Understanding Accreditation for PA Doctorate Programs: Is ARC-PA Required?

angelurielraziel
Jul 17
4 min read

Introduction

As the Physician Associate (PA) profession continues to evolve, many practicing PAs are considering advanced degrees to enhance their clinical expertise, leadership skills, and academic credentials. Among the most discussed options are the Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) and the Doctor of Physician Associate (DPA) degrees. However, a common question arises: Does the need for ARC-PA (Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant) accreditation apply to these doctoral programs? More specifically, is ARC-PA accreditation required for DPA or DMSc programs to be legitimate or valuable?

This article explores the role of ARC-PA in postgraduate PA education, particularly in the context of doctoral-level programs, and clarifies what kind of accreditation applies to these advanced degrees.

What Is ARC-PA and What Does It Cover?

The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) is the recognized accrediting body for entry-level PA master’s educational programs in the United States. To practice as a PA, graduates must complete an ARC-PA accredited master's program and obtain NCCPA certification.

However, ARC-PA’s role is limited strictly to entry-level education and certain clinical postgraduate programs such as residencies and fellowships. ARC-PA explicitly states that it does not currently accredit doctoral-level PA programs, such as the DMSc or DPA. However, they do have plans to expand to doctorate-level PA programs in the near future. Their scope remains confined to programs that prepare individuals for initial PA certification, not advanced academic or clinical doctorates.

Clarification from ARC-PA

According to ARC-PA’s official current statements:

"The ARC-PA’s scope of accreditation does not include doctorate‐level PA programs.”

This means that while ARC-PA maintains rigorous standards for entry-level PA programs and postgraduate clinical residencies, it does not evaluate or endorse the quality or curriculum of doctoral degrees for practicing PAs.

Will ARC-PA Accredit Doctoral Programs in the Future?

In 2025, ARC-PA announced that it is developing a new set of standards under the name Post-Professional Doctoral Program (PPDP). These standards are intended to guide the future accreditation of PA doctoral programs, but as of now, they are still under review and not yet implemented. Until these standards are finalized and adopted, there is no ARC-PA oversight of DMSc or DPA programs.

Current Accreditation Pathways for PA Doctoral Programs

So, if ARC-PA isn’t accrediting PA doctoral degrees, who is?

Currently, all PA doctoral programs operate under the umbrella of their university's regional accreditation. This means they are reviewed and approved by regional accrediting bodies such as:

Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

These accreditors are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and ensure that institutions maintain educational quality and operational integrity.

For example:

A.T. Still University’s DMSc program is accredited through HLC.
University of Lynchburg’s DMSc program is accredited through SACSCOC.

What About Clinical Fellowships and Residencies?

ARC-PA does accredit some clinical postgraduate training programs, such as PA residencies and fellowships. These programs usually last 12–24 months and offer specialty training in fields like emergency medicine, surgery, or psychiatry. However, these programs are not academic degrees, and they do not confer a doctorate.

Are Non-ARC-PA Accredited Doctorates Legitimate?

Yes, absolutely, so long as they are offered by a regionally accredited institution. Legitimacy does not come from ARC-PA for doctoral degrees; it comes from the institution’s general academic accreditation. Additionally, most DMSc and DPA programs require applicants to already be practicing PAs who graduated from an ARC-PA accredited master’s program and hold NCCPA certification.

These programs typically provide education in areas such as:

Healthcare leadership
Clinical decision-making
Education and teaching
Research and scholarly activity

Professional Recognition and Utility

While the master’s degree remains the required clinical degree for entry into the PA profession, doctoral programs are gaining traction among PAs who wish to pursue roles in academia, administration, research, or advanced clinical practice.

According to recent data:

PAs with doctoral degrees are more likely to serve as program directors or hold leadership roles in academic institutions.
The number of PA doctoral programs has increased significantly, signaling growing interest and value in the field.

Still, it’s important to note that as of now, organizations such as the PA Education Association (PAEA) and the Society of Emergency Medicine PAs (SEMPA) continue to recognize the master’s degree as the terminal degree for clinical PA practice.

Conclusion

To sum it up: ARC-PA accreditation is not required and currently not available for Doctor of Physician Associate or Doctor of Medical Science programs. These degrees are instead governed by the accreditation of the institution offering them. While not necessary for clinical practice, PA doctorates can offer substantial benefits for those pursuing specialized or leadership roles. With ARC-PA planning to roll out standards for doctoral programs in the future, the landscape may evolve but for now, institutional accreditation is key.

Call to Action: Choose Wisely, Ask Questions

If you are considering a doctoral program as a PA, do your research:

Verify the university’s regional accreditation status, as that is what is necessary for legitimacy of the program.
Review the program’s curriculum and alignment with your career goals.
Ask about faculty qualifications, graduation outcomes, and student support services.

Choosing a legitimate, high-quality program can provide excellent value and help open doors in teaching, research, or leadership. But be aware of your goals and how a doctoral degree fits into your long-term professional journey.

References

Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant. (n.d.). Scope of accreditation & FAQs. Retrieved from https://www.arc-pa.org
Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant. (2024). Postgraduate accreditation standards (2024–2025 draft).
Physician Assistant Education Association. (n.d.). PAEA position on terminal degree. Retrieved from https://paeaonline.org
A.T. Still University. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.atsu.edu
University of Lynchburg. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.lynchburg.edu
U.S. Department of Education. (n.d.). Accreditation: Regional accreditors list. Retrieved from https://www.ed.gov/accreditation