Our Program Policies

All Miami University academic integrity charges against a student must be resolved and sanctions completed before a student is eligible to graduate. A majority of the following policies are taken in large part from the following: Master's Degree - Miami University (miamioh.edu) Several changes were made to reflect the PA program specific requirements, where appropriate.

Steps to Graduation | Graduate Studies - Miami University (miamioh.edu)

Graduate (Master’s) degrees are awarded by the Board of Regents following the student’s completion of the prescribed course of study, following the recommendation of the faculty. This recommendation is provided following the successful completion of all the required coursework provided during the program, outlined within this manual, within the perimeters prescribed herein. Degrees are conferred only on official dates publicly announced. The Master of Medical Science in Physician Associate Studies Degree will be conferred upon those students who have successfully completed all program requirements.

As in any educational setting, the student has the primary responsibility for acquiring knowledge. In offering courses of study, the Health Science Center and Department of Physician Assistant Studies in no way guarantees that any student accepted for enrollment will achieve any given level of academic or professional accomplishment. This includes certification and licensure.

Students who are delayed in training may be allowed to participate in graduation activities if they are expected reasonably to complete their course of study within the semester following graduation. The student’s diploma will be dated at the end of the semester in which he or she actually completes all program requirements.

Students who complete training after the scheduled class completion date may be required to provide justification to the State Medical Board, or other state licensing board, prior to licensure. A license to practice as a Physician Assistant in the states is solely at the discretion of the state that the graduate applies.

It is the responsibility of the student to file an Application for Degree/Certificate form in the Registrar’s Office in the semester prior to anticipated graduation, or at registration for the final year. Notices are sent from the Registrar’s Office.

Credit Hour Requirement

For the Physician Associate, Graduate Medical Education Student, one must complete the minimum of one-hundred fourteen (114) graduate credit hours, of which all have to be accomplished as noted within the PA approved curriculum, from the Miami University PA program alone. No transfer credits from another institution are permitted.

Culminating Experience

A culminating experience is required of all candidates for the master’s degree. Each department determines the culminating experience requirements, Thesis or Non-Thesis opportunity.

The Physician Associate Studies has instead elected a capstone course: non-thesis, culminating experience, that is accomplished through internship/practicum, research experience, presentation and written project. The program will provide clear guidelines for completion and evaluation of non-thesis culminating experiences. Per Miami Policy, a non-thesis option master’s will be advised by a Miami University faculty member(s), approved by the program, with graduate level A or B standing and be approved by a committee of a minimum of two (2) members with Miami University graduate level A or B standing. This is accomplished within the PA program through didactic coursework (examinations, laboratory experiences), research projects (poster presentation and manuscript), journal entries (during the clinical year experiences), clinical year rotations (including preceptor evaluations), and CME presentation. Students may observe intellectual property (IP) policy within this manual for references to all projects contributions. However, non-thesis projects are not obligatory uploaded to OhioLink by Miami University.

Final Examination

In accordance with Miami University, and the ARC-PA, students will accomplish summative examinations and competencies, per the program policy and ARC-PA Fifth Edition Standards, B4.03 (noted above). Miami University Policy, Final examination is that, students are required to pass a final examination that covers the entire field of their graduate study to receive the master’s degree [this mat include a thesis defense]. To be eligible for the examination, students must have a 3.00 graduate grade point average or better and must not have grades of incomplete. Students must remain in good standing within the PA Program to remain eligible. Students may take the final examination during the semester in which they finish their coursework or at a later time, but they must pass the examination no later than five (5) years after completing their first course toward the degree. The PA program uses a summative evaluation process, with will occur per program scheduling no earlier than within four-months prior to the candidate’s graduation, with an End-of-Curriculum Examination being offered prior to the end of the final semester. In accordance with the accreditation requirements, students will be sure through these assessments that they meet the program standards in display of technical skills, clinical reasoning and problem solving, medical knowledge, and professional behavior.

The assessment preparation of students is provided throughout the didactic and clinical years, consistent with the same edition standards, “B-standards”; as well as consistent measures of preparation, including evaluation methods and outcomes. To be eligible for the examination, students must have matriculated through the PA programs didactic and clinical years, to within the aforementioned timeline; obtaining a 3.00 graduate grade point average or better and must not have outstanding grades/ or deemed incomplete on program requirements within preceding five semesters. Students may take the final examination during the semester in which they finish their current coursework for the semester in which they are enrolled.

The final summative requirements are noted in the above policy for “summative evaluation”.

After completion of the Final assessments (Summative Process) and program formal approval, a fully executed Form M-1 “Certificate for Awarding the Master’s Degree” should be submitted to the Graduate School at least ten (10) business days before the appropriate commencement date (see the section of this policy titled “Required Forms for Completing the Master’s Degree”).

MMSc/PA Student Policy Manual: 2024-2025 144

The assessment preparation of students is provided throughout the didactic and clinical years, consistent with the same edition standards, “B-standards”; as well as consistent measures of preparation, including evaluation methods and outcomes. To be eligible for the examination, students must have matriculated through the PA programs didactic and clinical years, to within the aforementioned timeline; obtaining a 3.00 graduate grade point average or better and must not have outstanding grades/ or deemed incomplete on program requirements within preceding five semesters. Students may take the final examination during the semester in which they finish their current coursework for the semester in which they are enrolled.

The final summative requirements are noted in the above policy for “summative evaluation”.

After completion of the Final assessments (Summative Process) and program formal approval, a fully executed Form M-1 “Certificate for Awarding the Master’s Degree” should be submitted to the Graduate School at least ten (10) business days before the appropriate commencement date (see the section of this policy titled “Required Forms for Completing the Master’s Degree”). Final Examination Results for the Master’s Degree (miamioh.edu)

Graduation procedures and requirements are defined on the following page: Students are encouraged to use the full page, including: BannerWeb, one stop, and reference dates and deadlines identified on the page. How to apply for graduation: Apply for Graduation | Academic Records | One Stop | Miami University (miamioh.edu) Note: “Internships” for non-thesis or practicum are considered as a part of the clinical education year and are not considered separately for students. The “Internship, non-thesis, or practicum policy does not apply to the PA program.

Time Limit for Degree Completion

Students must complete the coursework in the prescribed manner by the program. No exceptions are provided for student completion. See DECELERATION POLICY for applicable concerns regarding course delays.

Conferral of Degree

The conferral of the Miami master’s degree will be granted following the semester or term when all degree and other requirements have been met and after the student has applied for graduation. Graduate details, including graduation, will be provided by the program to those students who the policy applies.

Required Forms for Completing the Master’s Degree

FORM M-1: Certificate for Awarding the Master’s Degree (All Students)

This form is completed by the student’s department before the finalization of grades for graduation.

The program directors will provide approval by signing the form during the last two months of final semester of the program during the student’s clinical experiences. Approval for the didactic year is provided by the Academic Director, prior to matriculating to the clinical year. The approval of the clinical year and conclusion of summative assessments are provided by the Director of Clinical Education, and the Program Director ensures satisfactory completion of matriculating components to through clinical year and completion of the program, including capstone. It is only after all requirements for completion of the degree are reviewed and approved by the department or program, the form is then signed by the department chairperson/program director and forwarded to the Graduate School at least ten (10) business days before the appropriate commencement date. The form is available on the Graduate School’s website. Certificate for Awarding the Master's or Doctoral Degree (qualtrics.com)

Applying for graduation: Applying for Graduation - Your Registration and Academic Records - One Stop - Miami University (miamioh.edu)

ASSESSMENT REMEDIATION POLICY

Students identified as having deficiencies (grade below 75%) on any individual multiple-choice question exam or other high stakes assessment (OSCE, skills evaluation, written assignment) must remedy the deficiency to earn a passing grade in the course. Quizzes, formative assessments will not be remediated. Assessment that are high stakes and eligible for remediation will be clearly indicated on the syllabus. Student may have no more than 8 assessments that can be remediated during the didactic phase of education. If a student attains a 9th assessment remediation they will be dismissed from the program.

If a student attains 2 assessment remediations the student will meet with their academic advisor for guidance and evaluation. A student will then be placed on Program Academic Warning.

If a student attains 4 assessment remediations they will meet with the Academic Director to create a learning contract and will be placed on Program Academic Probation.

ASSESSMENT REMEDIATION PROCEDURE

Successful remediation will consist of the student meeting with the module coordinator to discuss the matter and identify any specific issue(s) within 24 hours of grades being posted. It is the responsibility of the student to arrange the remediation task. The student will be provided additional instruction and intervention plans will be developed for academic improvement. If the student were to fail a multiple-choice question (MCQ) exam (Version A) they will be required to take Version B of the exam and pass it with a minimum of 75% (Maximum grade that can be achieved while taking Version B of the exam is 75%). If the student fails Version B of the exam they will then be given an opportunity to take Version C of the assessment towards the end of the semester.

If the student fails Version B of an MCQ exam they will need to create a learning contract with the Academic Director. Failure of Version B of a multiple-choice exam will be counted towards the max 8 remediations allocated to a student within the didactic phase of education.

If a student is required to take Version C of a multiple-choice examination, the student MUST pass this examination with a minimum of 75% to continue in the program (Maximum grade that can be achieved while taking Version C of the exam is 75%). If this is not achieved the student will be dismissed from the program. Version C must be completed and passed for matriculation into the next semester. No student can delay a Version C exam, for any reason, and enter the next semester (see Deceleration Policy in Student Handbook). A student may not take more than 2 Version C exams during the didactic phase of education. If a student had to remediate an assessment with Version C of an exam and then their overall course grade is a C, they are not eligible to remediate a course.

Other assessment failures, remediation tasks or supplemental assignment done to demonstrate comprehension will be determined by the module coordinator. Written documentation will be placed in the student file. Repeated remediation is unacceptable and indicative of poor subsequent performance.

COURSE REMEDIATION POLICY

A student who does not attain a course grade of B at the end of the course, will need to remediate the course to progress in the program. A student MAY NOT remediate a course more than 3 times during the didactic phase of the program. Remediation of a course will count towards the final number of remediations (total max 8). If a student needs to remediate a course they will need to meet with the Academic Director and create a learning contract. If a second course remediation is required the student will be placed on Program Academic Probation. A Third course remediation will lead to Graduate Academic Probation. If a student will warrant a fourth course remediation during the didactic phase of education they will be dismissed from the program.

COURSE REMEDIATION PROCEDURE

Successful course remediation will consist of the student meeting with the module coordinator to discuss the matter and identify any specific concerns within 24 hours of grades being posted. It is the responsibility of the student to arrange the remediation assignment. The student will be provided additional instruction and intervention plans will be developed for academic improvement. Remediation for a course might involve more detailed repeat course work, oral boards, other more intensive assessment to ensure proper knowledge to proceed within the program to be determined by the module coordinator. The student will need to remediate the course satisfactorily and achieve a minimum score of 80%. Maximum grade that a student could attain with a course remediation is a B. Failure to satisfactorily complete the remediation of the course will lead to dismissal from the program.

DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS

Program Academic Warning: This can occur when a student has failed 2 assessments which are high stakes and it required remediation. Program academic warning will be identified and documented on the remediation form by the academic advisor and placed in the student file.

Program Academic Probation: This can occur when a student has failed 4 high stakes assessments. At this level the student is required to meet with the Academic Director and create a Learning contract, remediation form will be documented by signed by student, Academic Director and Program Director.

A student may be removed from program level Academic warning and Academic Probation upon successfully completing the didactic phase of education and matriculating into the clinical phase of education. Program level warning and probation will not be indicated on the transcript but will be maintained in the student file.

Graduate Academic Probation: This can occur when a student’s cumulative GPA falls below 3.0, if a student requires a third course remediation during the didactic phase of education, or finally if a student were to fail a clinical rotation.

Clinical year:

Remediation processes in the clinical phase:

1. End of Rotation (EOR) Examinations
   1. EOR Exams grades can be remediated as follows:
      1. Students are permitted to remediate up to three End of Rotation Examination.
         1. A 4th failed EOR Exam could result in dismissal from the program 
      2. When an EOR Exam is failed the student should request an appointment with the Director of Clinical Education as soon as possible
         1. During the appointment:
            1. the student’s deficient categories and topics will be reviewed
            2. they will create a learning contract with the Director
            3. a time for Version B of the EOR Exam will be decided
         2. The student will have 1 week to submit an outline covering the categories and topics missed on the EOR Exam to guide their studying
      3. Students may be given a grade of incomplete in the clinical course until the items are successfully remediated
      4. Version B EOR Exams will be given in the same format and through the same platform as Version A of the Exam
      5. A failure of Version B of the EOR Exam could lead to dismissal from the program
      6. Failed Exams in the last clinical course that cannot be scheduled in the allotted time frame may result in delay of graduation
      7. After the second remediation of an EOR Exam the student will be placed on program academic probation.

There are several instances when a student may be dismissed from the program, examples (though not limited to):

• Requiring a ninth remediation during the didactic phase of education
• Failing Version C of an assessment remediation assignment during the didactic phase of the program
• Failing Version B of an EOR Exam during the clinical phase of the program
• Requiring a fourth course remediation during the didactic phase of education
• Failure of a second clinical rotation
• Failure of the fourth end of rotation exam
• Unprofessionalism
• Academic dishonesty

To remain in good standing in the program, students must maintain the following: 

• Successfully complete remediation eligible high stakes exams with a grade of 75% or higher, if required.
• Successfully complete a course or rotation with a grade of 80% or higher.
• Per Miami University’s Graduate School, students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher.
• Students need to also adhere to the remediation policy
  • No more than 8 assessments remediations during the didactic phase
  • No more than 3 course remediations during the didactic phase
  • No more than 3 end of rotation examination remediations during the clinical year
  • No more than 1 clinical rotation failure during the clinical year
• All courses MUST be complete, within good academic standing, to matriculate to the next semester. Requirements for course assignments are unique to the course being offered and are reflected in the syllabi for both didactic and clinical courses. Each student is encouraged to review each syllabus for each course, to ensure compliance with the expectations of the course and calendar (A3.15b)

ARC-PA A3.15c, defines deceleration as “the loss of a student from the entering cohort, who remains matriculated in the physician assistant program.” This is not required of an institution or program, but is offered by Miami University.

The Miami University PA program has a strict code of conduct and academic policy that every student MUST comply with to continue participating in the program. Failure to comply with the foundational academic, behavioral and/or professional requirements will render the student ineligible for deceleration within the Physician Associate Studies program (policies regarding student expectations and those addressing discipline are provided in full within the student policy manual).

Deceleration may be offered in only a few cases, but is not guaranteed as a result of being requested by a student. Each request is considered on a case-by-case basis, by the PA program faculty, approved by the student success committee, and must be supported by the Dean of the Graduate School.

The program, committee and dean will frequently consider the students historical graduate academic performance (within the program), the conditions around the deceleration request and the likelihood of future program success should deceleration be granted.

Such cases, where deceleration is frequently applied, include (though not limited to):

• A leave of absence for health or circumstance for which a reasonable time period would ensure completed resolution and/or recovery- that would allow for student continued success in the program. This must be endorsed by the faculty advisor before being awarded by the PA program faculty, approved by the student success committee, and supported by the Dean of the Graduate School.
• A student is subject to administrative action that risks delay in matriculation, but is neither academic or behavioral in nature.
• A student has failed a component of course work that requires a remediation process that cannot be fulfilled/completed in time to graduate with his/her cohort.

Deceleration in the didactic year will always require removal from the student’s current cohort, and placement into the following year's cohort. Success may only be realized with matriculation into that cohort's entry into the didactic year (This will be offered to students as an ‘audit’ and will not allow changes to grades or ‘reset’ of academic deficiencies reported as grade failures already reported within the student’s initial academic accomplishment. Financial responsibilities for auditing, defined within the University's established policies will apply). Yet, the program does not require full deceleration for every event that delays progression within the program. Those students decelerating in the clinical year, will neither be required to repeat the didactic year nor clinical rotations already accomplished, unless the removal from the didactic experience exceeds 6-months before beginning clinical rotations or removal from the clinical experience exceeds 4-months.

Voluntary Medical Withdrawal

Involuntary Withdrawal

And Additionally:

Withdrawal from the PA program, particularly for medical reasons, is not an easy decision. Students are encouraged to seek out faculty advisor, academic and program director’s counsel before committing to this decision. Discussions with the faculty will allow involved faculty members to support, counsel and even advocate for the student through the process of withdrawal and possible future readmissions (should this be either pursued or offered). Yet, the program will need to present the student ALL their individual options before an informed decision could be “reasonably made”.

WITHDRAWAL, WITH A PLAN FOR READMISSION AFTER RECOVERY, DOES NOT CHANGE WITHDRAWAL FROM THE STUDENTS CURRENT COHORT. READMISSION TO THE PROGRAM NECESSITATES ADMISSION TO ANOTHER COHORT AND SHOULD NOT BE VIEWED AS PUNITIVE. NOT EVERY INDIVIDUAL WHO WITHDRAWALS FROM THE PROGRAM IS GUARANTEED A READMISSION TO THE PROGRAM.

For all withdrawals, readmission to the program and the conditions of readmission are considered on a case-by-case basis by the program faculty. The program reserves the right to consider every student individually and accept or decline as it deems appropriate for the interest of all vested interested parties: Miami University, PA program, Student, Health Institutions, and Patients. While the Dean of the Graduate school may allow readmission to the graduate school, this does not obligate readmission to the PA program.

If an absence for a medical condition is limited to a rotation during the clinical year, this does not always require a formal medical withdrawal from the program. However, this may potentially delay graduation, as the “make-up” clinical experience may occur after the completion of the scheduled clinical rotation calendar. Medical events that require a prolonged removal from the classroom experience will require a withdrawal. Unplanned medical conditions (trauma/emergency), will be considered on a case-by-case basis; depending on the conditions of the event and suspected recovery. Under all these conditions, the program encourages the students to focus on personal health and recovery first.

Students are STRONGLY DISCOURAGED from continuing employment while in the program. Instead, every student is encouraged to devote the maximum time possible to their studies while enrolled in the Physician Associate Studies Program. The curriculum is intense, demanding, time consuming, and requires long hours of both in-class attendance and devoted study time. Therefore, any activity that takes time away from a student’s efforts within the program is discouraged.

Should students continue employment while in the program, work schedules must NOT interfere with class performance or clinical rotation schedules and set the student up conflicts of interest in the overall education, for which no concessions can be offered.

In order to enhance student learning and assure student success in the Physician Associate Studies Program, it is highly recommended that students NOT WORK or minimize the hours worked outside of the program (to generally long breaks in program schedule- when offered).

At no time will the student represent himself or herself as a Physician Assistant/Associate or Physician Assistant/Associate student in the outside work setting.

Student liability insurance does not cover any outside work setting. Student liability insurance only covers a student who is on a program assigned rotation or activity and functioning in the student role during an enrollment period.

A3.05

The PA program does NOT employ students to work in ANY capacity for the program, as a student worker or instructional faculty ARC-PA, Fifth Edition Standard, A3.05a.

Additionally, no student is employed in a clinical setting, for either clinical or administrative purposes, while working supervised clinical practice tasks/rotations (SCPE’s) ARC-PA, Fifth Edition Standard, A3.05b.

This is emphasized within both the didactic and clinical learning environments noted in internships. Note that the Miami University policy of internships is provided, but differs significantly from that of the PA program policies- noted. 

STUDENTS USED AS SUBSTITUTES FOR EMPLOYEES

Under no circumstances should a student be used in lieu of, or as a substitute, for an employee in any didactic or clinical setting (A3.05) to which they are currently or previously assigned.  Students should not allow themselves to be used in such a manner, and may not accept or assume duties that would normally fall to an employee of the clinical practice.

As such, Miami University policy requires that during the supervised clinical practice experiences, students may NOT substitute for clinical or administrative staff and must ensure all services provided to the patients are directly supervised-without exception. Student may NOT accept compensation for any services provided during supervised clinical practice experiences.
Students cannot be employed or paid for educational and training activities at their clinical rotation sites.
If students should find themselves in this situation, they should contact the Director of Clinical Education as soon as possible.

Under no circumstances will students be required to perform faculty, staff, clerical or administrative work for the Physician Associate Studies Program or for the institution at any Supervised Clinical Practice Environment (clinical rotation) site.

“The PA program does NOT employ students to work in ANY capacity for the program, as a student worker or instructional faculty (ARC-PA, Fifth Edition Standard, A3.05a).

Additionally, no student is employed in a clinical setting, for either clinical or administrative purposes, while working supervised clinical practice tasks/rotations (SCPE’s) (ARC-PA, Fifth Edition Standard, A3.05b).

To minimize this risk, students should be well identified as a Miami University PA student, consistent with the Standard A3.06

Student Identification

1.) Miami University Physician Associate Students will have an ID Badge: Students are required to wear the identification badge at all times on university property, beginning in the first year, and while on clinical rotations off site.

The badge must be professionally visible and should not be clipped to your waist, except where not able to wear around your neck from a Miami approved lanyard, shirt or on your white coat.

2.) Miami University, PA program embroidered logo (unaltered in identity or placement): Students will wear the clinical lab coat, with the logo, during all assigned clinical rotations, clinical activities, and/or patient encounters- unless deemed inappropriate based upon the activity being performed or as directed by the preceptor.

3.) You may also be required to wear a hospital name badge/ID, but this is in addition to the required University badge and is NOT in place of PA program requirements.

Instances where this may not be observed: Plastic name tags are not worn in the OR, but you should attempt to find masking or sterilizer tape and write your name and Physician Associate Student (First and Last name, PA-S) on the tape and wear the tape on your left upper chest.

4.) Students should introduce themselves as a Physician Associate (PA) Student*. In no situation may a student imply, infer or state that they are a licensed or practicing Physician Associate, medical student, physician or other health care professional. It is both unethical and illegal.

*Note: Students in Ohio are to address themselves as “Physician Assistant” Students in preparation for identifying themselves as “Physician Assistants” when practicing. Students should note that the curriculum and the degree are reflected as Physician Associate, HOWEVER, a practice identity is granted by the governing authorities providing licensure in the state (ex. Ohio State Board of Medical Licensing). State Medical Board of Ohio > Home In the state of Ohio, all eligible professionals are licensed as “Physician Assistants”. This is consistent with Fifth Edition Standards, A3.06, noted below.

Under NO circumstances should a student be used in lieu of, or as a substitute, for an employee in any didactic or clinical setting (A3.05) to which they are currently or previously assigned. Students should not allow themselves to be used in such a manner, and may not accept or assume duties that would normally fall to an employee of the clinical practice.

As such, Miami University policy requires that during the supervised clinical practice experiences, students may NOT substitute for clinical or administrative staff and must ensure all services provided to the patients are directly supervised-without exception. Student may NOT accept compensation for any services provided during supervised clinical practice experiences.

Students cannot be employed or paid for educational and training activities at their clinical rotation sites.

If students should find themselves in this situation, they should contact the Director of Clinical Education as soon as possible. Under no circumstances will students be required to perform faculty, staff, clerical or administrative work for the Physician Associate Studies Program or for the institution at any Supervised Clinical Practice Environment (clinical rotation) site.

Ohio law mandates criminal records checks for all prospective employees in positions where the individual will be caring for older adults or children. Additionally, a criminal record check and toxicology screening for all clinical students is a standard criterion in affiliation agreements with clinical training sites. Therefore, all students are required to obtain a criminal background check and toxicology screen prior to each academic year. This requirement will continue after matriculation, throughout the entire program.

Background Checks:

Background checks are required prior to matriculation to the academic AND clinical years of the program. Any events that occur after the initial background check that might affect the student’s status in the program must be reported to the department immediately. Students are also required to comply with additional requests for background checks at any time during their course of study, generally before beginning clinical rotations.

The student is responsible for any applicable fees associated with background checks.

Drug Screening:

Some medical facilities require students that rotate in their facility to undergo drug screening prior to being awarded temporary privileges. It is the student’s responsibility to comply with this screening-without exception. It is the student’s responsibility to arrange for the screening in a timely fashion so as not to negatively impact their rotation duties and/or the working, professional relationship between Miami University and the host clinical institution.

The student is responsible for any applicable fees associated with drug screening.

Students who are unable to participate in three or more days of a rotation because of incomplete drug screening will be required to reschedule the rotation. Rescheduled rotations will be scheduled at the end of the Supervised Clinical Practice phase and may result in a delay in graduation- which CANNOT be contested.

Students who refuse to undergo drug screening or who are prohibited from obtaining privileges as the result of a drug screen will face disciplinary action in the program, including potential removal from the program.

Students will be required to accomplish a medical screening examination, supporting readiness for program technical standards, with reasonable accommodations if necessary, prior to matriculation. Students are responsible for the cost of any/all required background check, drug screening and physical exam. See program page listing technical standards.

Medical Screening:

Students will be required to accomplish a medical screening examination, supporting readiness for program technical standards, with reasonable accommodations if necessary, prior to matriculation.

Also Note:

Students are responsible for the cost of any/all required background check, drug screening and physical exam. See program page listing technical standards.

The Miami University Physician Associate Studies Program has an ongoing immunizations policy that is based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) immunization recommendations for healthcare personnel, as well as community partner interests in health advocacy (i.e. required for institution policy in clinical participation). Students who require one or more multiple-dose vaccine series to meet immunization requirements must provide medical documentation that have initiated the process by prior to the first day of class. They must also provide medical documentation of completion of the process according to the established CDC immunization timelines. Students failing to do so WILL BE DISMISSED from the program (A3.07a; A3.17b, A3.19). Students are required to enroll in and maintain records in the program-approved platform, which at this time is EXXAT (Specifically the “Approve” Module).”

Immunizations:

Proof of immunization and titer for MMR, Varicella, and Hepatitis B are required. Should the titer be negative, booster doses will be required without follow-up titer.

• 2 doses of the Covid vaccine plus additional booster
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)- 2 doses administered after 1 year of age a minimum of 4 weeks apart AND positive Rubeola, Rubella, and Mumps titer
• Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis-must be within 10 years and be current until date of graduation
• Hepatitis B-doses 1, 2, and 3 AND positive titer
• 2 doses of the Varicella vaccine a minimum of 4 weeks apart AND positive titer
• Tuberculosis Testing-Students must show proof of a recent negative “Two-Step” TB (tuberculosis) skin test (or negative chest x-ray) within two (2) months of entering the program. A new TB Test is required within two (2) months of the student beginning clinical rotations.
• If proof of the primary series cannot be furnished then a titer will suffice. Proof of vaccination alone is not regarded as sufficient.

Influenza Vaccination Policy:

Although it is not required for matriculation, the program requires all students to obtain the influenza vaccine in the fall of their first year and again in the fall of their second year. If a student is unable to receive the influenza vaccine, they will need to follow the institution’s policy for influenza prevention (including but not limited to wearing a mask at all times while in the hospital or clinical site). The program’s declination form (available on Exxat APPROVE, the program’s online document storage site) must be completed and uploaded to the Exxat APPROVE site, as well as discussed with the Director of Clinical Education.

Note: By declining the influenza vaccination, as with declining any vaccination, a student’s clinical placement may be limited due to the requirements for influenza (or any vaccine) vaccination by clinical affiliates. Miami University PA Program cannot guarantee the student’s placement at a clinical site and may limit the student’s ability to successfully complete and graduate from the program, when any vaccination is contested/concerned.

The program will always respect a student’s conviction, question and concerns with regard to vaccinations, just as the program considers health concerns and risks expressed with these immunization requirements. However, students should also be aware that completion of all clinical rotations is required for successful completion of the program.

Immunizations and Medical Screenings

Every student has a right to have their academic concerns heard. Naturally, this requires order and discipline not only in expressing these concerns (ie. Conduct and behavior), but also in the “echelon of leadership” or “chain of command”.

The following covers matters of general concern regarding the Didactic Curriculum. If there are concerns for which the student is unsure how to address, they should begin with their faculty advisor.

For concerns about a lecture:

The student should seek clarity from the individual professor teaching the material. However, if this teacher does not provide timely guidance, matters remain unresolved, or the professor is adjunct faculty and unavailable, the student should discuss the concern with the module coordinator.

For concerns about a course:

The student should express concerns to the module coordinator. Most commonly, these are matters pertaining to content or topic delivery style, timeliness, syllabi, and course schedule. If concerns are not addressed in a satisfactory manner (i.e. with courtesy and/or timeliness), then the student is encouraged to discuss his/her concerns with the Academic Director.

If the student does not have the concerns addressed in a “satisfactory manner” by the Academic Director, then the student should discuss the concern with the Faculty Advisor AND Program Director.

If the grievance persists and remains unaddressed, the student should then seek resolution through the Dean of the Graduate School

The following covers matters of general concern regarding the Clinical Curriculum.

Students should continue regular meetings/discussions with their faculty advisor throughout their clinical year. Should concerns related to the clinical curriculum arise, those concerns should be discussed as follows:

If the concerns are with disciplines assigned clinical schedule, discipline procedures, patient care content, charting, or institution resources the student should discuss those concerns with his/her preceptor.

If concerns arise that are related to safety, preceptor approachability, or institutional support or concern then this should be discussed with the Director of Clinical Education. If the matter continues, unaddressed, it should be taken to the Program Director, before the Dean of the Graduate School.

Note: Decisions on the examinations are approved by the Academic and Clinical Directors prior to release and cannot be changed by an individual professor or module coordinator. All Grievances and appeals for examination concerns begin with the academic director in the didactic year and the clinical director in the clinical year.

In like manner, if students wish to make an appeal for a decision made by a professor, director or program, the student should use the same “chain-of-command” approach.

Student education, safety and overall wellbeing are paramount concerns to the program and the student remains the highest priority of the Physician Associate Studies Program, College of Arts and Science, the Graduate School, and Miami University.

Students are reminded that “satisfactory response” is that the matter is addressed in a timely manner and a student was provided a proposed solution or conclusion. It does NOT imply that the matter was resolved in a way that MUST satisfy the students desired outcome. Faculty are not obligated to award credit or grades to examinations not otherwise earned.

Each academic department has a specific departmental grievance procedure meant to facilitate the adjudication of most student grievances at the departmental level. Divisional academic appeals boards have jurisdiction limited to classroom relations between individual students and instructors as specified in the Statement of Good Teaching Practices.

Academic Responsibilities and Academic Grievance

The program has proposed several goals and initiatives to engage university and community partners, in an effort to improve Ohio’s healthcare workforce. Such goals include:

• Recruitment that exceeds the national average of underrepresented groups by 10% within the student body (for the PA program).
• Retention of those who are recruited from minority or disadvantaged backgrounds by 95% within the student body (for the PA Program).

The program is able to accomplish these goals by drawing on the considerable talent from within the Miami University and neighboring communities. The program has faculty, staff and student DEI representatives who work regularly with University and College to assist with recruitment and plans for retention, including support not only from within the campus, but also through partnering communities.

We are proud of the partnerships we have made and continue to develop, which all work to support our program goals to serve and recruit from rural and underserved communities.

College of Arts and Science Initiatives

Office of Transformational Inclusive Excellence