HPU Physician Assistant Program Achieves Accreditation-Provisional Status

Hawai’I Pacific University’s (HPU) Master of Medical Science- Physician Assistant (MMS-PA) program received accreditation-provisional status by the Accreditation Review Commission in Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).

This is the first PA program in Hawai’i, reflecting HPU’s commitment to increasing the availability of quality health care to the people of Hawai’i.

“This step in the accreditation process is significant,” said Pradeep Khandelwal, CEO of Evidence In Motion (EIM). “This milestone not only validates the quality of the curriculum, but also reinforces HPU’s and EIM’s commitment to providing an exceptional educational experience.”

About HPU MMS-PA

HPU's MMS-PA program is a 24-month hybrid program, one of the first and only PA programs structured under this model. This pioneering approach allows students to enroll without relocating to campus.

While students complete most coursework online, they will also have planned intensive one to two week immersion experiences at the downtown Honolulu campus for instruction and assessment of clinical skills. This innovative learning model enables students to save both time and expenses while still accessing quality health care education.

“Having a PA program offered by a Hawaiʻi-based institution will foster further growth of the PA profession and increase recognition of the vital role of PAs in health care. We are excited to start this vital program and important work,” said HPU PA Program Director, Associate Professor Leocadia Colon, PhD, MOH, PA-C.

The inaugural cohort of 30 students for HPU’s MMS-PA program is set to begin in January 2025.

HPU’s Partnership with EIM

“EIM’s partnership with HPU has fostered a collaborative culture that emphasizes innovation, a commitment to excellence, and the enhancement of educational experiences for students," said Mark Payne, EIM’s Academic Officer for Physician Assistant Studies.

In addition to the MMS-PA program, HPU offers the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), and Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) degrees, both in the hybrid accelerated format.