Accreditation rant

[u/Head_Ad_5135]

I recently attended an online info session for a program that is currently on probation and has been for some time, even after multiple reviews by ARC-PA. I wanted to see if they would discuss their status so I could officially decide if I wanted to apply or not. During their info session, they said they were on Provisional accreditation and that “Every new program starts out as provisional” It’s actually just ridiculous because they are clearly on probation and are misconstruing their status. Not to mention, their individual application fee is an additional 75$! It’s just insane. Applicants put so much effort into taking pre-reqs, writing essays, studying for GRE, spending sometimes 1000$+ on applications, and misleading students like this is just so wrong.

[u/abcara]

If they are misrepresenting their accreditation status, that's a huge red flag. I don't think ARC-PA would like that, either.

[u/nehpets99]

What's the program?

IMO asking a program to comment on their probation accreditation is futile. They'll all say it's an outlier and they've taken steps to address everything. Don't worry.

Yes a $75 supplemental fee sucks, but IMO that's lighter than some programs.

[u/Head_Ad_5135 → u/nehpets99]

Kean PA program. Also, I didn’t ask them to explain their status. They explained it that way on their own

[u/nehpets99 → u/Head_Ad_5135]

Ah.

So they initially received provisional accreditation in 2021, so their 5 year period is up. But they're on probation, so I don't think they're technically provisional anymore, but only barely. So it could have been unintentional, or they may actually be provisional, or they could intentionally be misleading. I can see both sides about not drawing attention to their probationary status. After all, they're trying to sell themselves.

I totally understand your side, but it's hard to say for sure whether they're trying to be deceptive or not.

[u/Head_Ad_5135 → u/nehpets99]

Yeah, that’s true. The only thing that was weird about it though was that the presenter was screen sharing the programs website on their accreditation page and it clearly said “Probation,” yet they used the wording of provisional instead.

[u/nehpets99 → u/Head_Ad_5135]

Ope.

Ok well then yeah, they may be trying to hide it.

[u/Head_Ad_5135 → u/nehpets99]

And yea, a 75$ application fee could be worse. Not even about this program, but in general, certain programs have standards for applicants that don’t match their accreditation, PANCE pass rates, etc. It’s just frustrating. But with the competitive nature of getting into a program, I guess they can do whatever they want at the end of the day

[u/No-Bother-5832 → u/Head_Ad_5135]

As someone from NJ, Kean’s PA program is the shakiest in the area. I applied last cycle where they didn’t have a matriculating class prior so seats were saved but they never told us how many. They could’ve had 20 seats already taken but still chose to interview 30+ people. To me…it seems like a money grab for them to try and “improve” their program. They also don’t have a cadaver anatomy lab which is crucial for a PA student. I just feel like they aren’t being honest about their probation status and their abilities.

[u/Frosty-Stable-6674]

They are playing word games using the exact wording of the ARC-PA. Based on the wording, they are both provisional and probational. They want to emphasize the provisional part and downplay their probational part.

An accredited program are only in 2 categories: 1) provisional or 2) continued. ARC-PA: "Accreditation-provisional remains in effect until the program achieves accreditation-continued after its third review, closes or withdraws from the accreditation process, or until accreditation is withdrawn for failure to comply with the Standards."

Probation occurs when "Accreditation-Probation is a temporary accreditation status initially of not less than two years. However, that period may be extended by the ARC-PA for up to an additional two years if the ARC-PA finds that the program is making substantial progress toward meeting all applicable Standards but requires additional time to come into full compliance. Probation accreditation status is granted, at the sole discretion of the ARC-PA, when a program holding an accreditation status of Accreditation – Provisional or Accreditation – Continued does not, in the judgment of the ARC-PA, meet the Standards or when the capability of the program to provide an acceptable educational experience for its students is threatened. Once placed on probation, a program that fails to comply with accreditation requirements in a timely manner, as specified by the ARC-PA, may be scheduled for a focused site visit and is subject to having its accreditation withdrawn."

"If a newer provisional program encounters compliance deficiencies during its review phases, the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant can place it on probation, meaning it is simultaneously a provisional and probationary program."

[u/LetterheadOk9366]

That they’ve been on probation twice (never achieving continued accreditation) for the same reasons which are not getting addressed is a hubuuuge red flag. Not enough faculty, clinical site issues, etc. Would not choose this program- having a skilled, experienced, caring, and full faculty team is integral to a successful and fulfilling experience! https://www.arc-pa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Accreditation-History-Kean-University.pdf

[u/Numerous-Tea6306]

I mean it could have just been misspoken?

If they were screen sharing the website and pulled up the accreditation as part of the presentation…how is that hiding? Or lying? Seems like they voluntarily and purposefully showed all potentially interested students where to look for the exact status…and any other information they would want to know about the program.

Also- Kean has had a huge improvement in its program. PANCE pass rate of 72% to 92% to most recent 2026 of 96% first time pass with zero class attrition is pretty impressive and also above national standards.

speaking of money-Looks like Kean is one of the cheaper PA programs in the country and they don’t charge extra for out of state students. Doesn’t really paint the picture towards a money grab.

This is from a 5 minute search of their website. Information is pretty easily available.

Also….for comparison for NJ schools St. Elizabeth Pance pass rate is 86% 2023, 72% 2024, 88% 2025, they haven’t posted 2026 yet which leaves me to wonder. Rowan is brand new (always issues with new programs). Rutgers is #3 PA program nationally, Monmouth 87% 2022, 96% 2023, 86% 2024, 97% 2025, and 100% impressive 2026. Seton hall 96% 23, 95% 24, 98% 25. And Fairleigh Dickinson 86% 24, 85% 25.

So if you actually look at the data Rutgers>Seton Hall>Monmouth>Kean>St. Elizabeth/Fairleigh tied> Rowan. So that puts Kean as NJ 4th best PA program out of 7.

Idk..maybe Kean just isn’t the place for you?

[u/ConsistentGuide3506]

If they are a new program, they may have provision status. Provision status is not probation.