Why Credentialling and Certification Matters
Credentialing and certification are the processes of verifying a healthcare provider’s education, training, and qualifications to ensure safe, high-quality care. For patients, it’s an assurance that their provider meets nationally recognized standards of expertise and professionalism. At its core, credentialing and certification protects patient and strengthens the integrity of the healthcare system.
Credentialling + Certification
Master of Medical Science (MMS)
Midwestern University's PA Program is a 24-month full-time program that leads to a Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies (M.M.S.) and prepares students for the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination. Graduates gain diverse clinical skills, including patient assessment, diagnostics, therapeutic modalities, minor surgery, emergency care, health promotion, and interpersonal skills through a blend of didactic and clinical education. The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA) has granted Accreditation-Continued status to the Midwestern University Glendale Physician Assistant Program sponsored by Midwestern University.
Physician Assistant/Associate-Certified (PA-C)
The National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) is the only certifying organization for PAs in the United States. Established as a not-for-profit organization in 1974, NCCPA provides certification programs that reflect standards for clinical knowledge, clinical reasoning and other medical skills and professional behaviors required upon entry into practice and throughout the careers of PAs.
Collaborative Practice Certification
Arizona state-specific certification for PAs with at least 8,000 verified clinical hours so that "a physician assistant may provide any legal medical service for which the physician assistant has been prepared by education, training and experience and that the physician assistant is competent to perform.” Health care tasks are no longer required to be specifically delegated by a supervising physician.
Diplomate of the ACLM (DipACLM)
– Certified Lifestyle Medicine Professional
“Becoming lifestyle medicine certified demonstrates your knowledge, skills, and active engagement in providing evidence-based care that supports whole person health and empowers patients to take intentional action toward health restoration.” A board-certified lifestyle medicine professional demonstrates specialized expertise in chronic disease care as well as leadership and mastery in the science of treating, reversing, and preventing chronic disease with official acknowledgement from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine.
Board Certified in Advanced Diabetes Management (BC-ADM)
Health care professionals who are Board-Certified in Advanced Diabetes Management have passed a rigorous national exam and have demonstrated expertise in diabetes management, reflecting advanced training in caring for people with diabetes and related cardiometabolic conditions. This includes thoughtful medication management, monitoring and treating complications, lifestyle and behavior support, and attention to emotional well-being—all within licensed scope of practice. The result is diabetes care that looks beyond lab values to support day-to-day life, long-term health, and informed decision-making at every stage.
Distinguished Fellow of the American Academy of Physician Associates (DFAAPA)
The elite Distinguished Fellows of AAPA demonstrates outstanding dedication to the profession including distinction in medical practice, education, research, or healthcare management, leadership in medicine and healthcare, professional involvement, commitment to lifelong learning, community service, and a commitment to professional volunteerism.
Lifestyle Coach (LSC)
The ADCES-certified (Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialist) Lifestyle Coach leads NDPP (National Diabetes Prevention Program) sessions, facilitates behavior change for participants at risk of type 2 diabetes, and provides support in a group setting to achieve health goals related to nutrition and physical activity. They are trained in a CDC-approved curriculum, helping participants set goals, track progress, and overcome obstacles to make lasting healthy lifestyle changes.