Student Policies
Organizational Chart
Application of Policies (A3.02)
- All student program policies apply to all PA students regardless of location
- All faculty/administrative program policies apply to all principal PA faculty regardless of location
- All faculty/administrative program policies apply to the program director/medical director regardless of location
- PA students will be informed of program policies and practices in multiple ways:
- Program policies are posted on the PA program webpage
- During orientation, program policies will be reviewed and discussed. Students will sign an attestation of completion of online policy review and participation of policy discussion during orientation
- During clinical orientation, the student clinical policies will be discussed. Students will sign attestation of review to document their awareness of the policies and practices
Soliciting Clinical Sites (A3.03)
It is the responsibility of the PA Program and not the students to identify and schedule sites used for the SCPEs. It may be possible for a student to suggest a clinical site for his or her use that is or is not part of the established clinical network of preceptors. Such sites must meet all the established educational goals for the clinical experience and must agree to become legally affiliated with the FSU PA Program during the time the student is attending the site. The priority will be focused on established local sites and establishing new local sites.
No student is permitted to contact a potential clinical site or preceptor directly. All contact information must be provided to the PA program’s clinical coordinator or Director for Clinical Education to contact preceptors or sites. Students are prohibited from contacting and making arrangements for their own clinical placement sites. Failure to follow this protocol can result in dismissal from the program. It is the discretion of the PA Program to utilize student-identified sites and not all students may be placed at sites which they identify/request.
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Faculty Grievance and Harassment Policy (A1.02i)
The policy can be found on page 49 of the Faculty Handbook.
back to topStudent Harassment Policy and Academic Grievance Policy (A1.02j)
Conduct Violations and Harassment
The FSU Physician Assistant Program adheres to the same policy adhered to by FSU University. This can be found in the FSU Community Standards Policy Statement Handbook.
All members of the University community are responsible to create a safe and inclusive environment that is free from Gender-Based Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, Relationship Violence, and Stalking. Individuals who report violations of this policy in good faith will be protected from retaliation.
This policy applies to all reported incidents of Prohibited Conduct and supersedes and replaces the University’s Sexual Harassment Policy, PN 1.004.
For more information see the University policy on Policy on Gender-Based Harassment and Violence.
Student Grievances
Academic Grievances
Students may appeal a final course grade based on arbitrary or capricious grounds. Students must follow the University Procedures for Review of Alleged Arbitrary and Capricious Grading Grade Grievance process found in the Graduate Catalog.
Students may appeal test items according to the test item policy.
back to topTuition and Fees Refund Policy (A1.02k)
Refund Policy
A student who withdraws from the PA Program, takes an authorized leave of absence, or is dismissed from the Program, may be eligible for a refund in compliance with university billing and financial aid policies and practices and in conjunction with federal regulations. See more information related to these refund policies and refund schedule.
The non-refundable deposit to hold a student’s slot in the class, originally credited to tuition, will not be included in the refund calculation.
back to topFaculty as Health Care Providers Policy (A3.09)
The Program Director, principal faculty, medical director, or program staff WILL NOT participate as health care providers for students enrolled in the program, except under emergency circumstances and WILL NOT have access to any student health information other than that defined in policy.
back to topProgram Committees
The FSU Physician Assistant program is implemented through a structure of committees that meet regularly to identify and discuss program issues, determine action plans and evaluate outcomes. The following Department Committees are listed and described below:
- Admissions Committee
The PA Admissions Committee (AC) is chaired by the Director of PA Admissions. The committee is comprised of the PA principal faculty, a designee from the College appointed by the Dean, and a designee from the University appointed by the Provost’s Office. The Department Chair & Program Director is an ex-officio member. The AC is responsible for evaluating and recommending admissions pre-requisites and admissions policy and procedures to the EC for decision. The AC selects applicants for admission to the PA Program and their decision may not be appealed. The AC is also responsible for evaluating the effectiveness of the admissions program in meeting the program’s mission and goals and reporting their findings and recommendations to the EC for decision.
- Student Progress Committee
The PA Student Progress Committee (SPC) is chaired by the Director of Student Affairs and consists of PA principal faculty, a designee from the College appointed by the Dean and a designee from the University appointed by the Provost’s Office. The Department Chair & Program Director is an ex-officio member. The SPC is responsible for monitoring student academic and professionalism progress, reviewing and recommending remediation plans for poor student performance, selecting students for honors and awards at graduation, selecting students for scholarships, and determining student eligibility to graduate. The committee will meet at the end of each grading period to decide if students can progress to the next semester and decide on student disposition up to and including probation. The SPC may also meet on an as needed basis. The SPC makes student dismissal recommendations to the Department Chair & Program Director for final decision. The SPC is also responsible for evaluating the effectiveness of the program’s academic progression policies and procedures in meeting the program’s mission and goals. The SPC reports their findings and recommendations to the EC for decision according to the Detailed Self-Assessment Plan Data Collection Schedule.
- Education Committee
The PA Education Committee (EC) is chaired by the Department Chair & Program Director. The Committee is comprised of a designee from the College appointed by the Dean, a designee from the University appointed by the Provost’s Office, the Medical Director, and PA Program principal faculty. The EC is responsible for performing a comprehensive review and critical analysis of all data related to all aspects of the structure, function, and operation of the PA educational program. Additionally, the EC is responsible for performing a comprehensive review and critical analysis of all PA Program Committees identifying program strengths, areas in need of improvement and plans for improvement and reporting on modifications resulting from self-study. Lastly, the EC will review the ongoing compliance with all accreditation standards and will meet according to the Detailed Self-Assessment Plan Data Collection Schedule.
back to topLiability Insurance
FSU PA students are covered under the state’s liability insurance throughout enrollment in the Program. Student names and social security numbers must be submitted to ensure coverage. Proof of insurance will be provided to clinical sites where students are assigned. Coverage will be in effect for Program-assigned clinical rotations and experiences but will not be in effect for students working in a clinical setting not affiliated with the Program, such as that occurring during outside employment or in the case of volunteer work either during the academic year or during a break, unless it is Program-assigned.
back to topNew Student Orientation
Prior to the start of the first semester, new PA students are required to attend the new student orientation. This program gives students the opportunity to meet their peers, faculty, and staff with whom they will be interacting and studying with for the duration of the 24-month program. Students are given an overview of the curriculum, class schedule, academic calendar, tour of the facility, introduction to campus resources and student services, and a review of pertinent policies and procedures. The orientation date and time will be emailed to students following their admission. Typically, the orientation is held during the week prior to the start of classes; however, the PA program reserves the right to schedule the orientation any time prior to the beginning of the semester.
The orientation is mandatory for all new students. Due to the nature of this program and the importance of students beginning this program, understanding the full expectations of the program is important. Students who are not able to attend the orientation may be removed from the program.
back to topStudent Email Accounts
All students are assigned an FSU email account at the time of matriculation into the program. Professional email etiquette and expectations will be discussed during orientation and conduct is governed through the professionalism policy. Email correspondence is Students must check their FSU e-mail account daily (including weekends). The FSU e-mail is considered the official University email and the only account that the PA Program uses to communicate with students. Likewise, students should only use their FSU e-mail account for email correspondence with the program as this prevents identification problems related to outside email. Faculty and staff will not respond to students who utilize outside email addresses. Students should not forward FSU emails to outside personal accounts. Many PA program faculty and staff use e-mail as an important means for distributing information. The program is not responsible if a student has inaccurate or missed information due to failure to routinely check, read and clear his/her e-mail account.
back to topStudent Health Insurance Requirements
Students are required to maintain personal health insurance during enrollment in FSU’s Physician Assistant Program. Proof of insurance coverage must be provided prior to orientation. Students are responsible for all personal health care costs incurred while enrolled in the PA program. These costs may include but are not limited to immunizations, illness, PPD testing, health evaluation post exposure to a communicable disease, or other accidental injuries sustained during program mandated training activities.
Due to the potential for exposure to potentially infectious materials, insurance should cover screenings, diagnostics, treatments, and short and long- term disability compensation that may result from any potential exposure. All screening, treatment, or disability maintenance costs that insurance does not cover will be the sole responsibility of the student. All covered, uncovered, or related costs are the exclusive responsibility of the student and not the responsibility of Frostburg State University.
back to topSocial Media Policy
Origin Date: June 22, 2018
Last Evaluated: April 2024
Responsible Party: Program Director
Minimum Review Frequency: Annually
Approving Body: Education Committee
Associated Forms: None
Background and Purpose
The purpose of this policy is three-fold: 1) to define ethical and professional expectations regarding the use of social media by medical professionals, 2) to define program-specific behavioral expectations pertinent to social media in the classroom and other educational environments, and 3) to communicate a resource that supports student development in their personal and corporate use of social media.
Policy Statement
Social Media and the Medical Professional
The FSU Physician Assistant Program Supports the American Medical Association’s (AMA) opinion titled “Professionalism in the Use of Social Media.” The opinion has been quoted below with modifications to align with physician assistant education and practice. You can see the AMA “Professionalism in the Use of Social Media” opinion online.
The Internet has created the ability for physician assistant (PA) students and PAs to communicate and share information quickly and to reach millions of people easily. Participating in social networking and other similar Internet-based opportunities can support a PAs personal expression, enable individual PAs to have a professional presence online, foster collegiality and camaraderie within the profession, and provide opportunity to widely disseminate public health messages and other health communications. Social networks, blogs, and other forms of communication online also create new challenges to the patient-provider relationship. PAs should weigh a number of considerations when maintaining a presence online:
- PAs should be cognizant of standards of patient privacy and confidentiality that must be maintained in all environments, including online, and must refrain from posting identifiable patient information online.
- When using social media for educational purposes or to exchange information professionally with other PAs, follow ethical guidance regarding confidentiality, privacy and informed consent.
- When using the Internet for social networking, PAs should use privacy settings to safeguard personal information and content to the extent possible but should realize that privacy settings are not absolute and that once on the Internet, content is likely there permanently. Thus, PAs should routinely monitor their own Internet presence to ensure that the personal and professional information on their own sites and, to the extent possible, content posted about them by others, is accurate and appropriate.
- If they interact with patients on the Internet, PAs must maintain appropriate boundaries of the patient-provider relationship in accordance with professional ethical guidelines just as they would in any other context.
- To maintain appropriate professional boundaries PAs should separate personal and professional content online.
- When PAs see content posted by colleagues that appears unprofessional, they have a responsibility to bring that content to the attention of the individual, so that he or she can remove it and/or take other appropriate actions. If the behavior significantly violates professional norms and the individual does not take appropriate action to resolve the situation, the PA should report the matter to appropriate authorities.
- PAs must recognize that actions online and posted content may negatively affect their reputations among patients and colleagues, may have consequences for their medical careers (particularly for PA students), and can undermine public trust in the medical profession.
Program-Specific Social Media Expectations
FSU PA students and faculty should understand and adhere to the following guidelines and professional considerations when engaging in social media networking:
- Classroom and clinical site training commitments should be respected. Students should not engage in social networking during in-class and on-site clinical time.
- The integrity of the coursework of the FSU PA program, student, and classroom should be protected. Students should not share questions or answers to assignments, exams, or quizzes via social media nor provide this information to students in a subsequent class.
- Patient privacy must be protected. Students should not share any identifiable patient or clinical information via social media. HIPAA laws apply to all social networking sites.
- Students should ensure accuracy regarding statements made about the FSU PA program and its community members. Students should not provide false, intentionally inaccurate, or inflammatory comments.
- All laws governing copyright and fair use of intellectual property must be followed.
- Students should recognize that one’s professional reputation can be affected through social networking and therefore be judicious when posting content.
Dress Standard (A3.06)
Origin Date: June 2018
Last Evaluated: April 2024
Responsible Party: Program Director
Minimum Review Frequency: Annually
Approving Body: Education Committee
Associated forms: None
Background and Purpose
Advise students on professional demeanor regarding dress.
Policy Statement
FSU PA Program Guidelines for Professional DressStudent professional dress and conduct should always reflect the dignity and standards of the medical profession. Physician assistant students must dress in a manner that is respectful to their professors, classmates, patients, and other interprofessional and administrative colleagues. The FSU Department of Physician Assistant Medicine and the College of Education and Health & Natural Sciences has the authority to set dress code requirements for students admitted to the program.
The dress code at various clinical sites may be more, or less rigorous than the guidelines outlined below. If the culture of a particular clinical setting supports a specific dress code that is inconsistent with the policy outlined below, the student should discuss this with the Director of Clinical Education to determine proper dress behavior for the student (see “Style” below).
Classroom Setting
Students may express personal taste, through appropriate dress, while attending classes on the USMH PA Program campus. During attendance at clinical sites or off-campus lectures or programs, students will always wear professional attire. Well-established institutional dress codes, however, should not be ignored. In most clinical settings a white (lab) jacket is appropriate; however, certain psychiatric or pediatric settings may require less formal dress. In these cases, students will dress in accordance with the institution’s policies.
Professional attire is defined as:
- Dress/business casual slacks, collared shirts, skirts or dresses
- FSU PA Program identification tag with the student’s name, photograph and title “Physician Assistant Student” spelled out.
- Scrubs: If a student elects to wear scrubs they must be FSU DPAM department issued or solid-colored scrubs in good repair.
- Shoes: Footwear must be clean, in good condition, and appropriate. For safety reasons, open-toed shoes and sandals are not allowed in patient care areas or designated laboratory components of didactic courses.
- Style: No sweatshirts or shirts with messages, lettering or logos (except FSU). No shorts, cut-offs, etc.
- Fragrance : No wearing of colognes, perfumes, or scented lotions in the classroom or clinical settings as patients, students, and instructors may be sensitive to fragrances.
- Hands: Fingernails must be clean and short to allow for proper hand hygiene, use of instruments, prevention of glove puncture and injury to the patient. Artificial nails and decorative nail designs are prohibited.
- Hygiene: Daily hygiene must include personal cleanliness, including use of deodorant.
- Hair: Mustaches, and beards must be clean and well-trimmed. Students with long hair who participate in patient care or laboratory settings should wear hair tied back to avoid interfering with performance of procedures or having hair come into contact with patients, trainers, or classmates.
- Jewelry and other adornments such as body piercing should be consistent with policies established in clinical settings.
- No clothing should be unprofessionally revealing regardless of student gender. Please consult a Principal Faculty Member if you are unsure about this.
Specific modifications to this dress code (e.g. for labs, clinical skills courses) are at the discretion of the course director. Students should keep appropriate changes of clothes in their lockers.
Clinical Setting
Identification in the Clinical Setting
Proper identification must be clearly displayed identifying that the student is an FSU Physician Assistant student. FSU PA student ID badges must be worn at all times. The Professional ID badge must be worn so that it is easily readable by patients and hospital/clinic personnel. ID badges must not be obscured or altered in any manner except as determined by clinical necessity, (e.g. special stickers for newborn nursery access).
White Coats
Student-style white coats are required for clinical settings and during certain laboratory sessions, simulation exercises, competency evaluations and any other times as designated by the Course Director; they must be clean and neat. They will possess the FSU/DPAM logo. Exceptions to this rule are at the discretion of the clinical preceptor and must be approved by the Director for Clinical Education. If wearing scrubs outside the operating area, a clean white coat should be worn over scrubs.
Scrubs
In general, scrubs should not be worn outside of the hospital or clinic. Scrubs are expected to be clean when worn in a public area and should be covered with a white coat. The ID Badge must be worn outside the white coat. Scrubs may be worn only as delineated by individual clinical sites. If a student elects to wear scrubs they should be FSU DPAM department scrubs, hospital issued scrubs or solid-colored scrubs in good repair.
Shoes
Footwear must be clean, in good condition, and appropriate. For safety reasons, open-toed shoes and sandals are not allowed in patient care areas or designated laboratory components of didactic courses.
Style
No sweatshirts or shirts with messages, lettering or logos (except FSU). No shorts, cut-offs, etc. Jeans are not to be worn even if it is clinical site policy allows providers to wear jeans!
No wearing of colognes, perfumes or scented lotions in clinical settings as patients may be sensitive to fragrances.
Hands
Fingernails must be clean and short to allow for proper hand hygiene, use of instruments, prevention of glove puncture and injury to the patient. Artificial nails and decorative nail designs are prohibited. Some clinics/hospital settings do not permit any colored polish.
Hygiene
Daily hygiene must include personal cleanliness, including use of deodorant. Clothing should be clean, pressed, and in good condition, including the white coat.
Hair
Mustaches and beards must be clean and well-trimmed. Students with long hair who participate in patient care should wear hair tied back to avoid interfering with performance of procedures or having hair come into contact with patients.
Jewelry
Jewelry should not be functionally restrictive or excessive. Students should avoid wearing long or dangling earrings for their own and for patient safety. There should be no visible jewelry in body piercings with the exception of earrings. In the case of religious requirement, certain piercings may be acceptable. Please consult the Program Director or the Program Director’s designee if you have a religious requirement for piercings. No other facial jewelry (e.g., tongue, eyebrow piercings, etc.) is allowed.
Tattoos
Tattoos shall be covered when possible.
Violations
Students in violation of any of the above dress codes may be asked to change into appropriate attire. Repeated violations will result in referral of the student to the Student Progress Committee for disciplinary action.back to top
Academic Performance, Professionalism and Progression Policy (A3.15, A3.17)
Academic Performance, Professionalism and Progression Policy
Last Evaluated: July 2024
Responsible Party: Program Director
Minimum Review Frequency: Annually
Approving Body: Education Committee
Advising Form
Student Policies Acknowledgement Form
Graduate School Associated Forms:
Graduation Verification Checklist/Evaluation Form
Background and Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to provide clear expectations on requirements and procedures related to academic performance, professionalism, and progression.
Definitions
Academic Probation: Defined in the Graduate Catalog as "when your cumulative grade point average (GPA) falls below 3.0, you are placed on academic probation. You will be notified that your academic progress is unsatisfactory and you will be required to develop a study plan with your program coordinator for registration for the subsequent semester/s. You have a maximum of two semesters of graduate study to achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.0. If, after two semesters (including summer and intersessions) of graduate study you have not achieved a GPA of 3.00, you will be dismissed.
A student who fails the medical knowledge didactic exam on the first attempt will be placed on academic probation for at least one semester. Criteria to be removed from academic probation after the Fall semester are: (1) pass all EOR exams from the start of the Summer through the Fall semester; (2) earn at least a "B" in all clinical courses from the start of the Summer through the Fall semester; and (3) complete all additional assigned questions on the exam platform related to the student's topic and task area deficiencies questions from the didactic exam with the required minimum performance from the start of the Summer semester through the Fall semester. Failure to meet the criteria to be removed from academic probation will result in the continuation of academic probation unless the student meets the criteria for dismissal under the grade policy or meets the criteria for summer remediation due to the number of EOR failures.
Academic Intervention: The PA Program process of identifying students who are at risk of failing to progress within the program based on academic standards and determining strategies and a timeline for measurable improvement. The academic intervention must be reviewed and approved by the Student Progress Committee.
Remediation: The program defined and applied process for addressing deficiencies in a student’s knowledge and skills, such that the correction of these deficiencies is measurable and can be documented.
Deceleration: The loss of a student from the entering cohort, who remains matriculated in the physician assistant program.
Good Standing: Indicates an admitted student who is currently enrolled in the program and does not meet the criteria for dismissal.
Leave of Absence: A period of time a student is granted to be away from his/her studies while maintaining the status of current student.
Withdrawal: A student-based decision that results in a student’s exit from the program. A student must reapply to the program to regain admission.
Dismissal: The student is referred for dismissal from the PA Program based on a recommendation by the Student Progress Committee to Graduate Services based on failure to meet academic or professionalism standards. A student may appeal dismissal to regain admission.
Academic Performance Policy:
Required Academic Standards
Students enrolled in the FSU Physician Assistant Studies program must maintain adherence to the Graduate School standard of academic performance. According to FSU Graduate School policy, when your cumulative grade point average (GPA) falls below 3.0, you are placed on academic probation. You will be notified that your academic progress is unsatisfactory, and you will be required to have an academic intervention developed by the student, the faculty advisor, the Director of Didactic or Clinical Education in order to register for the subsequent semester. You have a maximum of two semesters of graduate study to achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.0. If, after two semesters (including summer and intersessions) of graduate study you have not achieved a GPA of 3.00, you will be recommended for dismissal by the Student Progress Committee to Graduate Services.
Assessment and Minimum Grade Standards
90-100% A
80-89.99% B
70-79.99% C
<70% F
Computation of Grade Point Average
Grade Point Average is the ratio expressed by the sum of the quality points divided by the sum of credits attempted. Pass/Fail grades are not a component of the Grade Point Average.
The Quality Point values of these grades are:
Grade Quality Points per Credit Hour
A 4.0
B 3.0
C 2.0
F 0.0
Didactic Remediation Policy
I. Purpose of the Remediation Policy- This policy describes student support while they work to achieve the program learning competencies and course learning objectives required for successful program completion.
- Remediation: Defined by ARC-PA as the program-defined and applied process for addressing deficiencies in a student’s knowledge and skills, such that the correction of these deficiencies is measurable and can be documented.
III. Remediation Process
A. Initial Advising Meetings for Low Module or Final Exam Scores
- Procedure: Students who score less than 80% on any module or final exam must have an advising session with the corresponding course director.
- Objective: To quickly identify, address, and document the specific barrier to student success.
- Outcome: Meeting documentation on an advising form.
- Procedure: After the SPC has identified individuals who have mid-semester course scores below 80%, the Director of Student Affairs, the student’s advisor, and if possible, the course director will meet with the student. If the course director cannot attend this meeting, then they will provide written documentation to the Direction of Student Affairs on their reflection of the student’s performance, the remediation intervention, and the measurable outcome. If the Director of Student Affairs is also the student’s advisor, an additional faculty member will attend the meeting.
- Objective: To define a remediation intervention and measurable outcome, as determined by the Director of Student Affairs and the course director. Course final exams can serve as documentation for medical knowledge remediation.
- Outcome: An academic intervention form will be completed and signed by the Director of Student Affairs and the applicable course director.
- Procedure: An educational intervention will be conducted for any student whose performance indicates inadequate mastery of the material defined as a letter grade of C. The student will not be able to remediate an end of course grade less than a C grade. Those students will be referred to SPC for dismissal.
- Objective: To develop comprehensive strategies tailored to the student's achievement of Course and Program Competencies, ensuring these strategies are implemented in a structured plan that documents outcomes.
- Outcome: Evaluation, remediation, and documentation of the measurable outcome on a remediation outcomes form.
- SPC Oversight: The SPC coordinates all academic interventions to ensure adherence to policy standards and provides effective support student. SPC monitors and reports on the status of remediation efforts with modifications made based on student outcomes.
- The original student scores count towards the course grade.
- No points are awarded for remediation assignments.
- Students who do not complete remediation assignments with adequate effort are subject to the procedures outlined in the student professionalism policy.
- Documentation: Maintain documentation of all remediation activities and communications, accessible to relevant faculty and the SPC.
Director of Clinical Education Role in Supporting Student Success in the Clinical Phase The role of the Director of Clinical Education is to support the student who is working towards successful completion of each clinical course.
During each SCPE the student is evaluated by the preceptor at the mid-point of a rotation. For each Mid-Point Evaluation, any mark rated as “below” or a negative comment will result in a meeting between the Director of Clinical Education and the student focused on strategies for improvement and successful SCPE completion. The preceptor may or may not attend the meeting.
This process is also applied to any concerns of student performance raised by the preceptor, student, faculty advisor, or other students. Any repeated score of one or two on the preceptor evaluation of the student results in referral to the Student Progress Committee unless the first instance is considered serious or egregious by the Director of Clinical Education and a referral is made to the Student Progress Committe for action in accordance with student professionalism policy listed below.
Clinical Phase Remediation
Remediation of Medical Knowledge Deficits
Definitions:
- Core SCPE: Includes Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Emergency Medicine, General Surgery, Women’s Health, Behavioral Health.
Overview:
- PAEA End of Rotation (EOR) Exams are standardized assessments of Core SCPE courses.
- Performance on these exams primarily assesses medical knowledge.
- EOR failure is defined as a Z-score of –1 or less based on the national average of the exam.
Remediation Procedures:
I. First EOR Exam Failure:
- Student completes a self-reflection survey within 24 hours of the score's release, due by 8 AM the next business day.
- Meeting with DCE and DSA to review survey and exam results.
- This interaction will be documented on an Advising Form. Completed forms will be electronically placed in the student’s file.
- Student repeats First EOR Exam Failure process.
- This interaction will be documented on an Academic Intervention Form.
- The student is assigned 75 additional questions on the exam platform related to the student's topic and task area deficiencies. The student must score at least 65% to document correction of these deficiencies.
- Failure to correct the identified deficiencies will be managed according to the Academic Intervention policy within this policy.
- The student receives an incomplete grade for the enrolled SCPE in which the EOR failure occurred.
- The student meets with the DCE and DSA to review previous interventions and the student will be placed on Academic Probation. The student will be retained beyond their original graduation date for remediation of incomplete courses but will remain matriculated with the original cohort as long as the incomplete courses are completed before the end of the summer semester after graduation.
Requirements for Progression from Matriculation to Didactic Phase
After admission notification and prior to matriculation, students must meet the following to progress to the didactic phase:
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- Successfully complete the admission requirements including submission all required immunizations and proof of health insurance
- Successfully complete the FSU PA Program Orientation
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Requirements for Progression within the Didactic Phase
Due to the sequential nature of the curriculum, students must successfully complete all courses for a given semester before becoming eligible to take courses in the subsequent semester. Exceptions will be made for incomplete courses in accordance with University policy. The Student Progress Committee will make a recommendation for each student to progress to the next semester if the following requirements are met:
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- Achieve a minimum overall 3.0 GPA or placed on academic probation
- No course grades of “F”
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Requirements for Progression from Didactic Phase to Clinical SCPE Phase
Students must successfully complete all courses in the didactic phase and Summer II DPAM 685, 690, and 695 before they may take SCPE courses (DPAM 700 series) in the clinical phase of the program. The Student Progress Committee will make a recommendation for each student to progress from the didactic to the SCPE phase if the following requirements are met the following:
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- Achieve a minimum overall 3.0 GPA or placed on academic probation
- No course grades of “F”
- Passes all components of the didactic summative exam, except the medical knowledge exam which will require remediation
- No incomplete didactic courses
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Requirements for Progression within the Clinical Phase
Supervised Clinical Practice Experiences offered during the clinical phase of the program do not follow the semester calendar. Due to timing, as well as complexity of evaluative measures incorporated, student performance is assessed by the Director of Clinical Education at the completion of each Supervised Clinical Practice Experience to determine progression to the next rotation. The Student Progress Committee will make a recommendation for each student to progress within the clinical phase based on the information presented on student performance by the Director of Clinical Education. If the Student Progress Committee makes a recommendation against student progression in any phase of the curriculum, the student will be referred to the Office of Graduate Services for disposition.
Academic Probation
Students will be referred to Graduate Services for Academic Probation in the following circumstances:
- When a student fails to achieve the required 3.0 cumulative or semester GPA.
- Failure of the first attempt of the didactic medical knowledge summative exam.
- After the third (3) failure of the first attempt of the PAEA End of Rotation Exam.
- Failure of the first attempt of the program medical knowledge summative exam.
Academic Dismissal:
This process is defined by the Graduate School and students are referred to the Graduate Catalog . A student may be recommended by the Student Progress Committee for dismissal under the following conditions:
- If a student earns two grades below the level of B within the first 6-9 credit hours or within the first two semesters of study.
- If a student who was on Academic Probation fails to achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.0 after two semesters (including summer and intersessions).
- If a student’s academic progress precludes them from meeting the cumulative GPA of 3.0 required for graduation.
- More than two (2) grades below “B” during the didactic phase and more than one (1) grade below “B” during the clinical phase
- Any course grade below "C" at any point in the PA Program
Academic Dishonesty
Any concerns regarding academic dishonesty may be reported to the office of Student Affairs at https://www.frostburg.edu/reporting-an-incident/ or contact the Director of Student Conduct and Community Standards, at X4312 or studentconduct@frostburg.edu.
Examples of academic dishonesty are listed in the FSU Community Standards Policy Statement, available on the University website.
Requirements for Graduation
The Student Progress Committee will make a recommendation for each student to graduate from the PA Program and earn a Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies degree if all of the following requirements are met:
- Successfully complete all course work according to program defined academic standards including demonstration of meeting all Program Learning Outcomes;
- Achieve a minimum overall 3.0 G.P.A. (Grade Point Average) with no more than two (2) grades below “B” during the didactic phase and one (1) grade below “B” during the clinical phase;
- Successfully pass or remediate all components of the didactic evaluation;
- Successfully pass or remediate all components of the summative evaluation;
- Demonstrate they have met program expectations and acquired the competencies needed for entry into clinical practice;
- Submit a completed graduation application to the Office of Graduate Services;
- Be in good academic standing. If a student is on academic probation as he/she enters the final semester, he/she must complete the final semester with the required overall G.P.A. of 3.0 to be awarded the degree;
- Be in good professional standing. If a student is on professionalism probation as he/she enters the final semester, he/she must successfully meet program-established conditions prior to the end of the final semester to successfully transition off professionalism probation prior to graduation;
- Complete all requirements for graduation within 6 years of the original date of matriculation;
- No incomplete grades; and
- Approval of the Student Progress Committee.
Professionalism Policy
Required Professional Behaviors expected of students, prematriculated students, and applicants at all times and in all settings.
Students, prematriculated students, and applicants must display a professional attitude. Expectations include, but are not limited to, those defined by the National Board of Medical Examiners as follows:
- Adheres to institutional policies and procedures
- Admits errors and assumes responsibility
- Advocates for the individual patient
- Arrives on time for scheduled activities and appointments
- Conveys information honestly and tactfully
- Demonstrates sensitivity to power inequalities in professional relationships
- Fulfills responsibilities in a timely manner
- Maintains composure during difficult interactions
- Maintains thoroughness and attention to detail
- Modifies behavior based on feedback
- Requests help when needed
- Responds promptly to communication requests
- Acknowledges limits of one's own knowledge
- Responds receptively to diverse opinions and values
- Demonstrates humility
- Maintains the confidentiality of test material
Respect: Students, prematriculated students, and applicants are expected to treat all patients, faculty, program staff, clinical preceptors, and fellow students with dignity and respect. Conflicts should be resolved in a diplomatic and reasoned manner. Students should be sensitive and tolerant with regard to diversity in the student and patient population. Physician Assistant training involves a close working environment with other students and includes physical examination of fellow students and discussion groups that may reveal information of a personal nature. These situations must be approached with respect for the privacy, confidentiality, and the feelings of fellow students. The program will not tolerate incivility by any member of the PA community. Examples of incivility include rude, sarcastic, obscene, disruptive or disrespectful remarks or behavior, verbal or physical threats, or damage to property.
- Sensitive/responsive to needs of others
- Sensitive/responsive to culture, age, gender and disabilities of others
- Puts others interests before own
- Provides assistance/comfort to others
Flexibility: Physician assistant training involves instruction from practicing clinicians with unpredictable schedules. At times lectures or clinical sessions may need to be adjusted with short notice. We believe the advantages of utilizing practicing clinicians outweigh this inconvenience and ask students, prematriculated students, and applicants to be flexible and tolerant of changes.
- Attends required activities/arrives on time
- Reliable, dependable, completes tasks fully and in timely manner
- Accepts appropriate share of teamwork
- Self-motivated, organized, and prepared
- Accountable to patients, society, and the profession
- Adapts well to stressful/changing circumstances
Behavior: Students, prematriculated students, and applicants are expected to behave in a responsible, reliable and dependable manner. The student must project a professional image in manner, dress, grooming, speech and interpersonal relationships that are consistent with being a medical professional. The student should recognize his/her personal limitations and biases, whether they are intellectual, physical or emotional and strive to correct them. He or she must demonstrate the professional and emotional maturity to manage tensions and conflicts and should seek professional help when necessary. Success in the Physician Assistant profession requires certain behavioral attributes including empathy, discipline, honesty, integrity, the ability to work effectively with others in a team environment, and the ability to address a crisis or emergency in a composed manner.
- Respectful, cooperative (team player), builds atmosphere conducive to learning
- Acknowledges and values diversity, talents, skills, contributions of others
- Communicates effectively (verbal and written)
- Good interpersonal skills (develops appropriate professional relationships with peers, faculty, physician supervisors and other health care providers)
- Recognizes/maintains appropriate boundaries
- Displays tact and self-control
Integrity: Integrity is the quality of consistency and steadfast adherence to a defined code of ethics. It includes honesty and soundness of mind and body. Students are expected to demonstrate integrity by following all policies in the program and the institution, including those pertaining to academic dishonesty and unethical behavior. Physician Assistant students, prematriculated students, and applicants are also expected to display the highest ethical standards commensurate with work as a health care professional. These are outlined in the Guidelines for Ethical Conduct for the Physician Assistant Profession published by the American Academy of Physician Assistants.
- Accurately portrays personal qualifications
- Displays professional presentation (dresses appropriately and good personal hygiene)
- Performs in accordance with regulatory and legal requirements (follow the rules), as well as the appropriate role of the physician assistant
- Committed to ethical principles pertaining to provision or withholding of clinical care, confidentiality of patient information, informed consent, and business practices
- Recognizes limitations and seeks, accepts and incorporates constructive feedback
- Behaves honestly/appears trustworthy
Evaluation of Professional Behaviors
The Student Progress Committee evaluates students’ professional behavior when a professionalism warning or violation arises. A professionalism lapse may be brought to the attention of the faculty or staff by any stakeholder of the PA Program, including faculty, staff, students, preceptors, or community members using the Professionalism Reporting form. When a professionalism issue arises, the Chair of the Student Progress Committee will investigate the issue appropriately. If a determination is made by the Chair of the Student Progress Committee that the professionalism issue is valid, a meeting will occur at a minimum between the student and the Chair of the Student Progress Committee. The faculty advisor and phase director may also be present at the meeting. The student will have an opportunity to respond to the issue.Information collected by the Chair of the Student Progress Committee will be brought to the Student Progress Committee for consideration. The student will have an opportunity to respond to the allegation and will have up to 5 minutes to succinctly respond to accusation and answer any committee questions. The time may be extended with a simple majority of the committee. Four potential outcomes may be decided by the committee:
- No professionalism warning or violation is warranted based on the evidence available. The student may still need counseling or advice.
- A Professionalism Warning is warranted, and a Professionalism Warning form will be filled out by the Committee, signed by the student, and placed in the student’s file. The Chair of the Student Progress Committe, the faculty advisor and the course director (if applicable) will devise a professionalism remediation plan with the student. Such a plan may include, but is not limited to, referral to appropriate resources, developing a contract regarding behavioral modification, on-going advisory meetings, and other means of assisting the student to improve problem areas. Repeated Professionalism infractions warrant further review.
- A Professionalism Violation is warranted. A Professionalism Violation will be filled out by the Committee, signed by the student, and placed in the student’s file. The Chair of the Student Progress Committe, the faculty advisor and the course director (if applicable) will devise a professionalism remediation plan with the student. Such a plan may include, but is not limited to, referral to appropriate resources, developing a contract regarding behavioral modification, on-going advisory meetings, and other means of assisting the student to improve problem areas. The student will be placed on Professional Probation for one academic semester, and there will be a review of the remediation plan by the Student Progress Committee at the end of the probationary period to determine success. Graduate Services and the Dean will be made aware of this disposition.
- If the violation is deemed to be egregious, illegal, grossly unethical, or precludes future licensure or certification, the student will be referred to Frostburg State University for consideration of Professional Dismissal.
Professionalism Components of Grades in the Didactic Year
Professionalism is evaluated in each didactic year course in the PA Program for a minimum of 5% of the total course grade. The course instructors evaluate professional behaviors using the DPAM Professionalism Rubric, available on Canvas. Any deduction in a student’s professionalism grade requires the course director to inform the student regarding the specific behavior of concern. Concerns regarding professional behavior during the course are subject to review by the Student Progress Committee, and students may face measures at the Departmental level, such as the issuance of a Professionalism Warning, Professionalism Violation, Professionalism Probation, or Dismissal from the PA Program for professionalism.
Preceptor Evaluation of Student Professionalism
- Any score below “3” out of 5 or any significant negative comment in narrative section will be reviewed by the Director of Clinical Education to determine if a referral to the Student Progress Committee is warranted. If the student receives any score below “3” out of 5 or any significant negative comment in narrative section at another SCPE course then the DCE will refer the matter to SPC for action.
Professionalism Probation
Students may be placed on Professionalism Probation following an unacceptable professionalism assessment by the Student Progress Committee when they do not demonstrate acceptable professionalism behaviors on a repeated basis or for serious or egregious professionalism lapses.
The probationary period will last from the time the student is placed on professionalism probation until the end of the following semester, at which time the Student Progress Committee will conduct a formal professional evaluation review.
Procedure for regaining good standing following placement on Professionalism Probation:
- Successfully complete by the deadline any professionalism remediation activities assigned.
- Refrain from future professionalism lapses during the probationary period.
Professionalism Dismissal
The Student Progress Committee will refer students to Graduate Services for professionalism dismissal if the student meets #4 above under evaluation of professional behaviors or the student commits another professionalism violation whether they are on professionalism probation or not.
Students may be recommended to Graduate Services by the Student Progress Committee for dismissal from the Physician Assistant Program under ANY of the following circumstances:
- For any gross violations of professional conduct as determined by the Student Progress Committee.
- The Student Progress Committee determines another professionalism violation occurred while the student was on professionalism probation.
- When their behavior poses a threat to the mental or physical well-being of others.
- When their behavior poses a threat to the standards of orderly operation, scholarship, and conduct.
- When they have violated principles related to academic integrity and plagiarism as outlined by FSU Community Standards Policy Statements.
Dismissal from the PA Program
In addition to the university’s standard means of dismissing students, a student may be put on probation or dismissed from the university through enforcement of any of the following policies, each of which articulates the process by which the Department Chair of Physician Assistant Medicine may decide on probation or dismissal:
- Student Drug Screen Policy
- Criminal Background Check Policy
- Student Health Policy
- Academic Performance, Professionalism, and Progression Policy
- Infection Control, Safety and Personal Security Policy
- PA Dress Standard Policy
- Student Employment Policy
- Student Orientation Policy
- Social Media Policy
- Technical Standards Policy
If the Department Chair of Physician Assistant Medicine decides in favor of dismissal from the university based on any of the above policies, the Department Chair will send that decision to the Office of Graduate Services for action. The student may submit a written and evidenced appeal to the College Dean’s Office within 5 working days after receipt of the notice from the Office of Graduate Services. The Dean’s Office shall respond in writing within 10 working days after receipt of the appeal. If the Dean upholds the dismissal, the student may submit a written and evidenced appeal to the Provost within 5 working days. The Provost shall respond in writing within 10 working days of receipt of the appeal. The decision of the Provost is final. If the Dean or Provost upholds the appeal, they may impose an academic plan with additional requirements to remain in good standing with the program.
These policies can be found on the PA Program website under Student Policies.
If a policy is updated, current PA Program students will be notified through FSU email as to the substance of the updates, and the effective date of the update.
Conduct Violations and Harassment
The FSU Physician Assistant Program adheres to the same policy adhered to by FSU University. This can be found in the FSU Community Standards Policy Statement document.
All members of the University community are responsible to create a safe and inclusive environment that is free from Gender-Based Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, Relationship Violence, and Stalking. Individuals who report violations of this policy in good faith will be protected from retaliation.
This policy applies to all reported incidents of Prohibited Conduct and supersedes and replaces the University’s Sexual Harassment Policy, PN 1.004.
You can learn more about the Frostburg State University Gender-Based Harassment and Violence policy including reporting information.
Student Grievances
Academic Grievances
The PA Program abides by FSU University policies related to Academic Grievance, as outlined in the Graduate Catalog.
General Attendance Policy
Program instruction is generally scheduled from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. On occasion, a class, make-up class, lecture or special activity may be scheduled for evenings and weekends on an as needed basis.
The following policy and procedure is cut from the Class Attendance policy PN 2.024 on page 115 of the Faculty Handbook. Each faculty member sets their own policy on class attendance. Such a policy is to be indicated to the student in writing at the beginning of the term and should not be changed during the term.
Students are responsible to clearly understand the attendance policy of each of his/her instructors and to act accordingly. The student is responsible for explaining the reason for any absence to the instructor. If possible, the student is expected to contact the instructor prior to the absence. No administrative officer of the University issues class absence excuses for any reason.
Absences for Health Issues, Bereavement and Other Emergencies:
The faculty recognizes that students may experience serious medical issues, the death of a loved one, or other significant and unexpected life events during the course of an academic term that may lead to extended absences. Instructors must permit student absences for a reasonable number of days based on the severity of the situation and considering any travel that may be necessary. To minimize the impact of serious life events on students’ academic progress, students must contact their instructor(s) within five days of returning to develop an accommodation plan to allow the student to make up any missed assignments, find alternative assignments or excuse some assignments, in whatever manner the faculty member believes is fair and appropriate. In the event that an experience cannot be replaced, the final grade will be computed in a manner determined by the instructor to be fair and reasonable, including assigning a grade of Incomplete if applicable. Faculty are not obligated to accommodate a student who has, even for legitimate reasons, missed so much of the critical components of a course that arrangements for makeup work would not be reasonable. Students who believe their final course grade has been determined in an unfair (arbitrary and/or capricious) manner should follow the University Procedures for Review of Alleged Arbitrary and Capricious Grading Grade Grievance process found in the Graduate catalog.
If forced by an emergency to be absent from classes, a student should notify the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, which will keep such information on file should instructors wish to confirm the absence. Instructors may request students to provide documentation to verify the absence. In cases where it is unlikely or impossible for the student to be successful in one or more classes because of emergency absences, the student should contact the Office of Student Affairs to facilitate a regular or medical withdrawal subject to university policies and procedures on withdrawals (e.g., financial aid, refund policies). Students must consult financial aid or Office of the Registrar websites for withdrawal and refund policies and procedures. The goal is to balance support for students in achieving their educational goals with the academic integrity of the curriculum and the principles of faculty academic freedom.
Absences for Religious Observances
Frostburg State University recognizes that the academic programs and services of the University shall be available to all qualified students who have been admitted to its programs, regardless of their religious beliefs. Students shall not be penalized because of observance of their religious holidays and shall be given an opportunity to make up, within a reasonable time period, any academic assignment that is missed due to individual participation in religious observances. It is the responsibility of the student to notify his or her instructor of conflicts between religious observances and scheduled course activities.
Attendance During Clinical Phase
Students have a professional commitment and obligation to the clinical sites which they are assigned. Supervised Clinical Practice Experience (SCPE) schedules are determined by the preceptor and may include evenings, nights, and weekends, based on site and preceptor availability. If an illness, emergency, or extenuating circumstance prevents the student from attending the clinical site, the preceptor and the Director of Clinical Education must be notified prior to the student's scheduled arrival time. Additionally, attendance at the End of Rotation activities is mandatory.
Absences are defined as any absences from shifts scheduled by the clinical preceptor and written documentation to support the reason for absence should be submitted to the Director of Clinical Education within 48 hours of the shift missed. This may include documentation from a medical provider (MD, DO, PA, NP) and/ or a copy of original military orders. Remediation for the missed hours is at the discretion of the Director of Clinical Education or the Student Progress Committee.
Leave of Absence
A student in good academic standing may request a leave of absence due to occurrence of such events that make it impossible to fully participate in their educational program.
Students requesting a leave of absence must apply in writing to the Department Chair & Program Director. In the event of a medical problem or pregnancy, the request should be accompanied by a letter from a healthcare provider describing the nature of the condition for which the leave is requested, and the estimated length of time needed for recovery.
After consultation with the student, the Department Chair & Program Director will decide whether the leave is to be granted and the conditions under which the student may return to school. The Program Director reserves the right to consult with the Program Faculty and/or the Student Progress Committee for consideration of the leave of absence request. A student requesting a leave of absence must go through the following procedure:
- Request in writing a leave of absence from the Department Chair & Program Director.
- The student must personally meet with the Department Chair & Program Director to discuss the reason for the leave.
- After consulting with the student, if it is determined that the leave of absence will be granted, the Department Chair & Program Director will assist the student through the official leave of absence procedure at the PA Program level. The Department Chair & Program Director will send an official letter to the student indicating that the leave of absence has been approved and specifying the terms of the leave of absence will be determined by the Program Director and reviewed with the student, including the following elements:
- Implications for resuming the curriculum (course requirements and sequencing issues)
- Duration of the leave (no longer than 12 months)
- Method for demonstrating academic readiness upon return to the Program
- Method for demonstrating ability to meet the technical standards upon return to the Program
- Need to repeat criminal background check and/or urine drug screen prior to return (at the student’s expense)
- Curriculum or policy revisions to which the student will be subject upon return to the Program
- Upon receipt of the official letter from the Department Chair & Program Director, the student must provide the letter including the defined terms for the leave of absence, Department Chair & Program Director approval of the leave, and a note from his/her healthcare provider (if applicable) to the Graduate Services Office. The Graduate Services Office then assists the student with completing University administrative leave of absence processes related to financial aid, student accounts, and registration status. If a student does not return from the leave of absence at the specified time, the student will be administratively withdrawn from the program and will be responsible for all accrued fees and financial obligations.
If the leave is approved, the official start date of the leave of absence will be stipulated by the Program.
Director’s approval letter. In the event the student is incapacitated and unable to initiate the request, the Program Director may facilitate this process.
Any tuition reimbursement will be in accordance with the institutional refund policy. A Leave of Absence may result in a student graduating after the remainder of their cohort, not being able to participate in the graduation ceremony with their original cohort, and other program and university-related events.
Withdrawal from the PA Program
- Students are permitted to withdraw from the program at their discretion following the University defined procedure.
- Withdrawal from an individual course will not allow a student to progress in the program as per the requirements for progression (see Requirements for Progression and Graduation section) and therefore constitutes withdrawal from the program.
- To officially withdraw from the University, a student must report to the Graduate Services Office. Students wishing to withdraw should also consult with the Office of Financial Aid to determine if stipulations associated with the financial aid package will lead to changes in the financial statement.
Faculty Advising Policy (A1.04, A2.05e, A3.10)
Origin Date: June 2018
Last Evaluated: April 2024
Responsible Party: Program Director
Minimum Review Frequency: Annually
Approving Body: Education Committee
Associated Forms:
Student Advisement form
Background and Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to clarify the role of the faculty as an advisor and the expectation of both faculty and student in the advising process.
Physician Assistant Program Faculty Advising
All students who have been accepted into the program will be assigned a principal faculty who will act as their official student advisor. Student advisors will officially meet with each of their advisees on a regular schedule as outlined below. It is the student's responsibility to contact and schedule required meetings with their advisor. Additionally, students or advisors may request unscheduled meetings as the need arises.
For first-year students, the initial advising session should occur during orientation to begin the process of establishing a professional relationship with their advisor.
Academic advising is designed to be vertically progressive through the course of the curriculum. Advisement topics may include transition to adult learning and differences between undergraduate and graduate education. Over time, there are greater discussions about such topics as readiness for clinical practice and professional development. Student-specific advisement topics will usually include discussion of current course grades and overall GPA, study habits, test-taking skills, and any other aspects of PA education that are particularly difficult for the student. It is critical that any weaknesses or academic problems be identified proactively, and interventions initiated to maximize each student’s opportunity for success.
When appropriate, student advisors will assist the student in locating helpful resources, and promptly initiate referrals. Both on-campus and off-campus resources may be utilized. Financial responsibility/insurance coverage for the cost of mental health or psychological counseling is solely the responsibility of the individual student. Under no circumstances is the faculty advisor to assume the role of professional mental health provider of needed mental health or counseling services for any student.
Student Advisement form: This form should be used when documenting the advising sessions described by this policy. The completed form should be included with copies of the student’s professionalism evaluations that were discussed during the corresponding advising session. All student advising/counseling sessions will be documented using the student advisement form and filed in the students’ program file. This form should also be used when documenting any additional non-scheduled advisement sessions or other meetings related to student performance, personal issues, or professionalism. The form must be completed and uploaded into the student file electronically.
Advisement schedule:
Session # |
Semester |
Week |
Topics |
1 |
Summer 1 |
Orientation |
Meet with advisor and discuss advising process |
2 |
Summer 1 |
After Module 1 exams |
Discuss study habits and grades on the first exam |
3 |
Fall 1 |
Any |
Progression and any student concerns |
4 |
Spring 1 |
Any |
Progression and any student concerns |
5 |
Summer 2 |
June |
Progression, readiness for SCPEs and any student concerns |
6 |
Fall 2 |
varied |
All students should meet at least once with advisors during callback days each semester during the clinical year; discuss clinical experiences, preparation for independent practice, student concerns |
7 |
Spring 2 |
varied |
All students should meet at least once with advisors during callback days each semester during the clinical year; discuss clinical experiences, preparation for independent practice, and student concerns |
8 |
Spring 2 |
After summative exam |
Board prep; readiness for practice/expectations of graduates and student concerns |
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Student Drug Screen Policy
Origin Date: June 2018
Last Evaluated: April 2024
Responsible Party: Director of Clinical Education
Minimum Review Frequency: Annually
Approving Body: Education Committee
Associated Forms: None
Background and Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to provide a safe treatment, working and learning environment for patients, students, clinical and institutional staff and protection of property during enrollment in the FSU Physician Assistant Program. Health care accreditation organizations mandate that hospitals and other health care agencies require students, who participate in the care of patients, be subject to the same compliance and work standards as their employees. Accordingly, submitting a negative drug screen is a condition for participation in certain clinical experiential learning opportunities offered during the didactic phase of the FSU PA Program curriculum, as well as certain Supervised Clinical Practice Experiences offered during the clinical phase of the program.
Policy Statement
As a prerequisite to participating in patient care, FSU PA students may be required to undergo one or more random drug screenings. Such randomized testing is necessary in order to adhere to the requirements of our clinical affiliates. When required by clinical facilities, students must complete drug screening prior to the onset of the given clinical experience. Students are financially responsible for services related to urine drug screening. Depending on the specific clinical site requirements, this may need to be repeated annually or more frequently.
Drug screening results that limit the Program’s ability to secure clinical experiences may prevent a student from being promoted within the program or recommended for graduation. By accepting admission into the FSU PA program, students agree to submit to a drug screening, and agree to pay expenses associated with these requirements.
Acceptance into and successful completion of the FSU PA Program does not imply or guarantee that the student will be able to obtain state licensure upon graduation.
Process
I. Process for obtaining a required drug screen- Upon enrollment in the program, the FSU PA program will instruct students in the process for contacting the vendor with which the program has established a reporting relationship.
- The approved vendor will notify students via e-mail of the deadline for completion of any required drug screens throughout the course of the program.
- The approved vendor will provide students with instructions regarding obtaining and authorizing release of all required drug screen results.
- Required drug screen will consist of, but not be limited to: Amphetamines (amphetamine and methamphetamine), Cocaine metabolite, Marijuana metabolites, Opiates (codeine and morphine), Phencyclidine, Barbiturates, Benzodiazepines, Methadone, Propoxyphene, Methaqualone, and MDMA (Ecstasy).
- Results of all student drug screens will be provided by the approved vendor to the Director of Clinical Educationr. Results will only indicate whether the test result is “negative” or “non-negative”. No additional information will be provided to the program.
- The approved vendor will ensure that all “non-negative” results are reviewed by a medical review officer/physician (MRO). A test is not considered “non-negative” until the MRO determines that the results are not due to a legally prescribed prescription medication being used as directed by their health care provider, or due to some other plausible reason. In these cases, students will receive a complete report and will have the opportunity to provide additional information/documentation to the MRO for consideration. The FSU PA Program Director will be notified that the drug screen is undergoing review by the MRO. Following review, the program will receive notification of whether the results are deemed to be “negative” or “nonnegative”.
- The Chair of the Department of Physician Assistant Medicine and the Director of Clinical Education will review all required drug screen reports for enrolled PA students.
- Due to the mandate to comply with health system policies, and the serious implications of a “non-negative” test, disciplinary actions against students may be imposed without the customary mechanisms of warning and probation.
- Students may not begin or continue coursework (clinical or non-clinical) immediately after a “non-negative” urine drug screen is received. As a result, the student will not be able to complete the requirements of the education program and will be dismissed from the program following final review by the Chair of the Department of Physician Assistant Medicine.
III. Appeals process
- Dean of the College of Education, Health and Natural Sciences
- A PA student dismissed from the program may, within seven days after the abnormal drug screen was received and the student is notified of the dismissal, appeal to the Dean of the College of Education, Health and Natural Sciences. The appeal must be made in writing and include any supporting documentation the student wishes to submit.
- The Dean will consider the request for appeal.
- The student may request a meeting with the Dean. The Dean will determine whether such a meeting is necessary and will determine any terms of the meeting.
- The Dean will render a decision on the matter within seven days of receipt of the appeal request.
- The student, Chair of the Department of Physician Assistant Studies, and the Graduate Services Office will be informed of the Dean’s decision.
- Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs
- A PA student dismissed from the program and whose subsequent appeal to the Dean has also been denied may appeal the Dean’s decision. The appeal must be made in writing and received by the Provost within seven days of the Dean’s decision.
- The Provost will consider the request for appeal.
- The student may request a meeting with the Provost. The Provost will determine whether such a meeting is necessary and will determine any terms of the meeting.
- The Provost will render a decision on the matter within seven days of receipt of the appeal request.
- The student, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Department Chair and the Graduate Services Office will be informed of this decision.
- The decision of the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs regarding dismissal is final and cannot be appealed.
Maintenance of Records and Confidentiality
Drug screen results will be retained by the Chairperson of the Department of Physician Assistant Medicine and will remain separate from other student educational and academic records. Confidentiality will be maintained consistent with Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and any other appropriate requirements and/or guidelines.
back to topCriminal Background Check Policy
Origin Date: June 2018
Last Evaluated: April 204
Responsible Party: Director of Clinical Education
Minimum Review Frequency: Annually
Approving Body: Education Committee
Associated forms:
Student Release Form
Background and Purpose
Frostburg State University Department of Physician Assistant Medicine (DPAM) requires a background check on all its conditionally admitted applicants and current students in order to enhance the health and safety of patients, students, faculty, and staff in the academic and clinical environments, to adhere to applicable healthcare regulations, and to attest to affiliated clinical facilities a student’s background and eligibility status. The background check will identify incidents in an applicant’s or student’s history that might pose a risk to patients or others.
Policy Statement
All FSU Physician Assistant program conditionally admitted applicants and current students will be required to undergo criminal background and sex offender (CBSO) checks prior to matriculation, annually, or more frequently, at the discretion of the clinical facility. For conditionally admitted applicants, the offer of admission is conditional upon results of the background check. If a conditionally admitted or current student declines to undergo a background check while enrolled in the program or if findings of a grievous nature are revealed, this will be grounds for revoking an offer of admission or dismissal from the program. Costs of the CBSO checks are the responsibility of the applicant/student. A copy of the CBSO check results will be made available to the applicant/student upon request. Other copies will be distributed as appropriate on a need-to-know basis. All applicants/students will sign a release form indicating that the program has the right to release appropriate information to clinical sites.
CBSO check results that limit the Program’s ability to secure clinical experiences may prevent a student from progressing in their didactic phase of study, being promoted to the clinical education phase or being recommended for graduation. By accepting admission to the Program, applicants agree to submit to national criminal background checks, and agree to pay expenses associated with this requirement.
Acceptance into and successful completion of the FSU PA Program does not imply or guarantee that the student will obtain state licensure upon graduation.
Process
I. Examination of information obtained through criminal background and sex offender check- The Director of Clinical Education or designee will review the yearly CBSO check report results for all conditionally admitted applicants and enrolled students.
- If a CBSO check report contains adverse information, that report will be referred to the University’s Character and Conduct Review Committee. Additionally, the applicant/student will be informed and provided with the contact information to challenge the finding or provide explanatory information.
- A standing University Character and Conduct Review Committee, comprised of members of the university graduate and undergraduate admissions offices, student affairs office, university counsel and university police chief, will be responsible for reviewing all materials referred to it by the Chair of the Department of Physician Assistant Medicine. Other University officials may be consulted, as appropriate.
- The Character and Conduct Review Committee will evaluate adverse CBSO check reports in order to make a determination about the student’s suitability for continuation in the program. The committee may consult with the Chair of the Department of Physician Assistant Medicine in order to clarify program and professional standards prior to final determination.
- Conditionally admitted applicants and students who have adverse information in their CBSO check report, and who believe that there are mistakes in the report or extenuating circumstances to be considered, may submit a written request for consideration to the Committee. Any written request for consideration must occur with seven days of notification of adverse information.
- The Character and Conduct Review Committee will conduct a careful review of the information in the CBSO check report, any self-reported information in the student’s file, including criminal convictions and pending adjudications, and any relevant supplementary information obtained from the student or from other sources, including court documents. Factors involved in the individual case review may include, but are not limited to:
- the nature, circumstances, and frequency of any reported offense(s)
- the length of time since the offense(s)
- available information that addresses efforts at rehabilitation
- the accuracy of the information provided by the student in their application materials
- the relationship between the duties to be performed as part of the educational program and the offense committed
- The Character and Conduct Review Committee will be responsible for deciding whether the results of their CBSO check report investigation indicate the applicant is disqualified from entrance into the program or student should be dismissed from the program. They will forward their decision in writing to the applicant/student, the Chair of the Department of Physician Assistant Medicine, the Graduate Services Office, and to the Dean of the College of Education, Health and Natural Sciences within 30 days after receipt of referred report from the Chair of the Department of Physician Assistant Medicine.
- Dean of the College of Education, Health and Natural Sciences
- A conditionally admitted applicant or student who is dismissed from the program based on the decision of the Student Character and Conduct Review Committee may appeal the committee’s decision. The appeal must be made in writing and received by the Dean of the College of Education, Health and Natural Sciences with a copy to the Department Chair & Program Director of Physician Assistant Medicine and the Office of Graduate Services within seven days after the Character and Conduct Review Committee renders its decision.
- The Dean will consider the request for appeal.
- The applicant/student may request a meeting with the Dean. The Dean will determine whether such a meeting is necessary and will determine any terms of the meeting.
- The Dean will render a decision on the matter within seven days of receipt of the appeal request.
- The applicant/student, Chair of the Department of Physician Assistant Medicine, and the Graduate Services Office will be informed of the Dean’s decision.
- Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs
-
- A conditionally admitted applicant or student dismissed from the program by the Conduct and Character Review Committee, and whose subsequent appeal to the Dean has also been denied, may appeal the Dean’s decision. The appeal must be made in writing and received by the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs within seven days of the Dean’s decision.
- The Provost will consider the request for appeal.
- The applicant/student may request a meeting with the Provost. The Provost will determine whether such a meeting is necessary and will determine any terms of the meeting.
- The Provost will render a decision on the matter within seven days of receipt of the appeal request.
- The applicant/student, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Department Chair and the Graduate Services Office will be informed of this decision.
- The decision of the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs regarding dismissal is final and cannot be appealed.
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Maintenance of Records and Confidentiality
Information obtained for the purpose of and during the CBSO check will be retained by the Chairperson of Department of Physician Assistant Medicine separate from other student educational and academic records. Confidentiality will be maintained consistent with FERPA and any other appropriate guidelines.
back to topStudent Health Policy (A1.04, A3.07, A3.09, A3.19)
Last Evaluated: April 2024
Responsible Party: Program Director
Minimum Review Frequency: Annually
Approving Body: Education Committee
Health Information Form
Release of Information Form
Background and Purpose
The purpose of this document is to define policies, procedures and availability of health services for students enrolled in the physician assistant program.
Policy Statement
1. All students MUST provide proof of health insurance prior to matriculation. Each Student’s personal health insurance policy must remain active throughout their participation in the program.
2. Students are financially responsible for the cost of all health care services they may require while enrolled in the program, including any health care services required as a result of their participation in scheduled program activities (e.g. TB testing, immunizations, treatment of injuries, pathogen exposure evaluation and treatment).
3. The following health requirements are mandatory prior to any experiential education course at off-site facilities. The immunization requirements must be fully complied with in the first 30 days post matriculation, or the student will be withdrawn from classes without credit.
- Tuberculosis: One of the following completed within the past 12 months is required:
- 2 step TB skin test (administered 1-3 weeks apart)
or - QuantiFERON Gold blood test (lab report required)
or - If positive results, submit a clear chest x-ray (radiology report required)
- 2 step TB skin test (administered 1-3 weeks apart)
- Immunizations: Students must be current on all required immunizations. Either record of immunization or serologic proof of immunity must be provided for all listed conditions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for health care personnel, to include, but may not be limited to:
- Hepatitis B: BOTH of the following are required:
- 3 vaccinations
and - A positive antibody titer (lab report required)
If your titer was negative or equivocal, you must repeat the series and provide a 2nd titer.
- 3 vaccinations
- Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR): One of the following is required:
- 2 vaccinations: The first vaccination MUST be administered AFTER the age of 1 regardless of vaccination type. Vaccinations can be a combined MMR vaccination, however if individualized vaccinations are submitted you MUST submit 2 vaccinations for Mumps and Measles and 1 vaccination for Rubella
or - Positive antibody titer (lab report required) for all 3 components. If your titer was negative or equivocal, you must receive 1 booster vaccine (administered after your titer) and provide a 2nd titer.
- 2 vaccinations: The first vaccination MUST be administered AFTER the age of 1 regardless of vaccination type. Vaccinations can be a combined MMR vaccination, however if individualized vaccinations are submitted you MUST submit 2 vaccinations for Mumps and Measles and 1 vaccination for Rubella
- Varicella: One of the following is required:
- 2 vaccinations
or - Positive antibody titer (lab report required) If your titer was negative or equivocal, you must repeat the series.
- 2 vaccinations
- Tdap (Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis: One of the following is required:
- Documentation of a Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) vaccination administered within the past 10 years
or - Documentation of a Tdap vaccination administered from any time AND a Td (Tetanus & Diphtheria) booster administered within the past 10 years. Renewal will be set for 10 years from the most recent vaccination. Upon renewal, a Td booster is required.
- Documentation of a Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) vaccination administered within the past 10 years
- Influenza: Students will be required to obtain influenza immunization annually while enrolled in the program.
- SARS COVID-19: Students will be required to obtain full COVID series while enrolled in the program. Non-medical waivers will NOT be accepted.
- Hepatitis B: BOTH of the following are required:
- Clinical sites may require additional vaccinations and documentation. Students who have a medical contraindication for specific vaccinations may have additional requirements mandated (viz., students who have a medical contraindication for influenza vaccination may be required to wearing a mask during the entire influenza season). Some clinical facilities do not permit students who have not had the influenza vaccination for medical reasons, even with use of a mask. Changes in clinical site requirements may necessitate change in clinical rotation assignment or the inability to be placed on clinical clerkships.
- The following qualify as legitimate proof of immunization/TB testing status:
- Copies of the applicant’s medical record(s) on which administration and results of tuberculosis screening data is recorded.
- Copies of the applicant’s medical record(s) on which administration of the immunization series is documented by the immunization provider (including immunization cards signed by the administering health care professional/agency).
- Copies of the laboratory report(s) documenting results of serologic testing for immunity (antibody test results).
- Copies of the applicant’s medical record(s) or a letter from the applicant’s health care provider documenting immunization non-conversion and explaining the process by which that conclusion was reached.
5. Immunization records must be submitted to the FSU PA program approved vendor compliance tracking system, NOT to the Department of Physician Assistant Studies.
6. The PA program will access FSU PA program approved vendor tracking system to ensure completion of required immunizations and TB screening of all students.
7. Students will be provided access to FSU PA program approved vendor online files.
8. Program Director, principal program faculty, medical director, or program staff WILL NOT participate as health care providers for students enrolled in the program and WILL NOT have access to any student health information other than that defined in this policy.
9. The program does not offer elective international curricular components.
Student Health Insurance
As a condition of enrollment students are required to maintain health insurance and provide evidence of a primary insurance policy. Due to the potential for exposure to potentially infectious materials, insurance should cover screenings, diagnostics, treatments, and short and long-term disability compensation that may result from any potential exposure.
All costs are the exclusive responsibility of the student and not the responsibility of the student’s academic department, the FSU Department of Physician Assistant Medicine, or Frostburg State University.
back to topInfection Control, Safety and Personal Security Policy (A1.02g, A3.08a,b,c)
Origin Date: June 22, 2018
Last Evaluated: April 2024
Responsible Party: Program Director
Minimum Review Frequency: Annually
Approving Body: Education Committee
Associated Forms:
Notice of Incident Report Form
Background and Purpose
To keep students, faculty, staff, preceptors and SCPE-sponsoring institutions up to date on program and University policies and procedures for exposure to bodily fluids, provider safety, and personal security.
Policy Statement
Policy on Safety and Infection Control
The safety of all students, faculty, staff, patients, and clinical personnel is of primary concern. PA students, staff and faculty must adhere to all established FSU safety policies and all USMH safety policies. Didactic students must notify their course director as soon as possible of any exposure to bodily fluids or potentially serious infectious diseases. Clinical students must notify their clinical preceptor and the FSU PA Program Director of Clinical Education as soon as possible of any exposure to bodily fluids or potentially serious infectious diseases. All faculty, staff and students will utilize Standard Precautions during all activities that present a risk of exposure to bodily fluids, potentially serious infectious diseases or chemical hazards. Failure to do so will be grounds for disciplinary action.
Procedures
Standard (universal) Precautions
Definition: Standard precautions are the minimum safety and infection prevention practices that apply to all patient care, laboratory, or technical skills training experiences in any setting where healthcare or healthcare training is delivered. These practices are designed to protect healthcare professionals (HCP) and prevent HCP from spreading infections to others. Students will be instructed in Standard Precautions early in the program during orientation and throughout the didactic phase of the program.
Standard (universal) Precautions include:
Hand hygiene. Good hand hygiene is critical to reduce the risk of spreading infection.Current CDC guidelines recommend use of alcohol-based hand rub for hand hygiene except when hands are visibly soiled (e.g. dirt, blood, body fluids), or after caring for patients with known or suspected infectious diarrhea, in which cases soap and water should be used. Key situations where hand hygiene should be performed include:
- Before touching a patient, even if gloves will be worn.
- Before exiting the patient’s care area after touching the patient or the patient’s immediate environment.
- After contact with blood, body fluids or excretions, or wound dressings.
- Prior to performing an aseptic task (e.g. placing an IV, preparing an injection).
- If hands will be moving from a contaminated-body site to a clean-body site during patient care.
- After glove removal.
- Exam gloves will be worn when there is risk of contact with or when handling blood or body fluids or when there is a potential for contact with mucous membranes, non-intact skin or body orifice areas, or contaminated equipment.
- Facial masks, protective eyewear and/or gowns (as well as gloves) will be worn when performing/assisting procedures with a risk of body fluid or other hazardous material splashes or sprays.
- No recapping of needles unless required by the specific procedure being performed.
- Use of self-sheathing needles and/or needleless systems when available.
- All needles and other disposable sharps will be placed in designated puncture resistant containers as soon as possible after their use.
- Environmental cleaning: Areas in which patient care activities are performed will be routinely cleaned and disinfected at the conclusion of the activity as outlined by the laboratory course director/instructor.
- Medical equipment safety. Reusable medical equipment must be cleaned and disinfected (or sterilized) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If the manufacturer does not provide guidelines for this process the device may not be suitable for multi-patient use.
- Cover mouth/nose when coughing or sneezing.
- Use and dispose of tissues.
- Perform hand hygiene after hands have been in contact with respiratory secretions.
- Consider using a mask to prevent aerosol spread. Consult with your clinical preceptor regarding specific clinical policy on when masks must be used.
- Sit as far away from others as possible when ill with respiratory symptoms.
Compliance with all safety practices is a not just good procedure - it is a mark of your professionalism. Persistent failure to observe and practice Standard Precautions may result in adverse/disciplinary action for unprofessional behavior and referral to the Student Progress Committee.
Safety Training
Students will be required to complete any clinical site-specific safety or security training requirements in preparation for supervised clinical practice rotations.
I. Post-exposure protocols
Should an exposure to blood and/or other body fluid or a needle stick injury occur, the procedure for obtaining appropriate medical care is as follows:
- When an exposure occurs: Wounds and skin sites that have been in contact with blood or body fluids should be washed with soap and water; mucous membranes should be flushed with water. There is no evidence that the use of antiseptics for wound care or expressing fluid by squeezing the wound further reduces the risk for HIV transmission. However, the use of antiseptics is not contraindicated. Use of caustic agents, e.g., bleach, is not recommended.
- The student should notify his/her supervisor immediately. The supervisor and student should fill out any “Notice of Incident” form in use by the clinical site as well as the form in use by the FSU PA Program.
- Medical Evaluation: It is very important that medical evaluation take place immediately because treatment decisions must be made within 2 hours of exposure. HIV prophylaxis for high-risk exposure appears most effective if started within 2–4 hours. It is also extremely important to evaluate the donor’s risk status immediately.
- Medical Evaluation Facilities: If the exposure occurs at a clinical placement site, the student should follow the Infection Control policy of that facility. If there is no formal facility associated with the clinical placement site, the student should report IMMEDIATELY to an urgent care center or Emergency Room. Follow up protocol should also be completed with the facility initially providing care for the incident. The student is responsible for all incurred expenses.
- Program Participation: Continued participation in the activities of the PA program will not be affected by any injury or illness that occurs while enrolled provided the student continues to meet all Technical Standards and fulfill all defined requirements for program progression and is not directly infectious by way of routine contact.
- Insurance: The student’s insurance identification card should be shown when medical evaluation is needed. Students will be financially responsible for all costs incurred during compliance with this policy.
Policy on Personal Security
Police Services: The Hagerstown department of Police is the primary response unit for any crimes which may occur in or near USMH. They may be reached at 911, 301‐739‐6000 (emergency) or 301‐790‐3700 (non‐emergency). Police personnel of the Hagerstown department of Police meet or exceed the training requirements of the Maryland Police Training Commission. They will provide initial police response, as well as specialized follow‐up. A sub‐station of the Hagerstown Department of Police is located on the first floor of the USMH Center, on the west end of the building. It is staffed by members of the Downtown Patrol, although there is not an officer present at all times.
Crimes or offenses, including sex offenses, may also be reported to the director of USMH at 240‐527-2727.
Crime Awareness and Prevention Programs: Students and employees should take reasonable steps to promote their own safety. Crime advisories will be circulated to students, faculty and staff on as‐needed basis, based on the professional judgment of USMH administrators, the Hagerstown Police, and/or the Frostburg State University Police Department.
Timely Warnings: In the event that a situation arises at USMH, or on adjacent public property, that, in the judgment of USMH administration, and/or local police, constitutes an ongoing or continuing threat, a “timely warning” will be issued to the students, faculty, and staff of USMH. Timely warnings will be issued in print form and posted conspicuously near building entrances.
Facility Security: Physical security problems such as doors or windows that need adjustment should be reported to the Security Desk in the main lobby.
Facility Access Policies: Facilities of USMH will be staffed by licensed unarmed security guards during hours of operation. Students, employees and visitors must sign in at the front desk upon entry and exit. Video surveillance of all entrances is conducted during operational hours. Video is archived for 14 days.
Drug and Alcohol Policies and Programs: USMH does not condone possession, use or distribution of controlled substances or drug paraphernalia. Alcohol beverages may only be possessed or consumed in a manner consistent with Maryland state law. Anyone in violation of Maryland state law with regard to either drugs or alcohol is subject to disciplinary action and possible arrest, fine or imprisonment. In addition to state restrictions on the possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages, USMH restrictions may apply as well. USMH alcohol and drug policies will be made available to all students and employees upon final approval.
Drug or alcohol services are not offered directly by USMH. Local agencies should be considered. The Washington County Health Department may be contacted at 301‐791‐3314 for either drug or alcohol information, or for referral to other community resources.
Sex Offender Registry: The campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act is designed to make campus communities aware of sex offenders in their midst, just as “Megan’s Law” does for non‐campus, residential communities. In Maryland, a sex offender registry is maintained by the Department of Public Safety. The linked page gives a full explanation of the use to which the sex offender registry can be put, as well as some cautionary advice.
The personal safety and security of all Physician Assistant students, faculty and staff are very important. Please observe the following policies regarding activities in the Department of Physician Assistant Medicine:
- Routine hours of the Department of Physician Assistant Studies are 8:00am to 5:30pm Monday through Friday. The hours of the main building for USMH are Monday – Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday are not currently scheduled. Students must have permission from the PA program director to access the facilities at any other time.
- Certain doors to the building will be locked at all times. Do not prop doors open for anyone!
- When leaving any area, turn off the lights as well as any appliances, computers or other audiovisual equipment that has been used.
- Following use, restore the area to original order, ready for routine business use the next day, including proper disposal of trash.
- Failure to follow these rules may result in referral to the Student Progress Committee for disciplinary action.
Student safety during SCPEs
FSU PA program will ensure that appropriate OSHA training is provided to students prior to SCPEs. The facility at which the SCPE takes place shall provide to FSU PA students access to the facility’s rules, regulations, policies, and procedures with which the FSU PA students are expected to comply, including, the Facility’s OSHA, personal and workplace security and personal safety policies and procedures and shall address all appropriate safety measures for all FSU PA students and any FSU PA instructors on site. It will be the preceptor’s responsibility to take reasonable steps to ensure personal safety and security of students during the SCPE. This is clearly communicated to preceptors and agreed upon in a signed Preceptor Agreement obtained prior to the SCPEs.
back to topStudent Employment Policy (A3.04, A3.05, A3.15)
Last Evaluated: April 2024
Responsible Party: Program Director
Minimum Review Frequency: Annually
Approving Body: Education Committee
Background and Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to clearly articulate the program’s expectations regarding student employment while in the program and ensure that the students’ role as a student is maintained in all academic and clinical education environments.
Policy Statement
The FSU PA Program does not permit its students to work (paid or voluntary) for the PA Program. FSU PA students are not allowed to substitute as instructional faculty.
The Program strongly discourages students from being employed while enrolled and does not make exceptions or alterations to required course work, scheduling, or rotation assignments for individual students due to employment. Employment status while in the program will not be used to excuse absence from scheduled learning activities, justify poor performance, or be considered as a mitigating factor when assessing students’ academic and professional progress.
During supervised clinical experiences, students may not substitute for clinical or administrative staff and must ensure all services provided to patients are directly supervised. Students may not accept compensation for any services provided during supervised clinical experiences.
back to topTechnical Standards (A3.13)
These standards specify the attributes and behaviors considered essential for successfully completing PA training and enabling each graduate to enter clinical practice. Because these standards describe the essential functions that students must demonstrate to meet the requirements of PA training within a generalist education model, they are prerequisites for admission, continuation and graduation.
FSU will consider for admission any applicant who meets its academic and nonacademic criteria and who demonstrates the ability to perform skills listed in this document, with or without reasonable accommodations, consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act.
Our institution is committed to considering all qualified applicants without discrimination or based on any protected characteristics such as race, sex, age, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status. It is the policy of the PA Program that all students must possess the intellectual, physical and emotional capabilities necessary to undertake the required curriculum in a reasonably independent manner without having to rely on intermediaries and that all students must be able to achieve the levels of competence required by the faculty. All candidates for admission, those both with and without disabilities, are expected to be competitive with others in the applicant pool across defined cognitive and non-cognitive factors. The institutional policy is to make admissions on a case-by-case basis and the basis of each applicant’s qualifications to contribute to FSU’s PA Program educational mission. For purposes of this document and unless otherwise defined, the term “applicant” or “candidate” means applicants for admissions to the PA program as well as enrolled PA students who are candidates for promotion and graduation.
Technical standards for PA program admission, continuation, and graduation
A candidate for the Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MMS-PAS) degree earned after successful completion of the PA Program must have abilities and skills in the five functional areas described below and must have the physical and emotional stamina and capacity to function in a competent manner, and consistent with these standards, in the classroom and in clinical and laboratory settings, including settings that may involve heavy workloads, long hours and stressful situations.
Observation – A candidate must be able to:- observe demonstrations and visual presentations in lectures and laboratories.
- observe patients accurately and completely both at a distance and closely.
- This standard requires functional vision, hearing, and somatic sensation.
- perceive nonverbal communication, speak intelligibly, hear sufficiently, and observe patients in order to elicit information.
- elicit and transmit patient information in oral and written English to members of the health care team.
- communicate effectively and sensitively with patients.
- demonstrate reading skills at a level sufficient to accomplish curricular requirements and provide clinical care for patients.
- be capable of completing appropriate medical records and documents in written and electronic form in a thorough and timely manner.
- possess motor skills sufficient to directly perform palpation, percussion, auscultation, and other basic diagnostic procedures.
- be able to execute motor movements required to provide basic medical care. Examples of basic medical care include, but are not limited to: airway management, placement of catheters, suturing, phlebotomy, application of sufficient pressure to control bleeding, simple obstetrical maneuvers, etc. (Such actions require coordination of gross and fine muscular movements, equilibrium, and functional use of the senses of touch and vision).
- be able to manipulate equipment and instruments to perform basic laboratory tests and procedures.
- be able to transport themselves from one location to another in a timely fashion in order to facilitate patient care responsibilities and necessary to receive educational training.
- be able to incorporate new information from peers, teachers, and the medical literature in formulating diagnoses and plans.
- be able to independently access and interpret medical histories or files.
- identify significant findings from history, physical examination, and laboratory data.
- provide reasoned explanations for likely diagnoses and prescribed medications and therapy.
- recall and retain information in an efficient and timely manner.
- possess the ability to use their intellectual capacity, exercise good judgment, and promptly complete all responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis under potentially stressful and/or emergency circumstances.
- be able to accept criticism and respond by appropriate modification of behavior.
- be able to develop mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with patients and colleagues.
- have a high level of compassion for others with sufficient interpersonal skills to interact positively with people from all levels of society, all ethnic backgrounds, and all belief systems.
- be able to adapt to changing environments and to learn in the face of uncertainties inherent in the practice of medicine.
- be able to use supervision appropriately and act independently, when indicated.
Process for assessing the applicant’s compliance with the technical standards
Applicants are required to attest at the time they apply and accept an offer to matriculate that they meet these technical standards and thereafter must attest on an ongoing basis that they continue to meet these standards. These standards are not intended to deter any student who might be able to complete the requirements of the curriculum with reasonable accommodation. An accommodation is not reasonable if it poses a direct threat to the health or safety of self-and/or others, if making it requires a substantial modification in an essential element of the curriculum, if it lowers academic standards or if it poses an undue administrative or financial burden. Requests from applicants for reasonable accommodations in meeting the technical standards will be reviewed and considered by an officer appointed by the University to evaluate student requests for accommodations. Information required within a request for accommodations includes, at a minimum, the following, and these required elements must be provided at the applicant’s expenses:
- Documentation of the disability from a licensed professional
- The diagnosis of the disability using standard nomenclature
- A description of the student’s functional limitations due to the disability
- Copies of the evaluation report(s) on or accompanied by a letter on the evaluating professional’s letterhead
- A description of the requested accommodation
For additional information about the University’s process for assessing an applicant’s compliance with the technical standards, please contact the PA Program.
back to topTeaching-Out Policy (A1.02h)
If FSU definitively decides to discontinue the program and will be teaching-out students for a specific period of time, FSU will notify the ARC-PA of the decision to discontinue the program, confirm no new enrollments in the program, and indicate an effective date when all students are expected to be taught-out. Once an institution has submitted a request to discontinue a program to the ARC-PA, that request cannot be reversed. A new program proposal is required to reactivate or reinstate a discontinued program.
In the event of PA Program closure or loss of accreditation, the PA Program will establish a teaching out plan that is in alignment with institutional policy and meets regional accreditation requirements and or federal law.
back to topWhite Coat Donning and Graduation Hooding Policy
Attendance is required at White Coat and Graduation. Attire is business formal for both events. Requests for absence must be made in a timely manner to the Department Chair & Program Director. Their decision is final. Unexcused absences will be handled by the student attendance policy.
Students will be granted six admission tickets to graduation and the white coat ceremony due to space limitation. Department faculty will hood graduate candidates and will don white coats. The department does not permit an alternate to hood or don a student. This policy is not subject to appeal.
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