Asheville Physician Assistant Program
Program Self-Assessment

Program Goals Summary and Progress

The tables and narratives below summarize our program goals and progress.  After the first cohort begins in 2023, progress toward our goals will be published annually.

1.   Select highly qualified and diverse applicants for admission into the program.

South College Asheville PA Program’s benchmarks are targeted to result in aggregated averages (means) that will meet or exceed the stated benchmark in each of the four categories listed above.  (Note: South College Asheville minimum GPA requirements are 2.75 for Overall GPA and 2.75 for Science GPA.  Determination of GPA, direct patient care hours, and diverse backgrounds is based on information extracted from the admissions application.)

2. Provide students with an educational curriculum that promotes lifelong learning skills/evidence-based medicine skills in preparation for clinical practice.

*Each of the above-stated groups will complete a comprehensive program evaluation at the time interval indicated.  Students, graduates, and faculty will be asked about the effectiveness of the teaching methods used to teach these skills.  Preceptors will be asked about students’ use of these skills.  The aggregated average (mean) score for each area assessed will be based on a five-point Likert scale. The South College Asheville PA Program’s benchmark is an aggregated average (mean) score equal to or greater than 3.5 in all areas assessed.

3.  Prepare students to pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) at a rate at or above the national average.

*Percentage of South College Asheville students and students nationwide who pass the PANCE on the first attempt.  The South College Asheville benchmark is to have a first-time taker pass rate (Data source: NCCPA PANCE Reports) that is equal to or greater than the national average pass rate.

4.  Prepare students to practice patient-centered care and embrace cultural inclusion and diversity.

*Each of the above-stated groups will complete a comprehensive program evaluation at the time interval indicated.  Students, graduates, and faculty will be asked about the effectiveness of the teaching methods used to teach these skills.  Preceptors will be asked about students’ use of these skills.  The aggregated average (mean) score for each area assessed will be based on a five-point Likert scale. The South College Asheville PA Program’s benchmark is an aggregated average (mean) score equal to or greater than 3.5 in all areas assessed.

5. Ensure that graduates possess the technical skills needed to practice medicine.

*Each of the above-stated groups will complete a comprehensive program evaluation at the time interval indicated.  Students, graduates, and faculty will be asked about the effectiveness of the teaching methods used to teach these skills.  Preceptors will be asked about students’ use of these skills.  The aggregated average (mean) score for each area assessed will be based on a five-point Likert scale.  The South College Asheville PA Program’s benchmark is an aggregated average (mean) score equal to or greater than 3.5 in all areas assessed.

6.     Provide a curriculum that fosters interprofessional education and team-based health care.

*Each of the above-stated groups will complete a comprehensive program evaluation at the time interval indicated.  Students, graduates, and faculty will be asked about the effectiveness of the teaching methods used to teach these skills.  Preceptors will be asked about students’ use of these skills.  The aggregated average (mean) score for each area assessed will be based on a five-point Likert scale. The South College Asheville PA Program’s benchmark is an aggregated average (mean) score equal to or greater than 3.5 in all areas assessed.