Shared Content Block:
CHA/PA Styles
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 care medicine 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 an innovative learning environment to educate socially conscious physician assistants dedicated to the holistic care of diverse and underserved patient populations across the lifespan with an emphasis on primary care and expanded training in pediatrics.
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.
| Class Year | Total Applications | Applicants Accepted | Avg Age | Avg Cum GPA | Avg Science GPA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1,601 | 44 | 26 | 3.75 | 3.71 |
| 2022 | 1,593 | 44 | 26 | 3.67 | 3.62 |
| 2023 | 1,621 | 44 | 25 | 3.73 | 3.68 |
| 2024 | 2,061 | 44 | 25 | 3.80 | 3.76 |
| 2025 | 1863 | 44 | 23 | 3.70 | 3.63 |
| 2026 | 1854 | 44 | 23 | 3.76 | 3.69 |
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.
Students complete rotations in rural and/or underserved settings.
Goal 4: Maintain a student attrition rate that is below the national average.
The program has an attrition rate of 2% (3 out of 132) over the last 3 class year cohorts. This is well below the national average of 11.7% (PAEA 35th Program Report).
ARC-PA Student Attrition
| Graduated Classes | |||
| Class of 2021 | Class of 2022 | Class of 2023 | |
Maximum entering class size (as approved by ARC-PA) | 44 | 44 | 44 |
| Entering class size | 44 | 44 | 44 |
| Graduates | 45 | 42 | 43 |
| Attrition rate* | 0 | .05 | .02 |
| Graduation rate** | 100 | 95 | 98 |
* Attrition rate calculation: Number of students who did not complete the program by cohort divided by the entering class size.
** Graduation rate: Number of cohort graduates divided by the entering class size.
Goal 5: Prepare graduates to practice in primary care settings.
* Results of a survey taken in 2023.
“I have realized that I will never stop learning as long as I am a practicing PA, an aspect of the profession that I love.”
Cindy Tanner
Class of 1972