MEDEX is, and will remain, fully committed to students’ success and the success of the program. This Accreditation-Probation status is a temporary step, and our leadership team is diligently addressing the ARC-PA’s feedback. We appreciate your support as we strengthen our program, and we’re confident in our ability to meet the ARC-PA’s standards fully.
Notice of Matriculation Pause 2026-2027
With the support of and after conversations with the University of Washington School of Medicine Dean’s Office and the Department of Family Medicine Chair, the MEDEX Northwest PA Program has sought and been granted permission by the ARC-PA and the University of Washington Graduate School to voluntarily pause matriculating a new student cohort for the 2026–2027 academic year.
This voluntary pause was made with great care and thoughtful consideration. The decision reflects our commitment to accreditation, programmatic quality, and continuous process improvement.
We remain dedicated to advancing our mission of preparing excellent PAs who serve with compassion, competence, and a deep commitment to health equity.
Read more in the FAQ below.
This page will be updated as needed to reflect current circumstances.
Answer: Accreditation-Probation status is a temporary designation that allows us to address specific areas for improvement as outlined by the ARC-PA (Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant). During this time, MEDEX remains a fully accredited program, and this status is intended to ensure we continue meeting the ARC-PA’s rigorous standards.
Answer: Probation status does not mean that we have lost accreditation. MEDEX remains fully accredited and is actively working to address the ARC-PA’s requirements. As long as we meet their standards within the designated period, we will maintain our accredited status. We are committed to making the necessary improvements to retain full accreditation.
Answer: The ARC-PA based its decision on our modified self-study, PANCE Required Report, and accreditation history. The commission found areas where our documentation didn’t fully align with their standards. We’re working to clarify these areas and demonstrate full compliance.
Answer: MEDEX Leadership is working closely with the ARC-PA to address all identified areas. We are revising and resubmitting reports and preparing for a focused site visit in early December 2024, where the commission will evaluate our progress. We are committed to transparency in this process.
In September 2025, the program elected to implement a voluntary matriculation pause for the 2026-2027 academic year, meaning there will be no MEDEX Class of 2028 cohort.
The pause was made with great care and consideration to allow the program to focus on accreditation, programmatic quality, and continuous process improvement. This ensures that MEDEX remains strong, sustainable, and aligned with its mission.
Applications cannot be reused for subsequent admissions cycles. Please also note that MEDEX does not process application refunds. All payments are handled directly through CASPA. According to the CASPA policy:
“Because your designated programs have access to your information as soon as you submit your application, no refunds can be issued for any reason (this includes missed deadlines and programs no longer accepting applicants).”
For further details or to submit an inquiry, you may visit the CASPA Help Center here.
This voluntary pause only affects new matriculation for the 2026–2027 academic year. It does not affect current students or their educational progression.
No. The program is not closing. This is a temporary, voluntary pause in matriculating a new class for one academic year.
MEDEX will not accept or matriculate a new cohort of students for the 2026–2027 academic year. Updates on the next application cycle will be shared as soon as they are available including if/when there are changes to the application. Additionally, outreach and information sessions are currently paused and will resume at a time to be determined.
We will continue to share updates through our website and official University of Washington communications as they become available.
Answer: The probation period is set for no less than two years, and our goal is to meet all requirements and return to full compliance well within that timeframe.
Answer: No, this probationary status does not affect students’ path to graduation, PANCE eligibility, or licensure. MEDEX remains an accredited and fully operational program, and students will proceed as planned.
Answer: Yes, we are committed to supporting students throughout this process. We may offer additional Q&A sessions, academic advising, and other resources to ensure students feel supported and informed.
Answer: No, probation status will not be noted on any student records, diplomas, or transcripts. This status pertains to the program’s relationship with the ARC-PA and does not affect student credentials or documents.
Answer: Probation status does not affect the program’s ability to admit and educate new students. We remain accredited and fully operational, and prospective students can apply with confidence, knowing that we are dedicated to maintaining high educational standards.
Answer: This temporary status does not—and will not—affect alumni certification or licensure.
Answer: The probation status does not impact the preceptor’s role or the clinical education experiences they provide.
Answer: MEDEX has a strong reputation for excellence, and we are committed to upholding that legacy. This probation period is an opportunity to ensure that our program continues to meet and exceed accreditation standards. Programs on probation can and do return to Accreditation–Continued status, and we are completely focused on doing so.
Answer: While our goal is to fully meet the ARC-PA’s requirements within the designated two-year period, we are committed to making continual improvements. If necessary, further steps will be taken after those two years to ensure MEDEX remains compliant with ARC-PA standards. We are working proactively to avoid that situation.
Answer: You can visit the ARC-PA website at https://www.arc-pa.org/ to learn more about accreditation standards and the accreditation process for PA programs. This can provide context for the areas we’re working to address.