Accreditation

At its 2023M meeting, the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA) placed the Trine University Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program sponsored by Trine University on Accreditation-Probation status until its next review in 2025M.

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. Probation accreditation status is granted, at the sole discretion of the ARC-PA, when a program holding an accreditation status of Accreditation - Provisional or Accreditation - Continued does not, in the judgment of the ARC-PA, meet the Standards or when the capability of the program to provide an acceptable educational experience for its students is threatened.

Once placed on probation, a program that fails to comply with accreditation requirements in a timely manner, as specified by the ARC-PA, may be scheduled for a focused site visit and is subject to having its accreditation withdrawn.

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

The program’s accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website at https://www.arc-pa.org/accreditation-history-trine-university/.

Accreditation FAQs

The College of Health Professions and Trine University fully support the Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program. We are actively addressing the concerns raised by the ARC-PA as part of our ongoing efforts to improve the MPAS program at Trine.

Is a program on probation still accredited?

Yes. Accreditation-Probation is a temporary accreditation status initially of not less than two years.

How will the Accreditation-Probation status affect future entering classes?

The program will continue to admit students during its regular admissions cycle. The program may admit future cohorts under the current Accreditation-Probation status.

How will the Accreditation-Probation status affect the curriculum and clinical experiences?

There is no change to didactic or clinical instruction under this status. 

How will the Accreditation-Probation status affect the current staff and faculty support for newly admitted students, current students, and alumni?

The program will continue to provide the resources necessary to our students, past and present.

How does the program’s Accreditation-Probation status affect my degree?

There is no effect on your degree. You still will earn an MPAS degree once you meet the degree requirements and will be awarded your degree as scheduled.

If the program is on probation, can I take the PANCE?

Yes. The program is fully accredited, which allows all program graduates to take the PANCE.

Can I apply for licensure if the program I graduated from is on Accreditation-Probation status?

Yes. The primary requirements for licensure are graduation from an accredited program and NCCPA certification. The program remains fully accredited. 

If I have questions about what the program was cited for to place it in Accreditation-Probation status, where can I find that information?

The program’s accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website at https://www.arc-pa.org/accreditation-history-trine-university/.