Physician Assistant (PA) programs provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to become healthcare providers in a variety of settings.
The demand for PAs is growing rapidly, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 31% job growth rate between 2019 and 2029. However, not all PA programs are created equal, and it is crucial for aspiring PAs to carefully research and select a program that meets their needs and has a solid reputation.
In 2023, there are several PA programs with provisional accreditation status, which means that they are still in the process of meeting accreditation standards.
What is provisional accreditation status?
Provisional accreditation status is granted to a PA program that has not yet met all of the accreditation standards set forth by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).
This status is granted to programs that have demonstrated the potential to meet these standards but need more time to implement changes or gather data to demonstrate compliance.
It is important to note that provisional accreditation status does not necessarily mean that a program is of poor quality but rather that it is in the process of improving.
Which PA programs have provisional accreditation status in 2023?
As of 2023, there are approximately 80 PA programs with provisional accreditation status. These programs are linked below, listed on the ARC-PA website, and are subject to change.
- A.T. Still University of Health Sciences (Central Coast) Physician Assistant Program
- Ashland University Physician Assistant Program
- Brenau University Physician Assistant Program
- California State University – Monterey Bay Physician Assistant Program
- Canisius College Physician Assistant Program
- Carlow University Physician Assistant Program
- Cedarville University PA Program
- Chamberlain University Physician Assistant Program
- College of Mount Saint Vincent Physician Assistant Program
- Colorado Mesa University Physician Assistant Program
- Concordia University-Ann Arbor Physician Assistant Program
- Creighton University – Omaha PA Program
- Delaware Valley University Physician Assistant Program
- Elizabethtown College Physician Assistant Program
- Fairleigh Dickinson University Physician Assistant Program
- Faulkner University Physician Assistant Program
- Franklin College Physician Assistant Program
- Frostburg State University Physician Assistant Program
- Gannon University-Ruskin Physician Assistant Program
- George Fox University Physician Assistant Program
- Hardin-Simmons University Physician Assistant Program
- Heritage University Physician Assistant Program
- Ithaca College Physician Assistant Program (Arizona)
- Kansas State University Physician Assistant Program
- Kean University Physician Assistant Program
- Keck Graduate Institute Physician Assistant Program (Arizona)
- Lawrence Technological University Physician Assistant Program
- Lincoln Memorial University-Knoxville Physician Assistant Program
- Lipscomb University Physician Assistant Program
- Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program
- Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences Physician Assistant Program
- Meharry Medical College Physician Assistant Program
- Mercy College of Ohio Physician Assistant Program
- Miami University-Ohio Physician Assistant Program
- Michigan State University Physician Assistant Program
- Middle Tennessee State University Physician Assistant Program
- Mississippi State University – Meridian Physician Assistant Program
- Morehouse School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program
- North Central College Physician Assistant Program
- Northeastern State University Physician Assistant Program
- Northwestern College Physician Assistant Program
- Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences Physician Assistant Program
- Pace University – Pleasantville Physician Assistant Program
- Pfeiffer University Physician Assistant Program
- Point Loma Nazarene University Physician Assistant Program
- Presbyterian University Physician Assistant Program
- Randolph-Macon College Physician Assistant Program
- Rocky Vista University Physician Assistant Program
- Saint Elizabeth Physician Assistant Program
- Saint Joseph’s University (Univ. of the Sciences) Physician Assistant Program
- Samford University School of Health Professions Physician Assistant Program
- South College – Nashville Physician Assistant Program
- South College – Asheville Physician Assistant Program
- South University-Austin, TX Physician Assistant Program
- South University-West Palm Beach Physician Assistant Program
- St. Bonaventure University Physician Assistant Program
- Thiel College Physician Assistant Program
- Touro College-Illinois Physician Assistant Program
- Trine University Physician Assistant Program
- University of La Verne Physician Assistant Program
- University of Mary Hardin Baylor Physician Assistant Program
- University of Maryland Eastern Shore Physician Assistant Program
- University of Michigan-Flint Physician Assistant Program
- University of Nevada Reno Physician Assistant Program
- University of Pittsburgh – Hybrid Program Physician Assistant Program
- University of Tampa Physician Assistant Program
- University of the Cumberlands-Florence Physician Assistant Program
- Ursuline College Physician Assistant Program
- Utah Valley University Physician Assistant Program
- Weber State University Physician Assistant Program
- West Chester University Physician Assistant Program
- West Coast University – California Physician Assistant Program
- West Coast University-Texas Physician Assistant Program
- West Virginia University School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program
- Xavier University of Louisiana Physician Assistant Program
- Yale School of Medicine Physician Assistant Online Program Physician Assistant Program
- Yeshiva University Physician Assistant Program
It is important to note that while these programs currently have provisional accreditation status, they are actively working towards full accreditation.
What should aspiring PAs consider when evaluating programs with provisional accreditation status?
Aspiring PAs who are considering programs with provisional accreditation status should carefully evaluate the program’s plan for achieving full accreditation. This may include reviewing the program’s self-study report, meeting with program faculty and staff, and examining the program’s curriculum, facilities, and resources. Additionally, it may be beneficial to speak with current students or alumni of the program to gain insight into their experiences.
It is important to note that graduating from a program with provisional accreditation status may impact a graduate’s ability to obtain licensure in some states or employment in certain healthcare settings. As such, it is crucial for aspiring PAs to carefully consider the potential risks and benefits of attending a program with provisional accreditation status.
Summary
In conclusion, physician assistant programs with provisional accreditation status are in the process of meeting accreditation standards but have not yet fully met these requirements.
Aspiring PAs should carefully evaluate these programs, considering factors such as the program’s plan for achieving full accreditation, the curriculum and resources offered, and the potential impact on licensure and employment opportunities.
With careful consideration, aspiring PAs can select a program that meets their needs and sets them on the path to a successful career in healthcare.
