These guidelines state that the Physician Assistant is academically and clinically prepared to provide health care services with the direction and supervision of a licensed physician. The role of the Physician Assistant demands intelligence, sound judgment, intellectual honesty, appropriate interpersonal skills, and the capacity to react to emergencies in a calm and reasoned manner. An attitude of respect for self and others, adherence to the concepts of privilege and confidentiality in communicating with patients, and a commitment to the patient’s welfare are essential attributes.

As of 2008, South College is one of the 140 Physician Assistant educational programs accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc (ARC-PA). The ARC-PA is recognized by the United States Department of Education as the official accrediting agency for Physician Assistant educational programs. The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. has granted provisional accreditation status to the South College Masters of Health Science Physician Assistant Studies Program.

Provisional Accreditation is an accreditation status granted by the ARC-PA to a new program that has demonstrated its preparedness to initiate a program in accordance with the Accreditation Standards for Physician Assistant Education. Provisional accreditation is the only mechanism for new PA programs to become accredited by the ARC-PA. All new PA programs must seek provisional accreditation prior to admitting the first class of students.

All students completing study in an accredited program (provisional or continuing accreditation) are eligible to sit for the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) administered by the NCCPA and for obtaining a state license. For more information on the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc., please visit their website.