Mission, Goals & Competencies

Our Core Purpose & Competencies

Mission: To educate dedicated physician assistants who provide evidence-based, patient-centered medical care to diverse populations.

Program-Defined Competencies

In accordance with Standard A3.11g, our graduates are expected to demonstrate the following entry-level competencies:

Goals & Evidence of Effectiveness

In compliance with ARC-PA Standard A3.11b, the program continuously measures its success in meeting its defined goals. The following table represents our current benchmarks & the empirical evidence of our effectiveness for the most recent academic years.

Program Goal Measurement / Benchmark Evidence of Effectiveness (Outcomes)
1. First-Time PANCE Success
Ensure graduates are adequately prepared to pass the national certification exam.
Maintain a first-time PANCE pass rate at or above the national average. Met: The Class of 2025 achieved a 96% first-time pass rate (National Average: 92%).
2. Graduate Retention
Support enrolled students through successful program completion.
Maintain an annual student attrition rate of less than 5%. Met: The average attrition rate over the past three cohorts (2023-2025) is 2.2%.
3. Primary Care Employment
Encourage graduates to work in primary care or medically underserved areas (MUAs).
>30% of responding graduates will report employment in primary care or an MUA within 6 months of graduation. Met: 38% of the Class of 2024 alumni survey respondents report working in primary care settings or designated MUAs.