Mission, Goals & Outcomes

Benchmarks:

1. 90% of matriculants will exceed the minimal academic admission requirements. 
2. The program will maintain a two-year average attrition rate below 15% and a graduation rate of > 86% to support student retention and successful program completion.  

Rationale:  

1. A benchmark was set stating that at least 90% of matriculants will surpass the program’s minimum academic standards. This benchmark permits up to 10% of applicants who, while meeting the minimal academic requirements, demonstrate exceptional strength in other areas aligned with the program’s goals. This method balances academic rigor with a holistic admissions approach, ensuring we accept highly qualified candidates with diverse strengths beyond GPA or test scores.  
2. The benchmark was selected to align with the SMS LMU PA program's historical averages, national standards, and ARC-PA benchmarks. Keeping attrition at or below this level shows the program’s dedication to student retention, support, and overall educational quality.

Strength: ≤ 5% of students per cohort are lost to attrition over a period of 3 consecutive years. The program selected this level to demonstrate our commitment to retaining students within the cohort. Keeping a higher number of students each year shows that the program effectively minimizes attrition, meaning a greater proportion of students are achieving program competencies.  
 

Area in need of improvement: ≥ 15% of students per cohort are lost to attrition for a period of two consecutive years. 

Triangulation includes the number of remedial interventions (such as content remediation per course, Global Academic Improvement plans, and the number of students in remedial labs), the number of C or lower course grades, prerequisites, and undergraduate GPAs. Other analysis factors will consider students’ reasons for academic dismissal (if applicable), individual student outcomes and performance, and the timing of dismissals during the semester.   

Other analysis factors will consider students’ reasons for academic dismissal (if applicable), individual student outcomes and performance, and the timing of dismissals during the semester. 

Benchmarks:

1. The program will achieve an all-time PANCE pass rate at or above 95%.
2. The program will achieve a first-time pass rate at or above 90%.
3. At least 95% of students will achieve a passing score on the first attempt on all components of the senior summative assessment, demonstrating competence in the program-defined clinical knowledge, skills, and professional behaviors necessary for entry into clinical practice.

Rationale:  

1. The benchmark of 95% or higher for the all-time PANCE pass rate was chosen to reflect the program’s dedication to long-term graduate success and alignment with national standards for certification. This metric considers both first-time and subsequent attempts, offering a comprehensive view of the program’s effectiveness in preparing students for clinical practice. Consistently meeting or surpassing this benchmark supports accreditation standards related to graduate competency and program quality. 
2. The program set a goal of achieving a first-time PANCE pass rate of at least 90%, aligning with national averages reported by the NCCPA. This target reflects a realistic, data-driven standard for a growing PA program, while also demonstrating the program’s commitment to meeting or surpassing accreditation standards for student readiness and curriculum quality. Tracking first-time pass rates acts as a measure of student performance and enables timely improvements to curriculum and teaching strategies. 
3. The senior summative assessment acts as a comprehensive review of each student's readiness to start clinical practice. It is designed to ensure that students have met all program-defined competencies, including core medical knowledge, clinical reasoning, communication, and professional conduct. Setting the benchmark at 95% allows for rare remediation instances while upholding high academic standards. Reaching this benchmark demonstrates the program’s effectiveness in preparing graduates who are competent and safe to begin supervised clinical practice.
   
   

Strength: For three consecutive years, the program's first-time taker PANCE pass rate has been at least 2% higher than the national average. The program selected this level for strength because it shows sustained PANCE performance above the national average. 

Area in need of improvement: The annual all-time or first-time taker PANCE pass rate falls below the benchmark for a period of two consecutive years. 

Triangulation: Admissions criteria as a predictor of success, course outcomes, student evaluations of courses and instructors, faculty evaluations of courses and instructors, curriculum assessment (including curriculum mapping of program instructional objectives and learning outcomes, as well as the breadth and depth of the curriculum), preceptor evaluations of student preparedness, student summative evaluation results (such as EOC, PACKRAT, OSCE), remediation practices and outcomes, student progress and attrition data, feedback from students who do not pass the PANCE, graduate exit surveys (at 0 months and 6 months), employer feedback (if available).  

Benchmarks:

1. 100% of students will be placed in at least 2 clinical rotations in a federally designated medically underserved area.
2. 25% percent of graduates will report the intent to work in medically underserved areas. 

Rationale:  

1. Placement in an underserved medical area during clinical training encourages a commitment to work in similar settings by providing students with firsthand experience of the unique challenges and rewards involved in caring for underserved populations. Being immersed in these environments helps students develop a deeper understanding of healthcare disparities, form meaningful connections with patients and communities, and often fosters a stronger sense of purpose and social responsibility. This experience can change perceptions, enhance cultural humility, and inspire long-term dedication to addressing healthcare inequalities. 
2. NCCPA data show that 22% of PAS practice in medically underserved areas; the benchmark is set to surpass that percentage by a realistic amount.

Strength: For three consecutive years, students will complete more than 2 rotations in medically underserved areas. Over the same period, graduates' reports of intent to work in underserved areas have consistently exceeded 30%. The program selected this level for strength because it shows higher underserved employment rates than the HRSA median over an extended period. 

Area in need of improvement: The report has fallen below the benchmark for two consecutive years, indicating a trend.  

Triangulation: Intent on working in underserved areas on the graduate survey, participation in loan repayment of service programs. 

* The program defines participation in the military as serving as a reservist, guardsman, or active-duty member as employment in an underserved area.

Benchmark:  

1. 100% of students will complete 50 hours of community service throughout their learning experience. 
2. 100% of students will participate in PA Day on the Hill to advocate for the profession. 
3. 100% of students will participate in at least one health-focused community outreach event (e.g., free clinic day, health fair, vaccination drive, or wellness education program). 
4. >90% of students will report the intent to be involved in community service as alumni.

Rationale:  

1. Community service hours offer structured, measurable ways for students to engage with communities outside the classroom. Requiring all students to complete a substantial number of hours ensures they experience different community needs and supports the program’s mission of service. 
2. Advocacy is a fundamental duty of physician assistants. Participating in PA Day on the Hill introduces students to legislative processes, enhances advocacy skills, and helps them understand the role PAs play in shaping healthcare policy. 
3. Direct involvement in community health initiatives gives students real-world opportunities to tackle health disparities, practice patient education, and build stronger connections with the underserved populations the program aims to serve.

Strength: For three consecutive years, students will participate in more than 50 hours of community service.  

Area in need of improvement: The report has fallen below the benchmark for two consecutive years.  

Triangulation: Student surveys and reflections indicating intent to stay involved in community service.