The program remains accredited. Accreditation-probation is an accreditation status, not a loss of accreditation. It means ARC-PA has identified areas in which the program must demonstrate compliance with its standards, a process in which the program has already begun. 

Although this designation reflects areas requiring institutional attention, it does not alter students' enrollment in the program, planned progression through the curriculum, or eligibility for graduation upon successful completion of all program requirements. Students also remain eligible for the PANCE and state licensure upon graduation.

Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. serves as the program’s accreditation agency. ARC-PA routinely conducts site visits as part of its accreditation process to assess programs' compliance with accreditation standards and support continuous quality improvement.  

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. However, the program has already begun to correct items to work toward full compliance.  

Students will continue to be accepted into this program. The average pass rate for first-time PANCE test takers over the past five-years is 96%. Our program faculty remain committed to offering high-quality clinical education. Those interested in this program, who may have questions, are encouraged to reach out to Dr. Jamie Frye, the Academic Unit Head of Health Professions, at fryejl@jmu.edu.