What is the mission of ARC-PA?

• A. The accrediting agency that sets standards and evaluates PA educational programs in the U.S. to ensure quality PA education
• B. A professional association for physician assistants
• C. A government regulator overseeing medical licensure
• D. A hospital accreditation body

Answer: (A)

The main concept is understanding what ARC-PA does in PA education. ARC-PA is the accrediting commission responsible for physician assistant education in the United States. It sets standards for PA programs, conducts evaluations, and grants accreditation to ensure the programs provide quality education. This accreditation helps ensure graduates are prepared to take the PANCE and pursue licensure. It’s not a professional association (that would be AAPA), not a government regulator (licensing is handled by state boards), and not a hospital accreditation body (that’s a role of organizations like The Joint Commission). So the mission described is precisely to set standards and evaluate PA educational programs in the U.S. to ensure quality PA education.