Physician Assistant Studies

PA Program Specific Policies

In alignment with Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC‑PA) standards, our program provides a comprehensive list of all required policies for Physician Assistant (PA) students. These policies are designed to promote transparency, support student success, and ensure compliance with national accreditation requirements. We encourage all current and prospective PA students to review and understand these policies to gain a clear understanding of the expectations, responsibilities, and resources that guide your educational and clinical training

Policies addressed here (ARC-PA A3.01, A3.02, A3.03, A3.08, A3.14):

Student Policy Introduction and Student Responsibility
Required academic standards to maintain enrollment and progress in the curriculum
Requirements and deadlines for completion of the program
Policies and procedures for remediation
Policies and procedures for deceleration
Policies and procedures for withdrawal
Policies and procedures for dismissal
Policies and procedures for student grievances
Policies and procedures for student appeals
Policy for student employment while enrolled in the program
Policy for immuniation and health screening of students
Policy for student non-Responsibility for clinical site and preceptor placement
Policy for student travel to required clinical rotation sites

1. Student Policy Introduction and Student Responsibility

POLICY STATEMENT: 

PA students enrolled in the Program are responsible for understanding and following the contents of the Student Program Manual. To acknowledge this responsibility, students must review and sign the “Student Program Manual Acknowledgement” form and submit the form to the Program Director within the first week of matriculation. Upon any updates to the manual, students will be notified immediately and must acknowledge their receipt and review of updates. Students are expected to actively contribute to the learning environment by maintaining professional and ethical behaviors.  

Location in PA Student Manual: Section 1: Introduction, Page: Student Responsibilities while Enrolled in the Program .

2. Required academic standards to maintain enrollment and progress in the curriculum (A3.14a)

POLICY STATEMENT:

Graduate academic polices are developed and approved through the university's governance system by the Graduate Council. Students remain in good academic standing when they meet the following criteria: https://catalog.uwlax.edu/graduate/academicpolicies/academiceligibility/#probation-retention

A guide to help students navigate through the graduate academic policies can be found at: UWL Graduate Academic Policies
Academic standing is determined once per term after all courses are completed and grades have been entered. The academic terms at UWL are the fall and spring semesters, summer session, and winter intersession.
In addition to the UWL Graduate Academic Policies, the PA program has the following criteria:

Grade Point Average

Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA)

Throughout the PA Program, students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater. If students achieve less than a 3.0 cumulative average in any semester, students will be placed on academic probation the following semester.

Such students must raise their cumulative GPA to at least 3.00 by the end of the term in which they earned their next nine credits or within two terms (whichever comes first) to continue in graduate study.

Minimum Course Grade

Students must obtain a “C” letter grade or better in all courses, including clinical rotations. If a student receives a grade of “D” or “F,” the student will automatically be dismissed from UWL Graduate Studies and the PA Program. Students may appeal their course grade, as well as dismissal from the Program (refer to Appeals Process)

Professionalism (Professional Behaviors)

The program defines professionalism in terms of professional conduct, intellectual honesty, academic integrity, and non-academic professional conduct.

The Program emphasizes the development of professional behaviors – expressions of the ideals and values of the medical profession. Students are expected to adopt behaviors that place the interests and needs of patients above their own. To nurture professionalism, the Program integrates professionalism education into the didactic and clinical curricula and into faculty advising sessions.

During the didactic phase, professional behaviors are introduced and program faculty evaluate students’ professional behavior in their individual courses. Rubrics are provided in individual courses to guide expectations. During the clinical phase, the DCE, Program faculty, and clinical preceptors evaluate students’ professionalism.

If professional expectations are NOT being met, the student will be notified in writing, and the unprofessional behaviors will be addressed in a meeting with the student, student’s faculty advisor, the PD, and/or the DCE. Even though most professional deficiencies result in remediation rather than probation or dismissal, some circumstances may be serious enough to warrant immediate dismissal from the Program.

Technical Standards of Performance

The PA student must possess physical and mental skills and abilities, including observation, communication, motor function, conceptualization, integration and quantitation, and behavioral and social attributes. While accommodation may be made for some disabilities, students must perform these functions independently. If Program faculty or preceptors notice a deficiency during any phase of the Program, the Program may disallow student progression if the deficiency may jeopardize patient care. )

3. Requirements and deadlines for completion of the program (A3.14b)

POLICY STATEMENT: 

To qualify for graduation, students must successfully complete the:

Didactic phase (Year 1)
Clinical phase (Year 2)
Summative evaluation - In addition, students must successfully complete a summative evaluation within the final four months of the program to verify that each student meets all the program-defined learning outcomes (competencies).

Summative Evaluation

The summative evaluation occurs during the Spring semester of the clinical year in PAS 802 and consists of written, verbal, and demonstration components meant to provide evidence that a student is competent for entry-level clinical practice. Deficiency in any of these areas may necessitate remediation and may delay or jeopardize graduation.

There are four components of the summative evaluation.

End of Curriculum Summative Exam
Summative Objective Structured Clinical Examination
Summative Evidence-Based Practice Assessment
Technical Skills Assessment

Location in PA Student Manual: Section 5: Completion of the Program, Page: Graduation Requirements.

4. Policies and procedures for remediation (A3.14c)

POLICY STATEMENT: 

The Program utilizes remediation as a systematic process to address student deficiencies in program-defined competencies, academic performance, or professional behaviors during the didactic and/or clinical phases of the curriculum. The purpose of remediation is to ensure students receive timely access and referral to student services, support students in achieving mastery of identified learning deficiencies and meeting established program expectations.

Remediation efforts may include ongoing evaluation of student performance and progression and may result in the implementation of a Performance Improvement Plan and/or dismissal from the Program.

Policies and procedures related to remediation during the didactic and clinical phases are outlined in the corresponding sections of this manual addressing student progression. (see Section 5, Completion of the Program)

Generally, policies and procedures related to remediation during the didactic and clinical phases include:

Didactic Phase:
- Students who score less than a C grade (<70%) on an exam or assignment may be required to participate in remediation.
- Each semester, students are allowed three or fewer exams scoring <70% across all courses. Subsequent failing grades will be retained and may result in course of failure and dismissal from the Program.
- During the summer, remediation is not offered for the Basic Science Courses -PAS 509, 510, or PAS 626.
- Remediation of assignments and quizzes is at the discretion of individual Course Directors.
Clinical Phase:
- The program permits a maximum of three (3) remediations for ANY reason during the entire clinical phase.
- A remediation is triggered by any failure or deficiency found in the following graded components of the clinical phase:
  - Time and Case Logging, First Week Clinical Rotation Report, Learning Objectives Checklist
  - Preceptor Evaluation of the Student
  - End of Rotation™ Examination
  - PA Professional Development Seminar Series course work
Summative Evaluation:
- Students may be offered a ONE-TIME remediation on any failed portion of the summative evaluation.
Professional Misconduct:
- Professional conduct concerns may be identified by faculty, staff, preceptors, clinical site personnel, standardized patients, peers, or program leadership during either the didactic or clinical phases of the curriculum.
- Professional conduct concerns may include, but are not limited to:
  - Violations of the PA Program Professional Conduct Policy or Student Code of Conduct.
  - Unprofessional communication or behavior.
  - Failure to demonstrate accountability, integrity, respect, responsibility, or ethical conduct.
  - Failure to meet professional expectations in classroom, laboratory, clinical, or program-related activities.
  - Repeated violations of program policies, procedures, or professional expectations.

The Program will provide all remediation requirements, including a PIP if applicable, in writing to the student. Documentation of remediation activities and outcomes will be maintained in the student’s academic file.

Remediation will be individualized based on the nature, severity, frequency, and impact of the identified deficiency and may include one or more of the following:

Reflective writing assignments.
Professionalism modules or educational activities.
Exam re-takes
Faculty mentoring or advising meetings.
Counseling or referral to institutional support services.
Completion of assigned corrective activities.
Increased monitoring and evaluation during didactic or clinical experiences.

Failure to meet the terms of the PIP or to demonstrate satisfactory improvement in identified deficiencies may result in adverse academic actions, including but not limited to delayed progression, additional coursework or clinical requirements, additional tuition and associated fees, delayed graduation, or dismissal from the Program, in accordance with established Program policies.

Performance Improvement Plans (PIP)

The Program utilizes a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) as a formal mechanism to document, monitor, and remediate student deficiencies in meeting program-defined competencies, academic standards, or professional expectations during the didactic and/or clinical phases of the curriculum.

A PIP may be initiated by program faculty or the Program Director when a student demonstrates performance that does not meet established benchmarks for progression. The PIP will clearly define the identified deficiencies and include specific, measurable outcomes, required actions, timelines for completion, and methods for evaluation. The plan will be individualized to support the student’s successful attainment of program competencies.

Deceleration is NOT granted to students during the didactic phase due to course failure (D and F grades) or failure to achieve the minimum GPA required by Graduate Studies within nine (9) credit hours or one (1) semester of placement on probation.

Remediation activities and outcomes will be documented using program-approved documentation processes and maintained in the student's academic file.

Location in PA Student Manual: Section 4 Academic Policies, Page Remediation.

5. Policies and procedures for deceleration (A3.14d)

POLICY STATEMENT: 

Deceleration is defined as a modification of a student’s progression through the program that results in an extended timeline for completion of the curriculum. Deceleration may be implemented to support student success in meeting program-defined competencies, academic standards, or professional expectations during the didactic and/or clinical phases.

The decision to decelerate a student is made by the Program Director in consultation with program faculty and the PA Program Administrative committee and will be based on documented academic performance, clinical performance, professional conduct, or other factors affecting the student’s ability to meet program requirements. Deceleration may occur in conjunction with remediation efforts, including the implementation of a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP), when appropriate.

A formal deceleration plan will be developed and provided to the student in writing. This plan will outline the revised sequence of coursework or clinical experiences, expectations for performance, timelines for completion, and any associated requirements for continued progression. The plan will be individualized to facilitate the student’s successful attainment of all program competencies.

Deceleration may result in additional time to complete the program, which may lead to increased tuition and fees and a delayed graduation date. All deceleration of decisions and supporting documentation will be maintained in the student’s permanent academic record.

Failure to meet the terms of the deceleration plan or to demonstrate satisfactory progress may result in further academic action, including additional remediation, further deceleration, or dismissal from the Program, in accordance with established Program policies.

Deceleration is NOT granted to students due to course failure(s) (D and F grades) or failure to achieve good academic standing after academic probation.

Location in PA Student Manual: Section 4 Academic Policies, Page Deceleration.

6. Policies and procedures for withdrawal (A3.14e)

POLICY STATEMENT: 

All requests for leave of absence and withdrawal are reviewed by program faculty, the PA Administrative Committee, and UWL. Upon review, on a case-by-case requests may be approved or denied.

Voluntary Leave of Absence from the PA program

A leave of absence may be granted in cases of extenuating life circumstances that significantly interfere with a student’s ability to meet program requirements and in which a regular university withdrawal is not appropriate. Examples include but are not limited to students who experience a serious or unexpected physical or behavioral health condition, who may need to provide care to an immediate family member who is experiencing a serious or unexpected physical or behavioral health condition, or who have experienced the death of an immediate family member. In the case of pre-existing, recurring, or chronic health conditions, documentation must show that the recurrence or worsening of the condition(s) began after initiation of the term for which the withdrawal is requested.

The program follows the university's policy for requesting a leave of absence .

If a leave of absence is granted, the Program, along with the university will provide the student with a designated return-to-class notification date. Students may request a leave of absence from the Program for up to one calendar year maximum. The student is responsible for notifying the Program of their intent to return by this date. Failure to initiate the return process by the specified deadline will result in administrative withdrawal from the Program by the Program Director.

Students are responsible for completing all program and university requirements for reentry within the specified timeframe. The Program may require a reentry assessment, including examination(s), to evaluate retention of previously completed coursework.

Voluntary Withdrawal from the Program

Students may voluntarily withdraw from UWL and the Program (https://catalog.uwlax.edu/graduate/academicpolicies/withdrawal/) at any time. Students should be aware that withdrawal may have significant academic and financial implications.

Students who withdraw and later seek to return to the Program must reapply through the standard admissions process. Readmission is not guaranteed. If readmitted, the student will be required to restart the curriculum in its entirety. Credit for previously completed didactic coursework or clinical rotations will not be awarded or transferred.

Withdrawal from a Course or Clinical Rotation

Students must adhere to University policies regarding course withdrawal deadlines and tuition refund schedules, which are available through the University Cashier’s Office.

Due to the academic, financial, and professional implications, students are required to consult with the Program Director prior to withdrawing from any course or clinical rotation. Course or rotation withdrawal will delay program completion (see Deceleration Policy) and may result in additional tuition and associated costs.

Procedures for Leave of Absence and Withdrawal

Students requesting a leave of absence or withdrawal must complete the following steps:

Consultation Requirement
Meet with the Program Director and Academic Advisor to review the purpose of the request as well as academic, financial, and professional implications of the request.

University Process

Contact the Student Life Office (608.785.8062; studentlife@uwlax.edu; 149 Graff Main Hall) to schedule an appointment and initiate a withdrawal. The Student Life Office provides a checklist which withdrawing students are expected to follow carefully. Withdrawal procedures must be fully completed before a withdrawal becomes official.

Written Request

Submit a formal written request to the Program Director that includes:

Date of request
Student name and ID number
Statement of intent (leave of absence or withdrawal)
Reason for request
Anticipated dates (departure and expected return, if applicable)
Acknowledgment of the designated return-to-class notification date (if applicable)
Student’s signature

Procedures for returning from Leave of Absence

The student is responsible for notifying the Program of their intent to return along with return date. Failure to initiate the return process by the specified deadline will result in administrative withdrawal from the Program by the Program Director. Students requesting a return from leave of absence must complete the following steps.

Consultation Requirement
Meet with the Program Director and Academic Advisor to discuss return.

University Process
Contact the Student Life Office (608.785.8062; studentlife@uwlax.edu; 149 Graff Main Hall) to schedule an appointment and initiate a return. The Student Life Office provides a checklist which returning students are expected to follow carefully.

Written Request
Submit a formal written letter to the Program Director that includes:

Date of request
Student name and ID number
Statement of intent (return from leave of absence)
Reason for request
Anticipated dates (expected return, as applicable)
Acknowledgment of any required re-entrance documents.
Student’s signature

Location in PA Student Manual: Section 4 Academic Policies, Page Remediation.

7. Policies and procedures for dismissal (A3.14c)

POLICY STATEMENT: 

Academic Standards Review, Due Process, and Action Policy.

All students are expected to meet and maintain the academic, professional, and technical standards established by the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse (UWL) and the Program, in accordance with ARC-PA Standards for student evaluation, progression, and fair practices.

The Program is committed to ensuring that all decisions regarding student progression, remediation, and dismissal are conducted in a fair, equitable, timely, and consistently applied manner, with appropriate due process protections.

Review Process

When a student is identified as failing to meet program standards, the following process will be implemented:

The student will be notified in writing of the concern(s) and the specific standards not being met.
The Program Director will schedule a formal review meeting at the earliest reasonable opportunity, but no sooner than five (5) business days after notification, ensuring the student has adequate time to prepare a response.
Meeting participants will include the Program Director, Director of Clinical Education, and principal faculty, and Administrative Committee members as appropriate.
The student and involved program representatives will be provided access to all relevant documentation prior to the meeting, consistent with ARC-PA expectations of transparency and student access to records.
The student will have the opportunity to respond to the concern(s), present information, and provide context to the reviewing faculty.
Following the student’s statement, the student will be excused. Designated program representatives will deliberate in a closed session to ensure impartial evaluation and provide a summary report with recommendation of action.

Recommendation and Committee Action

The recommendation will be forwarded to the Program Director who will prepare a formal report for the Program’s Administrative Committee within two (2) business days.
The Administrative Committee will review the recommendation and render a final decision, ensuring consistency with program policies and institutional requirements.

Possible Outcomes

Outcomes may include:

Dismissal from the Program: Applied in cases of serious, unprofessional, or unremediable deficiencies.
Continuation with Required Remediation: A structured remediation plan will outline required actions, expectations, and timelines for successful progression.
Continuation without Remediation: No further action required; the student is deemed to be in good standing.
Dismissal of Concern: The concern is not substantiated and no action is taken.

Notification and Documentation

The final decision will be communicated to the student in writing and verbally in a timely manner by the Program Director.
Written notification will include:
- The decision
- The rationale for the decision
- Any required remediation actions and timelines (if applicable)
- Information regarding the student’s right to appeal
All documentation related to the process and outcome will be maintained in the student’s permanent academic file, in accordance with ARC-PA standards for recordkeeping.

Appeal Process (Due Process Rights)

Students have the right to appeal any adverse decision through established University procedures:

Appeal procedures are outlined in UWL policy (see Appendix B).
Students will be informed of their appeal rights at the time of decision notification.
The appeal process will be conducted independently and without retaliation.

Non-Retaliation and Fair Treatment Statement

The Program prohibits retaliation against any student who participates in this process. All students will be treated fairly, consistently, and without bias, in alignment with ARC-PA Standards on student rights and institutional integrity.

Location in PA Student Manual: Section 4 Academic Policies, Page Dismissal.

8. Policies and procedures for student grievances (A3.14g)

POLICY STATEMENT: 

This policy is adopted from and aligned with the current University of Wisconsin–La Crosse (UWL) Eagle Eye Student Handbook.

All students have the right to file a grievance related to the Program. Complaints may be directed to the Program Director, the Chair of the Department of Health Professions, appropriate University offices, or the program’s accrediting body, the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).

Students who raise concerns or file complaints, whether informally or formally, are protected from retaliation and have the right to a fair review, investigation, and, upon request, periodic updates regarding the status of their concern.

Informal Complaint Process

Students are encouraged to seek resolution through the following steps:

Students may bring a support person (e.g., a peer or UWL staff member) to any meeting throughout this process.

Additional Reporting Resources

Depending on the nature of the concern, students may also access the following resources:

Formal Complaint Process

If an issue is not resolved through informal channels, students may file a formal complaint through the University.

CLINICAL PHASE GRIEVANCES

For more information regarding Institutional Student Complaints please visit this webpage.

Direct Communication:
The student should first address the concern directly with the faculty member or instructor involved.
Department-Level Review:
If the student is uncomfortable approaching the instructor or if the concern is not resolved, the student should contact the Program Director or Chair of the faculty member’s home department.
College-Level Review:
If the issue remains unresolved, the student may escalate the concern to the College Dean. If the Department Chair is involved in the complaint, the student may proceed directly to the Dean.

Academic Concerns (e.g., grades, instruction, course content, professionalism):
Follow the informal complaint process described above. Students may also seek support from the Student Life Office.
Hate/Bias or Discrimination:
Students may follow the standard complaint process and/or contact the Access, Belonging, and Compliance department or submit a formal hate/bias report.
Sexual Misconduct:
Concerns may begin within the academic complaint process but must also be reported to the Office of Title IX. Students should be aware that faculty are mandatory reporters; however, confidential resources (e.g., Violence Prevention services) are available.

Formal complaints must be submitted in writing, signed, or sent from the student’s official UWL email.

Complaints must be addressed to the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs/Dean of Students.

The student must demonstrate that prior efforts to resolve the issue through established University procedures have been attempted.

For concerns arising during clinical education:

Investigation Process

Upon receipt of a report:

Complaints to ARC-PA

Students may file a complaint with ARC-PA if they believe the Program is not in compliance with accreditation Standards or policies.

Additional information is available on the ARC-PA website.
Students must promptly notify the Director of Clinical Education (DCE).
The DCE will collaborate with the clinical site (e.g., site director or clinical coordinator) to address the concern.
Each clinical site maintains its own grievance procedures, which will be followed in conjunction with UWL policies.

Initial Review: The appropriate institutional office will assess the nature of the complaint and determine jurisdiction.
Referral: Cases will be referred to the appropriate office (e.g., Title IX, HR, Academic Affairs) as required.
Investigation: A prompt, fair, and impartial investigation will be conducted.
Outcome Determination: Findings will be based on the evidence and institutional policies.
Notification: Parties will be informed of the outcome to the extent permitted by law and policy.

ARC-PA reviews only written, signed complaints that include specific allegations related to accreditation compliance.
Complaints may be submitted via email to: Complaints@arc-pa.org

Location in PA Student Manual: Section 3 Student Support Services, Page Student Grievances.

9. Policies and procedures for student appeals (A3.14h)

POLICY STATEMENT: 

Students may appeal a course or rotation grade, noted deficiencies and dismissal from the Program.

The Program follows the Health Professions Department Bylaws as follows:

A-1. Grade Appeals
Students who believe that the grade they received for a course does not reflect their performance in that course may appeal the disputed grade. This appeal must take place before the end of the term immediately following the term in which the grade was recorded. If the disputed grade involves a course that is not part of the department, students should contact the department chair. (See Appendix B – Procedure for Hearing Grade Appeals).

A-2. Academic Non-Grade Appeals
Students may initiate and resolve complaints regarding faculty or IAS behavior. Such complaints shall be logged either orally or in writing with the program director, department chair, or Dean of the college within 90 days of the last occurrence. The hearing procedures for these non-grade concerns are detailed in UW-L’s Eagle Eye Student Handbook.

A-3. Program Policy Appeals
When a student chooses to appeal a program decision, the chair of the HP department is to be informed of the appeal.

Location in PA Student Manual: Section 4 Academic Policies, Page Student Appeals and Appendix B: Appeals Process.

10 Policy for student employment while enrolled in the program (A3.02)

POLICY STATEMENT: 

All faculty, staff, and students must understand and adhere to the following:

PA students are not required to work for the Program as a condition of enrollment or participation.
PA students may not function as, or substitute for, instructional faculty, clinical staff, administrative staff, or any other Program personnel.

Due to the rigorous and demanding nature of PA education, the Program strongly discourages employment while enrolled.

Students who elect to maintain employment during their enrollment in the PA Program acknowledge and understand that:

Such employment is not sponsored, endorsed, or supervised by the UWL PA Program.
Program faculty are not responsible for overseeing or evaluating students' employment activities.
Students are not covered by the Program's professional liability or malpractice insurance while engaged in outside employment activities.
Employment responsibilities must not interfere with academic, clinical, or professional obligations required by the Program.

The Program expects all students to uphold the professional and ethical standards of the PA profession both within and outside of Program activities. Students must demonstrate professionalism, exercise sound judgment, and communicate honestly and accurately in all employment settings.

Students who identify themselves as members of the UWL PA Program in the workplace must clearly represent their status as PA students and must not imply that they are acting on behalf of, representing, or speaking for the Program.

The Program assumes no financial, legal, or professional responsibility or liability for students' extracurricular employment, whether clinical or non-clinical in nature.

Location in PA Student Manual: Section 2 Operations, Page Student Employment.

11. Policy for immunization and health screening of students (A3.09)

POLICY STATEMENT: 

The PA Program’s health screening and immunization policies intend to protect students, faculty, and patients during classroom and clinical activities. It is the responsibility of the student to retain records and to provide accurate and timely documentation as requested.

The program's guidelines for immunizations and titers are based on the current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations for health professionals as well as state specific mandates and our clinical partner institutional requirements.

Didactic Phase Requirements

Upon matriculation, students must obtain a physical health examination to assess communicable diseases, conditions that might endanger the health or well-being of other students, staff, and patients; immunization status; and fitness to undertake graduate education. Providing self-reported dates and results is not sufficient. Official documentation from a healthcare professional or organization or state registry is required. Health examinations must be performed by a non-relative, licensed MD, DO, PA-C, or NP of the student’s choice. Furthermore, to protect confidentiality, the PA Program neither receives nor reviews students’ medical records.

By July of the matriculating year, students will:

Obtain a health examination (Student Health Examination form)
Verify immunity and obtain required immunizations (PA Program Required Immunizations Checklist)
Submit forms to the Program and maintain personal copies of all health records.

By December of the matriculating year, students will:

Obtain seasonal influenza & COVID-19 immunizations
Submit either the Attestation/Declination of Seasonal Boosters of Influenza & COVID Vaccination forms or medical documentation containing the student’s name, vaccine name, and date and maintain personal copies of all health records.

By May 1st of the end of didactic phase, students will:

Submit proof of tuberculosis testing. A two-step skin test or a TB blood test (IGRA) is required within 3 months before starting the clinical phase. The test must be signed by a licensed medical provider (DO, PA, NP, or MD).
Maintain a personal copy of all health records.

Clinical Phase

Prior to the clinical phase, to participate in clinical activities, students may also be asked to provide an updated health examination, especially if there has been a health status change that impacts the student’s ability to participate in clinical rotations.

Students may be required to show immunization, titer, and TB testing records at a clinical rotation site. Additional immunizations, boosters, screenings, or documentation may be required by affiliated clinical sites. Students are responsible for meeting site-specific requirements.

By December, of the clinical phase, students will:

Submit proof of influenza immunization using either the Attestation/Declination of Seasonal Boosters for Influenza and COVID-10 Vaccination forms or medical documentation containing the student’s name, vaccine name, and date.
Maintain a personal copy of all health records.

Prevention of Transmission

Students who are ill or exhibiting symptoms of communicable diseases are expected to self-isolate and seek medical care. The student must also notify the Program Director or Director of Clinical Education as soon as possible so appropriate precautions can be acted upon.

Declination of Vaccination

Students may forego immunization for personal or medical reasons; however, the clinical partners may decline students without required immunizations or medical documentation. Declining an immunization may adversely impact a student’s clinical education experience and progression through the Program. (Attestation/Declination of Vaccination form)

Questions about the health and immunization policy should be directed to the Program Director.

References:

CDC Recommendation can be found here
WI Immunization Recommendation for Adults information
CDC Recommendation for tuberculosis screening

Location in PA Student Manual: Section 2 Operations, Page Health Screening and Immunizations.

12. Policy for student non-Responsibility for clinical site and preceptor placement

POLICY STATEMENT: 

Prospective and enrolled students are not required to provide or solicit clinical sites or preceptors.

Clinical rotations are completed within the health systems of our affiliated partner institutions. This provides students with a variety of opportunities for experiences in the many rural and suburban clinics and hospitals within these health systems in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa.

Travel is required for many rotation sites. Students are responsible for their own housing and transportation during the clinical year. Some clinical sites are able to provide housing; however, this is highly specific to the location and current availability. Students are encouraged to secure housing through known contacts, personal connections, and former students.

Clinical Base Site Matching

Students will be assigned to clinical rotation sites based on availability within one of the clinical base sites. As the clinical phase progresses, the clinical site and/or Program may need to alter rotation schedules due to unforeseen circumstances with preceptors and clinical departments. While changes will be kept to a minimum, students are expected to professionally accept rotation assignments without complaint.

Students are never permitted to arrange their own preceptors or clinical sites. The DCE will secure all rotations. Students who must understand and comply with this policy are required to sign the Clinical Placement Acknowledgement form.

Location in PA Student Manual: Section 2 Operations; Clinical Rotation Policy.

13. Policy for student travel to required clinical rotation sites (A3.14j)

POLICY STATEMENT: 