The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) seeks applicants via nominations, by others or self-declared, for a Commissioner position on the ARC-PA Clinical Postgraduate Sub-Commission.  The ARC-PA is the recognized accrediting agency that protects the interests of the public and PA profession by defining the Standards for PA education and evaluating PA educational programs to ensure their compliance with those Standards.

The public commissioner serves as a consumer advocate, representing the public interest in relation to the accreditation of Clinical Postgraduate programs. The public commissioner is required to attend the triannual – (March, June and September) meetings of the ARC-PA, contribute to discussions about accreditation status of Clinical Postgraduate programs, participate in site visits to Clinical Postgraduate  programs, and act as a member of ARC-PA committees or task forces. The term of appointment is three years with an opportunity for re-appointment for a second three-year term. For more information regarding the duties of a Commissioner, please refer to the ARC-PA website at: Commissioner Responsibilities – Clinical Postgradaute Sub-Commission

The public member may not derive his or her livelihood from the Physician Assistant profession. Those working in educational administration, health-related organizations and the accreditation community are eligible for consideration.

Travel and other direct costs related to the public commissioner attending regular, special or committee meetings, workshops or site visits are paid by the ARC-PA. Commissioners receive no compensation for their services.

The term of office will begin April 1, 2021  The first official commission meeting of the term is June 12, 2021 (virtual) Newly elected commissioner are to also attend the Clinical Postgraduate Provisional Conference on April 24-25, 2021 (virtual)as a participant and New Commissioner Orientation in May, 2021. Attendance and participation at these meetings will provide orientation to the processes and work of the commission.

Nominations and applications, accompanied by a resume and a statement describing how the candidate’s experience and background will add to the evaluation of Clinical Postgraduate PA programs should be forwarded via e-mail to: Commissioners@arc-pa.org  before or by March 29, 2021 .    Applicants will be notified of the results shortly after the meeting.

The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) is seeking applications from individuals interested in volunteering their time as an ARC-PA site visitor.

The site visit is an essential and unique step in the accreditation process and site visitors serve a critical role in providing information to the ARC-PA about a PA program’s demonstrated compliance with the Standards. It is through the written report of the site visitors that it is possible to verify, validate and clarify information submitted in the program’s accreditation application and to receive a perspective about the program operations that can only be obtained through direct observation.

Site visitors are selected from a pool of PA and physician educators, clinically practicing PAs, and others involved in PA education.  They are asked to participate in 2-3 visits per year.

Site visitors receive no compensation for their services.  However, travel and other direct costs associated with in person site visits are reimbursed by the ARC-PA.

Who may Apply?

• PA program educators (Full time, adjunct or clinical faculty associated with an accredited PA program), with a minimum of 5 years of experience as a PA program educator
• Preceptors associated with PA programs, with a minimum of 5 years association with a PA program
• Other individuals knowledgeable about PA education

Expectations of Site Visitors

Site visitors must

• possess superior analytical, written, verbal, and interpersonal abilities.
• be attentive to detail, open-minded, and able to follow directions.
• have the time needed to comprehensively review program materials and conduct from two to three program visits per calendar year.
• agree to participate in ARC-PA sponsored site visitor preparation.
• agree to abide by ARC-PA conflict of interest guidelines.
• not participate in consultative activities related to PA accreditation for any program subject to ARC-PA accreditation, even if not for personal gain. Such activities shall not be conducted while serving as a site visitor or for 1 year thereafter.

How to Apply

Qualified individuals should submit the following documents to the ARC-PA:

1. A letter of interest detailing why the applicant believes he or she should be considered as a site visitor. This letter should address the applicant’s involvement with PA education and should demonstrate a clear understanding of the responsibilities involved in the site visitor role.
2. A current curriculum vitae/resume. Please include complete mailing and email addresses and a daytime phone number.
3. A letter of support from the applicant’s immediate supervisor addressing the applicant’s qualifications to serve in the role. The letter should also confirm that the applicant has the time required for the site visitor role.

All documents must be in Microsoft Word.

Applications must be submitted electronically to newsitevisitor@arc-pa.org by Friday, February 26, 2021.

Prior to participating in the site visit process, selected site visitors must attend a site visitor workshop which will be held November 6-7, 2021.

For questions or concerns, please contact Tabitha Sharp at (770) 476-1224 or via email tabithasharp@arc-pa.org