Title Change
PA PROGRAM RESOURCES
As the Physician Associate title continues to be adopted across the country and within Iowa, PA programs may have questions regarding accreditation, educational materials, program communications, degree terminology, and implementation considerations.
IPAS has compiled resources from national organizations and accrediting bodies to help PA programs better understand current guidance and identify opportunities for future planning.
The resources on this page are intended to support program directors, faculty, administrators, and institutional leaders as they evaluate how the title transition may impact their programs. Because implementation timelines and institutional processes vary, programs are encouraged to review available guidance and consult with their university leadership, accrediting agencies, and national organizations as appropriate.
This page includes information and resources from:
- American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA)
- Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA)
- National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)
- Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA)
IPAS will continue to update this page as additional guidance and resources become available.
American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) and PA Education Association (PAEA)
PAEA and AAPA published “Embracing the Future: A Practical Guide to Transition PA Programs to Physician Associate” in March 2025.
National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)
Policies
“NCCPA has adopted policies that treat the titles “physician assistant,” “physician associate,” and “PA” as equivalent and synonymous and is updating its policies, published guidance, and publications to reflect that. Finally, NCCPA’s policies applicable to “PAs,” “physician assistants,” or “physician associates” shall apply to any Board-Certified PA or certifying PA, regardless of that individual PA’s preferred or assigned title.”
NCCPA Titles
“The NCCPA, as well as the name of the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination® (PANCE), are explicitly referenced in some state statutes and regulations, making it essential that NCCPA retains its current name at this time. However, we acknowledge and support AAPA’s initiatives to advance title change and will continue monitoring legislative progress across states.”
“Additionally, our Board of Directors will continue to evaluate NCCPA’s name to ensure alignment with evolving state laws and will act accordingly as states increasingly adopt title change legislation.”
Resources
Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA)
Policies
Per p. 1 of “ARC-PA Policies” published on April 14, 2026, “ARC-PA recognizes the name of the profession are regulated by state and federal regulations. As such, it is the policy of ARC-PA to treat the titles “Physician Assistant”, “Physician Associate”, and “PA” as equivalent and synonymous. The Standards and policies of ARC-PA shall apply regardless of the professional designation used by a program.
Notification Compliance
Per ARC-PA,
“If a program is just changing its name, then it just needs to send us an email informing us of the change.
“If the name of the degree is changing, the Change in Degree Form should be submitted.”
The “Change in Academic Degree or Credential Awarded” form may be found and submitted through the portal. Programs should begin the approval process one year before the change to allow time for ARC-PA’s review and approval, which must be received no less than six months prior to change implementation.