Accreditation and Outcomes

The ARC-PA has granted Accreditation-Provisional status to the Hawaiʻi Pacific University Master of Medical Science-Physician Assistant Program sponsored by Hawaiʻi Pacific 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-hawaii-pacific-university

Program Goals and Outcomes

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
End of Program Survey: 80% of graduates agree that they are confident in their level of achievement of program compentencies
Six-month graduate survery: 80% agreement that graduates were prepared for entry-level practice

(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 local communities of Hawaiʻi.

2024

2024 Spring Career Opportunities Expo (Hilo, HI)

HOSA Future Health Professionals 2024 State Leadership Conference

Hawaiʻi Health Workforce Summit 2024

HPU Health Care Panel w/ UH Pre-Health Advising Center

Panel Discussion with University of Hawaiʻi Pre-PA Club

2025

HOSA Future Health Professionals 2025 State Leadership Conference

University of Hawaiʻi College of Natural Sciences Pre-Health Workshop

‘Aiea High School Health Sciences Symposium

Waipahu High School Health Academy

Hawaiʻi Workforce Pipeline Career Fair Activities

Student graduation rate above national average as reported in PAEA annual program report. (Reported annually by April 1^st starting in 2027, following graduation of the first cohort in December 2026)
80% 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 1^st starting in 2027, following graduation of the first cohort in December 2026)
≥ 50% graduates first position as a practicing PA is in underserved communities or clinics (e.g. FQHC, HRSA designation of medical underserved area/population (MUA/P), 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% of student agreement regarding a supportive learning environment during the didactic year (End of Didactic Survey)
80% of students agree that the program is invested in overall student success (End of Didactic Survery)
80% of graduate agreement regarding a supportive learning environment and during their time in the program (End of Program Survey)
80% of graduate agreement regarding an innovative educational experience during their time in the program (End of Program Survey)
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 1^st 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
- July 2026: Community Work Day with HUGS (Help, Understanding & Group Support)
Program sponsors at least one hands on cultural activity in Hawaiʻi for student participation annually

January 2025 – Papahana Kualoa

July 2025 - Kākoʻo ʻŌiwi 

January 2026 – Hoʻoulu Punaluʻu

100% of student engagement in clinical public health project:

100% student participation in the Clinical Public Health Project. 30 students divided into 5 groups and worked with community members to develop proposals to address the following clinical public health topics:

Class of 2026

Substance Use and Harm Reduction

Vaccine Hesistancy & Misinformation in the U.S.

Infectious and Chronic Diseases in Unhoused Community in Hawai'i and Street Medicine

Rural and Neighbor Island Disparities

Expanding Hawaii's Maternal Care Services

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
- Hawaiʻi Academy of PAs, President and Legislative Chair
- AAPA 2025 Hawaiʻi HOD Chief Delegate
- AAPA 2026 Hawaiʻi HOD Delegate
- AAPA 2027 Hawaiʻi HOD Delegate
- Hawaiʻi Board of Medicine, PA Advisory Committee Member
- State Supervisor for Marriage and Family Therapists
- Institutional Review Board, Hawaiʻi Pacific University, Member
- Hawaiʻi Society of Addiction Medicine (HSAM), Treasurer
50% of core faculty will disseminate a minimum of one scholarly activity every two years