Accreditation and Outcomes

Accreditation and Outcomes

The Hawai'i Pacific University (HPU) Master of Medical Science - Physician Assistant (MMS-PA) Program was granted approval by the WASC Senior College and University Commission on 8/25/2021. HPU has applied for Accreditation - Provisional from the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). The HPU MMS-PA program anticipates matriculating its first class in January 2025, pending achieving Accreditation - Provisional status at the June 2024 ARC-PA meeting. 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. The program will not commence in the event that Accreditation-Provisional status from ARC-PA is not received.

1. Educate learners with the knowledge, skills, and professional attributes for entry-level practice as physician assistants.    
 
Level of Achievement

  • PANCE first time test taker pass rate above the national average
  • 80% agreement that graduates are prepared for entry-level practice
  • 80% agreement that graduates are confident in their level of achievement of program learning outcomes

  (Reported in 2027 following graduation of the first cohort in December 2026)

 

2. Recruit, matriculate and graduate a diverse student body committed to increasing the healthcare provider workforce in Hawaiʻi and in underserved areas. 
 
Level of Achievement

  • At least three admissions outreach activities per year that promote the recruitment of students from Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities. (Reported by April 1st annually starting in 2025)
  • Student attrition less than national average as reported in PAEA annual program report 
    (Reported annually by April 1st starting in 2027, following graduation of the first cohort in December 2026)
  • Student graduation rate above national average as reported in PAEA annual program report. (Reported annually by April 1st starting in 2027, following graduation of the first cohort in December 2026)
  • 85% of graduates employed as a PA within 6 months of graduation
  • ≥ 50% of graduates first position as a practicing PA is in Hawaiʻi
    (Reported annually by April 1st starting in 2027, following graduation of the first cohort in December 2026)
  • ≥ 50% graduates first position as a practicing PA in underserved communities or clinics (e.g. FQHC, HRSA designation of medical underserved area/population (MUA/P), Native Hawaiian Health Center, Native American Health, free medical and/or designated Medicaid clinic)
    (Reported annually in 2027 following graduation of the first cohort in December 2026)

3. Foster a student-centered learning environment that values innovative educational experiences, learner inclusivity, and lifelong learning.  
 
Level of Achievement

  • 80% student participation in at least one local, state, or national PA or medical conference during their time in the program
    (Reported annually by April 1st starting in 2027, following graduation of the first cohort in December 2026)

4. Prepare graduates to advocate for underserved populations, promote health equity, and to address priority health concerns in their communities. 
 
Level of Achievement

  • Program sponsors at least one professional service event annually with a community partner that focuses on health equity and/or serves marginalized populations
  • Program sponsors at least one hands on cultural activity in Hawaiʻi for student participation annually
  • 100% of student engagement in clinical public health project

    (A report of program outcomes will be reported annually by April 1st, starting in 2026)
     

5. Core Program faculty demonstrate a commitment to excellence and professionalism through life-long learning, service, and scholarship.  

Level of Achievement
(core program faculty = principal faculty and the program director) 

  • 100% of core program faculty participate in annual professional development activities that support teaching responsibilities and the maintenance of clinical competencies and/or specializations
  • 50% of core program faculty hold a service and/or leadership position in professional or community organizations
  • 100% of core program faculty will disseminate a minimum of one scholarly activity every two years  

               (A report of program outcomes will be reported annually by April 1st, starting in 2026)