Master of Medical Science in Physician Associate Academic Policies

Academic Integrity for PA Medicine–

In keeping with its educational mission, Palm Beach Atlantic University places the highest value on academic integrity and does not tolerate cheating and other forms of abuse of the academic process. The faculty and administrators of the university assume that entering students, in accepting admission to Palm Beach Atlantic University PA Medicine, are aware that they will submit themselves to the university’s standard of academic honesty and agree to follow the procedures by which the university observes and enforces its standard.

Academic Integrity for PA Medicine–

In keeping with its educational mission, Palm Beach Atlantic University places the highest value on academic integrity and does not tolerate cheating and other forms of abuse of the academic process. The faculty and administrators of the university assume that entering students, in accepting admission to Palm Beach Atlantic University PA Medicine, are aware that they will submit themselves to the university’s standard of academic honesty and agree to follow the procedures by which the university observes and enforces its standard.

Academic Year and Calendar Definition

The academic year officially commences with the onset of the fall semester, extending through to the conclusion of the subsequent summer semester, marking the beginning of a new academic cycle each fall. The Academic Calendar meticulously outlines key dates and milestones within this period, including withdrawal cut-offs, holiday observances, and graduation ceremonies.

It is crucial to acknowledge that Physician Associate (PA) Medicine adheres to a specialized Academic Calendar, tailored to meet its unique educational requirements. As such, students and faculty are advised to consult the specific PA Medicine calendar, ensuring it is not confused with the general PBA Institutional calendar.

Confidentiality of Student Records

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. Annually, Palm Beach Atlantic University informs students of these rights. These rights are as follows:

1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the university receives a request for access. A student should submit to the Provost, Registrar, Dean of the appropriate school, or other appropriate official, written requests that identify the record(s) he/she wishes to inspect. The university official will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the university official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.
2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records, which the student believes are inaccurate or misleading. A student may ask the university to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. He or she should write to the university official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the university decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the university will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his or her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.
3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception that permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the university in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person or company with whom the university has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); a person serving on the Board of Trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibilities. Upon request, the university discloses education records without consent to officials of another school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.
4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the University to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is: Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC, 20202-4605.

Confidentiality of Student Records

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. Annually, Palm Beach Atlantic University informs students of these rights. These rights are as follows:

• The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the university receives a request for access. A student should submit to the Provost, Registrar, Dean of the appropriate school, or other appropriate official, written requests that identify the record(s) he/she wishes to inspect. The university official will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the university official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.
• The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records, which the student believes are inaccurate or misleading. A student may ask the university to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. He or she should write to the university official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the university decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the university will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his or her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.
• The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception that permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the university in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person or company with whom the university has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); a person serving on the Board of Trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibilities. Upon request, the university discloses education records without consent to officials of another school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.
• The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the University to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is: Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC, 20202-4605.

Degree Plan

In the Physician Associate (PA) Medicine program, we uphold a structured and sequential degree plan that is mandatory for all graduate students to follow. This cohesive approach ensures that each student acquires a comprehensive and uniform foundation of knowledge, skills, and competencies essential for the practice of PA Medicine at the highest standards. The degree plan is meticulously designed to guide students through a progressive learning journey, where each phase builds upon the previous one, fostering a deep and integrated understanding of the medical sciences and clinical practice. Adherence to this prescribed order of coursework and clinical rotations is critical in preparing our graduates to meet the rigorous demands of the healthcare industry and to excel in their future roles as Physician Assistants.

See the PA Medicine Student Handbook for more information.

Disclosure of Directory Information

At its discretion, the university may provide Directory Information in accordance with the provisions of the Act to include: student name, address, electronic mail address, photograph, grade level, enrollment status, telephone number, date and place of birth, major/minor fields of study, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, previous educational agency or institution attended by the student, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, and weight and height of members of athletic teams.

A student may withhold Directory Information by notifying the Office of the Registrar in writing within one week after the published beginning date for a given semester. Request for nondisclosure will be honored by the institution for only one academic year; therefore, authorization to withhold Directory Information must be filed annually. Palm Beach Atlantic University assumes that failure on the part of any student to specifically request the withholding of categories of Directory Information indicates individual approval for disclosure. The consequences should be considered very carefully for any decision to withhold any category of Directory Information. Should the student decide to inform the institution not to release any or all of this information, any future requests for such information from non-institutional persons or organizations will be refused, except as provided in the Act. The institution will honor the student’s request to withhold this information but cannot assume responsibility to contact the student for subsequent permission to release such information. Regardless of the effect upon the student, the institution assumes no liability for honoring the instructions that such information be withheld.

Enrollment Status

In the Physician Associate (PA) Medicine program, a graduate student is required to enroll in all required semester hours to attain full-time status. This enrollment criterion aligns with the program’s rigorous and structured degree plan, which is essential for all students. This comprehensive plan serves as a vital blueprint, aimed at equipping students with a robust foundation in the requisite knowledge, skills, and competencies for high-caliber medical practice.

Your academic journey within the PA Medicine program is deliberately designed to be a progressive educational experience, where each stage of learning builds upon the previous, ensuring a deep-rooted and holistic understanding of medical sciences and clinical practice. Strict adherence to the predetermined sequence of coursework and clinical rotations is paramount. This disciplined approach is crucial for your preparation to confront the demanding challenges of the healthcare industry and to excel as a future Physician Assistant. Your enrollment as a full-time student signifies your dedication to this educational path and your resolve to excel in your professional endeavors.

See the PA Medicine Student Handbook for more information.

Enrollment Verification
Attendance Policy

PBA PA Medicine requires all students to attend all lectures, laboratory activities and rotation assignments.  Attendance at all classes is considered an aspect of professional responsibility and individual dependability.  Any absences will be noted on the students’ professional evaluations.

Absence from instructional periods for any reason does not relieve the student from the responsibility for the material covered, and such absences must be for substantial reasons such as illness or emergencies.

See the PA Medicine Student Handbook for more information.

PA Student Identification Policy (A3.06).

While at clinical sites, you must clearly identify yourself as a PA student. Students must wear their university-issued name tag and a short, white laboratory coat with PA Medicine patch to distinguish them from physicians, medical students, and other health professionals. Individual sites may issue and require that students wear an additional institutional identification badge. If this is the case, they must wear the institution’s badge and their university-issued name tag unless specifically directed otherwise by the clinical site. Students are also expected to introduce themselves as a “PA Student.”

Evaluation and Grading Policies

Calculating the Grade Point Average

A student’s grade point average may be calculated by:

• Multiplying the credit hours attempted* by the quality points earned for each course according to the letter grade assigned.
• Totaling all quality points earned; and
• Dividing the quality points by the number of credit hours attempted.

* F grades are factored into credit hours earned, though zero (0) quality points are earned. W (withdrawal) and I (incomplete) grades are not factored into earned credit hours for GPA calculations purposes.

*Quality Points are earned for each credit hour

Grade Reports

Within two weeks after the end of the academic semester, grades are available on myPBA for each student who has been enrolled that semester. To have grades mailed or delivered to any third party, a student should request a transcript (see Transcripts). within two weeks after the end of the academic semester.  Grades are available on myPBA for each student who has been enrolled that semester. To have grades mailed or delivered to any third party, a student should request a transcript (see Transcripts).

Grading and Progression

Academic Performance (A3.13)

The quality of an educational program can be measured by the academic performance of its students. The responsibility for superior performance lies in collaboration with the students, the faculty, and the institution. Regarding academic performance, standards are set to ensure that the integrity of the program and institution is maintained. PA Medicine prides itself on academic excellence and as such follows academic and ethical standards to maintain the scholastic status of students.

See the PA Medicine Student Handbook for more information.

Academic Progression (A3.15b)

A student must fulfill all academic requirements prior to progressing to the next phase of the program.

See the PA Medicine Student Handbook for more information.

Didactic Phase

Specific provisions shall govern the students and faculty of PA Medicine during the didactic phase.

See the PA Medicine Student Handbook for more information.

Clinical Phase

Specific provisions shall govern the students and faculty of PA Medicine during the clinical phase.

See the PA Medicine Student Handbook for more information.

Transcripts

The official academic record for each student is maintained in the Office of the Registrar. A student has access to the record during normal office hours. A student may receive copies of the transcript for personal use or may request the transcript be mailed. Such requests must be made online through the National Student Clearinghouse or in person at the Registrar’s office. A transcript (official or unofficial) will not be released if the student’s account with the university is delinquent.

Incomplete Grade
Incomplete grades are given when, in the opinion of the instructor, a student is prevented by circumstances beyond his or her control from completing course requirements by the end of the term. Course requirements remaining to be completed must be made up by the date specified by the professor and normally should be completed within 30 days.

PA Medicine Grievance Policy

Student Academic Grievance Policy/Grade Appeal (A3.15g)

An appeals process needs to be in place should a student feel that a decision rendered is unfair. PA Medicine abides by the “Academic Integrity Policy” and “Grievance Policy - Academic Complaint” as posted on the PBA Website Student Mistreatment Policy

See the PA Medicine Student Handbook for more information.

Grievance Policy (Academic Complaint) *

An appeals process needs to be in place should a student feel that a decision rendered is unfair. PA Medicine abides by the “Academic Integrity Policy” and “Grievance Policy - Academic Complaint” as posted on the PBA Website Student Mistreatment Policy

An academic complaint refers to the grievance a student may have concerning faculty evaluation of his or her academic performance represented in the final grade for a course, OR a professor’s assessment of academic dishonesty.

Specific procedure must be followed in filing a grievance:

See the PA Medicine Student Handbook for more information.

Grievance Policy (Non-Academic Complaint)

A non-academic complaint appeals process needs to be in place should a student feel that a decision rendered is unfair. PA Medicine abides by the “Non-Academic Integrity Policy” and “Grievance Policy (Non-Academic Complaint” as posted on the PBA Website Student Mistreatment Policy

Complaints regarding harassment or discrimination will be addressed by the Office of Human Resources with details found on the PBA Website

Specific procedure must be followed in filing a grievance:

See the PA Medicine Student Handbook for more information.

General Guidelines for Informal Resolution

In most cases, concerns can be resolved through informal processes that begin with the student and the department or office involved by following the steps outlined below. Students may choose, however, not to utilize the informal process and file a written formal complaint from the outset of their concerns which will be described in the PA Medicine Student Handbook for more information.

Non-Traditional and Other Credit 

Transfer and Transient Credit and Shuttered Institutions: PA Medicine

In maintaining the highest standards of academic integrity and ensuring the uniformity and quality of the educational experience, the Physician Associate (PA) Medicine program enforces a strict policy regarding the acceptance of transfer, transient, and coursework from shuttered institutions.

• Transfer Coursework: The PA Medicine program does not accept transfer credits from any other institution. This policy ensures that all students gain a consistent, comprehensive education through our specifically designed curriculum, which is tailored to meet the rigorous requirements and standards of the PA profession.
• Transient Coursework: Students enrolled in the PA Medicine program are expected to complete all their coursework within the framework of our established curriculum. As such, transient coursework, or courses taken at another institution while enrolled in our program, will not be recognized, or applied towards the completion of the PA Medicine degree.
• Coursework from Shuttered Institutions: Given the importance of verifiable educational quality and the potential difficulty in assessing the standards of closed institutions, the PA Medicine program will not accept coursework from institutions that have ceased operations. This ensures that all credited coursework meets our program’s stringent quality criteria.

This policy is in place to preserve the integrity of the PA Medicine program and to ensure that all graduates meet the same high standards of knowledge, competency, and professional readiness. Students are encouraged to fully engage with the program’s curriculum, designed to provide comprehensive and immersive educational experience leading to successful careers in the PA field.

Registration and Changes in Registration

Add/Drop

In alignment with the structured educational framework of the Physician Associate (PA) Medicine program, the following Add/Drop Policy has been established to uphold the integrity of the program’s set course progression. This policy reflects the program’s commitment to a sequential learning experience, ensuring each student advances through the curriculum in a manner that fosters comprehensive understanding and skill development in medical practice.

Policy Overview:

Due to the highly integrated and sequential nature of the PA Medicine curriculum, the program does not permit the addition or dropping of individual courses after the initial enrollment period. This policy is in place to ensure that all students maintain the prescribed course progression, which is critical for the cohesion and effectiveness of the educational experience.

Key Provisions:

• Fixed Enrollment: Once enrolled in the PA Medicine program, students are automatically registered for a predetermined set of courses each semester, according to the program’s fixed course sequence. This sequence is carefully designed to build upon previous knowledge and skills, preparing students for the complexities of medical practice.
• No Add/Drop Period: Unlike programs with flexible course schedules, the PA Medicine program does not offer an Add/Drop period after the commencement of classes. Students are expected to commit to the full course load as designed for each term.
• Exceptional Circumstances: In rare cases where extraordinary personal, medical, or other significant circumstances arise, students may petition for a leave of absence in accordance with the program’s Leave of Absence Policy. Such petitions will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and approved leaves may result in the student rejoining the program at the point in the course sequence that aligns with their return.
• Academic Advising: Students facing academic or personal challenges are encouraged to seek guidance from academic advisors. The program is committed to supporting students through its resources and advising services to help them navigate the rigorous demands of the curriculum.

This Add/Drop Policy is integral to maintaining the educational standards and operational integrity of the PA Medicine program. Students are encouraged to fully engage with the curriculum and utilize the available resources to maximize their success in the program.

Deceleration and Withdrawal PA Medicine
Deceleration Policy (A3.15c)

A matriculated student who chooses to interrupt his/her attendance due to exceptional life events (non-academic) but intends to return and continue his/her study later may request deceleration. Deceleration is the loss of a student from entering cohort, who remains matriculated in PBA PA Medicine. The decision to grant deceleration is made on a case-by-case basis by the Program Director.

See the PA Medicine Student Handbook for more information.

Withdrawal Policy (A3.15d)

When a student withdraws from the University, the student forfeits his or her rights and privileges as a student, including the use of all PBA facilities.

See the PA Medicine Student Handbook for more information.

Standards for Academic Progress in PA Medicine

Academic Performance (A3.13)

The quality of an educational program can be measured by the academic performance of its students. The responsibility for superior performance lies in collaboration with the students, the faculty, and the institution. Regarding academic performance, standards are set to ensure that the integrity of the program and institution is maintained. PA Medicine prides itself on academic excellence and as such follows academic and ethical standards to maintain the scholastic status of students.

Academic Progression (A3.15b)

A student must fulfill all academic requirements prior to progressing to the next phase of the program.

• End of each course (didactic and clinical) - A student must complete all coursework and achieve an overall minimum passing grade of 70% or as specified in the syllabus. In clinical courses, a student must also submit all required evaluations for the rotation as detailed in the syllabus.
• End of each semester – a student must have a minimum overall GPA of 2.5.
• End of didactic year - a student must be in good academic and professional standing as determined by the P&A Committee. Students must also take the PACKRAT I and satisfactorily complete a Formative OSCE.

Veteran Students

UNSATISFACTORY PROGRESS, CONDUCT, AND ATTENDANCE (38 CFR 21.4203(d), 38 CFR 21.4277, 38 CFR 21.7154, 38 CFR 21.7653(c), 38 CFR 21.7654, and 38 CFR21.9725)

The law requires that educational assistance benefits to veterans and other eligible people be discontinued when the student ceases to make satisfactory progress toward completion of his or her training objective. Benefits can be resumed if the student reenrolls in the same educational institution and in the same program. In other cases, benefits cannot be resumed unless VA finds that the cause of the unsatisfactory attendance, conduct or progress has been removed and the program of education or training to be pursued by the student is suitable to his or her aptitudes, interests, and abilities.

Both accredited and non-accredited schools are required by law to have and to enforce standards of progress and conduct for their programs to be approved for VA benefits. Only non-accredited schools are required by federal law to have attendance standards.

These standards should be stated plainly in the school’s catalog or bulletin. A school’s policy and regulations for standards of progress, conduct and attendance must be defined:

• The school’s grading system
• Conditions for interruption of training due to unsatisfactory grades or progress
• Conditions for dismissal due to unsatisfactory conduct
• Conditions for a student’s reentrance or remission following dismissal or suspension for unsatisfactory progress
• The minimum satisfactory grade level
• A description of any probationary period

Withdrawal from the University

Withdrawal: Refund Schedule for PBA Graduate Student

*NOTE: The following refund schedules apply only if the student withdraws from all courses.

Withdrawal requests must be submitted to the Academic Support Office. In the case of a request for medical withdrawal, please be sure all proper paperwork is filed with Health and Wellness and the Academic Support Office. Please refer to the published academic calendar for the census date as well as sub term start and end dates for each term. The following refund schedule is based on the student’s last date of attendance (LDA), which is determined by the Registrar’s office upon completion of withdrawal process.

For more information about Scholarships and Financial Literacy, visit PBA Financial Aid Site.

Approved Medical Withdrawal

A medical withdrawal implies that you are withdrawing from the university and all classes in which you are currently enrolled. A medical withdrawal does not allow for a student to stay enrolled in some classes while medically withdrawing from others. If this is your intention, you will need to discuss this with the Office of the Registrar for other withdrawal options. Students are strongly encouraged to contact the Offices of the Registrar and Financial Aid before deciding to seek a medical withdrawal.

When seeking a medical withdrawal, the student must fill out the Medical Withdrawal Form and must provide official supporting documentation from a medical doctor or psychiatrist whose care they are under. The documentation needs to state that the medical doctor/psychiatrist is recommending the student medically withdraw from the university, because of the student’s medical condition. The Medical Withdrawal Form and supporting documentation must be submitted to the Director of Academic and Accessibility Resources (OAAR) by the last day of the semester, but no later than ten days thereafter. Medical Withdrawal requests from previous semesters will not be accepted.

All documents received will be reviewed and the student will be notified if his/her request was accepted, denied, or if further information is required. If the Medical Withdrawal is approved, a Medical Withdrawal hold will be placed on the student’s account and appropriate offices will be notified.

Approved Medical Withdrawals provide students with a withdrawal date to be set for one week prior to their last date of attendance. Without an Approved Medical Withdrawal (per the Withdrawal from the University policy), the last date of attendance is the recorded withdrawal date and the standard fee schedules apply. All Approved Medical Withdrawals are recorded as a “W” on your academic record. When a student withdraws from the University, the student forfeits his or her rights and privileges as a student, including the use of all PBA facilities. Therefore, he or she will be required to immediately turn in their PBA Card and key to Campus Safety, Sailfish Services, or Residential Life.

Approved Medical Withdrawal Procedure

A student must submit a written request for medical withdrawal to the Director of the Office of Academic and Accessibility Resources (OAAR). Qualified requests will include documentation of medical or psychological necessity to withdraw from academic coursework, which must be submitted to the Office of Academic and Accessibility Resources (OAAR) within 10 days of the last date of attendance.

Contact information for OAAR

Attn: Office of Academic and Accessibility Resources
Palm Beach Atlantic University
901 South Flagler Dr.
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Phone: 561.803.2576
Fax: 561.803.2519

Upon receipt of a written request and supporting documentation, the OAAR will review the Medical Withdrawal request, and will notify the student and the   Offices of the Registrar and Financial Aid of the decision, within ten (10) days of receiving the medical withdrawal request along with supporting documentation.

Prior to receiving approval to return to academic work, all students requesting an Approved Medical Withdrawal must contact. OAAR with medical proof of clearance to return.

Approved Medical Withdrawal Re-Enrollment Procedure

To have a medical withdrawal held removed from an account, either for the purpose of reenrolling or to request a transcript, the student must first submit an official medical letter of clearance to the Director of OAAR. The letter from the student’s medical provider must include the time frame of care, updated progress, and effective date to return to classes.

Meet all university and re-enrollment requirements, including the removal of any university holds.

Receive medical clearance from OAAR

Receive registration clearance from the Office of the Registrar to register for classes. Please refer to the Tuition & Fees for applicable refund schedules.