Physician Assistant Studies program receives provisional accreditation 

On July 18, Lenoir-Rhyne University received news from the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) that will allow the university to move forward with plans to welcome its first Physician Assistant (PA) Studies cohort in January 2026.

The ARC-PA has granted Accreditation-Provisional status to the Lenoir-Rhyne University Master of Science in PA Studies sponsored by Lenoir-Rhyne University. 
 
Accreditation-Provisional is an accreditation status granted when the plans and resource allocation, if fully implemented as planned, of a proposed program that has not yet enrolled students appear to demonstrate the program’s ability to meet the ARC-PA Standards or when a program holding Accreditation-Provisional status appears to demonstrate continued progress in complying with the Standards as it prepares for the graduation of the first class (cohort) of students.

Accreditation-Provisional does not ensure any subsequent accreditation status. It is limited to no more than five years from matriculation of the first class. The program’s accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website at https://www.arc-pa.org/accreditation-history-lenoir-rhyne-university/. 

“This is a momentous achievement that reflects the dedication and hard work of many individuals across our university,” said Summer McGee, Ph.D., university president in an announcement to faculty and staff. “We are thrilled to reach this stage in launching a program that will have a lasting impact on our students and the health of our community.” 

Pending approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), the new PA Studies program builds on Lenoir-Rhyne’s longstanding reputation for excellence in the health sciences. The university already offers graduate programs in nursing, occupational therapy, exercise science and public health. The PA Studies program adds another in-demand path for students interested in healthcare. 

“We are proud to launch a program that not only meets rigorous national standards but also prepares graduates to step confidently and competently into the healthcare workforce,” shared Jennifer Burris, Ph.D., university provost and vice president for academic affairs. “The Accreditation-Provisional status granted by the ARC-PA affirms the strength of our program design, the dedication of the faculty and leadership who brought it to life and Lenoir-Rhyne’s commitment to academic excellence and to serving the evolving healthcare needs of our region.” 

Michael McGee, Ed.D., assistant provost for graduate education and dean of the graduate school, also shared his enthusiasm for this significant step forward for graduate education at Lenoir-Rhyne. 

“Moving forward with the PA Studies program reflects our strategic commitment to expanding high-impact professional programs that serve our communities, opening meaningful new pathways for our students and reflecting our shared vision to equip future PAs not only with clinical excellence, but with a deep sense of vocation and service,” said McGee. 

With strong partnerships across the region, the program is designed to be deeply integrated into the healthcare ecosystem of the Hickory area. Students in the 24-month program will participate in clinical experiences with LR’s long-standing partners in regional healthcare, including Catawba Valley Medical Center, Frye Regional Medical Center, CaroMont Health, UNC Health Blue Ridge and UNC Health Caldwell. They will also serve the community through the Cooperative Christian Ministries free clinic in downtown Hickory. 

“The city of Hickory is home to a strong, close-knit medical community,” said Wesley Reid, DMSc, PA-C, director of physician assistant studies. “Our students will benefit from the wealth of experience and collaboration that exists here — and as they train, serve and eventually join the workforce, they’ll contribute to that same community in meaningful ways.”

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of physician assistants is expected to grow 28 percent by 2031 — much faster than the national average for all occupations. 

“Receiving Accreditation-Provisional for the PA Studies program is a significant milestone that reflects dedication, excellence and a collaborative spirit for our faculty, staff and leadership at Lenoir-Rhyne,” said Kerry Thompson, Ph.D., dean of the College of Health Sciences. “The PA Studies program will play a vital role in addressing the growing need for high-quality healthcare providers for the future and affirms the commitment that Lenoir-Rhyne has for advancing healthcare education and providing additional pathways for our students.”