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Program Description

Harding is proud to have established the first Physician Assistant program in the state of Arkansas in 2005. With its emphasis on practice in rural settings and missions, the impact the graduates have on the community, the state and worldwide is remarkable.

The Physician Assistant Program is part of the College of Allied Health and offers a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Physician Assistant Studies. The curriculum is an intensive 28-month medical education program including 112 semester hours of coursework and an average of 2200 hours of supervised clinical experiences, with a focus on primary care. For more information view our website www.harding.edu/paprogram, email paprogram@harding.edu, or call 501-279-5642.

Upon the successful completion of this program, students will be eligible to sit for the national certifying examination (PANCE) given by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.

The PA Program General Student Handbook contains a comprehensive description of all policies and procedures that apply to our students. The handbook is available on the curriculum page of the program’s website.

Mission

Developing caring physician assistants who practice competent, patient-centered primary care in diverse environments.

Goals

As an integral part of Harding University, the Physician Assistant Program fully embraces the University’s core mission and values. In alignment with these principles and the program mission, the goals of the PA Program are to:

1. Equip PA students to deliver competent and ethical care from a Christian perspective.
2. Encourage skills in lifelong learning and professional development including participation in professional organizations.
3. Promote supportive professional relationships among faculty, staff, and students.
4. Prepare students to engage collaboratively with clinical teams and display curiosity in interactions.
5. Prepare graduates for servant leadership by engaging them in meaningful community service and developing their ability to provide culturally respectful care.

Accreditation

At its September 2024 meeting, the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA) placed the Harding University Physician Assistant Program sponsored by Harding University on Accreditation-Probation status until its next review in September 2026.

Probation accreditation 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. Specific questions regarding the Program and its plans should be directed to the Program Director and/or the appropriate institutional official(s).

The program’s accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website at https://www.arc-pa.org/accreditation-history-harding-university/. 

General Admission Information 

All applications are handled through CASPA (Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants). Each new class matriculates in the fall term. The CASPA application cycle begins in the spring and ends on November 1 of the year preceding the matriculation date. Applicant interview and candidate selection occur between Fall and Spring of each academic year. 

For more detailed information concerning the application cycle and process, program requirements, and deadlines, see the program website: www.harding.edu/paprogram and the CASPA site for Harding PA Program. Questions may be directed to pa-admissions@harding.edu or 501-279-5642.

Submission of a completed application does not guarantee an interview, selection, or admission into the Physician Assistant Program. All program decisions are final.

Admission Requirements

In order for an applicant to progress through the initial admission’s process and review, the following are required: 

• Possess a bachelor’s degree which has been completed at an institution within the United States accredited by an agency nationally recognized by the US Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation prior to matriculation into the Program.
• Meet all general requirements for admission to, and agree to abide by all policies and procedures for, graduate programs at Harding University. Graduate students at Harding are expected to maintain the highest standards of morality, integrity, orderliness and personal honor. Harding University reserves the right to refuse admittance or dismiss any student whose lifestyle is not consistent with the Christian principles that this University represents.
• The minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA should be 3.0 on a 4-point scale. See the PA Admissions page of our website for additional details. Applicants with a GPA less than 3.00 may be given consideration based on sufficient evidence of current academic success.
• Complete prerequisite coursework as detailed in the prerequisite coursework section, including a prerequisite GPA of a 3.00 or higher on a 4.00 scale as computed by the program is required.
• Complete 200 hours of health care experience and 10 hours of PA shadowing prior to submission of the CASPA application. 
• Complete CASPA application as outlined on the website by the specified time.

Prerequisite Coursework

Detailed information regarding prerequisite coursework can be found on the program’s website.

Prerequisite courses must be completed at an institution within the United States accredited by an agency nationally recognized by the US Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation with an average GPA of 3.0 on a 4-point scale, with no course grade below C.

Under each requirement the credit hours and approved courses, where applicable, are listed.

General Chemistry I & II with labs

• 8 credits

Additional Chemistry

• 3 credits (no lab required)
• Organic Chemistry or Biochemistry

Microbiology with lab

• 4 credits

Human Anatomy and Physiology with labs

• 8 credits
• A&P I + Lab is acceptable if paired with A&P II + Lab. Standalone Anatomy + Lab must be paired with standalone Physiology + Lab. Mixing sequences will not satisfy the requirement
• Human Anatomy and Physiology are preferred. Where unavailable, Comparative Anatomy and Physiology may be substituted as long as the courses include the study of the human body. Animal anatomy and physiology will not be accepted.

Mathematics

• 3 credits
• College Algebra, Precalculus, Calculus, or Statistics 
• Statistics courses must be taken in the Math department

General Psychology

• 3 credits
• Developmental Psychology covering the lifespan can be substituted

Psychology elective

• 3 credits
• Electives should be similar to the following list: Developmental Psychology (does not have to be life span), Physiology Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, or Cognitive Neuroscience.
• If Developmental Psychology fulfills the first psychology course requirement, it cannot also count as the psychology elective.
• Psychology electives must be completed in the Psychology department.

Medical Terminology

• 1-3 credits
• P/F is acceptable for this course only.
• This course can also be taken in the spring semester or winter quarter prior to the program start date the following fall in addition to 1 other prerequisite course. 

Upper-Level Biology

• 3 credits
• Must be from the following list: Cell Biology, Cell Physiology, Cell Structure and Function, Developmental Biology, Genetics, Embryology, Endocrinology, Immunology, Mammalian Biology, Microbial Genetics, Molecular Biology, Molecular Cell Biology, Molecular Genetics, Neurobiology, Neuroscience, Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, and Virology.
• Biochemistry, Biology II, Epidemiology, Evolution, and Special Topics courses will not be accepted.
• In areas where distinctions are made within courses, the course must apply to humans.
• The upper-level biology course must be taken in the biology department, in a university setting, at the 300/3000 level (or the level designated as upper-level per the offering institution), and should be at the level required for science majors.

General Prerequisite Coursework Requirements

• Introductory or Survey courses are not accepted. 
• All prerequisite course grades must be a C (2.0) or higher (NOT C-); pass/fail grades are not accepted.
  • Medical Terminology is the only exception to the P/F rule
• All coursework must meet or exceed the semester credit hour requirement.
  • Applicants with quarter hour credits must ensure their quarter credits meet the semester credit requirement. To calculate semester credits, divide the number of quarter credits by 1.5.
    Example:
    4 quarter credits = 2.67 semester credits
    5 quarter credits = 3.33 semester credits
    6 quarter credits = 4 semester credits

Coursework Rigor

• Science prerequisites must be at a level acceptable for science majors. Allied Health coursework must meet the academic rigor expected of science majors and may be subject to review by the Admissions Team.
• Online courses that meet the general coursework requirements are typically accepted; however, in-person courses, especially labs, are given strong preference by the program.
  • Taking several in-person upper-level sciences courses is strongly recommended for applicants with many online courses on their transcript. This demonstrates the ability to handle the level of rigor of an in-classroom setting.
• The successful completion of additional biology or science courses beyond the required minimum will serve to strengthen any applications

Coursework Timelines

• It is strongly recommended that coursework in Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, and Upper-level Biology be completed within the 7 years prior to your anticipated matriculation into the program. 
• Only 1 prerequisite course may be left for completion during the Spring semester or Winter quarter prior to the anticipated fall matriculation.
  • This may be a course which includes a lab component.
  • Medical Terminology does not count and can be taken alongside 1 other course in the final Spring or Winter. 
  • If the prerequisite GPA of 3.0 cannot be maintained by passing the in-progress course, your application will no longer be considered for that admissions cycle.
  • Planned or in-progress prerequisite coursework must be included in your CASPA application in order to successfully meet our admissions requirements.
    • This includes all coursework to be completed to meet prerequisite requirements, to finish your degree, and/or to demonstrate academic capability. 
    • Planned coursework does not have to be on the transcript to be entered into CASPA.

Coursework Substitutions 

• Advanced Placement (AP) credit is accepted to satisfy prerequisite coursework if the AP credit is accepted by the applicant’s institution and is posted on the applicant’s official academic transcript, assigning the credit to a specific course.
• CLEP examination credit will not be accepted.
• Course substitutions that do not cover the scope of information covered in the prerequisite classes are not accepted. Program decisions are final.
• Upon request, the admissions team will review alternative courses to determine whether they will satisfy our prerequisite requirements. All decisions made by the Program and Admissions Team are final. Fill out this program-required form to submit a request for course review. 

Transcripts documenting the completion of all coursework (including prerequisites) must be provided to CASPA (Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants) as directed. If an applicant is accepted into the program with a conditional acceptance status (some prerequisite coursework is pending and/or graduation has not occurred), the completed transcript must be provided to the program before matriculation.

Admissions Process and Fees

Scoring of competitive applicants during the selection and interview process will be based on an objective tool that awards points in many different areas as outlined on the website. See the admissions section of the webiste for complete details regarding application evaluation and candidate selection.

Following the initial application review, selected applicants will receive a supplemental application (SA). In addition to completing the SA, there is a required non-refundable $50.00 SA fee that must be paid for an applicant to be considered further. 

A fee waiver is available to those who:

• Have received a current CASPA fee waiver and provide official documentation
• Are current McNair scholars and provide official documentation.

Qualified candidates selected by the admissions committee for an on-campus interview will be notified following the process outlined on the admissions page of the program website. At the time specified by the program following the on-campus interview, the candidate will be notified electronically of their status with the PA Program. After the interview(s), the applicant may be offered acceptance into the program, placed on hold status, or informed of non-acceptance. Acceptances are offered on a rolling admissions basis. At the close of the interview season, any candidates on hold status will be informed of non-acceptance, acceptance, or a position on the alternate list. 

All offers of admission are contingent upon the acceptable completion of a criminal background check, as well as the successful completion of any outstanding coursework and/or graduation requirements prior to matriculation into the program in the fall. The applicant is responsible for the fee associated with the criminal background check.

To accept the program’s offer, applicants must submit a non-refundable $500 tuition deposit, a signed acceptance contract, and signed technical standards documentation within approximately two weeks of notification of acceptance.

Upon acceptance into the program, official transcripts showing conferment of undergraduate and graduate degree(s), if applicable, must be provided to the program before matriculation.

All program decisions are final.

Early Assurance of Interview Program

The Harding PA Program offers an Early Assurance of Interview (EAI) program for Harding undergraduate students. Undergraduate students at Harding University enrolled in the EAI program who have satisfactorily met all of the requirements will be guaranteed an on-campus interview with the Physician Assistant program after a review of their CASPA application. A Supplemental Application will also be sent, but the associated fee will be waived.

International Students

All students must have completed a bachelor’s degree at an institution within the United States that is accredited by an agency nationally recognized by the US Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation prior to matriculation into the program.

Program R​equirements

Comprehensive details regarding these policies and procedures can be found in the PA Program General Student Handbook, available on our curriculum page.

• Technical Standards: All applicants must meet the minimum technical standards for admission to the Harding University Physician Assistant Program. These technical standards establish the expectation for proficiency in essential abilities necessary for students admitted to this program. This curriculum requires demonstrated aptitude in diverse skills and abilities related to observation, intellect, physical manipulation, communication and interpersonal skills. These abilities and characteristics must be possessed, with or without reasonable accommodation, by all students admitted into the program and maintained throughout the program.
• Ethical Standards: A candidate must demonstrate the highest level of professional demeanor and behavior, and must perform in an ethical manner in all dealings with peers, faculty, staff and patients.
• Health Requirements: Applicants selected for admission to the program must provide evidence of good health, of no communicable diseases, and of required immunizations and screenings prior to matriculation on forms provided. Students are required to maintain personal health insurance. Complete information is provided in admissionthe PA Program General Student Handbook and in detailed information prior to matriculation. Immunizations and screening test requirements are in accordance with CDC recommendations for healthcare workers.
• Computer Requirements: Proficiency in basic computer skills (word-processing, databases, internet searches and email) is expected of all entering students, as the curriculum will incorporate the use of computer technology. Additionally, all students in the program will be expected to have access to the internet. Students are required to have their own laptop computer and smartphone upon entry into the program. The minimum requirements will be listed late spring prior to matriculation into program.
• Equipment Requirements: All students will be expected to purchase or have the required medical equipment needed to meet program requirements. This will include acquiring an approved lab coat. The equipment list will be provided late spring prior to matriculation into the program.
• Liability Requirements: Each student must carry physician assistant liability insurance coverage, which is included in tuition costs.
• Travel Requirements: Since portions of the program will require travel to various locations; all students are required to have access to a motor vehicle, a valid driver’s license, and auto liability insurance.
• Clinical experiences entail travel to clinical sites. PA students are responsible for all costs associated with travel to clinical experiences. Transportation and food are the most common out-of-pocket expenses. Some sites will require additional living arrangements to be made, which will be the responsibility of the student. Further information will be reviewed in detail at orientation.
• Background Check Requirements: Matriculation and continued enrollment in the Physician Assistant program is contingent upon a completed Criminal Background Check with acceptable results. Failure to consent to a criminal background check; refusal to provide necessary information to conduct a background check; failure to provide additional information wherein an investigation is warranted; and failure to comply with the investigatory procedures when a cause for further action is warranted due to (1) the discovery of previously undisclosed information; (2) the discovery of more egregious information than was previously disclosed; or, (3) the discovery of conflicting information between or amongst the CASPA Application and/or the Supplemental Application and /or the Criminal Background Check Report and/or any and all documents considered part of an applicant’s CASPA application, will result in disciplinary action up to, and including, withdrawal of a conditional offer of acceptance, refusal of admission, or dismissal from the Physician Assistant program. Some students may also be expected to submit to random drug testing required by clinical practice sites and/or the program. These additional costs will be the responsibility of the student. Criminal background checks and drug screen tests are common pre-employment procedures.
• Program Costs: The Physician Assistant Program has a cohort tuition for each entering class. The tuition costs will remain the same throughout the duration in the program. As a private institution, there is no difference in tuition costs for in-state/out-of-state students. The program will cover lab supplies, malpractice insurance, clinical phase BLS & ACLS costs, state and national PA organizations, and professional dues (ARAPA & AAPA). The student will be responsible for the University technology fee each term, course fees as applicable, books/course materials, laptop computer, required software/electronic platforms, medical equipment, graduation fee during the seventh term, post-graduation expenses (e.g., national certifying examination (PANCE) and state licensure), and other costs mentioned in previous sections. For additional information please refer to the program costs page of the PA Program website.
• Other: Accepted students are required to attend all orientation sessions scheduled by the program.

Program Academic Standing and Criteria for Dismissal

All students will be afforded academic fair process when academic (including professionalism) deficiencies arise. Any added cost, tuition, fees, or other expenses that may result from academic actions are the student’s responsibility.

Students failing one examination, other than final examinations or the DPSE, in the didactic phase of the program, will be required to meet with the course coordinator without a change of program academic standing. Students failing one examination, other than the CPSE, in the clinical phase of the program, will be required to meet with the Academic Director without a change of program academic standing.

Early Alert 

Students are placed on Early Alert status when the following occurs in the didactic or clinical phase:

1. The student scores less than 70% on any two exams, in either phase of the program, excluding final examinations and PAEA EOR exams.
2. The student scores less than 70% on any one PAEA EOR exam.
3. The student receives below 70% on any one Preceptor Evaluation of Student - End Rotation form.

Early alert status is not reported to the registrar and does not appear on the student transcript. The student will be formally counseled by the appropriate faculty and the Academic Director.

1. Study habits may be reviewed and a course of action may be developed.
2. The student may, at faculty direction, enter into a SAIP.

Academic Warning 

Students not already on Academic Warning are placed on Academic Warning (AW) status when one or more of the following occurs in the didactic or clinical phase:

1. The student scores below 70% on any three examinations, in either phase of the program, excluding final examinations and PAEA EOR exams.
2. The student scores below 70% on any one final examination, in either phase of the program.
3. The student scores less than 70% on any two PAEA EOR exams.
4. The student receives below 70% on any two Preceptor Evaluation of Student - End Rotation form.
5. The student receives below 60% on any one Preceptor Evaluation of Student - End Rotation form.
6. The student fails the DPSE or CPSE.
7. The student exhibits unprofessional behavior of a minor nature, as determined by program faculty, during either phase of the program.

Academic warning status is not reported to the registrar and does not appear on the student transcript. The program will provide written notification to the student of their AW status as soon as possible. Notification will include the specific reason for AW status and the specific steps that must be taken to return to good standing. Being placed on AW status will result in counseling of the student by the Academic Director. At the discretion of the Academic Director the student may be instructed to meet with the Program Director and/or appropriate faculty (e.g. course coordinator, faculty advisor, etc.). The student’s advisor will also be notified of the change in academic status and may be involved in follow-up. Counseling will begin as soon as practical and will result in the development of a Structured Academic Improvement Plan (SAIP).

Academic Probation 

Deficiencies in academic performance that fall far below program requirements for good academic standing shall be adequate grounds for placing a student on Academic Probation for academic deficiencies.

Students not already on Academic Probation are placed on Academic Probation status when one or more of the following occurs:

1. The student scores below 70% on any four examinations, in either phase of the program, excluding final exams and PAEA EOR exams.
2. The student scores below 70% on any two final examinations in either phase of the program.
3. The student scores less than 70% on any three PAEA EOR exam.
4. The student receives below 70% on any three Preceptor Evaluation of Student - End Rotation form.
5. The student receives below 60% on any two Preceptor Evaluation of Student - End Rotation form.
6. The student fails to maintain a current semester and cumulative GPA of 2.80 or better in the Didactic Phase.
7. The student fails a clinical rotation (SCPE) due to an unsatisfactory preceptor evaluation or total rotation grade of “C” or below
8. The student exhibits unprofessional behavior of a major or severe nature, as determined by program faculty.
9. Any student on Academic Warning status who:
   1. Fails to meet the conditions of a SAIP
   2. Fails an additional examination
   3. Fails the DPSE or CPSE

AP status is reported to the registrar and does appear on the transcript for the semester for in which the status was initiated and until the student is returned to academic good standing. The program will provide written notification to the student of their Academic Probation status as soon as possible. Notification will include the specific reason for Academic Probation status and the specific steps that must be followed. Academic Probation for violations of academic integrity or professionalism issues will remain in effect for the duration of the student’s enrollment in the program. Academic Probation will commence for Program documentation as soon as determined by the program.

If placed on Academic Probation, the student will be required to enter into a SAIP supervised by the Academic or Clinical Director and in consultation with the appropriate faculty, and meet, at least once, with the Program Director. The SAIP will be drafted as soon as practical.

Other Consequences of Academic Probation During the Didactic or Clinical Phase

Students placed on Academic Probation will have certain restrictions placed on privileges within the Physician Assistant Program:

1. Must resign if serving as a class officer
2. No program-sponsored attendance at American Academy of PA national conferences while on probation
3. Will not be allowed to participate in overseas rotations while on probation
4. Will not be allowed to serve individually as a student mentor for incoming students; may serve as part of a pair or group

Review of Academic Standing when on Early Alert and Academic Warning

Academic status will be reviewed by the faculty progression committee at the end of the didactic and clinical phases. If academic performance has been consistently improved as evidenced by 1) passing scores on section, final, and summative exams, 2) acceptable professional behavior, and 3) Successful completion of the assigned structured academic improvement plan (SAIP), the student’s status will be returned to good standing.

Failure to successfully meet the specific performance criteria necessary to regain good academic standing in a timely manner, including completion of any SAIP, may result in further action, up to and including advancement to Academic Probation or dismissal from the program dependent on overall performance and compliance.

Review of Academic Standing when on Probation - for reasons other than professionalism

Students that have met the criteria for Academic Probation at any point during the didactic or clinical phase may be required to enter into and successfully complete PAS 6800-6804  prior to returning to good standing.

Didactic student’s status will be reviewed by the faculty progression committee at the end of the didactic phase and upon completion of PAS 6800-6804 . In order to return to good standing student performance will show improvement by meeting all conditions of the SAIP, including passing PAS 6800-6804 .

Clinical student’s status will be reviewed at the end of the clinical phase directly prior to graduation. In order to return to good standing student performance will show improvement by meeting all conditions of the SAIP.

Criteria for Dismissal

The Program Director, in consultation with the faculty progression committee, shall consider dismissal of a student from the program on grounds of academic deficiencies if the student does one or more of the following:

1. Fails any program course, including supervised clinical practice experience (SCPE) courses.
2. Any student on Academic Probation status who:
   1. Fails any exam in any course
   2. Fails an EOR exam
   3. Fails to meet the conditions of a SAIP
   4. Exhibits unprofessional behavior of a major or severe nature, as determined by Program faculty
3. Any substantiated report of unprofessional conduct of a very severe nature, as determined by Program faculty.
4. Demonstrates sustained poor interpersonal relations
5. Violation of Academic Integrity policies of the program and/or University
6. Failure to pass the DPSE or CPSE after a remediation attempt

The program provides support for students when academic deficiencies are initially observed as stated in preceding policies. In the event that one of the above occurs, the faculty progression committee will be convened. The faculty progression committee will review the student’s academic performance including assessment scores, course scores, and professionalism, along with available options for remediation, and make a recommendation for continued progression, progression with conditions, deceleration, or dismissal.

During the process, the student will receive academic fair process and a full hearing with the program director prior to dismissal. After the hearing with the student and review of the recommendation by the faculty progression committee, the program director will make a determination regarding dismissal. Decisions of the Program Director will be given to the student in writing via physical and/or electronic means.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Financial aid information can be obtained at www.harding.edu/finaid or by calling 501-279-4081. Students who are accepted into the program will be assigned a financial aid counselor after acceptance.

Accepted students who are non-US citizens will be required to submit documentation of financial ability to pay all expenses for the first year of study to the Physician Assistant Program and demonstrate adequate coverage for health insurance in the United States. A copy of the student’s status with the U. S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must accompany this. Status is demonstrated through presentation of the I-20, I-94, and Visa.

Faculty

Chair/Program Director: Mary Madill, M.S., PA-C

Professors:

Mary Madill, M.S., PA-C
Nicole Mount, M.S., PA-C
     Clinical Director

Associate Professors:

Amanda Diles, M.S., PA-C
​     Academic Director
Greg Mock, M.D.
     Medical Director

Assistant Professors:

Brady Clark, Pharm.D., BCPS
Morgan Elam, M.S., PA-C
Cassie Ganus, M.S., PA-C
Lee “Wally” Thomas, M.S., PA-C

Programs

• Physician Assistant Studies (PA), MS

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