Brescia University has announced another achievement in the launch of its upcoming Physician Assistant (PA) program. The University was recently notified by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA) that it received provisional accreditation. The program will welcome its inaugural cohort of 30 students in August.
The ARC-PA has granted Accreditation-Provisional status to the Brescia University Physician Assistant Program sponsored by Brescia University.
Accreditation-Provisional is an accreditation status granted when the plans and resource allocation, if fully implemented as planned, of a proposed program that has not yet enrolled students appear to demonstrate the program’s ability to meet the 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.
Accreditation-Provisional does not ensure any subsequent accreditation status. It is limited to no more than five years from matriculation of the first class.
The program’s accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website at https://www.arc-pa.org/accreditation-history-brescia-university/.
“Achieving accreditation status is a testament to the caliber and hard work of the PA program’s faculty, as well as the support of the institution,” said M. Blair Whitaker, MPAS, PA-C, Physician Assistant Program Director. “Our faith has been unwavering throughout this process, and we are blessed to continue the tremendous work we are doing. Brescia’s PA program is dedicated to improving access to quality medical care in our community and region, and we are eager to welcome our first cohort of students.”
The ARC-PA serves as the national accrediting agency for physician assistant education. Its purpose is to protect the interests of the public and the PA profession by defining standards for PA education and ensuring programs across the United States meet those standards through a rigorous evaluation process.
The development of Brescia University’s PA Program has been made possible in part through startup funding from HealthForce Kentucky, a regional initiative designed to inspire healthcare careers by expanding access to advanced education and technology. HealthForce Kentucky represents a collaborative partnership of nine higher education institutions and numerous school districts across 16 counties in western Kentucky.
“Brescia’s commitment to our region’s workforce is rooted in our founding. We are incredibly fortunate to have a world-class faculty and, thanks to HealthForce and the Kentucky Legislature, a world-class simulation facility,” said Madison Silvert, Brescia University President. “We are privileged to help form the next generation of compassionate healthcare providers through the holistic and deeply personal education that every student at Brescia enjoys.”
The Physician Assistant Program exemplifies Brescia University’s commitment to expanding academic offerings aligned with regional workforce needs and its mission of service. By preparing highly qualified healthcare professionals, the University is positioned to make a meaningful impact on healthcare access and outcomes throughout the region.
Brent Hayden, MD, Brescia University Physician Assistant Program Medical Director, said, “This is a huge milestone for our program, and I am personally excited to see students from our own community learning to provide exceptional care for both the hospital and the surrounding regions in the near future.”