The Penn State College of Medicine Physician Assistant Program has been granted a six-year Accreditation-Continued status.
The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA) gave the program its approval on Oct. 25, stating it is in compliance with all ARC-PA standards. The program will not need a renewal until 2027. Accreditation-Continued status is granted when a currently accredited program is in compliance with ARC-PA Standards.
Accreditation by the ARC is needed in order for a graduate to sit for the national certification examination, which is necessary for licensure in all 50 states. With an all-time 100% first-time pass rate on the national certifying exam, College of Medicine PA graduates continue to make significant contributions in health care areas with the highest need – 64% of program graduates work in an identified health profession shortage area, medically underserved area or in a primary care setting.
Each year, the program enrolls 30 students.