Clinical Postgraduate Accreditation Questions
Are the “Examples of Supporting Evidence” in the NP & PA Residency Program Compliance Manual really just additional standards?
No, the examples of supporting evidence of compliance and performance indicators are just that, examples for how programs can demonstrate compliance with the Standards. They are not mandatory or exclusive lists and programs should feel free to submit other documentation in addition to or instead of the suggested evidence.
As a healthcare entity with an academic interest in creating an Advanced Practice Provider (APP) residency, what would the cost be for accreditation?
There is a listing of postgraduate accreditation fees on the ARC-PA website.
Does ARC-PA accredit doctorate-level PA programs (i.e. DMSc)?
The ARC-PA does accredit post-professional doctorate programs (e.g. DMSc or DMS) through a different process than the accreditation of entry-level or clinical postgraduate residency programs. Information on the post-professional doctoral program process can be found here, Post-Professional Doctoral Program Accreditation.
Does the ARC-PA have a list of accredited clinical postgraduate programs?
The ARC-PA currently accredited clinical postgraduate programs are listed on the ARC-PA Clinical Postgraduate webpage alphabetically by state, along with information on their accreditation status and the timing of the next scheduled accreditation action.
How are concerns submitted about a clinical postgraduate program?
The ARC-PA only investigates concerns about a clinical postgraduate program when submitted in writing, signed, and related to the program’s compliance with the Standards.
Concerns may be sent by email to Complaints@arc-pa.org.
The full procedure may be referenced in the Concerns about Program Compliance with Policies and/or Standards document.
If a clinical postgraduate program is working on its instructional objectives, does the ARC-PA have any suggestions for the program?
The ARC-PA recognizes that writing instructional objectives that effectively guide student learning is no easy task. The ARC-PA has developed a guide that may be of help to programs when developing syllabi and objectives, describing competencies, and writing syllabi. The document titled “Syllabi, Competecies, and Instructional Objectives: A Guide for Clinical Postgraduate PA Program Faculty” is updated periodically and is available on the Postgraduate Accreditation Resources section of the ARC-PA website.
If a clinical postgraduate program is working on learning outcomes. Does the ARC-PA have any suggestions?
The ARC-PA recognizes that writing learning outcomes that effectively guide student learning is no easy task. The ARC-PA has developed a guide that may be of help to programs when developing learning outcomes, competencies, and writing syllabi. The document titled “Syllabi, Competencies, and Instructional Objectives: A Guide for Clinical Postgraduate PA Program Faculty” is updated periodically and is available on the Postgraduate Accreditation Resources section of the ARC-PA website.
If a program would like to engage the services of a consultant. Who would the ARC-PA recommend?
ARC-PA policy prohibits the commission, site visitors, or staff from providing consultation services or maintaining or recommending consultants. The ARC-PA staff are available to answer questions regarding accreditation processes and procedures. For additional questions, submit them to the ARC-PA by email.
If an individual has comments on suggested changes to the Standards for Clinical Postgraduate Accreditation. What is the process?
Anyone with comments related to the Standards may provide their comments to the ARC-PA. The ARC-PA has a standing committee that reviews and evaluates the Standards and comments received related to them. Clarification and changes to the wording of the Standards can be made by the commission at any of the four ARC-PA meetings per year. Substantial changes to the Standards are made every ten years.
If an individual is interested in becoming a clinical postgraduate site visitor, what is the process?
When needed, the ARC-PA will make an announcement for site visitors on the website and distribute to clinical postgraduate program faculty through email. To become a volunteer site visitor, an individual must apply and undergo the selection process. Site visitors are required to participate in the initial and ongoing site visitor training sessions.
If there is a manual of explanation to accompany the Standards for Clinical Postgraduate Accreditation, where can it be found?
The Compliance Manual for the NP & PA Residency Programs, includes the Standards along with examples of supporting evidence of compliance and performance indicators and clarifying comments to help guide programs in their self-assessment of compliance with the Standards.
Is it important for a clinical postgraduate program to be accredited?
While accreditation is considered a voluntary process, the accreditation process encourages sponsoring institutions and programs to continuously evaluate and improve their processes and outcomes; helps prospective advanced practice provide (APP) trainees identify programs that meet nationally accepted standards; protect programs from internal and external pressures to make changes that are not educationally sound; involves faculty and staff in comprehensive program evaluation; and stimulates self-improvement.
What is the process for formally changing the name of a clinical postgraduate PA Program?
Submit a letter to Accreditation Services on official letterhead describing the name change and have it signed by the chief administrative officer.
What is the process to apply for provisional accreditation for a clinical postgraduate program?
Institutions interested in applying for provisional accreditation should review the Clinical Postgraduate Process and inform the ARC-PA by submitting the Postgraduate Applicant Information Form.
What roles do the four major national PA organizations play in the support of PAs?
Learn the unique roles that the four major national PA organizations play in the support of PAs from the beginning and throughout their careers by watching this video. Learn how they are enabling PAs to deliver high quality, accessible care to their patients.
What should clinical postgraduate programs do if a specific standard is not clear or have questions about the Clinical Postgraduate accreditation application?
First review the Compliance Manual for the NP & PA Residency Programs for clarification. If there is still doubt, contact Accreditation Services by email.
Where should clinical postgraduate programs pose questions about the Portal?
Questions about the Portal should be emailed to Portal Feedback.
Who should be contacted if there are still questions not answered by the website and FAQ’S?
For additional questions, submit them to the ARC-PA by email.
