ARC-PA Accreditation
The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) has granted Accreditation-Continued status to the University of Wisconsin–Madison Physician Assistant program in the UW School of Medicine and Public Health. Accreditation-Continued is an accreditation status granted when a currently accredited program is in compliance with the ARC-PA Standards.
Accreditation remains in effect until the program closes or withdraws from the accreditation process or until accreditation is withdrawn for failure to comply with the standards. The approximate date for the next validation review of the program by the ARC-PA will be 2025. The review date is contingent upon continued compliance with the accreditation standards and ARC-PA policy.
Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) data is provided by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
Outcomes
We are committed to helping our students succeed during their education and in job placement after graduation.
Program goals and outcomes
History
1974
The University of Wisconsin–Madison Physician Assistant (PA) program was founded
1977
Awarded accreditation upon the graduation of its first class in 1977 and since that time has been granted continuous accreditation by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA)
1990
Joined the School of Medicine and Public Health’s nationally acclaimed Department of Family Medicine and Community Health
2001
Launched Traditional Distance Education (tDE) option
2004
Moved PA program to state-of-the-art Health Sciences Learning Center
2010
Transitioned from a baccalaureate program to a master’s program, offering the Masters of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) degree
2014
Opened wisPACT@UW-Stevens Point at Wausau campus program
2015
Matriculated first cohort of MPH-MPAS dual degree students
2018
Launched Regional Distance Education (rDE) option
2019
Received 5-year HRSA funding to increase mission match learners, create curriculum around behavioral health, SUD and addiction medicine and enhance student, faculty and preceptor wellness
2023
Accepted 10 students in the wisPACT@UW-Platteville campus program