Offering an individual approach to
Physician Assistant
program accreditation
Theresa V. Horvath
MPH, MPhil PA-C Emeritus, DFAAPA
PA educator since 1998
Accreditation Site Visitor 2002-2021
Full-time Accreditation Consultant since 2022
Services
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Project Organization
The faculty and I map out an approach to creating the application, self-study document or other required report. This includes identifying the personnel needed, setting deadlines, and determining program needs in order to meet the Standards.
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Program Data Collection
The faculty and I review the ARC-PA paradigm for collecting and analyzing data, application of results, developing conclusions, and applying data to develop action plans. The program data is sorted and displayed in charts and graphs, using my templates if desired.
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Data Review and Narratives
The faculty and I review the data, identify trends and themes, and construct an analysis and draw conclusions. From these data we construct action plans.
I work closely with the faculty team to develop narratives which accompany the data. I read and edit up to four iterations of each sub-section of the draft.
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Videoconferencing & Final Review
I offer unlimited availability for videoconferences with the principal writers, as well as final review(s) of all documents before submission.
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Mock Site Visits & Final Report
My partner for conducting mock site visits is a senior leader in PA education. After conducting either a one-day or two-day visit, we submit a written report of the mock site visit team’s findings in the same format as the observation report submitted to the program by the actual site visit team.
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Site Visit
I prepare the faculty for the site visit using the findings submitted during the mock site visit. I review and edit the program’s response to the site visit team observations.
About
Theresa V. Horvath
MPH, M.Phil., PA-C Emeritus, DFAAPA
I am a full-time consultant for PA programs. I leverage my 23-year experience as a program director and assistant dean, as well as my 20- year experience as an ARC-PA site visitor to help programs undergo successful accreditation visits, internal audits, and team building. My specialty is providing an individualized approach to leaders facing the changing demands of accreditation review and meeting institutional requirements. I find that high performing leaders are best able to excel when given assistance tailored to the individual needs of their programs.
The individualized approach extends to the time expended and the fees charged. My aim is to contain the cost of consultation while delivering high yield outcomes. Therefore, I charge for the deliverable; I do not charge by the hour. I find that this allows the program to use as much of my time as is needed, without worry of cost.
I have a breadth of experience both in my role as program director at several programs, as well as a consultant, for which I have worked full-time since 2022.
Consulting Experience:
HRSA Grant writing (2007-2008)
Team Building and Leadership (2010-2012)
Internal Audit reviewer (2017)
New Program State application (2018)
Modified Self-Study (2022)
Needs Assessment New Program (2022)
Full Continuing Accreditation submission – including mock site visit and response to observations (2022-2023)
Preliminary Culture & Climate Review (2023-2024)
Required ARC-PA Report – Low PANCE pass rate (2023-2024)
Final Provisional Report – including mock site visit and response to observations (2023-2024)
Required ARC-PA Report – high attrition (2024)
Class expansion (current)
Accreditation Experience as a Program Director:
Development of new program from beginning through full continuing accreditation (1998-2001)
Successful challenge of probation (2008)
Development of dual degree program (2010)
Development of master’s degree program from baccalaureate (2009, 2015)
Continued accreditation to a program on “Final Probation” (2018)
Continued accreditation on Final Probational submission and visit of a program on probation (2020)
Plenary speakers, Social Mission Alliance Conference, April 9, 2024
Theresa Horvath with Brigit Carter, PhD, RN, CCRN, FAAN, American Association of Colleges of Nursing Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, and
Erin Fraher, PhD, MPP, Cecil Sheps Center for Health Services Research
Testimonials
“Theresa was an excellent collaborator. Her calming personality and uplifting demeanor were invaluable during the stressful process of ARC-PA report writing. She guided us through each step methodically and was consistently responsive, even offering her expertise on weekends. I highly recommend her services to anyone undergoing ARC-PA reporting or accreditation.”
“Working with Horvath Consulting on our preliminary faculty and staff climate study for our PA training program was an outstanding experience. They were incredibly approachable and demonstrated a deep understanding of the unique challenges in PA education. Their ability to listen attentively and provide insightful feedback greatly contributed to the success of our project. I highly recommend this consulting service for anyone looking to enhance their PA educational program.”
“Theresa’s contributions to the program have been invaluable. She was always available for meetings and questions, and her knowledge of the self-study process has significantly bolstered the program’s critical thinking capabilities.”