As ARC-PA transitions from the 5th Edition (5e) to the 6th Edition (6e) Standards , programs need a clear understanding of how the requirements align.
This article provides a crosswalk between the 5e and 6e standards , helping readers identify how existing standards correspond to the updated framework.
This article provides a crosswalk between the 5e and 6e standards , helping readers identify how existing standards correspond to the updated framework.
As ARC-PA transitions from the 5th Edition (5e) to the 6th Edition (6e) Standards, PA programs need a clear understanding of how existing accreditation requirements align with the updated framework.
This document provides mapping between the 5e and 6e ARC-PA standards, helping administrators quickly identify how previously used reports and documentation correspond to the new standards.
This mapping supports programs in maintaining accreditation readiness while adapting to the updated requirements.
Mapping 5th (5e) to 6th edition (6e) ARC-PA Standards | |||
| 5th edition (5e) | 6th edition (6e) | Highlighted Changes | 6th Edition Wording |
| Section A: Administration | |||
| A1 Sponsorship | |||
| A1.01 & A3.01 | A1.01 | 6e wording was slightly modified and divided into substandards; the requirement to document student access to educational resources and clinical experiences was removed. 6e A1.01a added the term 'rights' 6e A1.01b combined the previous A1.01 & A3.01 requirements | A1.01 When more than one institution is involved in the provision of academic and/or clinical education, terms are clearly described and documented in a manner signifying agreement by the involved institutions. Signed affiliation agreement(s): a) define the rights and responsibilities of each party related to the educational program for students b) specify whose policies govern the student, including if certain program policies will be superseded by those at the clinical site c) include the terms of participation for the PA program students d) are signed by an authorized individual(s) of each participating entity |
| A1.02a-k & A3.15f | A1.02a-h | 6e A1.02 had the following modifications: - 5e A1.02a was split into two s A1.02b & A1.02d in 6e , requirement for course selection was removed. - 5e A1.02b requirement for hiring faculty and staff was removed and added as essential evidence to 6e A1.07 - 6e A1.02b has new requirement to support the program faculty in "effective" program self-assessment. - 6e A1.02c has modified effective program leadership to ensuring effective leadership by the by the program director. -5e A1.02d moved to 6th ed A1.02a - 5e A1.02e, f, & h were removed as redundant to regional accreditation. -6e A1.02f, with new requirement to 5th ed A1.02i for policies and procedures for staff grievances and allegations of harassment. -5e A1.02j and A3.15f were combined in 6e A1.02g | A1.02 The sponsoring institution is responsible for: a) complying with ARC-PA accreditation Standards and policies b) supporting the program faculty in effective program self-assessment c) ensuring effective leadership by the program director d) supporting the program faculty in curriculum design e) documenting security and personal safety measures for PA students, faculty, and staff in all locations where instruction occurs f) defining, publishing, making readily available, and consistently applying to faculty and staff its policies and procedures for processing faculty and staff grievances and allegations of harassment g) defining, publishing, making readily available, and consistently applying to students its policies and procedures for processing student allegations of harassment and mistreatment h) defining, publishing, making readily available, and consistently applying to students its policies and procedures for refunds of tuition and fees |
| A1.03a-b | A1.03a-c | 6e A1.03 had wording slightly modified and has the following new requirements: -6e A1.03a with new requirement for sponsoring institution to provide full payment for relevant professional and board certification(s) and licensure -6e A1.03b with new requirement for sponsoring institution to provide sufficient release time and financial resources for professional development related to the faculty role. -6e A1.03c with new requirement for sponsoring institution to provide sufficient release time and financial resources for continuing medical education (CME) | A1.03 The sponsoring institution provides resources in support of the program director and principal faculty, as applicable to their program role, for: a) full payment for their relevant professional and board certification(s) and licensure b) sufficient release time and financial resources for professional development specific to their PA program faculty role c) sufficient release time and financial resources for continuing medical education (CME) |
| A1.04 | A1.04 | Same | A1.04 The sponsoring institution provides academic support and student services to PA students that are equivalent to those services provided to other comparable students of the institution. |
| A1.05 | A1.05 | 6e wording was slightly modified | A1.05 The sponsoring institution provides PA students and faculty at geographically distant campus locations with access to services and resources that help students achieve their academic and career goals that are comparable to those available to PA students and faculty on the main campus. |
| A1.06 | A1.06 | Same | A1.06 The sponsoring institution provides the program with sufficient financial resources to operate the educational program and fulfill obligations to matriculating and enrolled students. |
| A1.07 | A1.07a-b | 6e was slightly modified and divided into substandard for program faculty and a substandard for administrative staff; 5e requirement for technical support was moved to new 6e A1.12. | A1.07 The sponsoring institution provides the program with the human resources necessary to operate the educational program, comply with the Standards, and fulfill obligations to matriculating and enrolled students, including sufficient: a) program faculty b) administrative staff |
| A1.08 | A1.08 | Same | A1.08 The sponsoring institution provides the program with the physical facilities to operate the educational program in accordance with the Standards and to fulfill its obligations to matriculating and enrolled students. |
| A1.09 | A1.09 | Same | A1.09 The sponsoring institution provides the program with access to instructional and reference materials needed to operate the educational program and support evidence-based practice. |
| A1.10a-b and B3.02 | A1.10a-b | 6e A1.10b wording modified to ensure clinical sites and preceptor located outside of the US are only used for elective rotations | A1.10 The sponsoring institution: a) secures clinical sites and preceptors sufficient in number to allow all students to meet the program’s learning outcomes for supervised clinical practice experiences b) ensures that clinical sites and preceptors located outside of the United States are only used for elective rotations. |
| A1.11a-d | A1.11a-d | 6e A1.11a specifies "PA program" action plan for DEI 6e A1.11b was modified to specify support for implementing "diversity, equity, and inclusion-focused recruitment strategies." 6e A1.11c was modified to specify support for implementing "diversity, equity, and inclusion-focused retention strategies." 6e A1.11d same | A1.11 The sponsoring institution, in a manner consistent with its own mission and applicable laws, demonstrates a commitment to student, faculty, and staff diversity, equity, and inclusion by: a) supporting the program in having a documented PA program action plan for diversity, equity, and inclusion b) supporting the program in implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion-focused recruitment strategies c) supporting the program in implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion-focused retention strategies d) making available resources which promote diversity, equity, and inclusion |
| A1.07 | A1.12 | 6e A1.12 modified 5th ed A1.07 from sufficient tech support to effective tehcnical support. | A1.12 The sponsoring institution provides the program with effective technical support. |
| A2 Program Personnel | |||
| A2.01, A2.13a-b | A2.01a-b | 6e was modified and divided into substandards -6e A2.01a with new requirement for program-defined academic and experiential qualifications in assigned instructional areas. -6e A2.01b with new requirement for evaluation of program faculty effectiveness in assigned instructional areas. | A2.01 All program faculty, including didactic and clinical instructional faculty: a) meet program-defined academic and experiential qualifications to teach in their assigned instructional areas b) are evaluated for effectiveness in their assigned instructional areas |
| A2.02a | A2.02 | 6e A2.02a wording was slightly modified | A2.02 The program has program faculty members, including a program director, principal faculty, medical director, and instructional faculty. |
| A2.02b | A2.03 | emeritus is new | A2.03 The program has at least three (3.0) FTE principal faculty members, of which at least two (2.0) FTE principal faculty members are PAs who are currently certified or emeritus. |
| A2.03 | 5e A2.03 removed as redundant to 6e A1.07a and C1.02 | ||
| A2.04 | A2.04 | 6e was slightly modified to remove 'should' | A2.04 The principal faculty and the program director hold academic appointments and privileges comparable to other faculty with similar academic responsibilities within the institution. |
| A2.05a-h | A2.05a-h | 6e wording was slightly modified to emphasize that one or more members of the program faculty maintain the responsibility for items a-h. | A2.05 Program faculty maintain responsibility for the following: a) developing, reviewing, and revising as necessary the program’s mission statement, goals, and competencies b) selecting applicants for admission to the PA program c) providing student instruction d) evaluating student performance e) academic counseling of students f) assuring the availability of remedial instruction g) designing, implementing, coordinating, and evaluating the curriculum h) evaluating the program |
| A2.06a | A2.06 | 6e A2.06 same as 5e A2.06a. The program director had at least three years of full-time higher education experience at the time of appointment. *Note that PD's appointed before the 6e will be held to the requirements of the standards under which they were appointed. | A2.06 The program director had at least three years of full-time higher education experience at the time of appointment. |
| A2.06b | A2.07 | 6e requirement was modified from 80% time dedicated to ed and admin to 50% time is devoted to administrative responsibilities for the program. | A2.07 The program director is assigned to the program on a 12-month, 1.0 FTE, full-time basis, and at least 50% of that time is devoted to administrative responsibilities for the program. |
| A2.06c | A2.08 | 6e wording was slightly modified. | A2.08 The program director is a PA who holds current or emeritus NCCPA certification status. |
| A2.07 | 5e standard was removed because, by definition, the PD could not be the MD. | ||
| A2.08a & A2.08c | 5e A2.08a-c were combined into communication and moved to 6e A2.09e. | ||
| A2.08b & A2.09a,b | A2.09a-f | 6e was modified to require program director leadership effectiveness. Modifications included: -6e A2.09a-d are unchanged -6e A2.09e corresponds with 5e A2.08a-c -6e A2.09f corresponds with 5e A2.09h - 5e A2.09e was combined into A2.09b -5e A2.09f was removed. -5e A2.09g was combined with A2.09f | A2.09 The program director provides program leadership through effective: a) program organization b) program administration c) fiscal management of the program d) continuous programmatic review and analysis e) communication f) adherence to the Standards and ARC-PA policies |
| A2.10 | A2.10 | 6e slight wording modification to require program director supervision of all individuals in the roles of medical director, principal and instructional faculty and staff in activities that directly relate to the PA program. | A2.10 The program director supervises all individuals in the roles of medical director, principal and instructional faculty, and staff in activities that directly relate to the PA program. |
| A2.11a-b | A2.11a-b | 6e A2.11a was modified to include a PA, and A2.11b was modified to remove specific board certifying bodies and allow for previous certification. | A2.11 The medical director is: a) currently or previously licensed osteopathic or allopathic physician or PA b) currently or previously board-certified |
| A2.12 | A2.12 | 6e modified to include the medical director being an advocate for the PA program through active participation in the program and support of the development and review of the program curriculum and competencies to meet current practice standards as they relate to the PA role. | A2.12 The medical director is an advocate for the PA program through active participation in the program and support of the development and review of the program curriculum and competencies to meet current practice standards as they relate to the PA role. |
| A2.13 | See A2.01 6e | ||
| A2.14 | 5e A2.14 was removed; however, reference 6e A1.07a and C1.02 | ||
| A2.15 | A2.13 | 6e wording was slightly modified to remove 'should' | A2.13 The program does not rely primarily on resident physicians for didactic instruction. |
| A2.16 | A2.14 | 6e with revised wording added unrestricted, and unencumbered license | A2.14 All instructional faculty actively serving as supervised clinical practice experience preceptors hold a valid, unrestricted, and unencumbered license to practice. |
| B3.05 | A2.15 | Reworded "primarily" to "majority" for clarity to indicate 50% or more. Moved from B3's to A2's. | A2.15 The majority of the SCPE experiences for any individual student must occur with PAs and Physicians. |
| B3.06a-c | A2.16a-d | Changed certification requirements for PA, physician, and NP to certified or previously certified. Added an option for 10% of preceptors to be vetted by the program as qualified without certification requirement. Removed the requirement for certification in the area of instruction. | A2.16 The supervised clinical practice experience (SCPE) instructional faculty consist of any of the following: a) PAs who hold or have held NCCPA certification b) physicians who hold or have held board certification c) advanced practice nurses who hold or have held board certification d) no more than 10% other clinicians who are vetted by the program as qualified |
| A2.17a-b | A2.17a-b | 6e wording was slightly modified | A2.17 In each location to which a student is assigned for didactic instruction or supervised clinical practice experiences, the program: a) informs the student of the name and contact information of the principal or instructional faculty member designated to assess and supervise the student's progress in achieving the course learning outcomes b) orients all instructional faculty to specific course learning outcomes and their assessments |
| A2.18a | A2.18 | 6e modification to require administrative support of at least 1.0 FTE dedicated exclusively to the PA program at each campus (i.e. every distant campus has its own 1.0 FTE staff). -5e A2.18b was removed (See C1.02) | A2.18 Administrative support for the program is at least 1.0 FTE dedicated exclusively to the PA program at each campus. |
| A3 Operations (Policies) - Re-grouped by who it must be published and available to - | |||
Published for Current students | |||
| A3.01 & A3.02 | A3.01 | 5e A3.01 and A3.02 were combined and modified in 6e A3.01. 5e requirement related to clinical affiliation agreements or memorandums were moved to 6e A1.01b. | A3.01 Program policies are published, readily available, and consistently applied to all students, principal faculty, staff, and the program director regardless of location. |
| A3.04 | A3.02 | Re-numbered | A3.02 The program publishes, makes readily available, and consistently applies a policy that PA students are not required to work for the program. |
| A3.05a-b | A3.03a-b | 6e wording was slightly modified; re-numbered | A3.03 The program publishes, makes readily available, and consistently applies a policy that PA students do not substitute for or function as: a) instructional faculty b) clinical or administrative staff |
| A3.06 | A3.04 | Re-numbered | A3.04 The program publishes, makes readily available, and consistently applies a policy that requires PA students to be clearly identified in the clinical setting to distinguish them from other health profession students and practitioners. |
| A3.08a-c | A3.05a-c | Re-numbered | A3.05 The program publishes, makes readily available, and consistently applies policies addressing student exposure to infectious and environmental hazards before students undertake any educational activities that would place them at risk. Those policies: a) address methods of prevention b) address procedures for care and treatment after exposure c) clearly define financial responsibility |
| A3.09 | A3.06 | Re-numbered | A3.06 The program publishes, makes readily available, and consistently applies policies that preclude the program director, medical director, and principal faculty from participating as healthcare providers for students in the program, except in emergency situations. |
| A3.10 | A3.07 | Re-numbered | A3.07 The program publishes, makes readily available, and consistently applies written procedures that ensure timely access and/or referral of students to services addressing personal issues that may impact their progress in the PA program. |
Published for Prospective and Enrolled Students | |||
| A3.03 | A3.08 | Re-numbered | A3.08 The program publishes, makes readily available to current and prospective students, and consistently applies a policy stating that PA students are not required to provide or solicit clinical sites or preceptors. |
| A3.07a-b | A3.09a-b | 6e modification for policies to be published and readily available for current and prospective students; 5e did not include prospective students. | A3.09 The program publishes, makes readily available to current and prospective students, and consistently applies policies based on current CDC health professionals’ recommendations and applicable state or country mandates for: a) minimum immunization and health screening of students b) international travel (for programs offering international curricular components) |
| A3.11 | A3.10 | Re-numbered | A3.10 The sponsoring institution and program’s announcements and advertising accurately reflect the program offered. |
| A3.12a-i | A3.11a-i | 6e A3.11a-i added the word "current" to the stem to emphasize the program publishes and makes readily available to enrolled and prospective students current program information 6e A3.11a-b - same as 5e A3.12a-b 6e A3.11c modified for pass rates at each distant campus individually 6e A3.11d has new requirement to include curricular component delivery methods 6e A3.11e - same as 5e A3.12e 6e A3.11f requirements were modified to include the total cost of enrollment including all required expenses (tuition, fees, books, equipment) related to the program 6e A3.11g modified by removing the requirement for consistency with the competencies defined by the PA profession 6e A3.11h modified to indicate which services and resources are only available, or differently available, to students and faculty on the main campus when the program is offered at a geographically distant campus location. 6e A3.11i wording was slightly modified to emphasize current annual student graduation rate rather than attrition rate | A3.11 The program publishes and makes readily available to enrolled and prospective students current program information, including: a) the program’s ARC-PA accreditation status as provided to the program by the ARC-PA b) evidence of its effectiveness in meeting its goals c) the current annual “NCCPA PANCE Exam Performance Summary Report Last 5 Years” listing pass rates at each distant campus individually provided by the NCCPA through its program portal, when complete or no later than April first (4/1) of each year d) all required curricular components and the delivery method e) academic credit offered by the program f) estimates of the total cost of enrollment g) program-defined competencies for entry level practice h) which services and resources are only available, or differently available, to students and faculty on the main campus when the program is offered at a geographically distant campus location i) current annual student graduation rate information, on the table provided by the ARC-PA, no later than April 1st (4/1) of each year |
| A3.13a-e | A3.12a-e | 6e A3.12a wording was slightly modified with new requirement for specified characteristics. 6e A3.12b moved work experience to 6e A3.12d 6e A3.12c - same as 5e A3.13c 6e A3.12d - work experience from 5e A3.13b 6e A3.12e - same as 5e A3.13e 5e A3.13d was moved to 6e A3.14a | A3.12 The program publishes, consistently applies, and makes readily available to enrolled and prospective students any admission and enrollment practices that address: a) favored or preferred characteristics, individuals, or groups (if applicable) b) prior education c) awarding or granting advanced placement d) required work experience e) required technical standards for enrollment. |
| A3.14 | A3.13 | Re-numbered | A3.13 The program makes student admission decisions in accordance with clearly defined and published practices of the institution and program. |
| A3.15a-g & A3.13d | A3.14a- j | 6e wording was slightly modified and order was revised 6e A3.14a modified to include any required academic standards to maintain enrollment and progress in the curriculum. 6e A3.14b corresponds to 5e A3.15b and modified to remove progression in the program. 6e A3.14c & d correspond to 5e A3.15c 6e A3.14e & f correspond to 5e A3.15d 6e A3.14g & h correspond to 5e A3.15g 6e A3.14i corresponds to 5e A3.15e 6e A3.14j with new requirement for a policy for student travel to SCPE sites | A3.14 The program publishes, consistently applies, and makes readily available to enrolled and prospective students: a) any required academic standards to maintain enrollment and progress in the curriculum b) requirements and deadlines for completion of the program c) policies and procedures for remediation d) policies and procedures for deceleration e) policies and procedures for withdrawal f) policies and procedures for dismissal g) policies and procedures for student grievances h) policies and procedures for student appeals i) policy for student employment while enrolled in the program j) policy for student travel to required rotation sites |
Program Records | |||
| A3.16a-c | A3.15a-c | 6e A3.15a-b same as 5e A3.16a-b 6e A3.15ec with new requirement of meeting the learning outcomes (instead of 5e A.15c with requirement of demonstrating competencies) | A3.15 Programs granting advanced placement document within each student’s file that those students receiving advanced placement have: a) met program-defined criteria for such placement b) met institution-defined criteria for such placement c) demonstrated meeting the learning outcomes for the curricular components for which advanced placement is given |
| A3.17a-f | A3.16a-f | 6e A3.16a-f wording slightly modified | A3.16 Student academic records kept by the sponsoring institution or program, in a paper or electronic format, are readily accessible to authorized program personnel only and include documentation: a) that the student met the published admission criteria b) that the student met the institution and program health screening and immunization requirements c) of student performance while enrolled d) of remediation efforts and outcomes e) of any formal disciplinary action taken against a student f) that the student met the requirements for program completion |
| A3.18 | A3.17 | 6e wording was slightly modified | A3.17 Unauthorized people, including PA students, do not have access to academic records or confidential information of other students or faculty. |
| A3.19 | A3.18 | 6e wording was slightly modified | A3.18 Student health records are confidential and not accessible to or reviewed by program faculty or staff, except for immunization and screening results, which may be maintained and released with the student's written permission. |
| A3.20a-b | A3.19a-b | 6e with new requirement in substandard a for qualifications specific to each faculty member | A3.19 Program records for the program director, medical director, and principal faculty include: a) a current job description that includes duties, responsibilities, and required qualifications specific to each faculty member b) a current curriculum vitae |
| A3.21 | A3.20 | Re-numbered | A3.20 Program records include a current curriculum vitae for each course director. |
| Section B: Curriculum | |||
| B1 Curriculum | |||
| B1.01a-d | B1.01a-d | 6e wording was slightly modified | B1.01 The curriculum: a) is consistent with the mission and goals of the program b) is consistent with program competencies c) includes core knowledge about established and evolving biomedical and clinical sciences and the application of this knowledge to patient care d) provides the necessary breadth and depth to prepare students for the clinical practice of medicine |
| B1.02 | B1.02 | Same | B1.02 The curriculum design reflects content and course sequencing that builds upon previously achieved student learning. |
| B1.03a-h | B1.03a-i | 6e B1.03a-c correspond with 5e B1.03a-c 6e B1.03d had requirement for course rationale removed 6e B1.03e and f separated 5e B1.03e learning outcomes and instructional objectives into two sub-standards 6e B1.03g corresponds to 5e B1.03f 6e B1.03h wording was slightly modified from 5e B1.03g to clarify detailed description of the student assessment(s) and evaluation(s) 6e B1.03i corresponds to 5e B1.03h | B1.03 For each didactic and clinical course (including required and elective rotations), the program defines and publishes for students the following detailed information in syllabi or an appendix to the syllabi: a) course name b) course description c) faculty instructor of record d) course goal(s) e) course learning outcomes in measurable terms that guide student acquisition of required competencies f) instructional objectives in measurable terms that can be assessed g) outline of topics to be covered that align with learning outcomes and instructional objectives h) detailed description of the student assessment(s) and evaluation(s) i) plan for grading |
| B1.04a-b | B1.04a-b | 6e B1.04 main standard slightly modified to The program ensures comparable and equivalent course content, instructional material access, and student experience when: (definitions of comparable and equivalent included in glossary) 6e B1.04a-b specify didactic instruction. | B1.04 The program ensures comparable and equivalent course content, instructional material access, and student experience when: a) didactic instruction is conducted at geographically separate locations b) didactic instruction is provided by different pedagogical and instructional methods or techniques for some students |
| B2 Didactic Instruction | |||
| B2.01 | B2.01 | Same | B2.01 While programs may require specific course(s) as prerequisites to enrollment, those prerequisites do not substitute for more advanced applied content within the professional component of the program. |
| B2.02a-e | B2.02a-e | Same | B2.02 The program curriculum includes instruction in the following areas of medical sciences and their application in clinical practice: a) anatomy b) physiology c) pathophysiology d) pharmacology and pharmacotherapeutics e) the genetic and molecular mechanisms of health and disease |
| B2.03 | B2.03 | Same | B2.03 The program curriculum includes instruction in clinical medicine covering all organ systems. |
| B2.04 | B2.04 | Same | B2.04 The program curriculum includes instruction in interpersonal and communication skills that result in the effective exchange of information and collaboration with patients, their families, and other health professionals. |
| B2.05 | B2.05 | Same | B2.05 The curriculum includes instruction related to the development of clinical reasoning and problem-solving abilities. |
| B2.06a-f | B2.06a-f | 6e B2.06a slightly modified to remove disability status as to emphasize all special health care needs not just disability which is only one example of special health care needs | B2.06 The curriculum includes instruction to prepare students to provide medical care to patients with consideration for: a) special health care needs b) ethnicity and race c) gender identity d) religion and spirituality e) sexual orientation f) social determinants of health |
| B2.07a-f | B2.07a-g | 6e stem modified with requirement for age groups moved to applicable substandards. Requirement for initial presentation through ongoing follow-up was removed. -6e B2.07a was modified to include age groups -6e B2.07b was modified to include age groups -6e B2.07f & g correspond with 5e B2.07f (separated into 2 substandards) -6e B2.07g was a result of separating referral of patients from patient education | B2.07 The curriculum includes instruction in: a) patient interviewing and eliciting a medical history across all age groups b) performing complete and focused physical examinations across all age groups c) generating differential diagnoses d) ordering and interpreting diagnostic studies e) patient management, including acute and chronic care plans f) patient education g) the referral of patients to other providers |
| B2.08a-e | B2.08a-f | 6e with new B2.08f for didactic instruction to include the provision of medical care through telehealth telemedicine. | B2.08 The curriculum includes instruction in: a) the provision of medical care across the life span, including prenatal, infant, children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly b) preventive, emergent, acute, chronic, and rehabilitative patient encounters c) pre-, intra-, and post-operative care d) psychiatric/behavioral conditions e) palliative and end-of-life care f) the provision of medical care through telehealth/telemedicine |
| B2.09 | B2.09 | Definition of clinical skills and technical skills recently added to 5th edition glossary and maintained in the 6e Glossary 6e B2.09 modified to emphasize technical skills and remove clinical skills | B2.09 The curriculum includes instruction in technical skills based on current professional practice. |
| B2.10a-c | B2.10a-c | 6e B2.10b wording slightly modified | B2.10 The curriculum prepares students to work collaboratively in interprofessional patient-centered teams. Instruction: a) includes content on the roles and responsibilities of various healthcare professionals b) emphasizes the team approach to patient-centered care c) includes the application of these principles in interprofessional teams |
| B2.11a-g | B2.11a-e | 6e B2.11a requirement for 'loss' was removed and 'bereavement' was added 6e B2.11b Same 5e B2.11c was removed 6e B2.11c was modified to require psychosocial effects of illness, stress and injury (combined 5e B2.11d & e) 6e B2.11d corresponds with 5e B2.11f 6e B2.11e corresponds with 5e B2.11g | B2.11 The curriculum includes instruction in the following areas of social and behavioral sciences and their application to clinical practice: a) death, dying, and bereavement b) human sexuality, c) the psychosocial effects of illness, stress, and injury d) substance use disorders e) identification and prevention of violence |
| B2.12a-c | B2.12a-d | 5e requirement for curriculum that is patient-centered and culturally sensitive was moved to 6e B2.12d. 6e B2.12b & B2.12c wording was slightly modified | B2.12 The curriculum includes instruction about basic counseling and patient education skills that is: a) focused on helping patients adhere to treatment plans b) focused on helping patients modify their behaviors to more healthful patterns c) focused on helping patients develop coping strategies d) patient-centered and culturally sensitive |
| B2.13a-e | B2.13a-e | 6e B2.13b removed the word "basic"; requires interpretation of biostatistical methods; requires evaluation of sampling methods; requires searching databases. | B2.13 The curriculum includes instruction to prepare students to practice evidence-based medicine, including: a) framing of research questions b) interpretation of biostatistical methods c) evaluating the limits of medical research d) evaluating different types of sampling methods e) searching common databases to access medical literature |
| B2.14a-d | B2.14a-d | 6e wording slightly modified. 6e B2.14b with new requirement of documentation of care for the purposes of reimbursement and healthcare business. | B2.14 The curriculum includes instruction in: a) coding and billing b) documentation of care for purposes of reimbursement and healthcare business c) health care delivery systems d) health policy |
| B2.15a-d | B2.15a-d | Same | B2.15 The curriculum includes instruction in concepts of public health as they relate to the role of the practicing PA and: a) disease prevention, surveillance, reporting, and intervention b) the public health system c) patient advocacy d) maintenance of population health |
| B2.16a-d | B2.16a-d | Same | B2.16 The curriculum includes instruction in: a) patient safety b) prevention of medical errors c) quality improvement d) risk management |
| B2.17a-g | B2.17a-g | Same | B2.17 The curriculum includes instruction about the PA profession, including: a) credentialing b) historical development c) laws and regulations regarding professional practice and conduct d) licensure and certification e) the PA relationship with physicians and other health care providers f) policy issues that affect practice g) professional organizations |
| B2.18 | B2.18 | Same | B2.18 The program curriculum includes instruction in the principles and practice of medical ethics. |
| B2.19a-c | B2.19a-c | Same | B2.19 The curriculum includes instruction in: a) intellectual honesty b) academic integrity c) professional conduct |
| B2.20a-b | B2.20a-c | 6e B2.20a with new requirement to include instruction about student personal wellness including impairment and burnout in maintaining personal wellness 6e B2.20b corresponds with 5e B2.20a 6e B2.20c corresponds with 5e B2.20b | B2.20 The curriculum includes instruction in: a) maintaining personal wellness b) prevention of impairment c) prevention of burnout |
| B3 SCPEs | |||
| B3.01 | B3.01a-e | 6e wording modified and divided into substandards -6e B3.01b with new option to provide no more than 50% of each and no more than 20% of the total SCPEs for any given student (across the whole clinical year) as telehealth telemedicine experiences except for BH -6e B3.01d from the definition of SCPE to emphasize SCPEs must be hands-on encounters -part e. specified 100% telehealth may be permitted for behavioral health SCPE | B3.01 The program ensures clinical students achieve all SCPE learning outcomes by: a) securing a sufficient number of qualified preceptors and clinical sites b) limiting telehealth/telemedicine to no more than 50% of any individual SCPE, with the exception of behavioral health c) ensuring that no more than 20% of the total SCPE experiences for any individual student are conducted via telehealth/telemedicine experiences d) requiring in-person, direct patient care for all SCPEs, except for telehealth/telemedicine in behavioral health e) allowing behavioral health SCPEs to consist of up to 100% telehealth/telemedicine experiences, provided that all learning outcomes are met |
| B3.02 | Moved and revised into 6e A1.10b | ||
| C2.01a-c | B3.02a-c | Re-numbered and 6e wording slightly modified. -6e moved "to meet the learning outcomes" from the stem into the a-b sub-standards | B3.02 The program’s process clearly documents the initial and ongoing evaluation of all sites and preceptors used for supervised clinical practice experiences, to ensure students have access to: a) the physical facilities needed to meet the learning outcomes for the specific SCPE b) patient populations needed to meet the learning outcomes of the specific SCPE c) supervision |
| B3.03a | B3.03a-c | 6e divided 5e B3.03a into separate substandards: a) preventive patient encounters; b) acute patient encounters; c) chronic patieint encounters | B3.03 Supervised clinical practice experiences must enable all students to meet the program’s learning outcomes for: a) preventive patient encounters b) acute patient encounters c) chronic patient encounters |
| B3.03b | B3.06a-g | 6e with slight modifications as patient populations now specific to rotation specialty and adult population assumed throughout relevant specialties. 6e B3.06c - including care for elderly patients 6e B3.06e - including care for infants, children, and adolescents 6e B3.06a-d,f,g including assumed care for adults | B3.06 Preceptors for supervised clinical practice experiences enable students to meet program-defined learning outcomes for: a) family medicine b) emergency medicine, including providing emergent care c) internal medicine, including elderly patients d) surgery, including pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative care e) pediatrics, including care for infants, children, and adolescents f) women’s health, including prenatal and gynecologic care g) behavioral and mental health care. |
| B3.03c | B3.06f | 6e with slight modifications as patient populations now specific to rotation specialty. 6e - B3.06f including prenatal and gynecologic care | See above. |
| B3.03d | B3.06d | 6e with slight modifications as patient populations now specific to rotation specialty. 6e - B3.06d including pre-operative, intra-operative, and post operative care. | See above. |
| B3.03e | B3.06g | 6e with slight modifications as patient populations now specific to rotation specialty. 6e - B3.06g behavioral and mental health care | See above. |
| B3.04a-d | B3.04a-d | Same | B3.04 Supervised clinical practice experiences occur in the following settings: a) emergency department b) inpatient c) outpatient d) operating room |
| B3.05 & B3.06a-c | see A2.15-A2.16 | ||
| B3.05a-f | 6e New standard - moves the component parts of a learning outcome from the glossary into a standard | B3.05 Supervised clinical practice experiences collectively support the achievement of learning outcomes across the following domains: a) medical knowledge b) interpersonal skills c) clinical skills d) technical skills e) professional behaviors f) clinical reasoning and problem-solving abilities | |
| B3.07a-g (B3.03b and B3.03d also) | B3.06a-g | 6e with slight modifications. 6e B3.06a Same 6e B3.06b corresponds with 5e B3.07b with slight modification - emergency medicine, including providing emergent care 6e B3.06c -added elderly patients 6e B3.06d corresponds with 5e B3.07d with slight modification - surgery, including pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative care (from 5e B3.03d) 6e B3.06e corresponds with 5e B3.07e with slight modification - pediatrics, including care for infants, children, and adolescents (from 5e B3.03b) 6e B3.06f Same 6e B3.06g Same | B3.06 Preceptors for supervised clinical practice experiences enable students to meet program-defined learning outcomes for: a) family medicine b) emergency medicine, including providing emergent care c) internal medicine, including elderly patients d) surgery, including pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative care e) pediatrics, including care for infants, children, and adolescents f) women’s health, including prenatal and gynecologic care g) behavioral and mental health care. |
| B4 Assessment of Student Learning | |||
| B4.01a-b | B4.01a-b | 6e B4.01 re-worded and removed reference to instructional objectives in the stem | B4.01 The program conducts frequent, objective, and documented evaluations of student performance to ensure students meet the program’s learning outcomes for both didactic and supervised clinical practice experience components. The evaluations: a) align with what is expected and taught b) allow the program to identify and address any student deficiencies in a timely manner |
| B4.04a-b | B4.02a-b | 6e B4.02 wording was slightly modified to specify didactic instruction in the stem. 6e B4.02a-b otherwise same as 5e B4.04a-b. | B4.02 The program documents the equivalency of student evaluation methods and outcomes when didactic instruction is: a) conducted at geographically separate locations and/or b) provided by different pedagogical and instructional methods or techniques for some students. |
| B4.03a-e | B4.03a-e | Same | B4.03 The program conducts and documents a summative evaluation of each student within the final four months of the program to verify that each student meets all program-defined competencies required to enter clinical practice, including: a) clinical and technical skills b) clinical reasoning and problem-solving abilities c) interpersonal skills d) medical knowledge e) professional behaviors |
| C s | |||
| C1.01b-e,g, C1.02, & C1.03 | C1.01 | 5e C1.01, C1.02, & C1.03 combined and modified in 6e for C1.01 with new grouping of previous requirements. Please reference standard and essential evidence. 6e - Now includes effectiveness in operating the program. | C1.01 The program documents ongoing self-assessment of its overall effectiveness in operating the program and preparing graduates for clinical practice by collecting data, using critical analysis to draw conclusions, and creating self-improvement action plans. At a minimum, the program’s process utilizes data including: --program-defined admissions data --PANCE scores and sub-scores --didactic attrition, clinical attrition, and overall attrition --course grades, didactic and clinical (including exam scores as appropriate) --course and instructor evaluations, including clinical sites and preceptors --summative evaluation results --graduate/exiting student evaluation of the program --program-defined measures of effectiveness of the program director, principal faculty, and medical director in their roles outside of teaching --remediation |
| C1.01f, C1.02, & C1.03 | C1.02 | 5e C1.01f, C1.02, & C1.03 combined and modified in 6e for C1.02 with new grouping of previous requirements. Please reference standard and essential evidence. 6e C1.02 update: The word “graduates” has been removed from the list of required evaluation data on the sufficiency of personnel. Recognizing the challenges programs face in obtaining data from graduates, the Commission determined that this requirement is not necessary. Programs can gather appropriate evaluative data from students, faculty, and staff to assess perceptions on personnel sufficiency. | C1.02 The program documents ongoing self-assessment of the sufficiency of program personnel by collecting data, using critical analysis to draw conclusions, and creating self-improvement action plans. These data points, at a minimum, will include: --student, faculty, and staff evaluation of the sufficiency of personnel by type or task --principal faculty and staff full-time equivalents (FTE) filled and vacant with attrition rates --workload calculation for each program faculty and staff member |
| C1.01a, C1.02, & C1.03 | C1.03 Rescinded | 6e C1.03 has been rescinded in its entirety. The ARC-PA will no longer require programs to conduct separate data analyses to monitor the sufficiency and effectiveness of administrative resources. | While the ARC-PA will no longer require programs to conduct data analysis specifically to monitor the sufficiency and effectiveness of administrative resources, institutions remain responsible for ensuring that programs have adequate administrative support and resources to operate effectively and meet the needs of their students. Programs are expected to continue monitoring the adequacy of their administrative resources internally and to report this information as part of its responses to Section A of the Standards within their accreditation application materials. |
| D s | |||
| D1.01a-d | D1.01a-e | 6e D1.01 wording slightly modified to include 'and working' and to specifiy prior to 'the first day of' the SV to all sub-standards 6e D1.01c&e separated 5e D1.01c into 2 substandards; both were modified to include 'at least'. 6e D1.01d with new requirement for a 1.0 principal faculty (the third principal faculty member as per A2.03) hired and working on a permanent basis prior to the start date first day of the scheduled site visit | D1.01 Based on the qualifications outlined in the Standards, the program has: a) a 1.0 FTE program director hired by the institution and working on a permanent basis at least 15 months prior to the first day of the scheduled site visit. If the person holding the position of program director changes in the 15 months prior to the first day of the scheduled site visit, the program may be removed from the commission agenda b) a medical director hired by the institution and working on a permanent basis at least 15 months prior to the first day of the scheduled site visit c) at least 2.0 FTE PA-C principal faculty hired by the institution and working on a permanent basis at least 9 months prior to the first day of the scheduled site visit d) a 1.0 FTE principal faculty (the third principal faculty member) hired by the institution and working on a permanent basis prior to the first day of the scheduled site visit e) at least 1.0 FTE support staff hired by the institution and working on a permanent basis at least 9 months prior to the first day of the scheduled site visit. |
| D1.02a-c | D1.02a-c | 6e D1.02 wording slightly modified to include prospective students | D1.02 The developing program publishes and makes readily available to prospective students and everyone who requests information: a) its ARC-PA applicant status as provided to the program by the ARC-PA b) that the program is not yet accredited c) the implications of non-accreditation by the ARC-PA. |
| D1.03 | D1.03 | 6e wording was modified. The requirement for established evaluation methods for all didactic and clinical components of the program was removed; however, reference 6e B1.03g, B4.01a-b, and B4.02 which all must be met at the site visit | D1.03 The institution-approved complete curriculum is submitted with the application of record. |
| D1.04 | 5e D1.04 removed from 6e D's because it was redundant to B1.03 | ||
| D1.05 | 5e D1.05 removed from 6e | ||
| D1.06 | 5e D1.06 removed from 6e | ||
| E s | |||
| E1.01 - E1.13 | same | 5e E's also added to ARC-PA policies essentially unchanged from the 5th edition standards. | E1.01 The program informs the ARC-PA within 30 days of the date of notification of any: a) change in the accrediting agency for the sponsoring institution, or b) adverse accreditation action (probation, withdrawal of accreditation) received from the sponsoring institution’s regional accrediting agency. |
| E1.02 The program agrees to and cooperates with periodic comprehensive and/or focused reviews of the program by the ARC-PA. Such reviews may include a site visit, which are scheduled as determined by the ARC-PA. | |||
| E1.03 The program submits reports or documents as required by the ARC-PA. | |||
| E1.04 The program informs the ARC-PA in writing, with a plan and timeline to fill those positions, using forms and processes developed by the ARC-PA, of personnel changes in its positions of: a) program director (or interim) within two business days of the vacancy, b) medical director (or interim) within 30 days of the vacancy, and c) principal faculty within 30 days of the vacancy. | |||
| E1.05 The program demonstrates active recruitment to permanently fill vacated or interim positions. The program provides quarterly updates to the ARC-PA on progress filling vacated or interim positions. | |||
| E1.06 An interim program director (IPD) meets the qualifications of the program director. | |||
| E1.07 The appointment of the IPD position: a) occurs within five business days of the vacancy caused by the resignation/termination of the program director, and b) does not exceed 12 months. | |||
| E1.08 The program informs the ARC-PA within two business days, using forms and processes developed by the ARC-PA, of a temporary vacancy or extended absence of: a) the program director/ interim director greater than 21 calendar days b) the medical director/ interim medical director or principal faculty greater than 90 calendar days | |||
| E1.09 The program receives approval from the ARC-PA in writing, using forms and processes developed by the ARC-PA, no less than six months prior to implementation of proposed changes in the following: a) program expansion to a distant campus, b) requirements for program completion/graduation that include changes in total credits required, c) the curriculum that result in an increase in the student tuition, d) an increase in the approved maximum entering class size, or e) program length, greater than one month. | |||
| E1.10 The program informs the ARC-PA in writing, using forms and processes developed by the ARC- PA, no less than six months prior to implementation of proposed changes to the degree granted at program completion. | |||
| E1.11 The program immediately informs the ARC-PA in writing, using forms and processes developed by the ARC-PA when: a) enrollment exceeds its maximum approved class size, or b) it encounters a substantive decrease in fiscal support of: i. 20% or more decrease in overall budget or for program expenditures, or ii. 5% or more decrease in its operating budget. | |||
| E1.12 The sponsoring institution informs the ARC-PA in writing of the intent to transfer program sponsorship as soon as it begins considering the transfer. | |||
| E1.13 The program and the sponsoring institution pay ARC-PA accreditation and associated fees as determined by the ARC-PA. | |||
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