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Hi, everyone! What are your thoughts on applying to programs with a ARC-PA probationary accreditation status (i.e., "Accreditation-Probation")? I'm a first-time applicant, and a couple schools that I have my eye on currently have probationary statuses (Johnson & Wales University; Monmouth University). I was wondering if it's worth applying to said schools, especially to ones that have had a probationary status for more than two years. Although these schools are still considered accredited, is it safe to apply to & then attend these schools? Do these schools prepare students to become competent & trustworthy healthcare professionals? Are these schools worth the debt? My concern is enrolling in a school with probationary accreditation and graduating as a sub par PA-C, but those are just my uncertain sentiments at the moment. Moreover, I've read that applying to these schools may be advantageous to some who aren't considered "strong applicants" (e.g., average grades/GRE). On the other hand, I've seen "strong applicants" display their admiration & loyalty to these schools here on PA Forum. I'm confused! Let's open up the discussion!

Here is the continuation of the story..... Few days back, I had posted a topic about getting an interview from a school on probation. Well, I got accepted. This was the first time I was applying. I am feeling happy but lost. As I had previously mentioned, I did not apply to many colleges this cycle. Only 5, as I had 2 more pre-requisites to finish and have not taken my GRE. I got one rejection so far and one acceptance( from a school on probation) and yet to hear from the others(3 left). Before the probation issue, I really did like this school. It was close to home-2 hours away. I am married with family responsibilities; hence it seemed feasible to come back home on weekends and plus a lot of other factors that I found favorable at that time. On the interview day, they mentioned about the probation saying that they are doing everything they can to fix the problem. Some paperwork/document issue was the cause behind the probation and nothing related to education. Their first time pass rate( 5 years)-91% and total pass rate( 5 years)-96%. Here are my stats: Overall gpa - 3.8 Overall science gpa - 3.73 HCE- almost 4000 and still counting(working as MA) Lastly, I have to mention my age- 40 years old( which I find negative) I will surely pay my deposit but my question is- If I do not get any more interviews this cycle, should I take this opportunity or apply for next cycle to better programs? Am I killing the goose in my hand? This what I got from the ARC-PA website Report due for standards related to: the sponsoring institution addressing appropriate security and personal safety measures for PA students when instruction occurs at supervised clinical practice experience (SCPE) sites, student files including documentation that the student has met requirements for program completion, instructional objectives in didactic courses that guide student acquisition of required competencies, the program curriculum including instruction in human sexuality, SCPEs in preventive, emergent, acute and chronic patient encounters that enable students to meet program expectations and acquire the competencies needed for entry into clinical PA practice, SCPEs allowing students to meet program expectations and acquire competencies with patients seeking medical care across the life span, women’s health, care requiring surgical management, and care for behavioral and mental health conditions, SCPEs with preceptors practicing in pediatrics, implementing an ongoing self-assessment process that documents program effectiveness and fosters program improvement, applying the results of ongoing self-assessment to the curriculum and other dimensions of the program, a self-study report that documents results of critical analysis from ongoing self-assessment, faculty evaluation of the curricular and administrative aspects of the program, modifications that occurred as a result of self-assessment and self-identified program strengths and areas in need of improvement, maintaining and documenting effective processes for ongoing evaluation of sites and preceptors used for SCPEs to ensure that sites and preceptors meet program expectations for learning

I am in a big dilemma. I did not apply to many schools this year, only 5. I recieved one rejection and got one interview invitation from a school that is under probation. This is the first time this school has been under probation, but I cannot help feeling a bit worried. But at the same time, is this my only chance this year? Should I just go with it or just try harder next year. Can anyone offer any advise on this matter?

I am supposed to start a program in January. I have recently learned that the parent institution's accreditation has been changed to probational. The PA program itself has continued ARC accreditation. However, if the institution were to lose its accreditation, the PA program would as well (before I graduate). I realize they could teach out any matriculated classes. Is there any obligation for them to do this? ie if the faculty know the program would close, why would they want to stay? wouldnt they find new jobs to leave asap? Any information would be very appreciated!!!

Piku was born when I was preparing for med school in India,He use to live with his mother and father and two siblings(Thts what I figured).Our backyard was full of jasmine,bougenvilia and crusanthymum plants.I could listen the cuckoo of a koyal every morning.This family was of a very common bird in India,a house sparrow.Me and my sister were obgyn when piku came out of a cracked egg.With tiniest limbs and completely dependent on his mother,it was the most beautiful feeling to take him in my hands.Only after few weeks,when flight muscles,haven't yet developed,piku tried to fly and hurt himself.I use to console him and treat him with the homemade remedies. As I was preparing for my med school,the zeal to fly,the zeal to succeed,the zeal to change the world,like piku was there in my eyes.Slowly,time passed,it seemed like it was crawling,I couldn't wait to here,after three rigorous years of preparation and intensive coaching,that I was accepted in medical school.When I got the news Iwas jumping with joy.It seemed I also developed wings an was flying with my little friend. Only after few weeks of me getting into medical school,I came to know something which had shaken my foundation.It was extremely hard breaking to know that my parents were having problems in their marriage,they were at the verge of separating,suddenly the perfect image of life shattered.Even though my siblings could accept the fact in more mature way,for me it was like a sudden blow on my head.A trait of looking for perfectionism,in everything,being a Virgo,began to haunt me,of which I was proud of before. While I was experiencing bitter taste of life,real flavor of medicine was yet to be tasted.I remember it was my first day of clinical rotation,and it was in intensive care unit,for Patients who were struggling last moments of their life.As soon as I started the day,we were instructed to perform CPR.That was first time I was doing to save a life.Until lunch time We did five CPRs,but unfortunately we could not save anybody.That means in no time I witnessed five deaths.My supervisor gave me responsibility to inform families of two patients about the demise.I was stunned.How was I going to do?First of all it was difficult to digest that I have witnessed five deaths in few hours,and now "how in any world could I inform them?"That was my reaction.My heart raced as I took each step towards the corridor.It felt my mouth was sealed,When I looked in their eyes,there was hope.I could never forget.But I had to.With keeping mumb,my body numb,tears rolled from my eyes.They got it.I could see there world broken.I could not take it and ran into my room and sobbed. As days passed,more and more cases I saw of deaths,demises,deceased.In someway or other it decreased my grievance for life.It gave me a new direction.During the whole year of my clinical internship,I learned to give people hope and strength,even when you have your own shortcomings.The more I gave a person suffering strength,I added a brick to my foundation again.And in a year of time I could stand again on pillars built on compassion,dedication,patience and perseverance. After graduating from medical school,I worked as a duty medical officer,in a well known medical centre in India.During which Happen to work general ward,admitting and following up with patients,taking case histories and prescribing drugs.A duty medical officer is someone who works under a supervising physician,reports to him if any complexities,otherwise can make diagnosis and plan a treatment.Working under a physician,gave me support as well as strength.I really enjoyed the mutual trust between me and my physician.His trust and appreciation,as well as patients satisfaction of our work,gave me confidence. With boosting confidence,I came to United States,but in no time was wiggling about my career.when I was waggling around through all possibilities of working with patients,PA profession was introduced to me by my brother in law.To get more knowledge,I shadowed a PA,Mr.jonathan Newman.He was easy going and made me comfortable from beginning.He made an effort to introduce me to staff and to every patient he saw.He was also director for the clinic,he was working in.Staff members looked upto him for both clinical and administrative stuff.I saw him dealing with each patient carefully.Sometimes he compared the elderly patient to his father and other times he shared his recent marriage with them.All in all he made the environment endearing for anyone associated with his clinic.He really inspired me not only to be a PA,but also to be compassionate towards fellow worker.To get more experience in hospital setting,I have applied to volunteer in emergency department at newyork presbytarian/queens hospital,from September onwards.Im hoping to get insight into Health care system along with some experience. I aim to be like my little friend piku,whose aim was only to fly,no matter whether it rains or storms or if he gets hurt.

Hi, I'm currently an RN licensed in the state of California. May goal has always been to enter a PA program. However, because I received 2 DUIs (2006, 2008), my RN license was placed on probation and will remain on my professional license record for 10 years. I do have 5 years experience working--and continue to work--in the profession. I have two questions: 1.) Do PA programs accept students with a misdemeanor criminal background (i.e. 2 DUIs)? 2.) Would a PA program accept a student with a professional license that has been on probation? I appreciate any insights and advice you can give. :) Thank you, D

I am the father of an incoming student, starting at the end of this month. I am uneasy with not knowing the specific reasons that Chatham's PA program in on accreditation probation. A lot of the money that could be sent there is mine. Does anyone have specific details of the reasons for probation? clinical reasons? specifically what? classroom reasons? specifically what?

Hello! I am currently planning on applying to MUSC's PA program but I am concerned with the probationary status they recently received. Does anyone know why they are on probation and if I should be concerned or not? Thanks!

I apologize to everyone for not using the correct terminology. Forgive me for that. I was not aware of the technical term. ** "Probationary Accreditation" is a temporary status of accreditation assigned when a program does not meet the Standards and when the capability of the program to provide an acceptable educational experience for its students is threatened. Once placed on probation, programs that still fail to comply with accreditation requirements in a timely manner, as specified by the ARC-PA, may be scheduled for a focused site visit and/or risk having their accreditation withdrawn. http://www.arc-pa.com/acc_programs/ Good Luck

Got my phone call this morning!!! Now I can start worrying about other things :P Hope to see more of the people from my interview group again. Good luck to the rest of you!