Physician Assistant Studies Program Receives Provisional Accreditation

Physician Assistant Studies Program Receives Provisional Accreditation

Sam Houston State University is proud to announce that the new Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program has been awarded Provisional Accreditation status by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). This significant milestone reflects the program’s commitment to academic excellence, student success and the preparation of highly qualified physician assistants to serve the healthcare needs of communities across Texas.

Provisional Accreditation is granted when a proposed program demonstrates compliance with the established accreditation standards and appears prepared to provide an educational experience consistent with the profession's expectations. This achievement allows the program to move forward with enrolling its inaugural class and to continue development toward a full accreditation review.

The MPAS program was developed through the collaborative efforts of institutional leadership, faculty, staff, clinical partners and community stakeholders who share a vision of advancing healthcare education and improving access to patient-centered care.

“We are excited to reach this important milestone,” said Wilma J. Mealer, MPAS, PA-C, department chair and founding program director.  “Receiving Provisional Accreditation validates the tremendous amount of work and dedication invested in building a high-quality program focused on academic rigor, clinical excellence and service to the community.”

Following this achievement, the program will welcome its inaugural class in August 2026. The program will admit 40 students for its first cohort as the university begins preparing the next generation of physician assistants to serve a wide range of communities with compassionate, evidence-based healthcare.

The inaugural class will participate in a rigorous academic and clinical curriculum designed to promote leadership, professionalism, clinical excellence and interprofessional collaboration. Students will benefit from dedicated faculty, innovative learning environments, simulation experiences and clinical partnerships that support comprehensive PA education.

The program will also provide students with comprehensive didactic and clinical training designed to prepare graduates to practice medicine collaboratively with healthcare teams across a variety of settings and specialties.

“We are absolutely thrilled to reach this important milestone for the MPAS program,” said Ryan K. Zapalac, dean of the College of Health Sciences. “Obtaining Provisional Accreditation status allows our first cohort to begin in our new Health Professions Building in Conroe, TX, in Fall 2026. Graduates from the MPAS program will help meet the critical need for more healthcare professionals in the state of Texas. We look forward to the many ways the program will be able to help train exceptional healthcare providers for rural, suburban and urban Texas communities.”  

Additional information about the program and admissions process can be found on the program's webpage. For more information about clinical accreditation, visit the ARC-PA Official Website.