ARC-PA Standard A3.14b requires that PA programs “define, publish, and make readily available to enrolled and prospective students general program information to include the success of the program in achieving its goals." 

Success in Preparing Graduates for Clinical Practice – Meeting the Mission

The mission of the Physician Assistant Program at The University of Findlay is to provide our students with the medical knowledge, technical skills, and experience in a variety of didactic and clinical settings necessary for them to become ethical, competent, and compassionate health care providers as part of the health care team.  

This mission complements The University of Findlay’s mission which is to equip our students for meaningful lives and productive careers.  

Since the enrollment of the original cohort of students in the fall of 1998, 145 out of 156 (93%) matriculated students have successfully completed the program.  

Success in Preparing Graduates for Clinical Practice – Passing the PANCE

While being quite concerned about the first time pass rate on the PA National Certifying Examination in 2008 and 2009, there was encouraging news when students retook the exam.  

All but one of those who failed the PANCE on their first attempt in 2008 have subsequently passed the examination.

Seven of those who failed their first attempt in 2009 have subsequently passed.  

The most recent cohort that graduated in December 2010 and took the PANCE in 2010 and 2011 had 15 of 16 pass on their first attempt (94%).   

Success in Preparing Graduates for Clinical Practice – Maintaining Certification  

PAs are required to recertify every six years. In order to maintain certification, a certified PA must earn 100 hours of continuing medical education every two years and the pass the Physician Assistant National Recertifying Examination (PANRE).  

Currently, 61 of 63 (97%) of all graduates who have become certified and have been eligible to take the PANRE have maintained certification. The remainder of the currently certified graduates have not been required to take the PANRE since their graduation.  

Success in Preparing Graduates for Clinical Practice – Employment as PAs
 
A survey undertaken in the fall of 2010 of all program graduates (2000 to 2009) indicated that 72 of the 74 respondents (94%) were certified as PAs at that time. 68 of the 74 respondents (92%) indicated that they were employed in clinical practice.   

Success in Preparing Graduates for Clinical Practice – Preparation for Practice  

In this same survey, graduates were asked to rate how well The University of Findlay PA Program had prepared them in a number of areas involving clinical practice, including but not limited to such things as clinical problem solving, screening for wellness, assisting in surgical procedures, ordering and interpreting common laboratory and diagnostic studies, and formulating a problem list from the medical history and physical assessment.  

85% of the respondents either “Agreed” or “Strongly Agreed” with the statement that the PA Program had prepared them well for the items on the list. Approximately 9% of the respondents selected “Neutral”.  This result suggests that the program is successfully meeting the needs of the majority of its graduates.