Call for Applications: ARC-PA Public Member Commissioner

The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) is currently seeking nominations for a Public Member Commissioner to serve on the Post-Professional Doctoral Program Subcommission. ARC-PA is the recognized accrediting agency for physician assistant education, charged with protecting the interests of the public and the profession. The Commission defines educational standards for PA programs and evaluates them to ensure compliance and quality.

The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) is seeking qualified applicants to serve as a Public Member Commissioner. This individual serves as a consumer advocate, ensuring that the public interest is represented in matters related to the accreditation of post-professional doctoral programs.

Role and Responsibilities

The Public Member Commissioner contributes to the Commission’s mission by:

• Participating in four commission meetings annually (typically in January, April, July, and October)
• Engaging in discussions regarding the accreditation status of PPDP programs
• Participating in site visits for PPDP educational programs

This position is critical to maintaining transparency, integrity, and public accountability in the accreditation process.

Term of Appointment

The term of service is three years, with the possibility of reappointment for one additional three-year term, subject to Subcommission and Commission approval. The initial term of service will commence on January 1, 2027, and conclude on December 31, 2029.

Eligibility

To preserve the independence of the public voice, the Public Member may not derive their livelihood from the PA profession. Individuals working in educational administration, health-related organizations, or the broader accreditation community are not automatically excluded from consideration and are encouraged to apply if they can bring a balanced, public-focused perspective.

More Information

Please note that Public Commissioners are not compensated for their service.

To learn more about the duties and expectations of ARC-PA Commissioners, or to express interest in the role, please contact Heather Brown, Accreditation Director, at heatherbrown@arc-pa.org.

To be considered, please submit a current CV and abrief statement outlining your interest in the role, relevant experience, and how your background supports the mission of the ARC-PA via email by December 1, 2026.