Q: How does the ARC-PA’s Program decision impact prospective students?
A: Accreditation is an ongoing process and is the result of efforts to remain on the cutting edge of PA education. Categories of accreditation include provisional, probation, and continuing. Accreditation-Probation 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. Throughout the life of a program, it is not uncommon to move up and down the ladder of accreditation for various reasons.
Q: Is WesternU’s PA program still accredited?
A: Yes, the program is accredited by the ARC-PA. It is important to understand that any classification of accreditation is in fact, accreditation. Upon completion of an accredited program, graduates are eligible for NCCPA certification and state licensure.
Q: What is WesternU’s accreditation history?
A: The WesternU PA program was accredited by CAHEA beginning in 1990. The program has been accredited by ARC-PA continuously since 1998. The program’s accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website.
Q: Is WesternU’s PA program being discontinued?
A: No. WesternU remains committed to PA education. We are steadfast and committed to satisfying the criteria set by ARC-PA to regain Continued status upon the March 2025 meeting’s decision.
Contact us at PA_Accreditation@westernu.edu at any time if you have questions or would like additional information about the MSPAS accreditation.
WesternU will update this page as new information becomes available.
