Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 19, 2025
Author Spotlight: Development of a Novel Finite Element Analysis Model for Improved Orthognathic Surgical Techniques
Published on: October 20, 2023
Analysis of Institutional Financial Stability and Physician Assistant Program Accreditation Outcomes
Jennifer A Snyder1,2,3,4,5, Brenda Quincy1,2,3,4,5, Jacqueline Sivahop1,2,3,4,5
1Jennifer A. Snyder, PhD, PA-C, DFAAPA, is a professor, PA Studies and an associate dean of College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences at Butler University, Indianapolis, Indiana.
Introduction:
Many institutions are facing financial challenges that may adversely affect physician assistant (PA) programs. This study examines the relationship between the financial stability of private, nonprofit institutions offering entry-level PA programs and accreditation outcomes.
Methods:
This cross-sectional study explored a possible association between Composite Financial Index of sponsoring institutions for 3 years preceding the most recent ARC-PA review and the program's accreditation outcome for reviews between 2017 and 2023. Institutional characteristics were summarized for programs experiencing positive compared with adverse accreditation outcomes. Logistic regression was used to examine the association between Composite Financial Index and accreditation outcome while controlling for the effects of institutional characteristics and program's time since initial accreditation.
Results:
The study included 144 PA programs (119 with positive accreditation outcomes, 25 with adverse outcomes). Almost all PA programs studied are financially stable. Institutional characteristics were unrelated to specialized accreditation status. "Insufficient human resources" was the most cited issue (17 instances), affecting 3.4% of programs with positive outcomes and 52% with adverse outcomes ( P < .001). The average time between initial accreditation and the most recent review was significantly longer for programs with adverse outcomes ( P = .02). Each additional year between the initial accreditation and most recent review increased the odds of an adverse accreditation outcome by 4%.
Discussion:
While new insights about accreditation success were found, questions remain about which financial measures predict an institution's ability to support PA programs. Future research should investigate why longer running programs face more adverse outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Health Information Technology and Healthcare Information System
Health Information Technology, commonly called HIT, integrates advanced information systems and technology in healthcare settings. Its primary functions include:
01:11Purpose of Health Records I
Here's a breakdown of how health records serve these purposes:
01:18Types of Records II: Educational and Administrative Records
01:21Methods of Documentation III: PIE
01:30Accountability and Responsibility of a Nurse I
01:30National Nursing Organizations II
The AACN emphasizes a healthy work environment through six standards to achieve an optimal patient outcome. The standards are appropriate staffing, meaningful recognition, collaboration, authentic leadership, effective communication, and decision-making. In addition, AACN provides certification programs, webinars, journals, and...