Hub Assignment and Clinical Rotation Relocation Policy

Policy:

The Physician Assistant (PA) Program maintains full responsibility and authority for the coordination, assignment, and oversight of all supervised clinical practice experiences (SCPEs). The Program makes every reasonable effort to assign students to clinical hubs that promote continuity of learning, minimize disruption, and support educational outcomes. However, relocation may be necessary to maintain compliance with accreditation standards, ensure access to high-quality clinical experiences, and respond to evolving healthcare site availability.

I. Clinical Hub Assignment

A clinical hub is defined as a geographic region in which the PA Program has established and maintains approved clinical sites and preceptors who meet Program and ARC-PA credentialing standards.

Students are assigned to a primary hub or split hub based on:

• Clinical site and preceptor availability

• Educational needs

• Program capacity

• Accreditation requirements

The Program retains sole authority over all hub and rotation assignments.

II. Relocation Expectations and Requirements

Students must be prepared to relocate to an alternative hub for up to three (3) rotations during the clinical year. Historical placement data indicates that students may expect relocation approximately one (1) to two (2) times annually.

Relocation may be required due to:

• Limited clinical site or preceptor availability

• Credentialing or onboarding delays

• Unexpected clinical site changes

• Programmatic scheduling needs

• Accreditation compliance requirements

• Directed hub reassignment

The Program will make reasonable efforts to minimize relocations while maintaining compliance with ARC-PA standards and ensuring appropriate clinical exposure.

III. Notification and Scheduling Procedures

The PA Clinical Department will provide advance notice of relocation whenever feasible to allow students sufficient time to arrange housing and transportation. Scheduling decisions are based on:

• Site availability

• Credentialing timelines

• Educational objectives

• Accreditation requirements

Final placement decisions rest solely with the PA Program to ensure consistency, equity, and compliance.

IV. Student Responsibilities and Professional Conduct

Students are expected to:

• Maintain professionalism, flexibility, and adaptability regarding clinical assignments.

• Complete all credentialing, compliance, and onboarding requirements in a timely manner.

• Comply with all clinical site policies and procedures.

• Demonstrate readiness to travel and relocate as required.

Failure to meet these responsibilities may result in rescheduling, relocation, or disciplinary action consistent with Program professionalism policies.

V. Student Responsibilities and Professional Conduct

Students are responsible for all costs associated with participation in clinical rotations, including but not limited to:

• Housing expenses

• Transportation and travel

• Meals and incidental expenses

This applies to all SCPE placements, including student-suggested rotations (SSRs).

If a SCPE placement is changed or canceled, the Program does not reimburse any out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the student, including non-refundable housing or travel-related costs.

Personal circumstances, including marital status, dependents, or pet ownership, do not exempt students from relocation or travel obligations.

VI. Equity, Non-Discrimination, and Fairness

Clinical placement decisions are made in a manner that is equitable, unbiased, and non-discriminatory, consistent with institutional policies and federal regulations. No student is guaranteed placement in a specific geographic location, clinical site, or specialty area.

VII. ARC-PA Accreditation Compliance Statement

This policy is aligned with ARC-PA Standards governing:

• Program responsibility for SCPE coordination and oversight

• Adequate clinical exposure and diversity of experiences

• Maintenance of educational continuity

• Assurance of student preparedness and professional conduct

• Protection of student fairness and equity

The PA Program retains authority over all clinical placement decisions to ensure compliance with ARC-PA accreditation standards, patient safety, and educational quality.