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Entry Level Manuals and Guides

Accreditation Handbook

The Accreditation Handbook (11.2024) provides comprehensive information on the ARC-PA accreditation processes. It addresses common questions and concerns regarding accreditation policies and procedures, and guides.

The ARC-PA Compliance Manual (4.2025) is a valuable resource for programs to grasp the expectations outlined in the Standards. It also offers guidance to help programs understand different methods of demonstrating compliance with these Standards.

The ARC-PA encourages all program faculty and staff to understand the importance of accreditation and become familiar with the ARC-PA accreditation process. To make this important information readily available to all faculty and staff, the ARC-PA has created the Overview of the Accreditation Process presentation. This video addresses the organizational structure of the ARC-PA, key elements in navigating and understanding accreditation standards, important ARC-PA policies, and guidance to find additional information.

The Data Analysis Resource (February 2020) document addressing the components of data analysis as they relate to the Standards, 5th edition and Self-Study Report is available here.

The ARC-PA has developed the Syllabi, Program Competencies, Learning Outcomes & Instructional Objectives, Standards 5th edition. This document provides a brief description of the role of course syllabi. It also addresses the importance and relationship between program competencies, learning outcomes and instructional objectives.

There are several accreditation standards that require programs to make program information readily available. This document includes a summary of the Standards that are required to be readily available and may be used as a guide to assist programs in maintaining up to date information.

The ARC-PA has developed a resource for institutions and individuals considering planning a new PA program: Conducting and Writing a Feasibility Study(6.2022). Ideally a feasibility study should be conducted several years before an institution approaches the ARC-PA to request placement on an accreditation agenda. The study should be used to verify that the institution is capable of offering the program of study and meeting the accreditation requirements. Waiting to determine feasibility of success until well into program planning is too late.

Programs receiving an adverse action are notified in writing of their right to appeal at the time of their accreditation status notification. The ARC-PA Policy 9.15 (Accreditation Actions Subject to Appeal & Appeal Procedures) provides the detailed policies and procedures to guide programs through the appeal process.

The Appeal Process Graphic is also available to provide programs a summary and easy reference of the ARC-PA’s appeal procedures.