Physician Assistant Studies receives 10-year reaccreditation

By Kate Hunger 

The Physician Assistant Studies program received its 10-year continued accreditation in April.

The Accreditation Review Commission on the Education of the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) is the independent accrediting agency that evaluates PA programs within the territorial United States to make sure they meet standards for PA education as defined by the agency.

The program had its site visit in November, said Paul B. Allen Sr., D.Sc., PA-C, assistant professor, director and chair of the PA Studies program. Dr. Allen noted that licensure in the state of Texas hinges on graduating from an accredited program.

The reaccreditation through 2028 serves as “a reflection that the PA program is upholding the highest standards,” Allen said.

As the accrediting body, the ARC-PA is one of four organizations that form the foundation of the PA profession as it has evolved, Allen said. The other organizations include the American Academy of PAs, the National Commission on the Certification of Physician Assistants, and the Physician Assistant Education Association.