Physician Assistant Studies – Program Policies

Students enrolled in the Master of Health Science Physician Assistant Studies Program at South College Asheville must successfully complete all didactic courses with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 to proceed to the clinical learning phase of the program. In addition, to graduate and be awarded a Master of Health Science degree, students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 at the end of the clinical learning phase. Successful completion of the program is defined as having a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale upon completion of the program.

All students must complete the South College Asheville Physician Assistant Program and all its requirements within 30 months of matriculation.

Didactic Review and Remediation Policy

 

The following policy applies to major assessments within a course as indicated in the course syllabus. This policy includes all final examinations.

 

Didactic Review Policy

 

A review with the Course Instructor or Course Director is required for any major assessment (indicated in course syllabus), in which a student achieves a failing grade, which is defined as a score below <70%.

 

Within three business days (72 hrs.) of receiving a failing grade, the student should:

• Complete a copy of the Review Self-Assessment Worksheet (Appendix 12).
• Send the completed Review Self-Assessment Worksheet to the Course Instructor/Course
• Schedule a meeting with the Course Instructor/Course

 

During this meeting, the instructor and student will discuss the completed Review Self-Assessment Worksheet and evaluate deficiencies in learning (which could include, but are not limited to, review of missed questions/categories on the assignment) to address existing knowledge and/or skill gaps, after which the instructor will document completion of the review activity.

 

Didactic Remediation Policy

 

If a student fails a third major assignment within a didactic quarter, the student will be required to participate in the program’s formal didactic remediation process. The remediation process is designed and applied to address deficiencies in a student’s knowledge and skills, such that the correction of these deficiencies is measurable and can be documented.

 

The remediation process is coordinated by the Student Progress Committee (SPC), who will meet with the student to assign a remedial course of action. This course of action will include remedial instruction and a remedial assignment to address the deficiencies in knowledge and skills that were identified on the three failed major assignments. Examples of a remedial assignment include, but are not limited to, a multiple-choice examination, oral examination, written assignment, or a practical exercise that demonstrates correction of the deficiencies in knowledge and skills. The remedial assignment must be completed in a satisfactory manner (grade > 70%) in the time prescribed by the Student Progress Committee (SPC). If the remediation assignment is not completed in a satisfactory manner that demonstrates a correction of these deficiencies, an additional period of remedial instruction and remedial assignment will be required.

 

This process applies to any subsequent failed assessments in that same quarter.

 

Clinical Year Review and Remediation Policy

 

During the clinical year, learning outcomes are evaluated through preceptor evaluations as well as other objective assessments, as outlined in each course syllabus. Students must achieve a minimum average score of 70% on all objective assessments and a minimum average score of 80% on preceptor evaluations to pass each SCPE. Any grade below these thresholds referral to the Student Progress Committee (SPC), as outlined in the Clinical Year Manual.

 

For individual objective assessments such as the Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs), professional behaviors, and clinical documentation assignments, a minimum passing score of 70% is required. Deficiencies identified in any of these assessments initiates a structured remediation process coordinated by the respective Course Director. The remediation may include a reflective self-assessment, individualized review assignment, and reassessment through retesting or resubmission. Successful completion of the remediation verifies that the learning outcome has been achieved.

 

Deficiencies in learning outcomes measured by the EOR Examination are identified by a failing score of <70%. Students who fail the EOR must complete a self-assessment, meet with the Course Director, complete a remediation exercise consisting of a reflective review of coursework pertinent to their exam weaknesses and feedback from their course instructor and/or the Director of Clinical Education. This exercise must be submitted no later than the third week of the following rotation. Students will then need to retake the EOR. Students who fail to achieve >70% on the retest are referred to the Student Progress Committee (SPC) and will be subject dismissal from the program. If permitted to continue in the program they will go through an individualized remediation process through a reflective self-assessment, individualized review assignment, and recommended to repeat of the clinical rotation at a different site in the future.

 

For the preceptor evaluation, if a student receives a score of 2 or below on any learning outcome (on a 5-point Likert scale), remediation of that learning outcome with the program is required. The remediation process for individual learning outcomes assessed through preceptor evaluations are coordinated by the Course Director for the corresponding clinical course and approved by the Director of Clinical Education. The Course Director provides targeted instruction and an objective reassessment to verify that the learning outcome has been achieved. Students must complete the reassessment within the period established by the Course Director to fulfill remediation requirements.

 

Students must achieve a minimum overall average score of 80% on the Preceptor Evaluation to pass the rotation. A score below 80% indicates that the student has not met the expected performance standards and constitutes a failure of the SCPE. In this case, the student will be referred to the Student Progress Committee (SPC) for review and will be subject to dismissal. Until the SPC reviews the case, the student’s clinical progression will be paused, meaning they may not continue into subsequent courses. If the SPC allows continuation in the program the Director of Clinical Education will develop a remediation plan, which may include completion of reflective statements, review assignments specific to the deficient rotation. The student will be required to repeat the rotation at a different clinical site at a future time. Repeat rotations will delay graduation; any additional financial responsibility for this will be determined by South College Administration.

 

Given that the preceptor evaluation is not completed until the end of each SCPE, the program also employs a Mid-Rotation Evaluation process to ensure early identification and correction of performance deficiencies. At the midpoint of each SCPE, the student assists the preceptor in completing a Mid-Rotation Evaluation Form. If a concern is noted with a score less than 2 on any Learning Outcome, the Course Director and Director of Clinical Education are notified immediately, and the clinical preceptor and student are contacted to discuss these concerns. Then, an individualized review plan is developed and implemented. This plan may include focused clinical objectives, supplemental assignments, or direct faculty follow-up to address the identified area of need.

 

This structured and tiered evaluation and remediation process ensures continuous monitoring of student progress, early detection of deficiencies, and confirmation that all students achieve program-defined learning outcomes prior to progression and graduation.

The program does not offer deceleration. See withdrawal policy.

Students who must interrupt their education in the Physician Assistant Program for any reason must formally withdraw from the Physician Assistant (PA) program.

 

Requests for withdrawal must be submitted in writing to the Program Director and the Registrar. All students who have withdrawn from the PA Program and wish to restart the Program must complete the Physician Assistant Program Reentry Request form and submit it to the Program Director. This request, which includes a student attestation and medical certification of ability to meet the Technical Standards of the program, will be reviewed by the Student Progress Committee for consideration. For a reentry request to be considered through this avenue, the student must have been in good academic and professional standing at the time of withdrawal. There are no guarantees regarding reentry into the Physician Assistant program.

 

Reentry to the program, if granted by the Student Progress Committee, is permitted for up to one year from the date of withdrawal before the next starting cohort. To be considered for the next student cohort, a letter of request for reentry must be received by August 1st of the year prior to the next cohort start date. After one year from the withdrawal date, students must apply for admission through CASPA. PA students who are granted reentry and withdrew during the didactic curriculum course sequence are required to repeat the didactic curriculum course sequence in effect at the time of reentry in its entirety. Fiscal responsibility for repeated coursework will be determined by South College administration NOT by the program. All PA students granted reentry must comply with all policies and requirements in effect at the time of reentry and must be in good academic and professional standing.

 

A withdrawal becomes official when a student notifies the Program Director and Registrar. Students should discuss this process with their faculty advisor prior to this action. Students who do not officially withdraw will be considered enrolled in courses until an appropriate academic participation verification point. If it is determined that a student is no longer academically participating at the regular check points, the College will officially withdraw the student. A withdrawal must be submitted by the 7th week of the program. Any student who withdraws from a course after the 7th week will receive the letter grade earned in that class. The College does not offer withdraw passing (WP) or withdraw Failing (WF).

 

Be advised, the Program does not offer deceleration. Additionally, the withdrawal policy cannot be used to mitigate poor academic performance.

Academic Dismissal

This is an action whereby a student is dismissed from the Physician Assistant Studies Program of South College due to failure to adhere to academic standards. Dismissal will occur after review of the student’s academic deficiency by the Student Progress Committee (SPC).

 

The SPC may recommend academic dismissal in the following scenarios:

• the student receives a final course grade of <69.5%.
• the student’s cumulative GPA falls below 3.0 at the end of any two separate quarters while in the program. These quarters do not need to be sequential.
• During the clinical year, the student fails the PAEA EOC exam twice (initial + retake) and fails to pass the program-developed individualized remediation examination.
• A student fails to complete remediation assigned by SPC.

 

Professionalism Dismissal

 

This is an action whereby a student is dismissed from the Physician Assistant Studies Program of South College due to failure to adhere to professional standards. Dismissal will occur after review of the student’s academic deficiency by the Student Progress Committee (SPC).

 

The SPC may recommend academic dismissal in the following scenarios:

 

• the student has four unexcused absences in a quarter
• the student is tardy to a class or exam four times in a quarter
• the student is not adhering to ethical standards of conduct or is in violation of the South College Asheville Physician Assistant Program Honor Code
  • a violation or professionalism concern may result in the student being issued a professionalism warning, placed on professionalism probation, or dismissal depending on its nature and severity.
• See part 6 of the Clinical Year Manual for specific details regarding circumstances that may warrant professionalism dismissal during the clinical year.

 

In addition to the terms outlined in the program’s Academic and Professionalism Standards, the SPC may recommend a change in a student’s status in the program (up to and including dismissal) in the following scenarios:

• A student requires an extended absence (greater than 5 days in any quarter).
• A student is no longer able to meet the program’s Technical Standards after seeking reasonable accommodation through Student Disability Services.
• A student is found to be in violation of the South College Drug-Free Campus Policy (see So
• A student has a criminal conviction or fails to disclose a criminal conviction prior to matriculation or while enrolled in the program.
• A student fails to maintain health insurance while enrolled in the program.

Complaint and Grievance Processes: follow link below

https://catalog.south.edu/content.php?catoid=8&navoid=417&hl=grievance+&returnto=search#grievance-procedures

Course Grade Appeal:

Consideration of a grade appeal is limited to an evaluation of whether the final grade awarded was determined in accordance with the policies/standards/objectives/rubrics outlined in the course syllabus and/or this manual. A course instructor’s failure to follow the policies/standards/objectives /rubrics outlined in the course syllabus for example, a grade calculation error, would constitute a valid reason to appeal a grade.

 

Process for Appealing a Grade:

• STEP 1 – Discuss the matter with the course instructor.
• STEP 2 – If the matter remains unresolved, the student may request an additional meeting following the academic chain of command (e.g., department chair, Program Director, or Associate Dean and then Dean – if applicable). The academic leader may request the instructor to be present during the meeting.
• STEP 3 – If the matter still cannot be resolved, the student may challenge the final grade by submitting a Course Grade Appeal Form within three business days after grades are posted to the Dean of Academics and Student Services Dr. Katie Thomas (kthomas@south.edu). The Dean may act upon the appeal or choose to refer the appeal to the Appeals Committee. The Course Grade Appeal Form is found in the Student Portal under the Student Services tab.
• STEP 4 – If necessary, following the decision of the Dean or Appeals Committee, a final appeal may be made to the Chief Academic Officer (CAO). The CAO will base his or her decision on the same information presented to the Dean of Academic and Student Services or Dean of Academics (online) or the Appeals Committee. The CAO will not entertain new evidence, claims, positions, or arguments from any party. The CAO’s decision is final so far as grade appeals are concerned.

 

Any grievance or appeal process not outlined here will utilize the procedure found in the South College Student Handbook.

 

 

Process for appealing a dismissal or disciplinary action:

 

Students may be dismissed or disciplined for poor academic performance and professional misconduct, including violation of the South College Academic Honor Code, based on the rules of the College or the PA Program. A dismissal or disciplinary action based on academic performance or professional misconduct is an academic decision and involves academic expertise, experience, and judgment. If a student is dismissed from the College, s/he is still financially responsible for the cost of the education received up to that point. Please note, a dismissal decision made by the Chief Academic Officer (CAO) for violation of the South College Academic Honor Code and/or Student Conduct Standards and Regulations is final as far as dismissals are concerned and cannot be appealed at the institutional level.

 

STEP 1 – The internal process for appeal specific to the South College Asheville Campus PA program is conducted by the Program Director. If a student wishes to appeal the Student Progress Committee’s (SPC) decision, they must complete a Dismissal and Disciplinary Action Appeal Form and submit it to the Program Director within three business days of SPC notification. The Dismissal and Disciplinary Action Appeal Form is found in the Student Portal under the Student Services tab. The same information, evidence, claims, position, or arguments must be submitted at each level of appeal. The Program Director will respond to the appeal within three working days. If the appeal is denied, the student may then follow Step 2 below.

 

STEP 2 – Once the appeal process for the specific program has been followed, the student may appeal to the Dean of Academics and Student Services, Dr. Katie Thomas (kthomas@south.edu) by submitting their Dismissal and Disciplinary Action Appeal Form and documentation within three business days of being dismissed or receiving disciplinary action. The same information, evidence, claims, position, or arguments must be submitted at each level of appeal. The Dean of Academics and Student Services may act on the appeal or refer it to the Appeals Committee.

 

STEP 3 – If necessary, following the decision of the Dean or Appeals Committee, a final appeal may be made to the Chief Academic Officer (CAO) within three business days of the notice to the student of the previous decision. The same Dismissal and Disciplinary Action Appeal Form and documentation must be used. The CAO will base his or her decision on the same information presented to the Campus President or designee or Dean of Academics (Online) or the Appeals Committee. The CAO will not entertain new evidence, claims, positions, or arguments from any party. The CAO’s decision is final as far as dismissals are concerned.

 

In the event that a dismissal disciplinary action appeal includes information related to a course grade appeal, the Dean of Academics and Student Services may combine the two appeals into one. When this occurs, the Dean of Academics and Student Services may decide to have the student use just one Dismissal and Disciplinary Action Appeal Form.

Students are not required to work for the program.

 

The PA faculty believes that no student can acquire the level of knowledge needed to perform adequately as a Physician Assistant student if they engage in outside employment during the PA Program. Students are informed of this policy during the interview process and are reminded of this policy at orientation. Students enrolled in the program are strongly discouraged from engaging in outside employment during the PA curriculum. Students are also not permitted to substitute or function as instructional faculty, clinical, or administrative staff.

Clinical year students will be expected to travel to complete SCPEs. While the program makes every effort to consider student housing preferences and availability as indicated on the clinical site survey, placement is determined by curricular needs, site availability, and accreditation requirements. Therefore, students should anticipate that they may be required to travel for any or all of their eight SCPEs.

 

Travel may include significant distances and, in some cases, may require air travel. Students are expected to demonstrate flexibility regarding travel and housing arrangements in order to meet program outcomes and maintain the graduation timeline.

 

All expenses related to travel, housing, meals, and other costs associated with clinical placements are the responsibility of the student. The program does not guarantee placement within a specific geographic area. If site changes occur, students must be prepared to make necessary adjustments to their travel and housing plans.