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 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.

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.

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manner, as specified by the ARC-PA, may be scheduled for a focused site visit and/or risk having its accreditation withdrawn.