programs may employ various methods to solicit constructive feedback, such as a preceptor’s evaluation of its students and curriculum, preceptors joining program advisory committee (PAC) meetings, focus groups, and more. For inquiries about providing program feedback, please reach out to the respective program.
The program must have a process of ongoing self-assessment. The Commission expects programs to submit a self study report that includes an assessment of the program’s preparation of graduates to achieve program defined competencies. This requires the program to collect data from exiting students AND/OR graduates about their perception of how well the program prepared them for entry into the profession. The program may also utilize these surveys to collect additional information about the program related to its assessment process.
The ARC-PA does not have any information that is required on these surveys but expects the program to develop these surveys to collect the necessary data related to the program’s specific self-assessment process.
This Program Faculty – Temporary Vacancy form is to be used to report a temporary leave of absence as defined in Standard E1.08. Use this form when the program director, medical director or principal faculty takes a leave of absence and is expected to return to their role in the program (e.g., family medical leave, short-term disability, etc.).
This form is not to be used to report a change in a position vacancy due to an unfilled position or to update the ARC-PA on an ongoing faculty search. Use the Change in PA Program Faculty form for personnel changes.
The ARC-PA’s scope of accreditation does not include doctorate-level PA programs.
The ARC-PA only accredits programs that educate PAs.
The ARC-PA does accredit clinical postgraduate programs through a different process than accreditation of entry level PA programs. Clinical postgraduate programs are “formal educational programs that offer structured curricula, including didactic and clinical components, to educate NCCPA eligible or certified PA’s for a defined period of time in preparation for practice in a medical or surgical specialty. Programs typically involve full time study of 12-24 months duration and follow several models including fellowships, graduate degree programs, and residency programs.” Information on the clinical postgraduate process can be found here, Postgraduate Accreditation.
The ARC-PA currently accredited clinical postgraduate programs are listed on the ARC-PA Clinical Postgraduate webpage alphabetically by state, along with information on their accreditation status and the timing of the next scheduled accreditation action.
The accredited Postgraduate programs are listed on the ARC-PA web site, alphabetically by state, along with information on their accreditation status, accreditation actions history, the date the program was first accredited and the next scheduled accreditation review.
The ARC-PA accredited PA programs are listed on the ARC-PA web site, alphabetically by state, along with information on their accreditation status, accreditation actions history, the date the program was first accredited and the next scheduled accreditation review.
Regarding disabled students, the information can be found in Section A of the ARC-PA Standards on the website here. Specifically, Standard A1.02f addresses student policies consistent with federal, state, and local statutes, rules, and regulations; Standard A1.11d addresses resources that promote inclusion; Standard A3.13e addresses technical standards for enrollment.
ADA accommodations should be worked out with the institution’s internal Office of Disability. If accommodations require a different pedagogical or instructional method, the program must ensure that those students receive equivalent course content, experience, and access to didactic and laboratory materials (Standard B1.04).
The public may find these resources useful:
The PA Education Association (PAEA)
Physician Assistant EDU – State by State Requirements to Become a PA
American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA)
The ARC-PA only investigates concerns about a clinical postgraduate program when submitted in writing, signed, and related to the program’s compliance with the Standards. Concerns may be sent by email to Complaints@arc-pa.org.
The ARC-PA only investigates concerns about a program when submitted in writing, signed, and related to the program’s compliance with the Standards. Concerns may be sent by email to Complaints@arc-pa.org.
Institutions investigating starting a PA program should review the Provisional Accreditation section of this website and contact the ARC-PA Accreditation Services for more information.
The ARC-PA accredits only qualified PA programs offered by or located within institutions chartered by and physically located within the United States and where students are geographically located within the United States for their education.
A single institution must be clearly identified as the sponsor of the program. Sponsoring institutions applying for provisional accreditation of a new PA program must be authorized under applicable law to provide a program of post-secondary education. They must be accredited by, and in good standing with, a recognized regional accrediting agency and must be authorized by that agency to confer upon graduates of the PA program a graduate degree.
The complete information and registration can be found on the Events page of the website.
Make travel arrangements upon receipt of the workshop confirmation. The ARC-PA reserves group lodging at a discounted rate to hotel(s) noted in the workshop/conference information page and in the confirmation receipt. However, attendees need to make their own reservation at the hotel as well as flight and ground transportation arrangements.
See the Events page of this website.
The Standards charge the programs to conduct timely evaluations of students that are objective, transparent, and comprehensive during supervised clinical practice experiences (SCPEs). Preceptor assessment and feedback play a vital role in the program’s ongoing self-assessment process to support the identification of strengths and areas in need of improvement related to institutional support, the effectiveness of the program’s curriculum, sufficiency and effectiveness of faculty, student achievement of the program competencies, PANCE performance, and other relevant factors.
As part of its philosophy, the ARC-PA derives its identity from its history, its involvement with other accreditation organizations, its collaborating organizations, and the PA profession.
The American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Academy of PAs (AAPA), the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Physicians, the American Medical Association, the PA Education Association (PAEA), the Society of Emergency Medicine PAs, the Association of PAs in Psychiatry, the American Association of Surgical PAs, the Society of Critical Care Medicine PAs, the Society of PAs in Family Medicine, the Society of PAs in Pediatrics, and the Association of PAs in Obstetrics & Gynecology all cooperate with the ARC-PA as collaborating organizations to establish, maintain, and promote appropriate standards of quality for entry-level education of PAs and to provide recognition for educational programs that meet the minimum requirements outlined in the Standards.
The ARC-PA accredited PA Programs are listed on the ARC-PA website, alphabetically by state, along with information on their accreditation status, accreditation actions history, the date the program was first accredited, and the next scheduled accreditation review. Regarding the contact information for a PA program if it’s not easily accessible on their website, contact the sponsoring institution or PAEA.
The ARC-PA accredited Clinical Postgraduate Programs are listed on the ARC-PA website, alphabetically by state, along with information on their accreditation status, and the timing of the next scheduled accreditation action.
Regarding the contact information for a clinical postgraduate program, reference the program website or contact the sponsoring institution.
The ARC-PA recognizes that writing instructional objectives that effectively guide student learning is no easy task. The ARC-PA has developed a guide that may be of help to programs when developing syllabi and objectives, describing competencies, and writing syllabi. The document titled “Syllabi, Competecies, and Instructional Objectives: A Guide for Clinical Postgraduate PA Program Faculty” is updated periodically and is available on the Postgraduate Accreditation Resources section of the ARC-PA website.
The ARC-PA recognizes that writing learning outcomes that effectively guide student learning is no easy task. The ARC-PA has developed a guide that may be of help to programs when developing learning outcomes, competencies, and writing syllabi. The document titled “Syllabi, Competecies, and Instructional Objectives: A Guide for Clinical Postgraduate PA Program Faculty” is updated periodically and is available on the Postgraduate Accreditation Resources section of the ARC-PA website.
The tab automatically resets after the data is submitted. There is no need to repopulate it until the next annual report is due.
Those needing to change the date of a scheduled site visit should contact the ARC-PA Accreditation Services as soon as a need is known. Due to the fact that site visitors are volunteers and the scheduling of site visits is a complex process, programs changing the dates of their visit after they have been confirmed will likely lose flexibility in rescheduling in terms of dates. Programs requesting such changes will be responsible for any and all non-refundable expenses associated with the visit that have been incurred by the ARC-PA.
An agenda change fee will be assessed each time a request is made to be moved to a different agenda. This agenda change must be a request to be placed on a future agenda within two years from the originally scheduled agenda (as availability allows). See Fee Schedule.
ARC-PA policy prohibits the commission, site visitors or staff from providing consultation services or maintaining or recommending consultants. The ARC-PA staff are available to answer questions regarding accreditation processes and procedures.
Questions related to eligibility requirements for PANCE, please go to the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) website.
The ARC-PA recognizes that writing instructional objectives that effectively guide student learning is no easy task. The ARC-PA has developed a guide that may be of help to applicant programs in developing syllabi and objectives, describing competencies, and writing syllabi. The document titled “Syllabi, Program Competencies, Learning Outcomes & Instructional Objectives, Standards 5th edition” is updated periodically and is available on the Entry Level Manuals and Guides page of this website.
ARC-PA policy prohibits the commission, site visitors or staff from providing consultation services or maintaining or recommending consultants. The ARC-PA staff is available to answer questions regarding accreditation processes and procedures.
Anyone with comments related to the Standards may provide their comments to the ARC-PA. The ARC-PA has a standing committee that reviews and evaluates the Standards and comments related to them. Clarification and changes to the wording of the Standards can be made by the commission at any of the three ARC-PA meetings per year. Substantial changes to the Standards are made every ten years.
Anyone with comments related to the Standards may provide their comments to the ARC-PA. The ARC-PA has a standing committee that reviews and evaluates the Standards and comments received related to them. Clarification and changes to the wording of the Standards can be made by the commission at any of the three ARC-PA meetings per year. Substantial changes to the Standards are made every ten years.
When needed, the ARC-PA will make an announcement for site visitors on the website and distribute to PA program faculty through email. To become a volunteer site visitor, an individual must apply and undergo the selection process. Site visitors are required to participate in the initial and ongoing site visitor training sessions.
When needed, the ARC-PA will make an announcement for site visitors on the website and distribute to PA program faculty through email. To become a volunteer site visitor, an individual must apply and undergo the selection process. Site visitors are required to participate in the initial and ongoing site visitor training sessions.
The ARC-PA does not require a Change In Faculty form for administrative staff changes, however, programs must keep the Personnel Tab up to date with staff changes in the portal. All faculty and staff supported by the program budget must be listed correctly in the portal
Any program with a PANCE pass rate percentage of 85% or less must submit an analysis of its PANCE performance to the ARC-PA within six months of when this data is provided by the NCCPA or by July 1 the year following that cohort’s completion, whichever is sooner. The form for reporting PANCE results is available at PANCE Required Report.
The Accreditation Manual for Clinical Postgraduate PA Programs, includes the Standards along with suggested evidence of compliance and performance indicators and clarifying comments to help guide programs in their self-assessment of compliance with the Standards.
The Accreditation Manual includes the Standards along with suggested evidence of compliance and performance indicators and clarifying comments to help guide programs in their self-assessment of compliance with the Standards. This manual can be found in the Resources section of the website.
While accreditation is considered a voluntary process, the accreditation process encourages sponsoring institutions and programs to continuously evaluate and improve their processes and outcomes; helps prospective PA trainees identify programs that meet nationally accepted standards; protect programs from internal and external pressures to make changes that are not educationally sound; involves faculty and staff in comprehensive program evaluation; and stimulates self-improvement.
The clinical postgraduate PA program accreditation process conducted by the ARC-PA is a voluntary one entered into by institutions and programs that sponsor a structured educational experience. The process gives applicant programs the opportunity to demonstrate compliance with the approved accreditation standards. While the process is voluntary, it provides programs an external validation of their educational offering. Additionally, the process offers prospective PA trainees one means by which they can judge the quality of the educational experience offered by the program or institution.
While accreditation is considered a voluntary process, graduation from an ARC-PA accredited PA program is important for practice as a physician assistant in the United States. Graduation from an accredited program is an eligibility requirement for the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physicians Assistants (NCCPA) and for state licensure.
When updating the Personnel tab, programs need to list all faculty or staff positions supported by the program’s budget. This does not include faculty who are paid exclusively by other departments.
Licensure is required for medical professionals in the U.S. Each state sets its own requirements for a license as a physician assistant. To obtain a license, an individual, even one educated as a PA or physician in another country, must graduate from an ARC-PA accredited U.S. physician assistant program and pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) administered by the National Commission on Certifying of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
The ARC-PA only investigates concerns about a program when submitted in writing, signed, and related to the program’s compliance with the Standards. Concerns may be sent by email to Complaints@arc-pa.org.
The ARC-PA only investigates concerns about a program when submitted in writing, signed, and related to the program’s compliance with the Standards. Concerns may be sent by email to Complaints@arc-pa.org.
The full procedure may be referenced in the Concerns about Program Compliance with Policies and/or Standards document.
Please refer to SECTION E: ACCREDITATION MAINTENANCE of the Accreditation Standards for Physician Assistant Education, 5th edition for when certain required forms/reports are due and need to be uploaded to the portal.
There is no interval assessment fee for continuing reviews. It is included in the annual accreditation fee paid by programs.
Regarding the contact information for a PA program, contact the sponsoring institution or PAEA.
A list of ARC-PA fees can be found on the website.
Please go to the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) website for eligibility requirements for PANCE.
When referencing the NP & PA Accreditation Standards, Standards 2.1, 2.3, and 2.5 addresses qualifications, including education, experience, and knowledge and skills reflective of the area of specialty. Similarly, the Clinical Postgraduate Accreditation Standards, specifically Standard A3.17, delineates instructional faculty qualifications, to include academic preparation, experience, knowledge, and effectiveness.
Decisions regarding specific academic preparation and/or experience are established at the individual postgraduate program level. For inquiries concerning program participation, preceptor qualifications, and program policies, please contact the respective program directly. Contact information can be found on the program website or by reaching out to the sponsoring institution.
When referring to the Standards, the following is outlined:
Standard A2.13 specifies instructional faculty qualifications, experience, knowledge, and effectiveness. Determinations regarding specific academic preparation and/or experience are established at the individual PA program level.
Standard A2.16 requires a valid license to practice at the clinical site.
Standard B3.06 supports physician preceptors who are specialty board-certified in their area of instruction, PA preceptors who are NCCPA certified, and other licensed health care providers that are qualified in their area of instruction.
Inquiries concerning program participation, preceptor qualifications, and program policies should be directed to the respective program.
Regarding the contact information for a PA program if it’s not easily accessible on their website, contact the sponsoring institution or PAEA.
The ARC-PA performs a comprehensive review of the program relative to the Standards. It is the clinical postgraduate PA program and the sponsoring institution’s responsibility to demonstrate compliance. Accreditation decisions are based on the ARC-PAs evaluation of information contained in the accreditation application, the report submitted by the site visit team, any additional requested reports or documents submitted to the ARC-PA by the program, and the program’s accreditation history.
The ARC-PA performs a comprehensive review of the program relative to the Standards. The PA program and the sponsoring institution are responsible for demonstrating compliance. Accreditation decisions are based on the ARC-PA Commission’s evaluation of information contained in the accreditation application, the report submitted by the site visit team, any additional requested reports or documents submitted to the ARC-PA by the program, and the program’s accreditation history.
For more information, access the ARC-PA presentation addressing the Overview of the Accreditation Process.
A laptop or tablet and any completed pre-workshop materials that may be sent to all confirmed registrants via email approximately one week prior to the workshop/conference.
Probation accreditation is a temporary accreditation status initially of not less than two years. However, that period may be extended by the ARC-PA for up to an additional two years if the ARC-PA finds that the program is making substantial progress toward meeting all applicable standards but requires additional time to come into full compliance. Probation accreditation status is granted, at the sole discretion of the ARC-PA, when a program holding an accreditation status of Accreditation – Provisional or Accreditation – Continued, does not in the judgment of the ARC-PA, meet the Standards or when the capability of the program to provide an acceptable educational experience for its students is threatened. Once placed on probation, a program that fails to comply with accreditation requirements in a timely manner, as specified by the ARC-PA, may be scheduled for a focused site visit and is subject to having its accreditation withdrawn.
Probation accreditation is a temporary accreditation status initially of not less than two years. However, that period may be extended by the ARC-PA for up to an additional two years if the ARC-PA finds that the program is making substantial progress toward meeting all applicable standards but requires additional time to come into full compliance. Probation accreditation status is granted, at the sole discretion of the ARC-PA, when a program holding an accreditation status of Accreditation – Provisional or Accreditation – Continued, does not in the judgment of the ARC-PA, meet the Standards or when the capability of the program to provide an acceptable educational experience for its students is threatened.
Once placed on probation, a program that fails to comply with accreditation requirements in a timely manner, as specified by the ARC-PA, may be scheduled for a focused site visit and is subject to having its accreditation withdrawn.
If a student’s program loses its accreditation, all students will be informed of the next steps in the process.
For NCCPA certification eligibility requirements, please go to the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) website.
Yes, the program has to maintain its approved maximum class size. The ARC-PA does allow programs to temporarily increase class size without review by the ARC-PA when the increase is transient and required to accommodate a unique situation such as students that are decelerated in the program (the loss of a student from the entering cohort, who remains matriculated in the physician assistant program). However, programs making this accommodation must notify the ARC-PA via submission of the Explanation for Exceeding Class Size form.
This flexibility is not designed to encourage a program to recruit beyond its approved maximum entering class size. These increases DO NOT modify or reset the ARC-PA approved class size. They are not meant to be continually increased in successive years. The maximum entering class size is approved by the ARC-PA upon review of the program during a comprehensive review or after a change request from the program.
Forms related to reporting proposed changes to the ARC-PA are available in the Change Forms section of this site.
All meeting materials, snacks, and certain meals as outlined in the workshop/conference information page.
Faculty positions may be posted on the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) website by members or by developing programs.
The 5th edition Standard A3.12c and A3.12i states that programs must post the most current annual NCCPA PANCE Exam Performance Summary Report Last 5 Years and the most current annual student attrition information no later than April 1st each year.
Business casual. We suggest bringing a sweater or jacket, as meeting rooms may be chilly.
Applicant programs should contact Accreditation Services and they can provide applicants with an appropriate timeline.
Submit a letter to Accreditation Services on official letterhead describing the name change and have it signed by the chief administrative officer.
Submit a formal request on official letterhead to Accreditation Services describing the name change and have it signed by the chief administrative officer.
Institutions interested in applying for provisional accreditation should review the Clinical Postgraduate Process and inform the ARC-PA by submitting the Postgraduate Applicant Information Form.
The American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA), Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) and the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) are the collaborating organizations of the ARC-PA. The AAPA and PAEA nominate individuals from its membership to serve as commissioners on the ARC-PA. Each commissioner serves a three-year term, which is renewable once upon recommendation by the ARC-PA.
The American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA), Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) and the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) are the collaborating organizations of the ARC-PA. The AAPA and PAEA nominate individuals from its membership to serve as commissioners on the ARC-PA. Each commissioner serves a three-year term, which is renewable once upon recommendation by the ARC-PA.
CANCELLATION POLICY:
Registrants who are unable to attend the conference for any reason may substitute, by arrangement with the ARC-PA, someone else from the same institution at no additional fee. If a registrant is unable to attend an event and a substitution is not an option, the following refund arrangements will apply:
a. Registrations cancelled 15 days or more before the event will be refunded 100%.
b. Registrations cancelled less than 15 days before the event will forfeit $500 of the event fee and the remaining balance of the fee will be refunded.
Refunds will be issued within two weeks after the event.
The following presentation is available to offer further insight into the distinct roles of the four major national PA organizations and their support of PAs.
Learn the unique roles that the four major national PA organizations play in the support of PAs from the beginning and throughout their careers by watching this video. Learn how they are enabling PAs to deliver high quality, accessible care to their patients.
First review the Accreditation Manual for clarification. If there is doubt, after reading the manual, contact Accreditation Services by email.
First review the Accreditation Manual for clarification. If there is still doubt, after reading the manual, contact Accreditation Services by email.
First review the Accreditation Manual for Clinical Postgraduate PA Programs, for clarification. If there is still doubt, contact Accreditation Services by email.
For general information about becoming a PA, visit the AAPA Career Central website.
For information on eligibility required to apply for a PA program, please contact specific programs in which prospective students are interested. ARC-PA has a list of accredited programs here.
The ARC-PA updates its website after each Commission meeting. Commission meetings occur three times a year, February, June, and September.
The accreditation status for programs will be updated on the ARC-PA website when all business from the commission meeting is finalized, usually within 5-6 weeks following the meeting. If PA trainees have questions regarding a program’s accreditation status, contact the program itself.
The Program Management Portal is updated, usually, within 5-6 weeks following the commission meeting.
The accreditation status for programs will be updated on the ARC-PA website when all business from the commission meeting is finalized, usually within 5-6 weeks following the meeting. If students have questions regarding a program’s accreditation status, contact the program itself.
The accreditation status for programs will be updated on the ARC-PA website when all business from the commission meeting is finalized, usually within 5-6 weeks following the meeting. If PA trainees have questions regarding a program’s accreditation status, contact the program itself.
Actions taken at commission meetings are usually communicated to programs within four-six weeks after the meeting. If students have questions regarding a program’s accreditation status, contact the program itself.
Actions taken at commission meetings are usually communicated to programs within four-six weeks after the meeting. If PA trainees have questions regarding a program’s accreditation status, contact the program itself.
The administrative assistant needs to be added to the portal. However, a Change In Faculty form is not required.
The Standards require that programs must inform and receive approval required from the ARC-PA using forms and processes developed by the ARC-PA no less than six months prior to implementation of a proposed change in maximum entering class size of any number of students for any reason.
Timelines for a program seeking ARC-PA approval for a change are below:
Forms related to reporting proposed changes to the ARC-PA are available in the Change Forms section of this site.
Actions taken at commission meetings are usually communicated to programs within four to six weeks after the meeting.
For information on the visa screening process required for an occupational visa, individuals should contact the International Commission on Healthcare Professions (ICHP), a division of CGFNS International.
The ARC-PA accredited Clinical Postgraduate PA Programs are listed on the ARC-PA website, alphabetically by state, along with information on their accreditation status, and the timing of the next scheduled accreditation action.
When referring to the Standards, please reference Standard A4.09a for information on the program’s responsibilities regarding changes in the program’s ARC-PA accreditation status. While programs do have to publish their accreditation status, they are not required to contact each instructional faculty member directly.
The ARC-PA accredited PA Programs are listed on the ARC-PA website, alphabetically by state, along with information on their accreditation status, accreditation actions history, the date the program was first accredited, and the next scheduled accreditation review.
When referring to the Standards, please reference Standard A3.12a for information on the program’s responsibilities regarding changes in the program’s ARC-PA accreditation status. While programs do have to publish their accreditation status, they are not required to contact each instructional faculty member directly.
Information regarding the program’s accreditation history can be found here. Beyond the information found on ARC-PA website, questions should be directed to the program/institution.
Information regarding the program’s accreditation history can be found on the ARC-PA website. Beyond the information found on ARC-PA website, questions should be directed to the program/institution.
Questions about the Portal should be emailed to Portal Feedback.
Questions about the Portal should be emailed to Portal Feedback.
The PD should be listed in the Program Director box above the list of the faculty and staff for the program and not included in the personnel area where faculty and staff are provided.
For inquiries related to the portal, email Portal Feedback.
They can be found on the Required Reports and Forms page on the ARC-PA website. This link also includes the Student Attrition Template needed to be placed on the website by programs.
For questions regarding Clinical Postgraduate Accreditation, please email postgraduateaccreditation@arc-pa.org.
For additional questions, submit them to the ARC-PA by email.
For additional questions, submit them to the ARC-PA by email.
For questions regarding Clinical Postgraduate Accreditation, please email postgraduateaccreditation@arc-pa.org.
If PA trainees still have questions, submit them to the ARC-PA by email.
For additional questions, submit them to ARC-PA Accreditation Services.
For additional questions not answered by the website, email them to Accreditation Services.
If students still have questions, submit them to the ARC-PA by email.
Accreditation-Administrative Probation is a temporary status granted when a program has not complied with an administrative requirement, such as failure to pay fees or submit required reports. Once placed on Administrative Probation, a program that fails to comply with administrative requirements in a timely manner, as specified by the ARC-PA, may be scheduled for a focused site visit and/or risk having its accreditation withdrawn.
When referring to the Standards, reference Standard A1.10b. Questions regarding program participation with non-required rotations, experiences, and/or program policies should be directed to the specific program.
Regarding the contact information for a PA program if it’s not easily accessible on their website, contact the sponsoring institution or PAEA.
Decisions on issues such as advanced standing in a PA program based on prior education are made at the individual PA program level and therefore individuals should contact the specific programs about their policies. For information on PA programs, contact the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA).