Accreditation
At its September 2023 meeting, the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA) placed the Quinnipiac University Physician Assistant Program sponsored by Quinnipiac University on Accreditation-Probation status until its next review in September 2025.
Probation accreditation is a temporary accreditation status initially of not less than two years. However, that period may be extended by the ARC-PA for up to an additional two years if the ARC-PA finds that the program is making substantial progress toward meeting all applicable standards but requires additional time to come into full compliance. Probation accreditation status is granted, at the sole discretion of the ARC-PA, when a program holding an accreditation status of Accreditation - Provisional or Accreditation - Continued does not, in the judgment of the ARC-PA, meet the Standards or when the capability of the program to provide an acceptable educational experience for its students is threatened.
Once placed on probation, a program that fails to comply with accreditation requirements in a timely manner, as specified by the ARC-PA, may be scheduled for a focused site visit and is subject to having its accreditation withdrawn.
Specific questions regarding the Program and its plans should be directed to the Program Director and/or the appropriate institutional official(s).
The program’s accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website at https://www.arc-pa.org/accreditation-history-quinnipiac-university/.
Review our Accreditation FAQs:
The School of Health Sciences and Quinnipiac University fully support the Physician Assistant Studies Program and are actively addressing the concerns raised by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). We remain committed to student success and delivering a high-quality, nationally ranked program.
What is accreditation and why is it important for academic programs?
Accreditation is a voluntary process academic programs engage in to ensure they are offering high-quality education as defined by the standards set forth by the accrediting body (ARC-PA). This process is important because it provides an opportunity to regularly assess our program by internal and external Physician Assistant educators to identify strengths and areas for continuous improvement.
Is a program on Accreditation-Probation status still accredited?
Yes, the Physician Assistant program at QU remains accredited. Accreditation-Probation is a temporary accreditation status to allow programs to make improvements more closely aligned to ARC-PA standards.
How will the Accreditation-Probation status affect the ability of QU to support newly admitted students and current students in this program?
The program will continue its longstanding practice of delivering high-quality education to enable students and graduates to flourish as physician assistants.
How will the Accreditation-Probation status affect future entering classes?
The Physician Assistant program remains accredited and is permitted to admit students on our regular admissions cycle.
How will the Accreditation-Probation status affect the curriculum and clinical experiences?
There will be no changes to the length of time to graduate, course sequencing or additional classes required as a result of this status change. The program will continue to deliver high-quality didactic instruction and clinical experiences for every student in the program. As supported by the ARC-PA, the program has and will continue to make improvements to the student experience to ensure our students and graduates flourish and are well prepared to enter modern medicine practices.
How does the program’s Accreditation-Probation status affect my degree from QU?
There is no effect on your degree. When you meet the degree requirements of the program, you will be awarded a degree as scheduled.
If the program is on Accreditation-Probation status, can I take the PANCE?
Yes. The program is accredited, which allows all program graduates to take the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE). For more information on QU program PANCE pass rates, please visit the MHS page
https://www.qu.edu/schools/health-sciences/programs/masters-degree/physician-assistant/accreditation-and-policies/
Can I apply for licensure if the program I graduated from is on Accreditation-Probation status?
Yes. The primary requirements for licensure are graduation from an accredited program and NCCPA certification. Our Physician Assistant program remains accredited.
Will the Accreditation-Probation status affect my ability to get a job upon graduation?
No, this will not impact your ability to gain employment upon graduation. The Physician Assistant program is accredited, and all students who complete their degrees will graduate from an accredited program.
How does the Accreditation-Probation status affect program alumni?
This temporary status will not affect licensure or certification of alumni.
If I have questions about what the program was cited for to place it on Accreditation-Probation status, where can I find that information?
The program’s accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website.
https://www.arc-pa.org/accreditation/accreditation-actions/
How long is the temporary Accreditation-Probation status?
The temporary accreditation-probation status is a status initially not less than two years. That status may be extended for up to an additional two years if the program is making substantial progress toward meeting all applicable standards but requires additional time to come into full compliance.
Will my admission to ELMPA still guarantee me a seat in the graduate physician assistant studies program?
Yes, you have a seat in our graduate program as was promised to you. This temporary status gives us time to respond to what the accrediting body is asking us to do. You will emerge stronger than what we already are as a nationally ranked program with impressive outcomes.
How can I be updated on the action items and progress being made over the next two years?
We remain committed to open communication and transparency during this process. We will be updating our students regularly and are developing a website location where our community can be updated on our action items, progress and status.
Will students get regular updates about the Physician Assistant program accreditation status?
Yes, students will be updated regularly until the next ARC-PA decision in 2025.
Is there any change to the Physician Assistant program requirements and curriculum?
No. Physician Assistant program requirements and curriculum will remain the same for all current students.
Whom should I contact if I have any additional questions regarding the program and its plans?
For specific questions regarding this program and our plans, please contact either Physician Assistant Studies Program Director Dr. Timothy Ferrarotti (timothy.ferrarotti@qu.edu) or School of Health Sciences Dean Dr. Janelle Chiasera (janelle.chiasera@qu.edu).