SNU Physician Assistant Program Granted Accreditation-Provisional Status

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

[Bethany, Okla.] — Southern Nazarene University (SNU) is excited to announce that the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (PA) program has been granted Accreditation-Provisional status by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) with zero areas of noncompliance.

This accreditation decision marks a significant achievement for SNU as the University prepares to welcome its inaugural cohort of physician assistant students in January 2027. It is an important step in establishing a program that prepares skilled, compassionate healthcare professionals committed to excellence in patient care and service to their communities.

“We are thrilled about the opportunity to serve these students who will make such a great impact on the medical community. This program is a wonderful example of where SNU’s mission intersects with the marketplace and meets a critical need for our world,” said SNU President Dr. Keith Newman.

Located on SNU’s campus in Bethany, Oklahoma, the Physician Assistant studies program embodies SNU's values and mission while offering a rigorous, 24-month curriculum. The 119-credit-hour program includes 12 months of didactic instruction followed by 12 months of clinical training in a variety of medical and surgical settings.

“Receiving Accreditation-Provisional is an extraordinary milestone for our program and our university. I am incredibly proud of our faculty and staff, whose dedication and commitment have made this achievement possible,” said PA Program Director Dr. Jennifer Boyett. “We are deeply grateful for the support of our university leadership and the many individuals who have helped bring this vision to life. We are so excited to welcome our inaugural class in January and begin fulfilling our mission of educating future physician assistants to practice medicine with excellence and a commitment to serving others.”

Grounded in SNU’s Christian mission, the program will equip future physician assistants with the knowledge, clinical skills, and professional values needed to provide excellent patient care while serving others with compassion and integrity.

“At SNU, we are committed to our mission of ‘making Christlike disciples through higher education,’ and the opportunity to prepare men and women to be the hands and feet of Christ as they provide medical care is a distinct privilege. We are proud of the work leading to the ARC-PA's decision and excited about the work ahead as we welcome our inaugural cohort in a few short weeks,” said Dr. Melissa Lewis, Vice President of Academic Affairs for Professional and Graduate Studies.

Prospective students interested in future enrollment opportunities can find information about admissions requirements, the curriculum, and more on the SNU Physician Assistant Studies program webpage.

For more information about the program, please contact PAinfo@snu.edu.

The ARC-PA has granted Accreditation-Provisional status to the Southern Nazarene University Physician Assistant Studies Program sponsored by Southern Nazarene 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-southern-nazarene-university/.

About Southern Nazarene University

Southern Nazarene University, located in Bethany, Oklahoma, is a private Christian institution committed to shaping servant leaders since 1899. With more than 50 undergraduate and graduate programs offered on campus and online, SNU emphasizes accessibility, purpose-driven education, and holistic student support.