All thirty-two members of the class passed the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination.
The National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants announced on Dec. 11, 2017, that every member of Ketchum University’s School of PA Studies’ Class of 2017 successfully passed the PA National Certifying Examination.
“This is the second year in a row our students have achieved 100 percent pass rate on their licensing exams,” said Dean of the School of PA Studies Judy Ortiz, PhD, PA-C. “Led by our esteemed faculty, the Class of 2017 was equipped with the knowledge and resources they needed to achieve this significant milestone.”
The National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants is the only certifying organization for PAs in the United States. Established as a not-for-profit organization in 1974, NCCPA is dedicated to assuring the public that certified PAs meet established standards of clinical knowledge and cognitive skills upon entry into practice and throughout their careers. All U.S. states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. territories rely on NCCPA certification as one of the criteria for licensure or regulation of PAs.
"We are incredibly proud of the members of the Class of 2017 for this admirable achievement," said University President Kevin Alexander, OD, PhD. "This is an outstanding accomplishment and a reflection of the fine effort and preparation by our students. Supporting their preparation and training, faculty and staff are proud to have played a part in their success."
To attain the PA-C designation, graduates of ARC-PA accredited PA programs must take and pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination. The examination is a computerized, multiple-choice exam comprised of 360 questions that assess basic medical and surgical knowledge. It is administered by the National Commission on Certification of the Physician Assistant.
The information tested in the PANCE are: cardiovascular, pulmonary, endocrine, EENT, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, reproductive, musculoskeletal, neurological, psychiatric, dermatologic, hematologic and infectious diseases. The skills and abilities tested are: history taking, lab diagnostic, formation of a diagnosis, health maintenance, clinical intervention, clinical therapeutics and the application of concepts.
MBKU’s School of PA Studies was established in 2012, and offers a 27-month, post-baccalaureate program leading to the degree, Master of Medical Science. The PA program is nine quarters in duration.