Mar 29, 2024  
2013-2014 Catalog 
    
2013-2014 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Physician Assistant Studies, MPAS


Master of Physician Assistant Studies Admissions Requirements


To be considered for admission to the Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) degree program, an applicant must have participated in the competitive admissions process and previously earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university. The minimum overall grade point average (GPA) required for admission is 2.85 on a 4.0 scale. Enrolled students must meet the program’s minimum Health and Technical Standards to participate in a significant portion of the program activities. Completion of the GRE General Test is required prior to entry. No minimum GRE score is required; however individual candidate’s scores will be taken into consideration as a potential indicator of future success in the curriculum. Other entrance requirements apply and are detailed below.

GRE Requirement


The PA Studies (PAS) program requires a Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test Score. The official GRE score report is due by December 1. There is no minimum score requirement; however, higher scores are considered more competitive. Applicants will be considered incomplete until an official score report is received from Educational Testing Service (ETS). Early submittal of scores is strongly encouraged. The GRE code for PA Studies is 6380.

Prerequisite Coursework


Minimum prerequisite coursework requirements cannot be waived. Prerequisite courses must be completed by the posted deadline(s) and obtained from regionally accredited U.S. colleges or universities or through coursework that is deemed equivalent by the PA Studies Admissions Office. Prerequisite course work must be satisfied with a grade of “C” or higher (2.0 on 4.0 scale). A single course cannot be used simultaneously to meet more than one course prerequisite. All coursework completed by the applicant will be considered in the admissions process. Exceptions to these requirements are not permitted.

General Course Requirements


  Credits
Psychology (General or Introductory) 3
Mathematics: College Algebra or higher 3
Statistics 3
Anatomy & Physiology (with lab) 8
General Microbiology (with lab) 4
Organic Chemistry (with lab) 4
Immunology or Genetics 3
Biochemistry or Cellular Biology (Upper-Level) 3
Electives: Psychology, Sociology or Anthropology 3

Coursework is converted to semester credit hours when calculating GPA and when determining if minimum prerequisite requirements have been met. Meeting the prerequisite requirements generally calls for completion of courses designed for science majors. Courses offered for non-science majors do not typically satisfy the prerequisite requirements of anatomy, physiology, microbiology, organic chemistry, immunology, genetics, biochemistry, or cellular biology. A maximum of three (3) semester credit hours in psychology may be obtained through advanced standing examination such as CLEP or its equivalent. Prerequisite credit received through advanced standing examinations such as CLEP (or equivalent) is not acceptable for science coursework other than psychology. Credit for coursework obtained through correspondence or television courses will be recognized as long as credit has been previously awarded for the course by a regionally accredited U.S. college or university.

Foreign Coursework


An applicant with academic credentials from a college or university located outside the United States, who chooses to apply that study toward meeting prerequisite requirements, must follow all instructions posted in the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistant (CASPA) application. The requirement for having previously earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university cannot be waived. When submitting individual coursework from foreign colleges or universities as meeting U.S. equivalence, Applicants must carefully follow application instructions published by the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) and these courses must also be deemed equivalent by the PA Studies Admissions Office. Upon satisfying all prerequisite course requirements, applicants with academic credentials from non-U.S. colleges or universities are processed with the same consideration as all others.

Transcripts


Upon acceptance of an offer of admission, applicants are reminded they must request that new official transcripts from each institution previously attended be sent directly to the School of Health Professions Office of Admissions. Final transcripts must list all courses including those that were in progress between initial application and final matriculation into the program.

Prerequisite Coursework Substitution


In the unusual event that an applicant desires to submit a course that is similar in content to a prerequisite course listed above, but it does not carry the same name or was not delivered by a usual academic department, and the applicant feels the course meets the prerequisite requirement, the applicant may request consideration of the coursework as a prerequisite substitution. Prospective applicants seeking substitution for prerequisite coursework should submit their request via e-mail to: PAAdmissions@unthsc.edu or by regular mail to:

UNT Health Science Center
Attn: PA Admissions
3500 Camp Bowie Boulevard
Fort Worth, TX 76107-2699

The request must include a catalog course description and copy of the course syllabus from the college or university where the course was completed. If a catalog course description or course syllabus is not available, a letter from the academic department that offered the original course describing the content and nature of the course may be substituted. Coursework substitutions and content hours must be equivalent or comparable to the prerequisite being considered. Substitutions are approved on an individual basis and the program reserves the right to approve or deny any prerequisite course substitution requests.

Admission Procedures


Applicants will be considered for admission as early as September during the year prior to matriculation. Applications through CASPA typically become available in May. The deadline for submitting the CASPA application is November 1 of the year prior to matriculation. Early application is recommended. Applicants should not send CASPA application materials, transcripts, reference letters or other information to the PA Admissions Office unless specifically requested to do so. The PA Admissions Office or program does not assume any responsibility for application materials sent to CASPA and will not forward admissions materials to the application service on behalf of applicants. To allow for timely receipt and processing, it is recommended that all application materials, fees, transcripts and reference forms be submitted at least 30 days prior to the posted deadline. Applicants submitting after the posted deadline will not be considered.

Re-Application


A complete CASPA application and PA Supplemental Application must be received anew for each year in which the candidate is applying. Applications cannot be held over for subsequent years.

UNTHSC PA Supplemental Application


Consideration for admission into the MPAS program requires all applicants to complete and submit a PA Supplemental Application in addition to the required CASPA application. An additional application fee may accompany the Supplemental Application. Applicants who fail to submit the Supplemental Application and pay the additional fee will not be considered for admission. A fee waiver is available to applicants who have financial hardship and who have received fee waiver through CASPA. Supplemental Applications become available online on or about May 1 of the year prior to matriculation. The Supplemental Application can be accessed online at the UNTHSC Web Site and must be submitted by November 15 of the year prior to matriculation.

Applicant Selection


The PA Admissions Committee seeks applicants with the best qualifications who have previously demonstrated aptitude to successfully progress through the curriculum and become exemplary physician assistants. Although an applicant’s entire academic record is considered, this alone does not ensure acceptance. Evidence of personal integrity, maturity, creativity, motivation, dedication, and the ability to work with others are additional factors that will be considered. These qualities and attitudes are evaluated by several means, including letters of reference, the scope and nature of extracurricular activities (including work and volunteer experience), the scope and breadth of prior education and through the interview process. Although prior experience in a health care setting is not required, this experience is considered a beneficial attribute and viewed positively by the Physician Assistant Studies Admissions Committee. Selected applicants will be invited to the Health Science Center in Fort Worth for an admissions interview prior to selection. The Dean of the School of Health Professions has final approval for all admission decisions. Deferred matriculation is available upon approval for up to one year in unusual circumstances.

Transfer Credit


The program does not accept transfer credits. No credit is awarded for portfolio-based experiential learning or non-credit courses.

Transfer Policy


The program does not admit transfer students from other physician assistant programs.

Advanced Placement


Advanced placement may only be considered once the student is already enrolled in the Master of Physician Assistant Studies program and that student has: 1) successfully completed the exact or nearly exact same course as that listed in the current MPAS curriculum; 2) taken the exact or nearly exact same course within 3 years of enrollment into the MPAS curriculum; 3) completed the exact or nearly exact same course with a letter grade of “B” or better; and 4) has obtained written approval of the Chair of PA Studies. Advanced placement may not be offered or approved during the admissions process. Requests for advanced placement or a course waiver must be initiated by the student in writing within 5 class days of enrollment into the MPAS curriculum. No requests for course exemption will be considered after that time.

Approval of advanced placement is determined on a case-by-case basis.

Dual Degree Opportunities


UNTHSC also offers numerous dual degree opportunities bridging the MPAS and DO degrees with the MPH, MHA, MS and PhD degrees within the School of Public Health and Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. Future dual degree opportunities will also be offered to students pursuing the DPT and PharmD degrees. For details, please see the section on the Multidisciplinary Programs within this catalog.

Academic & Administrative Policies


Each student enrolled at the UNTHSC is responsible for knowing current academic and administrative policies and procedures that apply to enrollment in their chosen degree program. This section of the catalog provides selected academic and administrative policies unique to the Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) degree program. Other UNTHSC policies also apply to PA students and are contained elsewhere in this catalog or in official UNTHSC publications. The UNTHSC reserves the right to amend or add to these policies and scholastic regulations at any time during an individual student’s enrollment period provided that such changes or additions are intended to improve the quality of education and are introduced in a fair and deliberate manner.

Registration


Registration is conducted each semester and consists of paying tuition and fees as well as completing the appropriate registration forms and submitting them to the offices of the Registrar, Financial Aid and Student Affairs. Late fees are assessed for late registration for each day following the designated registration date. PA students are only permitted to attend courses and clinical practica listed on their official schedules and/or otherwise approved by the Chair of PA Studies. Students are not permitted to enroll in two or more courses scheduled to meet at the same time. Only properly enrolled students will be permitted to attend classes. A check returned because of insufficient funds will incur a penalty and may also result in additional charges for late registration.

Health and Technical Standards


All candidates must meet certain health and technical standards to participate in the physician assistant educational programs. Graduation signifies the graduate is prepared for entry into the practice of medicine as a physician assistant with the requisite knowledge and skills to function in a broad variety of clinical situations and provide a wide spectrum of patient care.

A candidate for the physician assistant degree must have abilities and skills in five areas: Observation, Communication, Motor, Intellectual, and Behavioral. Technological compensation can be made for some disabilities in certain areas, but for the majority, the candidate should be able to perform in a reasonably independent manner. The use of a trained intermediary requires a candidate’s judgment to be mediated by someone else’s power of selection and observation and is not a permissible accommodation.

  • Observation: Observation requires the functional use of vision and somatic sensations. The candidate must be able to observe demonstrations and experience lessons in the basic sciences including, but not limited to, physiological and pharmacological demonstrations in animals, microbiologic cultures, and microscopic studies of tissues in normal and pathologic states. A candidate must be able to observe a patient accurately at a distance and close at hand. Observation is enhanced by functional use of the sense of smell.
  • Communication: A candidate should be able to speak, hear and observe in order to elicit information, describe changes in moods, activity and posture, and perceive nonverbal communications. A candidate must be able to communicate effectively and sensitively with patients. The candidate must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in oral and written form with all members of the health care team.
  • Motor: Candidates should have sufficient motor function to elicit information by palpation, auscultation, percussion and other diagnostic and therapeutic maneuvers. This includes performance of basic laboratory tests (urinalysis, CBC, etc.) and may also include diagnostic procedures (protoscopy, paracentesis, etc.) and reading EKGs and X-rays. A candidate should be able to execute movements which are reasonably required to provide general care and emergency treatment to patients. Examples of emergency treatment reasonably required include the application of pressure to stop bleeding, the opening of obstructed airways, and the performance of simple obstetrical maneuvers. Such actions require coordination of both gross and fine muscular movements, equilibrium and functional use of the senses of touch and vision.
  • Intellectual: Candidates should possess Conceptual, Integrative and Quantitative Abilities. These include obtaining measurements and performing calculations, reasoning, analysis and synthesis. Problem solving, the critical skill demanded of physician assistants, requires all of these intellectual abilities. In addition, candidates should be able to comprehend three-dimensional relationships and to understand spatial relationships of structure.
  • Behavioral: Candidates must have sufficient emotional health required for full use of their intellectual abilities in the exercise of good judgment and prompt completion of all responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis and care of patients in a mature, sensitive and effective relationship to patients. Candidates must be able to function effectively under stress. They must be able to adapt to changing environments, display flexibility, and learn to function in the face of uncertainties inherent in the clinical problems of many patients. Compassion, integrity, concern for others, interpersonal skills, interest and motivation are all personal qualities which are assessed during the admission and education process.

Classroom and Laboratory Attendance


Participation in class and laboratory sessions is essential to good academic performance. Courses are typically offered only once during a student’s enrollment period, therefore students are expected to attend all scheduled educational activities. Attendance is required at all laboratories, small group sessions, and clinical experiences. The program and/or course director reserves the right to take attendance and students may be asked to sign attendance sheets. No student may sign an attendance roster on behalf of another student. Excessive absences can be considered unprofessional conduct, can contribute to a failing grade or contribute toward consideration of dismissal from the program.

Each student is responsible for obtaining and learning subject materials presented during their absence. Instructors and/or course directors are not obligated to provide make-up sessions to students. The PA Student Performance Committee is permitted to consider attendance when reviewing a student’s performance and making recommendations on probation, remediation and/or dismissal.

Absences from Clinical Practica (Rotations)


Clinical practicum experiences generally require more than 40 hours per week of attendance in order to meet all educational objectives. Activities that may require additional attendance include taking call, attending rounds, providing patient care, attending medical education activities and presenting case studies. Students who become ill, have a medical emergency or have some other reason that causes them to be absent from any portion of a clinical practicum are required to notify the attending preceptor and the Director of Clinical Education (DCE) as soon as possible. Clinical preceptors are not authorized to approve or grant excused absences. The DCE or their designee is the only person who can approve excused absences from clinical practicum experiences. Students who miss any amount of time from a practicum could be required to repeat any portion or all of the clinical practicum experience and may be subject to other sanctions.

Excused Absence for Special Activities


Excused absences from regularly scheduled activities are generally granted for emergencies (e.g., death in the family) or personal illness. Under special circumstances, the Chair of PA Studies may approve absences for special activities. Approval must be documented and obtained prior to the absence. Students are cautioned not to confirm travel plans or purchase nonrefundable tickets until written approval for the absence had been obtained. For information on attendance policies, visit the policy website at www.hsc.unt.edu/policies/policieslist.cfm.

Leave of Absence


Students seeking leave of absence should obtain assistance with proper notifications from Student Affairs. A student in good academic standing may request a leave of absence due to a medical or serious personal problem. Requests for leave of absence must be submitted in writing. Leave cannot be granted for reasons of poor academic standing. Requests for leave of absence submitted by a student not in good standing shall be considered on a case-by-case basis. Requests for leave of absence due to medical reasons must be accompanied by documentation from a physician or licensed professional describing the nature of the disability and the estimated length of time for recovery. A request for leave of absence due to personal reasons may also require substantiating documentation.

Re-admission After Leave of Absence


Prior to re-enrollment, the student must submit a written request for re-admission to the Chair of PA Studies. The request for re-admission must be accompanied by documentation (such as a letter from a physician) substantiating the student’s ability to participate fully in the academic program upon their return. The student may also be required to provide documentation reaffirming their compliance with the Health and Technical Standards of the program. Leave of absence cannot be approved for more than one calendar year.

Grading


Academic standards for successful completion of each course are contained in the course syllabi. Specific requirements for each course, including academic assignments, evaluation and grading schemes, and other conditions of satisfactory performance are contained in course syllabi. Modifications to course requirements and grading schemes may be made when judged necessary to improve instruction or to conform to scholastic regulations of the college. Students are expected to participate in all scheduled activities. Participation may be considered when assigning course grades.

Evaluation of Student Performance


Successful completion of the curriculum depends upon the student’s ability to demonstrate the knowledge, attitudes, and skills commonly held by the graduate physician assistant working in a primary care setting. The use of a trained intermediary by the student is not permitted.

Frequency of examinations and evaluations is determined by course directors according to the volume and types of material covered. Primary methods used for evaluating student performance are by written examination, multiple choice, matching, true/false, short answer and essay-type questions. Evaluation of performance also may include demonstrations of particular skills: examples include identifying and naming anatomic structures, setting up and using a microscope to identify organisms and tissues, suturing of materials and tissues together, medical interviewing and physical examination, clinical problem-solving, and participating in group discussions. In some courses, research, self-learning and written reports are required. Evaluation of students in clinical and laboratory settings will often require students to demonstrate visual, somatic, communicative, analytical, behavioral and discriminatory skills. Participation at lectures and laboratory sessions may be used when evaluating student’s performance in a course. Professionalism is also assessed and graded. Students will be required to successfully complete practical assignments that include technical skills, problem-solving skills, interactions with patients and other health care workers, and the use of research tools (textbooks, journals and sources of medical information). An overall performance grade based on the above factors is assigned for each course and clinical practicum. Students shall be informed of their progress through formal and informal feedback mechanisms and through grades. Course syllabi contain the value(s) of grade components during a course. Students are generally advised of their progress through interactions with instructors and preceptors.

Grade Appeals


Grades are assigned according to requirements contained in the course syllabus. Grade appeals must be submitted in writing and comply with the Student Grievance Policy found in the General Student Handbook. Disputes over individual grades within a course are handled at the course level by the course director and involved faculty members. Course grades may be appealed if: 1) The final course grade has been incorrectly assigned to the student (e.g., a miscalculation or failure to include points earned by the student in the final grade); 2) The final course grade has been unjustly rendered (e.g., did not follow the procedures outlined in the course syllabus); or 3) The final course grade appears to have been assigned in a capricious manner. A student will first seek to resolve the academic problem or complaint through the appropriate administrative channels, entering at the lowest appropriate level and proceeding in the order contained in the Student Grievance Policy with the exception that the Chair of Physician Assistant Studies shall be inserted. Grade appeals must be submitted within five working days of their official posting. Appeals of decisions must be initiated by the student in writing within five (5) working days of receipt of the decision. The decision of the Dean concerning academic appeals is final.

Remediation of Failing Course Grades


Any PA student who receives less than a passing grade in a course must remedy the deficiency and/or raise that grade to passing or face dismissal from the PA program. The opportunity to remedy a failing grade is a privilege that must be earned by the student and is subject to the approval of the Director of Physician Assistant Studies.

Opportunity to remedy deficiencies depends on whether the student has made serious prior efforts to earn a passing grade. Such efforts may include:

  • Participation in scheduled educational experiences
  • Participating in class, laboratories, and small group activities
  • Seeking help with study skills through the Center for Academic Performance (CAP)
  • Notifying the course director of problems before a failing grade occurs
  • Seeking help from the faculty during the regular offering of the course

Failure to remedy any failing grade or improve academic performance while on academic probation can lead to dismissal from the program. Remediation could include repeating courses or a series of courses, up to and including an entire semester or year. In the event a required course is no longer offered, remediation may include returning to the program under new graduation requirements listed for the class in which the returning student is entered into. Failed and remedied course grades are both posted on the student’s official transcript.

Academic Honors


It is a Health Science Center tradition to recognize its highest scholars and promote academic excellence. Students may be awarded “Honors” upon graduation if their overall grade point average is greater than or equivalent to 3.51 on a 4.0 scale. No more than 20% of a single PA graduating class will be awarded “Honors” at graduation.

The Dean’s List is established to recognize academic excellence when the student achieves a semester grade point average of 3.51 or greater for a semester that is primarily didactic. Due to the variable nature of clinical practica, Dean’s List recognition is not awarded for clinical practica. A student who has been placed on probation for any reason during their enrollment is not eligible for Dean’s List recognition. Other special awards may be utilized by the PA program to recognize exceptional academic, clinical, and leadership performance by a student. Special awards are not annotated on the student’s official transcript. No graduate who has failed a course or rotation, or who has not been enrolled as a full-time student, or who has been placed on academic or disciplinary probation during their enrollment can receive a degree with honors.

Disciplinary Policies


Academic Promotion


Students must meet all minimum standards set by the PA Studies Program and the University of North Texas Health Science Center to remain in good standing. The program does not guarantee that any student will accomplish all degree requirements once they have been enrolled. Good standing in the program requires satisfactory completion of all required courses and maintenance of a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better in the curriculum. Students who do not meet standards for promotion and graduation may be offered opportunities to correct academic deficiencies according to university guidelines and/or program policy.

Non-Academic Probation


Enrollment at the UNTHSC is considered implicit acceptance of the rules, regulations, and guidelines governing student behavior and promulgated by the institution. The student is responsible for being aware of these requirements and posted changes. In addition, all students are expected to know and obey the requirements of federal, state, and local laws. Any student who violates a provision of those laws is subject to disciplinary action, including expulsion, notwithstanding any action taken by civil authorities on account of the violation. Special care shall be taken to assure due process and to identify the defined routes of appeal when a student feels their rights have been violated. PA students may be subject to misconduct penalties and placed on non-academic probation for breaches of conduct contained in the Student Code of Conduct and/or a course syllabus.

Academic Probation


Placement on academic probation serves as notice to the student that their continued enrollment is in jeopardy due to poor academic performance. Effective July 1, 2011, for students entering the program after July 1, 2011, any student who earns a semester GPA below 2.85 for any semester in the curriculum will be automatically placed on academic probation. Failure of any required course in the curriculum will automatically cause the student to be placed on academic probation. First or second year PA students with an overall GPA of less than 2.85 are required to meet with the Chair of PA Studies (or designee) to develop a plan for improving their academic performance. Students who are on academic probation are not eligible to hold office in sanctioned student groups, unless approved by the Chair of PA Studies, and may not be recommended for graduation. Removal from academic probation is made only upon recommendation of the PA Student Performance Committee and approval of the Dean or his/her designee.

Dismissal


A PA student may be dismissed from the PA program if that student:

  • Earns a failing grade in any academic course or clinical practicum.
  • Fails a course or clinical practicum due to unprofessional behavior.
  • Fails any repeated course or clinical practicum in the curriculum.
  • Continues to exhibit failing performance while on academic probation.
  • Fails to meet any requirements outlined in an approved remediation plan.
  • Fails any single course while on academic probation.
  • Fails to comply with the Student Code of Conduct.

Failure to earn a passing grade for a course will be considered grounds for automatic dismissal unless otherwise approved for retention by the Dean. The PA Student Performance Committee is not restricted from recommending PA students for probation or dismissal for reasons of unethical, unprofessional, and/or unacceptable behavior by the student. Failure due to poor class participation must be documented. Students who do not meet the standards specified for promotion and graduation may be given opportunities to correct deficiencies. Any student failing a course while on academic probation is subject to automatic dismissal, unless otherwise recommended for retention by the PA Student Performance Committee and approved by the Dean (or designee).

 

Re-Admission after Dismissal


Any student seeking re-admission after dismissal from the PA program must apply through the normal admissions process. The academic record of any student who applies for re-admission will automatically become a part of the data considered by the admissions committee. Any student who is re-admitted and subsequently receives a failing grade in any course will be automatically recommended for dismissal without an opportunity for subsequent re-admission.

Requirements for Graduation: *


Graduation requirements are listed in the catalog at the time of the student’s entry into the Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program. Normally, these requirements can be satisfied within 36 consecutive months. Students may be required to meet additional requirements in order to meet other Health Science Center, accreditation, state or national standards and/or regulations. Students who have met all requirements and been recommended for graduation may be awarded the MPAS degree provided they meet the conditions listed below:

  1. Have satisfactorily completed all academic requirements of the program.
  2. Have completed six academic years of credit at an accredited college or university, of which at least three were completed at the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth.
  3. Have complied with all legal and financial requirements of the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth.
  4. Have exhibited the ethical, professional, behavioral, and personal characteristics necessary for practice as a physician assistant.
  5. Have completed an exit questionnaire and returned to the Office of the Registrar a clearance check form.
  6. Have attended the commencement ceremony at which the degree is to be awarded.
  7. Have met the following requisites and time limits: If a student withdraws, decelerates, or is dismissed and later re-enters the program, or if a student is granted an extension beyond 36 months, that student must meet the requirements listed for the class with whom he or she will graduate. A student who has been dismissed due to poor academic progress, and later is readmitted to the program, has no more than 36 months from the date of re-entry to pass any academic course(s) that was (were) failed and must also complete any subsequent incomplete courses. A student dismissed due to a failing grade in a clinical practicum course, who later is re-admitted to the program, has not more than 12 months from the date of re-entry to successfully complete the course that was failed and any subsequent incomplete courses. The maximum time limit for completing all graduation requirements is 72 months.

* Students who do not fulfill all graduation requirements by the day of graduation will not be allowed to participate in commencement ceremonies without permission of the Dean (or designee). Students will not be considered graduates in any capacity until they have successfully completed all graduation requirements.

Withdrawal


The Master of Physician Assistant Studies program adheres to the UNTHSC policy on course withdrawals. A student who withdraws from a course or fails to complete it within specified time periods will not be permitted to progress in the curriculum or to graduate.

Application for voluntary withdrawal must be made in writing. Except in rare and unusual circumstances, the application for withdrawal will be accompanied by a personal interview with the Department Chair, the Vice President for Student Affairs, and the Dean. Students who withdraw or fail to attend classes or clinical experiences without notifying the Registrar and/or the Dean and without completing the established withdrawal procedures within 30 days, will be administratively withdrawn.

At the time withdrawal is granted, an entry will be made on the official permanent record indicating the academic standing of the student. “Withdrawal in good standing” will be recorded if the student is not on academic probation and has maintained a passing grade in each enrolled course during the semester in which the withdrawal is requested. “Withdrawal not in good academic standing” will be recorded if the student is on academic probation or has maintained a cumulative grade below passing in enrolled courses during the semester in which the withdrawal is requested.

Students must obtain and complete a withdrawal form from the Registrar before they can officially withdraw from the educational program. Students who do not complete the withdrawal process will not be entitled to an official withdrawal and consequently, cannot be considered for readmission at a later date. Re-admission is not assured unless it is a part of the final decision and/or agreement made by the withdrawing student, the Chair of the PA Department and the Dean. This final decision and/or agreement will be in writing. Students who are granted re-admission following withdrawal in good academic standing usually will re-enter at the beginning of the next academic year and must register for all courses scheduled during that academic year, including those previously completed and passed, unless stipulated otherwise in a written agreement with the Dean.

Students who withdraw, who are not in good academic standing may request readmission through regular the admissions process. The admissions committee will evaluate the student’s entire academic record and make a recommendation to the Dean. Any student who withdraws due to poor academic progress, re-enters the Health Science Center and receives a failing grade in any course will be recommended for dismissal without opportunity for readmission.

Supervision of Medical Services


PA students are prohibited from performing any medical services or function without appropriate supervision.

Employment


Students are expected to give attendance to completion of assignments and rotation requirements priority over employment. Some assignments may call for the student to attend patient care activities at unusual or irregular hours or at places that are geographically separate from the main campus and/or their primary residence. Failure to meet course expectations due to employment conflicts may be cause for dismissal from the program.

Weekends and Nights


Class learning activities during the didactic phase of PA education are typically conducted Monday through Friday during normal business hours. However, some courses may require your attendance during the evening hours or on weekends.

Off-Campus Educational Activities


Some clinical practica and educational experiences take place off-campus and outside the immediate vicinity of Fort Worth. Attempt is made to assist students in obtaining housing; however, students are not guaranteed its availability and cannot be afforded special consideration due to housing or employment concerns. Students should recognize that securing housing and transportation to off-campus clinical educational activities at remote clinical sites is a student responsibility. Assistance with locating housing is a service provided for students and is not a program obligation. At no time should the university or PA program be considered responsible for paying student housing costs at any time during off campus educational activities.

Course/Instructor Evaluation


Each student is responsible for providing constructive evaluation of each course, clinical practicum, and instructor in the curriculum within five (5) class days after each course ends. This responsibility is met by participation in the course evaluations and as defined in administrative policy. All evaluations must be current before students can register for the next semester or graduate.

Course of Study Teaching Goals


The overall goals of the Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program are to:

  • Educate physician assistants who are equipped through academic and clinical training to provide patient care services with the appropriate supervision of a licensed physician
  • Provide a course of professional study that provides graduates with appropriate knowledge of physical and mental disease and the skills to accurately and reliably perform the range of health care procedures and duties customarily ascribed to the PA profession
  • Foster development of the intellectual, ethical, and professional attitudes and behaviors that generate trust and respect from the patient population served by the physician assistant
  • Prepare physician assistants with the knowledge, technical capabilities, and judgment necessary to perform in a professional capacity
  • Prepare physician assistants to serve in expanded roles, which meet developing needs in society’s health care environment
  • Prepare physician assistants through curriculum, clinical experiences, and role models to provide medical services to underserved patient populations where the supervising physician may be physically located at the practice site or at a site remote from the physician assistant
  • Provide instruction that stresses the role of the physician assistant in health maintenance and preventive medicine while also taking into consideration the social, economic, and ethical aspects of health care delivery
  • Provide didactic and clinical experiences that prepare the physician assistant for dealing with cultural diversity in the patient population
  • Provide educational experiences that promote understanding of the interdependence of health professionals and foster an interdisciplinary team approach to the delivery of health care
  • Prepare the physician assistant with the knowledge and skills needed to perform clinical research activities and projects
  • Prepare physician assistants with the knowledge and skills needed to be life-long learners and design educational activities appropriate for patients, clinical students, and colleagues
  • Provide educational experiences that stimulate active learning in the science and art of medicine and that foster a desire for continued learning as a practicing professional.

Curriculum


PA Class of 2016


PA Class of 2015


PA Class of 2014