Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS)

What has occurred?

Our Master of Physician Assistant Studies program (MPAS) is a professionally accredited program. This means that it is part of a quality assurance program where it (and other programs across the country) is evaluated by an external organization to determine if applicable and consistent standards are being met.

The accrediting body for the MPAS program is The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant or ARC–PA. The ARC–PA teams of accreditors regularly visit and monitor our program to ensure ongoing quality and suggestions of areas for improvement.

Following the most recent site visit conducted by its team, the ARC–PA has placed a temporary probationary designation on the program based on findings they noted as needing improvement.

Is this still an accredited program?

Yes, the program remains accredited. Probationary is a temporary status (within the status of being accredited) that will enable the program to address the issues of concern and to be re–reviewed within two years.

During this probationary review period the program retains its accreditation. Chatham has already begun (and will continue) to develop and implement a clear path to identifying and addressing areas noted for improvement in the program.

Will students still be able to do clinical rotations, graduate and be licensed?

All students will continue to be eligible for financial aid, to participate in clinical rotations, to graduate, to sit for the PANCE exam and obtain licensure in the field.

Will this impact classes or clinical work in any way?

There should be no impact to class or clinical rotations in the Pittsburgh site program.

What will happen to students that were admitted for Fall 2012?

Students have been admitted to an accredited program, and as noted above, there will be no impact to their financial aid, classroom learning, clinical rotations and degree experience.

Will new students be accepted into the program for Fall 2013 and beyond?

Yes. The program remains accredited, and Chatham is committed to maintaining a program of the highest quality with graduates that are known as outstanding clinicians in the community and leaders in the profession.

What does the ARC-PA officially state in relation to this?

The program and institution must use the following narrative, unaltered, as provided by the ARC-PA in all printed and electronic media:

At its March 2012 meeting, the ARC–PA reviewed the Chatham University Physician Assistant program for continuing accreditation. The commission voted to place the Physician Assistant program on Probation until its next comprehensive review in March 2014.

Accreditation – Probation is a temporary status of accreditation conferred when a program does not meet the Standards and when the capability of the program to provide an acceptable educational experience for its students is threatened.

Once placed on probation, programs that still fail to comply with accreditation requirements in a timely manner, as specified by the ARC-PA, may be scheduled for a focused site visit and/or risk having their accreditation withdrawn.

Specific questions regarding the Program and its plans should be directed to the Program Director and/or the appropriate institutional official(s).

What is the benefit of accreditation?

Chatham is a firm believer in the importance and value of external academic and professional accreditation. Through our accreditation programs, we find ways to improve quality, innovate and strive for excellence in all our academic offerings. Accreditation is a critical step in ensuring that we provide students a great value in their overall education. Chatham is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (regional accreditor) and by other professional accrediting organizations for specific degree programs.

Who can I contact for more information or to answer questions?

Visit www.chatham.edu/mpas for the latest updates or contact Carl Garrubba, Program Director/Assistant Professor, PA Program, at cgarrubba@chatham.edu or (412) 365-1425 or Bill Campbell, Vice–President of Communications, at bcampbell@chatham.edu or (412) 365-1140.