Mission, Vision and Goals for the CHA/PA Program

The Child Health Associate/Physician Assistant (CHA/PA) Program has a long history of educational excellence, preparing physician assistants for practice in all areas of medicine. The PA program has had continuous ARC-PA accreditation since 1972 and is currently accredited through September 2026.

The PA Program has gained national recognition for its curriculum in primary care medicine. The Program confers a Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS). In accordance with the mission of the program, the curriculum provides comprehensive physician assistant education in primary medical care with expanded training in pediatrics and the need for service to disadvantaged, at risk and medically underserved populations. There are specialized tracks with exciting opportunities for interdisciplinary education and clinical experiences, integrating students with others in the School of Medicine and across the campus with similar interests.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Child Health Associate/Physician Assistant Program is to provide comprehensive physician assistant education in primary care across the lifespan, with expanded training in pediatrics and care of the medically underserved.

Vision Statement

The University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Physician Assistant Program will be a leading educational program with a national reputation for excellence in innovative curriculum, research and scholarship, community engagement and clinical care.

Commitment to Diversity

The Child Health Associate/Physician Assistant Program believes that diversity is a value that is central to its mission.  We are committed to recruiting and supporting a diverse student body, staff, and faculty.  (For more information, see the School of Medicine Diversity Plan)

Goals

Goal 1: Recruit qualified applicants who are prepared to be successful in a rigorous medical training program.

Goal 2: Maintain a level of PANCE pass rates above the national average.

NCCPA Pance Report 5 Year Summary

Goal 3: Prepare graduates to practice in rural and underserved areas.

100% of students complete rotations in rural and underserved settings.

Goal 4: Maintain a student attrition rate that is below the national average.

The program has an attrition rate of 1% (2 out of 220) over the last 5 class year cohorts. This is well below the national average of 6.2% (PAEA 28th Annual Report).

Goal 5: Prepare graduates to practice in primary care settings.

* Results of a survey taken in 2017.