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 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 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.
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as specified by the ARC-PA, may be scheduled for a focused site visit and is subject to having its accreditation withdrawn.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 PA trainees still have questions, submit them to the ARC-PA by email.
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.
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 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.