“Does ARC-PA accredit doctorate-level PA programs (i.e. DMSc)? The ARC-PA’s scope of accreditation does not include doctorate-level PA programs”.

There has been a significant amount of interest in post-professional doctoral degree

Programs (PPDD) over the past several years. From the inception of the first programs

in 2016, the growth of the programs over the past decade has been significant with 38

programs identified offering a variety of doctoral degrees. An analysis of data from 33

PA PPDD programs revealed consistent emphasis on scholarly writing, healthcare

leadership, advocacy, and administrative competencies. There is anticipation that the

leadership and faculty of the PPDD programs will play an instrumental role in helping to

develop curricular changes in the entry level programs moving toward the entry-level

doctoral degree (ELDD). Many of the faculty members of the PPDP programs are

former or current entry-level PA program faculty and bring a depth of knowledge

regarding curriculum of both models.

The current PPDD programs must meet regional, state or institutional accreditation

standards, just as any educational program does within a university, including doctoral

programs. PAs pursue a variety of doctoral degrees (DMS, DMSc, DSPAS, DHSc, EdD,

PhD, etc.) that meet those requirements. Currently ARC-PA is authorized to accredit

"Programs preparing individuals for entry into PA practice located in institutions in the

United States that are accredited by recognized regional accrediting bodies. ARC-PA-

accredited programs are located in institutions offering associate, baccalaureate, or

master’s degrees in conjunction with the PA credential award”. (2015) Most recently the

ARC-PA announced intentions to initiate an accreditation process for PPDD programs.

This process is to be initiated in September 2025.

The proposal, which has been opposed by the majority of the current PPDD programs,

has been clearly articulated previously. The programs are developing new innovative

concentrations and certificates that currently must be reviewed in formal processes

within the universities. This includes in many cases the curriculum committees,

graduate program reviews and university approval. This is then reviewed and must be

approved through the State or Regional Accreditation processes.

A Resolution of the Consortium of DMS/DMSc Programs (Consortium) opposing the

proposed process and calling upon ARC-PA to immediately cease its current trajectory

regarding the implementation of the accreditation stands for PPDP programs was sent

to ARC-PA, AAPA, CHEA, PAEA and all PPDP programs. The Consortium is a special

interest group (SIG) of the PAEA and is the representative voice of the PPDD programs.

Scope of authority clarification
Comprehensive stakeholder engagement
Evidenced-based standards development
Mission alignment is demonstrated
Innovation preservation mechanisms are established to ensure that
standardization does not stifle the diversity, specialization , and innovation
that currently characterize DMS/DMSC/DPA education
Global accessibility is maintained

This is an important document that articulates the concerns of the PPDD programs. The

Consortium will continue to advocate for the interests of the PPDD programs and will

work collaboratively with all stakeholders to ensure that any future accreditation

processes serve the best interests of the PA programs, students, and the public.

James R. Kilgore, DMSc, PhD, PA-C, DFFAPA

President

Academy of Doctoral PAs