PA Program Policies

The PAS program is a rigorous program of study with each semester building upon the last. All students must successfully complete the Didactic courses of one semester before progressing to the next semester.

• To achieve satisfactory academic progress in the Physician Assistant Program, the student must maintain an aggregate grade of “B” (GPA of 3.00). A GPA below 3.00 triggers Academic Probation per University policy.
• To remain in good academic standing, all students must have a GPA of 3.00 or higher. A student identified with less than a GPA of 3.00 after completion of any semester will trigger an academic review process by the Student Progress Committee and possible dismissal. The process occurs so that appropriate guidance, advice, and remediation options may be applied.
• The PAS Program considers a grade of “C” or below in any course to represent unsatisfactory academic progress and will result in an academic warning. Unsatisfactory academic progress, which includes a final grade of C or below in any course, will result in a review by the Student Progress Committee and the development of a remediation plan. Failure of the remediation plan will result in academic probation through the University. Program policies for deceleration and dismissal from the program are listed below. 
• The SPC reviews each student’s progress every semester. The purpose of this review is to clarify each student’s academic status and their progress toward completion of the Physician Assistant Studies Program. The review includes an internal audit of grades earned in completed courses, professional development, and professional/ethical behavior.
• To remain in good academic standing, all students must have a GPA of 3.00 or higher. A student identified with less than a GPA of 3.00 after completion of any semester will trigger an academic review process which exists to assist students with identification of problems and issues that may be associated with academic or professional difficulties. The process occurs so that appropriate guidance, advice, and remediation options may be affected.
• Advancement to the clinical year is based upon the following criteria:
  • The student must be in good academic standing (cumulative GPA of 3.00)
  • Student health clearance and insurance verified
  • Drug screen and Criminal Background Check clearance

Each student will receive a final grade of Satisfactory/Fail for each rotation. The student must complete all components noted below in the semester of enrollment in order to pass the clinical rotation:

• PAEA End of Rotation (EOR) Exam [30%]
• Return to Campus Activities (OSCEs, Technical Skills) [30%]
• SCPE Assignments [30%]
  • Preceptor Evaluations of student [10%]
  • Self-evaluation, EXXAT patient logging, Clinical notes submission [20%]
• Professionalism [10%]

• All PAS program students are required to maintain health insurance, at their own expense, for the duration of the 24-month program.
• Proof of insurance must be on file with both the program and the Wellness Center.
• Students are required to adhere to the CDC immunization guidelines for health care personnel.

• PAS students must be current with the following by the first day of class:

  Requirement	Description
  QuantiFERON-TB Gold	QuantiFERON-TB Gold testing must have been done within one year of beginning the programand again before the beginning clinical rotations
  COVID-19 Vaccination	A full COVID-19 vaccination as required by clinical sites. A booster dose is recommended, but is not required at this time.
  Influenza Vaccination	The flu vaccine is required of all students annually
  Diptheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTaP) Vaccination	Primary series of immunizations to include boosters every 10 years
  Hepatitis B Titer	Titer (antigen and antibody) demonstrating immunity completed within the past five years
  Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Titer	Titer demonstrating immunity completed within the past five years
  Varicella Titer	Titer demonstrating immunity completed within the past five years

*Titers are blood tests that measure the antibodies in a patient's blood to determine if they have immunity to a disease, or if further vaccination is required.

• Proof of immunity by titer level must be on file in the Wellness Center. Records with lab results from family physician will be accepted.
• TB testing, titer level testing and subsequent needed immunizations are the financial responsibility of each student during their enrollment in the PAS program.
• PAS students are required to have a Physical Examination within one year prior to matriculation and again before the start of clinical rotations. The Physical Form will be provided electronically to all admitted PAS students. Forms from family physician are accepted if they cover the same information solicited by the PAS Physical Form. The Physical Form must be turned in to the Wellness Center before the first day of class. Record of TB testing and results, titer level testing with results and immunization records are kept on file by the Wellness Center.
• PAS Program Director, Medical Director, faculty and/or staff will not (except in case of emergency) provide medical treatment to Physician Assistant students.
• The PAS program office staff and/or faculty will not keep or have access to student health records.

To graduate from the PA Program and earn a Master of Medical Science degree, the candidate must:

• Achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 at the end of the program.
• Successfully complete the PAS Program Summative Evaluation
• Capstone completion
• Successfully passed all PAS course work
• Be in good professional standing
• Have no outstanding financial obligations with Dominican University
• Have completed a graduation application with the Office of the Registrar, and have paid their graduation fee
• All PAS coursework must be completed within three years of matriculation

Remediation of didactic work will be completed by the student and monitored by the Student Progress committee.

• Failed Examination: A test grade <70.00% will result in the course instructor notifying the student, the student’s advisor, and the Student Progress Committee. A remediation plan will be agreed upon and the student will retest within a maximum of 14 days (about 2 weeks) of the failed test. A test may only be retaken once, for a maximum score of 70.00% to be recorded in the grade book. If the student fails the retest, the highest grade will be used to calculate the final course grade. Failure of a remediated test, as well as multiple exam failures in one course, results in an Academic Warning and close monitoring by the Student Progress Committee.
• Failed course: A final course grade of <70.00% will result in notification of the student, the student’s advisor, and the Student Progress Committee. Together, they will create a student success plan, which may include remediation. If the failed course is not a series-based course, and results in a cumulative GPA of less than 3.0, the student will be placed on Academic Probation. Any final semester grade of less than 70.00% in a series-based course in the Didactic Year will result in course failure and may result in deceleration or dismissal from the program.

Remediation of clinical year coursework will be completed by the student and monitored by the Director of Clinical Education and the Student Progress Committee. In order to successfully complete a rotation, students must successfully complete all components of the Return to Campus activities. Failure to achieve 70% or above in the clinical rotation will result in failure.

• Failed Assessment(s)
  • Failed End of Rotation Exam: An exam score of 1.5 standard deviations below the national mean for all PAEA test takers will result in the course instructor notifying the student, the student’s advisor, and the Student Progress Committee. A remediation plan will be determined which will include a retest within 14 days (about 2 weeks) or completion of a written assignment addressing deficient concepts as identified in the PAEA exam score report. A remediation exam or assignment may only be retaken once per rotation. Failure of a test or remediation assignment for a second time results in a failed clinical rotation. 
  • Failed Return to Campus Activities (OSCE/Technical Skills): A failed OSCE (Observed Structured Clinical Encounter) or Technical Skill will require the student to repeat either or both components. A remediation plan will be developed by the Director of Clinical Education. Failure of the remediation will result in failure of a clinical rotation. 
  • Failed SCPE Assignments: Failure of any of the assignments during a clinical rotation will result in re-submission
  • Failed Professionalism: Students will be referred to the Professionalism policy in this handbook. Professionalism concerns are reviewed by the SPC
• Failed Clinical Rotation: Failure of a clinical rotation can be a result of the following:
  • Failure of remediation for EOR
  • Failure of remediation for Return to Campus Activities
  • Failure to successfully complete all components of the SCPE
  • Lack of professionalism. Serious or repeated breaches of professional behavior will be referred to the Program Director for review and action, up to, and including dismissal from the program.
• Students will only be able to repeat one failed rotation. Failure of a second clinical rotation will result in dismissal from the program.
  • Failure of a rotation and successful repeat requirement will prevent the student from receiving their degree at the scheduled time with fellow colleagues.
• Failure of first attempt of an EOR exam on two separate rotations will result in SPC review and may result in dismissal. 
• Students have the right to appeal SPC decisions. Please refer to the Student Appeals policy for more information.

Deceleration is defined by ARC-PA as “the loss of a student from the entering cohort, who remains matriculated in the physician assistant program.” 

Dominican University Physician Assistant Physician Assistant Studies Program’s Definition: Temporarily suspension progression while awaiting to join subsequent cohort to satisfactorily complete the program.

The Dominican University Physician Assistant Studies Program may grant a one-time-only deceleration.  Deceleration consists of completing all coursework as required by the curriculum, including the courses that a decelerated student may have completed. Students must understand that deceleration will result in delayed graduation and additional financial burdens, which may also impact the financial aid process.

Types of decelerations:

1.  Delayed Progression Deceleration:

• Any final semester grade of less than 70.00% in a series-based course in the Didactic Year will result in course failure.
• A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is neither achieved after at least three courses nor possible to attain with remaining semester grades.
• An overall GPA of <3.0 at the end of the didactic phase.

2.  Voluntary Deceleration

• May be requested by students in good academic standing who anticipated a leave of absence due to personal circumstances for more than 2 weeks up to 1 year.  Examples include but are not limited to illness, pregnancy, military leave, or personal or family issues.

A student must submit the deceleration request in writing for the appropriate deceleration type to the Program Director. The Student Progress Committee will review the deceleration request.  After consulting with the Student Progress Committee, the Program Director will make the final decision based on the Student Progress Committee’s recommendation. A student in poor academic standing can still be dismissed from the program if the deceleration request is not approved.

Decelerated students who return to the program and subsequently fail a course, fail to maintain academic progression, and/or fail to meet all technical standards will be notified of dismissal from the program.

A student in satisfactory academic and professional standing (cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above) can voluntarily withdraw from the PAS Program.

• The student should meet with their academic advisor and Student Progress Committee to discuss their situation and possible solutions or alternatives, followed by a meeting with the Program Director.
• If the student withdraws, paperwork for the Office of the Registrar must be completed and it is the student’s responsibility to notify the Dominican Financial Aid Office as well as the Dominican Bursar’s office to settle any outstanding financial obligations.
• Withdrawal will not be considered final until all the above steps are completed.
• Should the student later wish to return to the PAS program after voluntary withdrawal, they will be required to reapply through CASPA. If admitted to a new cohort, the student will not receive any credit for prior PAS course work and must complete the entire program (24 months) with the new cohort.

Refund Policy

The PAS program will follow the Dominican University Refund policy and procedure guidelines. For additional information, please see Dominican University Refund and Requirements for Withdrawal policies here 

Withdrawal from the program during the following weeks will result in the following:

• 1st week – 100% refund of tuition
• 2nd week – 80% refund of tuition
• 3rd week - 60% refund of tuition
• 4th week - 40% refund of tuition
• 5th week - 20% refund of tuition

After the 5th week – no tuition will be refunded

Program fees will not be refunded.

In order to receive a tuition refund, withdrawal from the program must be done officially by informing the Program Director in writing of the intent to withdraw and by completing withdrawal forms, for all necessary classes, for the Office of the Registrar.

Dismissal from the program will be an action recommended by the Student Progress Committee and initiated by the Program Director for grievous situations including, but not limited to the following:

• Any final semester grade of less than 70.00% in a series-based course in the Didactic Year will result in course failure and may result in dismissal from the program.
• A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is neither achieved after at least three courses, nor possible to attain with remaining semester grades
• Failure to successfully remediate two clinical rotations will result in dismissal
• Severe breaches of professional behavior and/or persistent unprofessional behavior at any time in the program

The student will receive a letter from the SPC notifying them of this decision. Students have the right to appeal. Please refer to the Dominican University Graduate Student Regulations for more information.

Dominican University is committed to thoroughly and promptly addressing student concerns, complaints, and grievances.

Student Complaints and Grievances 
Dominican University provides several means by which student complaints and grievances may be addressed. In all cases, students are advised to put their complaints in writing and carefully document the events that led to the complaint or grievance. Click (here) for complete information.

Complaints Related to the Protection from Discrimination & Harassment Policy (Title IX/One Process)

For complaints involving bias incidents: including gender based or sexual violence, gender identity discrimination, sexual assault, sexual misconduct, hate crimes, bias motivated offensive conduct, or discrimination against individuals on the basis of physical or mental disability, submit a One Process Title IX / Bias Report.

The PAS Program follows the Dominican University Academic Appeals Process, which is as follows:

Any disagreement with regard to academic procedure, including individual cases of alleged violation of academic integrity and final grades, should be first taken up with the instructor. If this does not settle the matter satisfactorily, the matter should be taken up with the department chair or school director, whichever is appropriate. If the issue cannot be resolved at the department level or with the school director, it should then be presented to the dean of the college/school in which the course was offered. If the issue is still not resolved, the student has the right to present the issue in writing to the committee of that dean’s college or school responsible for overseeing educational policies. The committee will request a written response from the instructor and may, at its discretion, seek further clarifications from the student, instructor, and/or dean. The committee will evaluate the student’s appeal and vote to approve or deny it. A written response will be sent directly to the student presenting the appeal, including grade adjustments if appropriate, with a copy to the faculty member. In the event of a successful appeal of an alleged violation of academic integrity, the original letter of notification from the instructor will be expunged from the dean’s file. Students wishing to file an appeal based on fall courses must do so no later than the end of the subsequent spring semester. Students wishing to file an appeal based on spring or summer courses must do so no later than the end of the subsequent fall semester.

The PAS program is a rigorous academic and clinical program. Students are expected to have a full-time commitment to their academic course of study.

PAS students may not work for or teach within the PAS program in any capacity – volunteer or paid positions. During Year 2, while on clinical rotations, students are not permitted to substitute for clinical or administrative staff.

The program strongly discourages students from holding outside employment while enrolled in the didactic or clinical years due to the time commitment required for the program. In the case that a student finds it necessary to hold outside employment while taking courses or during clinical rotations, they should contact the Program Director in writing, who will then refer the notice to the Student Progress Committee. Expectations, assignments, and due dates are not changed for students who are employed.

Didactic class and Clinical rotation schedules will not be modified to accommodate any individual student’s outside commitments.

Parking arrangements will vary based on the individual SCPE site. Students are responsible for adhering to the parking rules and regulations that are specific to the respective facility. Dominican University is not responsible for any transportation, travel, or parking costs associated with clinical rotations. 

This policy applies to all students enrolled in the PA program who participate in educational activities that may involve potential exposure to infectious agents, hazardous materials, or environmental risks, including but not limited to laboratory sessions, clinical rotations, and community-based experiences.

A. Methods of Prevention
The program is committed to minimizing risk through education and adherence to established safety standards. Preventive measures include:

Training and Education 

• Mandatory instruction on infection control practices, standard precautions, and personal protective equipment (PPE) prior to clinical or laboratory participation.
• Annual review and competency validation in universal precautions and occupational safety procedures.

Protective Measures

• Required use of PPE (e.g., gloves, masks, eye protection, gowns) as appropriate to the activity or clinical setting.
• Whenever possible, safety retractors for needles will be used
• Strict adherence to all Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.
• Compliance with site-specific infection control policies at all clinical rotation sites.

B. Procedures for Care and Treatment After Exposure
In the event of an exposure to bloodborne pathogens, infectious agents, or environmental hazards, students must follow these procedures:

Immediate Response

• Wash or flush the affected area immediately according to established first-aid protocols.
• Notify the supervising preceptor or faculty member immediately.

Reporting

• Complete an Exposure Incident Report and submit it to the Program Director or Clinical Education Director within 24 hours of the event.
• Follow the reporting procedures required by the clinical site or institution where the exposure occurred.

Medical Evaluation and Treatment

• Obtain prompt evaluation and treatment at an appropriate healthcare facility.
• Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) will be initiated when indicated, following CDC guidelines.
• Follow-up testing and counseling will be provided as appropriate.

C. Financial Responsibility
Students are financially responsible for all costs associated with medical evaluation, testing, treatment, prophylaxis, or follow-up care resulting from exposure, unless covered by personal health insurance.

The PAS Program requires a Criminal Background/Sex Offender (CBSO) check and urine drug screen (10 panel) of each student prior to matriculation into the program. Accepted students will be given instructions for completing the Criminal Background/Sex Offender check. The CBSO must be repeated prior to the start of the clinical year (Year 2) of the program. All CBSO checks are done at the expense of the student.

Urine Drug Screening is required prior to matriculation into the program. Accepted students will be given instructions for completing the Urine Drug Screen (10 panel). The Urine Drug Screen must be repeated prior to the start of the clinical year (Year 2) of the program. All Urine Drug Screen testing is done at the expense of the student.

Both the CBSO and the Urine Drug Screen will be performed through a contracted service provider at the expense of the student.

Information obtained for the purpose of and during the CBSO and Urine Drug Screen will be retained by the PAS program office separate from other student educational and academic records. Confidentiality will be maintained consistent with FERPA and any other appropriate guidelines.

Grievous report in criminal background check or a positive Urine Drug Screen for non-prescription drugs may be grounds for withdrawing the offer of admission or dismissal from the program.

Dominican University PAS students are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner in the classroom, at clinical sites, on campus and at all other times. Students are expected to arrive punctually and participate in all didactic activities and submit all assignments on time. Conventional wisdom is to plan to arrive 15 minutes early each day so unexpected delays such as weather or traffic are accounted for. Student are expected to interact with each other, faculty, staff and patients and their families in a manner that reflects the Dominican University values of integrity, fairness, respect, community, responsibility and truthfulness.

Student professionalism is one of the seven NCCPA core competencies for physician assistant students. and will be assessed and graded in both the clinical and didactic year and at the end of each semester by the Student Progress committee. Serious or repeated breaches of professional behavior will be referred to the Program Director for review and action, up to, and including dismissal from the program. Additional information regarding evaluation mechanisms for the clinical year will be delineated in the PAS Student Handbook and will be given to each student at matriculation.