Does the ARC-PA accredit postgraduate PA programs?
The ARC-PA accredits both entry-level PA programs, i.e., those preparing individuals for entry into the PA profession and clinical postgraduate 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.” The Council for Higher Education Accreditation’s (CHEA) recognition of the ARC-PA applies only to its accreditation of entry-level programs.
