PA program granted accreditation-provisional status

Applications for Alvernia's 2025 cohort open

Alvernia University's Master of Medical Science in Physician Associate Studies program has been granted Accreditation-Provisional status by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).

Accreditation-Provisional is an accreditation status granted when the plans and resource allocation of a proposed program that has not yet enrolled students appear to demonstrate the program's ability to meet ARC-PA Standards or when a program holding Accreditation-Provisional status appears to demonstrate continued progress in complying with the Standards as it prepares for the graduation of the first class (cohort) of students.

"The granting of Accreditation-Provisional status is a testament to our commitment to excellence in health sciences education," said Leamor Kahanov, Ed.D., senior vice president and provost of Alvernia University. "This achievement underscores our dedication to addressing the growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals and enhancing healthcare access in our community."

Alvernia offers two pathways to obtain a Master of Medical Science in Physician Associate Studies: a Bio-PA (3+2) accelerated track and a traditional post-baccalaureate track. Alvernia's traditional post-baccalaureate program is designed for students who have obtained a baccalaureate degree and will welcome its first class in August 2024.

"We are thrilled to receive Accreditation-Provisional status," said Physician Associate Program Director Renee Langstaff, MSPAS, PA-C. "This milestone reflects the hard work and dedication of our faculty and staff to create a high-quality educational experience. We are excited to welcome our inaugural class and contribute to the local healthcare workforce needs in our community by providing them with well-prepared and inter-disciplinary trained graduates."

Alvernia University's Physician Associate program is housed in state-of-the-art facilities at the university's John R. Post Center at Reading CollegeTowne, located in the heart of downtown Reading. The program emphasizes an interdisciplinary learning environment, integrating advanced medical education with practical clinical training. Students will benefit from access to modern simulation labs, experienced faculty, and a network of clinical partners.

The post-baccalaureate physician associate program is 24 months in length and spans 6 semesters, including two summer semesters. The first 3 semesters will consist of didactic phase instruction, and the last 3 semesters will consist of clinical phase instruction. The curriculum is based on the most recent ARC-PA standards and NCCPA PANCE blueprint and aligns with the University and Program's mission and goals.

The Alvernia University PA program is now accepting applications through CASPA for matriculation in August 2025.