Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies
Physician Assistant Studies
At its March 2025 meeting, the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA) placed the Northeastern State University Physician Assistant Program sponsored by Northeastern State University on Accreditation- Probation status until its next review in March 2027.
Probation accreditation is a temporary accreditation status initially of not less than two years. However, that period may be extended by the ARC-PA for up to an additional two years if the ARC-PA finds that the program is making substantial progress toward meeting all applicable standards but requires additional time to come into full compliance.
Probation accreditation status is granted, at the sole discretion of the ARC-PA, when a program holding an accreditation status of Accreditation - Provisional or Accreditation - Continued does not, in the judgment of the ARC-PA, meet the Standards or when the capability of the program to provide an acceptable educational experience for its students is threatened.
Once placed on probation, a program that fails to comply with accreditation requirements in a timely manner, as specified by the ARC-PA, may be scheduled for a focused site visit and is subject to having its accreditation withdrawn. Specific questions regarding the Program and its plans should be directed to the Program Director and/or the appropriate institutional official(s).
The program’s accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website at https://www.arc-pa.org/accreditation-history-northeastern-state-university/.
The College of Science and Health Professions and Northeastern State University fully support the Physician Assistant Studies Program and are actively addressing the concerns raised by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). We remain committed to student success and delivering a high-quality, nationally-ranked program.
FAQs About Accreditation
Yes. ARC-PA defines a student as graduating from an accredited program if the program was accredited at the time of matriculation.
Yes. ARC-PA defines a student as graduating from an accredited program if the program was accredited at the time of matriculation.
Yes. NSU PA has the full support of the University and College of Health Sciences and intends to be fully accredited without probation in November 2027. In the event this is not the case, the program will continue to teach the current students through graduation and students will still be able to take the PANCE.
The ARC-PA provides an overview to ensure students are best prepared for clinical practice. This temporary status allows us time to make program improvements, and to make sure that we are doing things in alignment with expectations of the ARC-PA. Specific to NSU PA, citations received are largely concerned with our documents such as clinical syllabi and data collection. Additionally, the accreditation commission requires a more robust assessment of student outcomes and the effectiveness of administrative processes. This effort is also already underway, as the program has begun working with an external consultant to improve its assessment processes and its evaluation of how students meet the learning outcomes of the program.
Employers look for board-certified PAs and rely heavily on recommendations and references from the program’s faculty and preceptors. NSU PA maintains strong relationships with its clinical partners and preceptors who provide excellent training. The curriculum will become even stronger with the additional rotations of Pediatrics, Women’s Health, and Behavioral Health involving board-certified physicians and PAs. NSU PA currently maintains a 100% all time pass rate on the PANCE and excellent job placement. The program is committed to supporting its students by providing high-quality clinical rotations and facilitating job placement.
Yes. PA licensure requirements vary by state requirements, but most states are congruent on graduating from an accredited program. For example, Wisconsin licensure states one must “have graduated from an accredited program,” then pass the licensure exam, and be certified by NCCPA. The definition of “graduate from an accredited program” will apply to students who matriculate to the program when it is fully accredited.
Yes. NSU PA is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Northeastern State University (NSU) is a regional university founded on the rich heritage of the Cherokee Nation and committed to developing diverse, knowledgeable and well-trained graduates. The Physician Assistant Studies Program is part of a broad university plan for developing and implementing programming that provides direct benefit to the regional needs of northeastern Oklahoma. The 27- month physician assistant studies curriculum will consist of 75 credit hours in the didactic year housed on NSU's Muskogee Campus and 35 credit hours in the clinical phase of training conducted through regional medical centers including Northeastern Health System, the Cherokee Nation, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, Northeastern Oklahoma Community Health Centers, and Saint Francis Health System, among others.
Course offered at Muskogee campus
email: paprogram@nsuok.edu
Phone: 918-444-5464
Fax: 918-444-5411
For more information about degree requirements, visit the NSU catalog.
CASPA- Applications to be accepted Late April - October 1
Simulated Patient Opportunity
The Northeastern State University PA program is looking for people who are willing to participate as a standardized patient for PA students practicing their medical history and physical examination skills. A standardized patient is given a written script and pretends to be a real patient seeking medical care. Before the encounter begins, the faculty will give you instructions and answer any questions you may have. A faculty member is present in the exam room to supervise the interaction between you and the student. Simulated patients are compensated for their time ($20 per hour and up depending on the type of patient encounter).
If you would like additional information, please complete this Standardized Patient Interest form and you will be contacted by a representative from the PA program.
