Academic Standards

PA students will be assessed in the course by examinations and/or other graded assignments such as quizzes, homework, lab practicums, simulated/clinical evaluations, and projects/assignments. The course director is responsible for developing an examination and/or assessment strategy that is consistent with the college’s academic policies. 

Grading Scale

• A = 90 to 100%

• B = 80 to < 90%

• C = 70 to < 80%

• F = < 70%

Students are expected to remain in good academic standing within the School of Physician Assistant Studies during their tenure in the program.  As such, the academic standards are outlined below:

Good Academic Standing

• Didactic: Current semester GPA  ≥  2.75

• Clinical:  Maintianence of  ≥ C in each Supervised Clinical Practice Experience (SCPE)

Academic Violation

• Any didactic semester GPA  ranging from 2.5 to  < 2.75*

• One (1) SCPE failure

• Three (3) End-of-Rotation (EOR) exam failures 

Dismissal

• Any semester GPA < 2.5 

• GPA < 2.75 in any two semesters 

• One (1) didactic course failure

• Two (2) SCPE course failures

• Four (4) End-of-Rotation Exam failures

*It is important to note that the academic standards in the didactic phase are based on per semester performance and NOT cumulative GPA  calculations. 

Didactic Academic Violations*

Students with a single semester didactic GPA between 2.5 and < 2.75 will be issued an academic violation. As such, he/she will be required to meet with the Progression and Accountability Council (PAC) to develop an academic action plan aimed at improving student performance. The initial plan will be reviewed and signed by the program director. The PAC will reassess the academic action plan at the completion of the semester in which it was issued.

SCPE Academic Violations*

Students who incur an academic violation during the SCPE phase will similarly be required to meet with the PAC to develop an academic action plan, which will be reviewed and signed by the program director. Academic violations (as described above)  occurring within this phase will require a remediatory SCPE and subsequent delay in graduation. 

*All academic violations remain a permanent part of the student's academic record.