PCSAS has created a pathway to accreditation for new programs interested in applying for PCSAS accreditation that involves four stages. A new program interested in applying would first submit a Letter of Intent, as is the case for existing programs seeking PCSAS accreditation. If after evaluating the Letter of Intent it is determined that the new program understands and commits to the goals of the CS model, the program is allowed to apply for “Accredited, preliminary” status. If successful after the review of the application has been conducted, the new program could begin admitting students. After a period of time, the program is then required to apply, and be reviewed for, “Accredited, provisional” status, an accreditation stage that indicates the program has made significant progress toward establishing a strong clinical science program. If successful at this stage, the program is required to apply for “Accredited, full” status, which would indicate success at meeting all accreditation standards normally seen when established programs are reviewed. It is important to note that at each of these stages the program is considered accredited by PCSAS.
A thorough description of this process is available is available here. Instructions for the LOI and the Application Template for Accredited, Preliminary Status are also available.