Welcome to Brenau University’s Department of Physician Assistant Studies. The program has received provisional accreditation from the ARC-PA and matriculated the first cohort in January 2021. We’re located one hour north of Atlanta in Gainesville, Georgia — a historic town of 44,000 on the beautiful shores of Lake Lanier that offers cultural opportunities and outdoor activities while supporting a rapidly growing health care system.
The DPAS at Brenau University is building and sustaining the program with the thoughtful, intentional and strategic approach of the Ivester College of Health Sciences. Building on and continuing the values of a liberal arts education throughout their training, our Physician Assistant graduates will advance in their profession under the college’s four pillars: evidence-based and reflective practice, contemporary scientific inquiry, clinical proficiency and humanitarian altruism.
The 28-month Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program integrates didactic and clinical training with early immersion into the clinical arena to develop emerging history-taking and physical examination skills. The program design includes group-based learning, technology, interprofessional collaboration, a strong focus on behavioral and mental health and improving health care in rural and underserved communities
Accreditation
Brenau University has obtained SACSCOC approval for the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program offered by the Department of Physician Assistant Studies.
The ARC-PA has granted Accreditation-Provisional status to the Brenau University Department of Physician Assistant Studies Program sponsored by Brenau 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-brenau-university.
ARC-PA Provisional Accreditation Planned Schedule
The process of Provisional Accreditation from the ARC-PA includes three visits: the Initial Provisional Visit, the Provisional Monitoring Site Visit and the Final Provisional Site Visit. Below is an approximate timeline of the remaining step in the provisional accreditation process for the Brenau University Department of PA Studies PA Program:
- Final provisional site visit – to be completed in February 2025 for consideration at the June 2025 ARC-PA Commission meeting
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