Acceptance

 

Acceptance

Notification of acceptance into the Bethel University Physician Assistant Program will be provided within thirty days of the interview. Applicants offered a seat in the next matriculating class are expected to acknowledge acceptance within two weeks of notification and forward a signed acceptance letter and a non-refundable acceptance deposit of $1000 (which will be applied toward tuition) to hold a seat in the class. Exceptions are considered on an individual basis. All others are placed on an alternate list unless interview deems them unqualified for potential placement in our program. 

Acceptance into the BUPA Program is provisional pending:

• Completion of all application requirements.
• Completion of all outstanding prerequisite coursework.
• Attended a personal interview (by invitation only).
• Receipt of acceptance letter and non-refundable acceptance deposit.
• Proof of health insurance. All students are required to maintain health insurance for the duration of the program. 
  
• Receipt of negative drug screen and a background check indicating no prior convictions that would result in failure to obtain medical licensure.
• Completion of physical examination and immunizations prior to matriculation.
• No history of dismissal from another PA, medical, or nursing program for academic or disciplinary reasons.

 

Academic Standards

Students in the BUPAP graduate program must maintain at least a B average (80%) in each course during their didactic year in order to progress to their clinical year. Any clinical rotation with a final grade below 80% will result in the student being referred to the promotion/retention/disciplinary committee. Actions of the committee may result in  deceleration or dismissal. A deceleration would include academic probation for the duration of the program and the rotation would need to be repeated at the conclusion of the clinical year resulting in a delayed graduation.

Students must act professionally at all times maintaining patient and practice confidentiality. Breaches of professional conduct may result in dismissal from the program. During clinical rotations, preceptors involved in the training are to be viewed as adjunct faculty and will therefore have a role in determining the professional behavior of the students.

 

 
Grading System

 
Grades are assigned by the program on the following:

1. Individual exams, practicum, check offs, etc.
   
   • You will find specific information in your course syllabi
     
2. Grading System:
   
   • 4.0….. A- Excellent (90-100)
     
   • 3.0….. B - Good (80-89)
     

Any grade below 80% (3.0) received by a student of the Bethel University PA Program is considered a failing grade.

 

Student Load

Physician Assistant education is a full-time endeavor. Academic year schedule is Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm. Clinical year schedule varies, however, a minimum of 30 hours per week will be spent in rotation with additional assignments. Students enrolled in the PA Program are required to participate in all of the scheduled courses.

 

Student Work Policy

Students enrolled in the MSPAS Program are not prohibited, but are strongly discouraged from working during the didactic year due to the intense and rigorous nature of the program. Students are not required to work for the program. If you choose to work and are unable to fulfill program requirements due to a work conflict you will be dismissed from the program.

Students enrolled in the BUPAP are prohibited from working during the clinical year due to the intense and rigorous nature of the program. Students are not required to work for the program. Students are not to receive or accept compensation for any work performed within the preceptor's clinical site or practice. Students may only render services as part of the clinical phase of their education. If you choose to disregard the work policy and are unable to attend scheduled clinical rotations due to a work conflict you will be dismissed from the program.

 

Attendance Policy

Classroom and rotation attendance is required except for emergencies.

1. Only in cases of family emergency, personal illness, or injury, will you be excused.
   
2. Absences due to illness of two consecutive days or longer will require medical clearance to excuse the absence and return to the program.
   
3. Medical clearance must be completed by a licensed physician, PA or NP and submitted to the Program Administrative  Assistant. This cannot be issued by a family/faculty member.
   
4. The final determination of "true emergency" will be at the discretion of the Program Director and/or the Medical Director.
   
5. Being absent on the day of a test is an unexcused absence and you will receive a grade of zero unless you can provide documentation that explains why the absence should be excused. (Physician's note)

The Student MUST notify the Program Administrative Assistant the night before or by 8:45 the day of the absence by calling 731-352-6349 and leaving a message. The student must do this for every day that they are absent. Sending a message through a classmate is NOT acceptable.

The penalty for excessive absences will be determined by the Program Director and the retention committee.

1. The responsibility for notifying the Program Director of anticipated absences, reasons for emergency absences, and how all assignments will be completed, rests entirely on the student.
   
2. PA Program faculty are not expected to give make-up exams for unauthorized absences.
   
3. Unexcused absences will not be tolerated and may result in a disciplinary action and a failing grade.
   
4. Business appointments, routine dental and medical appointments, weddings, graduations, and other social events are NOT valid reasons for absenteeism.
   
   

   Pregnancy:
   A student who is pregnant at the time of matriculation or becomes pregnant at any time before graduation is required to inform the Program Director. A statement from the obstetrician regarding her ability to continue in the PA program is required. If an issue arises, the program will review each case individually. Missed course requirements due to pregnancy will be treated as any other absence.

   The program director will report in writing to the Office of the Academic Dean all students having excessive absences.

    

   
   Progression and Graduation Requirements

   To qualify for progression and graduation with the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) degree, students must:

   • Follow the approved course of study, satisfactorily completing all courses.
   • Complete all courses with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 with no course or rotation grade below 80%.
   • Demonstrate proficiency in all PA competencies.
   • Settle all financial accounts with the University.
   • Successfully complete the Senior Summative Evaluation upon completion of the clinical year.

   Physician Assistant education is more than the sum of the individual course grades. Faculty members are responsible for determining the readiness of students for graduation not only by measuring knowledge but by assessing clinical skills and determining the student’s ability to apply knowledge and skills in the workplace. This is determined by regular assessments of knowledge and clinical skills check-offs throughout and at anytime during training. Repeated failure to demonstrate competency on practical tests or check-offs is evidence of significant deficiencies in the student’s ability to function competently as a physician assistant. In addition, all components of the summative evaluation (PAS 815) must be passed. Any student failing any portion of the summative evaluation will be required to retake the summative evaluation. Upon successful completion of PAS 815, the student will then be approved to graduate.