Which organization accredits PA programs in the United States?

Which organization accredits PA programs in the United States?

• A. National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)
• B. American Medical Association (AMA)
• C. Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA)
• D. American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA)

Answer: (C)

Accreditation of PA programs ensures the curriculum, faculty qualifications, clinical experiences, and assessment processes meet established standards so graduates are prepared for entry-level practice. The organization that does this in the United States is the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, which reviews programs and grants accreditation as a prerequisite for eligibility to sit for the certification exam and pursue licensure. The other organizations play different roles: the certifying body administers the licensure exam after graduation, while professional associations provide resources and advocacy but do not accredit programs.

Accreditation of PA programs ensures the curriculum, faculty qualifications, clinical experiences, and assessment processes meet established standards so graduates are prepared for entry-level practice. The organization that does this in the United States is the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, which reviews programs and grants accreditation as a prerequisite for eligibility to sit for the certification exam and pursue licensure. The other organizations play different roles: the certifying body administers the licensure exam after graduation, while professional associations provide resources and advocacy but do not accredit programs.