Franklin Pierce University Receives Provisional Accreditation for Hybrid Texas Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program
Oct 31, 2023
Approval paves the way to welcome inaugural co-hort in March 2024, expanding University’s national footprint in graduate allied health education.
In March 2024, after a requisite two-year, intensive planning and development process, Franklin Pierce University will officially launch its hybrid Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program at the school’s newest Academic Center in Round Rock, TX with a cohort of 48 students. Provisional accreditation from the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA) was granted on October 26, 2023.
“Receiving provisional accreditation for our TX MPAS hybrid program underscores Franklin Pierce’s unwavering commitment to fostering innovation in education," shared Dr. Catherine M. Paden, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. "Our graduate allied health program portfolio remains attuned to the dynamic demands of today's evolving landscape and reaffirms Franklin Pierce's dedication to serving the educational needs of students, no matter where they live.”
The TX MPAS program, located in the Austin suburb of Round Rock, Texas, is home to some of the top health science programs in the state. Modeled after FPU’s Goodyear, Arizona hybrid MPAS program, students will travel to Round Rock for a series of immersion weeks throughout their course of study. Franklin Pierce is currently in the construction phase and buildout stage with its physical space, customizing the center to fit the needs of faculty, staff, and students.
Since April 2018, University administration and allied health sciences faculty have been exploring strategies to not only enhance enrollment, but also meet the needs of the significant population growth anticipated underserved communities in New Hampshire and beyond. The University also currently operates a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program in Goodyear, AZ and DPT and nursing programs in Manchester, NH. Its Lebanon, NH Academic Center is home to the MPAS program ranked #2 in the nation by the Rural Health Research Center.
Priscilla Marsicovetere, JD, PA-C, the dean of the College of Health and Natural Sciences, notes that Franklin Pierce's hybrid delivery methods position the University at the forefront of the evolving landscape of higher education, particularly in the health sector. “This opens doors for greater innovation in our approach to educating and preparing the future healthcare workforce,” shares Marsicovetere. “It expands the University's influence by granting more individuals access to a crucial component of the American healthcare system.”
“Innovation and flexibility are key drivers for the TX MPAS program,” highlights program director Joseph Hlavin, Ph.D., PA-C. “By offering this adaptability, we distinguish ourselves not only in the greater Austin, TX area, but beyond. Our program enables students to remain rooted in their communities, fostering a unique approach that sets us apart.”
The ARC-PA has granted Accreditation-Provisional status to the Franklin Pierce University Master of Physician Assistant Studies Hybrid Program sponsored by Franklin Pierce 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 http://www.arc-pa.org.
