WSU Physician Associate (PA) Program
ARC-PA Student Attrition
| Category | Class of 2023 | Class of 2024 | Class of 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum entering class size (as approved by ARC‑PA) | 48 | 48 | 48 |
| Entering class size | 52 | 51 | 51 |
| Graduates | 49 | 43 | 44 |
| *Attrition rate | 5.8% | 15.7% | 13.7% |
| **Graduation rate | 94.2% | 84.3% | 86.3% |
* Attrition rate calculation: Number of students who attritted from cohort divided by the entering class size.
** Graduation rate: Number of cohort graduates divided by the entering class size.
Comments
Entering class size includes both newly admitted students and those who were decelerated from a previous cohort. Student attrition refers to students who start the Program but graduate in a later cohort. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including academic challenges, medical leave, choosing to withdraw, decelerating to a later cohort, or dismissal. The WSU PA Program’s graduation rate from 2023–2025 is 88%. Most students who decelerate end up graduating the following year. Looking at the past 3 measurable cohorts including those who decelerated (2022–2024), 97% of students who started Program have successfully completed it. The Program has put several strategies in place to help support student success and improve retention.