Is a program on probation still accredited?
Yes, the program remains accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA) during the Accreditation-Probation period, which is a minimum of two years.
When will the program status change next?
We hope to receive a revised status in the spring of 2025. Although the program cannot control or guarantee ARC-PA’s decision, we are actively working to resolve ARC-PA’s findings that led to the probation decision and hope to return to Accreditation-Continued status.
How will the Accreditation-Probation status affect future entering classes?
The program will continue to admit up to 52 students per class during our regular admissions cycle.
How will the Accreditation-Probation status affect the curriculum and clinical experiences?
The program will continue to deliver a rigorous and thorough foundation in generalist medicine and primary care education, striving for a balanced curriculum that provides students with fundamental principles of clinical practice, along with training in general surgery and the surgical subspecialties.
How will the Accreditation-Probation status affect the current staff and faculty support for students and alumni?
The program will continue to provide the resources our students and alumni need. We remain fully invested in providing an excellent and rigorous curriculum, an environment where students can succeed, and all the tools needed to find an excellent position in healthcare.
How does the program’s Accreditation-Probation status affect my degree from Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences?
There is no effect on your degree. Once you meet the degree requirements, you will be awarded a Master of Science in Health Sciences and the PA Certificate of Completion as scheduled.
If the program is on probation, can I take the PANCE?
Yes. The program is accredited, which allows all program graduates to take the PANCE.
Can I apply for licensure if the program I graduated from is on Accreditation-Probation status?
Yes. The primary requirements for licensure are graduation from an accredited program and NCCPA certification. The program remains accredited during this probationary period.
What if I have questions about what the program was cited for to place it in Accreditation-Probation status?
Our program’s accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA Website.
What should I do if I have further questions?
Please contact our program team at paaccreditation@med.cornell.edu.
