Webinar: From the Ground Up: Governance, Accreditation and the Regulatory Landscape for Post-Professional Doctoral Programs

Launching a post-professional doctoral program involves navigating a complex landscape of institutional priorities, stakeholder expectations, and evolving educational models. In this opening webinar, experienced program leaders will share practical insights from their own experiences developing and administering doctoral programs, highlighting key considerations that can influence program success from the outset. Participants will gain a broader understanding of the opportunities, challenges, and strategic decisions involved in creating a strong foundation for a post-professional doctoral program. 

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:  

• Compare structural models for standing up a post-professional PA doctoral program (degree type, institutional home, governance and reporting lines). 
• Describe the current institutional/state accreditation and regulatory landscape and identify the decisions that must be made early. 
• Apply a quality framework lens to program governance and continuous improvement processes. 

Audience: These webinars are for PAEA members who have just started or are contemplating starting a doctoral program, or who are just curious about the content of this webinar.  

Cost: Free 

Length: 1 hour  

CME: This activity has been reviewed by the American Academy of Physician Associates Review Panel and is compliant with AAPA CME Criteria. This activity is designated for 1AAPA Category 1 CME credits. PAs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation. Approval is valid from 9/17/2026 to 11/12/2026. AAPA reference number: CME-2016086.

Speakers:  

James R. Kilgore, DMSc, DEL, PhD, PA-C 
Professor, Doctor of Medical Science 
College of Advanced Practice and Executive Leadership 
Arkansas Colleges of Health Education 
(205) 901-6460 | james.kilgore@achehealth.edu 

Randy D. Danielsen, PhD, DHL(hon), PA-C Emeritus 
Professor with Tenure and Director 
Department of Physician Assistant Studies 
Doctor of Medical Science Program 
A.T. Still University -Arizona School of Health Sciences 
(480) 219-6009 | rdanielsen@atsu.edu