Program Policies and Competencies

Policy Statement (A3.01)

All PA Studies policies have been designed to be consistent with those of Kean University. All policies apply to all students, program faculty, and program director regardless of location.

Academic Regulations for the University can be found at: http://www.kean.edu/policies. The College of Health Professions and Human Services policies can be found in the Graduate Catalog and online located at: http://grad.kean.edu/graduate-catalog.

Due to the nature of the PA Studies curriculum and education, some PA Studies policies are more restrictive and will prevail.

Disclaimer

Kean University and the Department of Physician Assistant Studies use the terms PA Studies and PA Program interchangeably. Our accrediting body, ARC-PA, has granted provisional accreditation to the Kean University Physician Assistant Program.

The Department of Physician Assistant Studies reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to make changes in the rules and regulations of the PA Program, its academic calendar, admission policies, procedures, degree requirements, and standards necessary for successful completion of the program.

Notice of Non-Discrimination (A1.02j)

Harassment

The Department of PA Studies follows the Kean University Policy for harassment. All students of Kean University are prohibited from engaging in harassment, intimidation and bullying. Sexual harassment in any form will not be tolerated. The specific policies and the procedures for processing allegations of harassment can be found at: https://www.kean.edu/offices/policies/policy-harassment-intimidation-and-bullying and https://www.kean.edu/offices/policies/sexual-harassment-policy.

Discrimination and Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action

Kean University is committed to establishing and maintaining a diverse campus community. Equal opportunity and diversity represent principles, which are integrally woven into the university’s mission. The university is committed to providing equal opportunity in employment and education, as well as equity of conditions for employment and education, to all employees, students and applicants without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, nationality, ancestry, age, sex/gender (including pregnancy), marital status, civil union status, domestic partnership status, familial status, religion, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait, genetic information, liability for service in the Armed Forces of the United States, or disability. Sexual harassment is a form of unlawful gender discrimination and will not be tolerated. The university follows the New Jersey State Policy Prohibiting Discrimination in the Workplace.

Any student or employee who believes that they have been subjected to harassment and/or discrimination should contact the Office of Affirmative Action Programs, East Campus, Room 204, (908) 737-3330.

Additional information is found at https://www.kean.edu/offices/affirmative-action. The procedure for students who wish to file a complaint is located at: https://www.kean.edu/media/student-complaint-form

Work Policy (A3.04)

Outside Work

Due to the full-time curriculum and intensity of the PA Program, students are advised to not work outside the program. Any student who does undertake such employment must understand that the requirements of the PA Program will not be altered to accommodate a work schedule. Any clinical work performed outside the PA Program is not covered by the student malpractice insurance provided through the University or PA Program and the student must not represent themselves as a Kean PAS student.

Kean University Graduate Assistant Positions

However, acknowledging that some students may be academically successful in the program while engaged in employment, and graduate assistant positions with minimal hour requirements are available at Kean University, PA students are eligible to apply for time graduate assistantship positions during the fall and spring semesters.

PA students who are interested in applying for a graduate assistant (GA) position are encouraged to carefully review all of the information and requirements at https://www.kean.edu/division-academic-affairs/graduate-assistantship-program. Before applying for or accepting a position, the student must carefully consider the requirements of the position and understand that under no circumstance, will the requirements for the PA Program be altered. No PA student is required to apply or accept a graduate assistant position or are they required to work for the PA Program. (A3.04)

In the event that a PA student accepts any GA position in another program/department, they must:

Inform the Director;
Acknowledge that they understand that under no circumstances will changes be made to the PA Program requirements to accommodate their GA schedule/duties; and
Meet with the PA Director periodically to determine if their job obligations are having a negative impact on their academic performance.

In the event that a PA student does accept a GA position in the PA Program, they will:

Serve primarily as a teaching assistant;
Be supervised by the Program Director; and
Is not be permitted to access confidential information including the files of other students, instructors or faculty members. (A3.18)

Students who are placed on academic or professional probation will not be allowed to work as a GA and will be strongly advised to not work externally.

Didactic Courses - Instructional Faculty (A3.05a)

Students are not permitted to substitute for any course instructor or be assigned a course to teach. Students who have been asked to participate in such a role must inform the Director of Didactic Education.

Clinical Year: Rotations (A3.05b)

While engaged in supervised clinical practice experiences (SCPEs), students may not be used as clinical or administrative staff (A3.06). Students are required to notify the Director of Clinical Education immediately if they are asked to perform these duties. Under no circumstance may a student accept payment or compensation for their time while assigned to a SCPE as a PA student.

Soliciting clinical sites (A3.03)

PA students are not required to provide or solicit clinical sites or preceptors. (A3.03) The clinical schedule is prepared with appropriate supervised clinical practice experiences for all students.

The PA Program coordinates all clinical sites and preceptors for all program required rotations. Students may make suggestions to principal faculty for sites and preceptors, and these requests will be reviewed, evaluated and approved for educational suitability by the program.

In addition, participation in a clinical experience may not be construed as gainful employment. Students may not accept payment for work performed during clinical rotations.

Health Information and Required Immunizations

Students are expected to be fully compliant with the following requirements prior to matriculation, or the student will be withdrawn from classes without credit.

Current forms and requirements will be emailed to students. Students must submit the following completed required forms directly to Kean University Health Services via the student online health portal.

PA Program History and Physical Examination Record:

This form may be completed by either the student’s healthcare provider or at the Kean University Health Services. Please note: Kean University Health Services will only see students who have registered for classes.

PA Program Immunization & Tuberculosis Screening Record:

In order to protect the health and safety of patients, all students accepted into the Department of Physician Assistant Studies are required to provide documentation of the following immunizations and tuberculosis screening in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and PA Program requirements.

TB Policy for Health Care Workers

https://www.cdc.gov/tb/topic/testing/healthcareworkers.htm

All Vaccines for Health Care Workers

https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/adults/rec-vac/index.html

Required Immunizations/Immunity:

	Vaccine		Immunity
Varicella	2 dose vaccine series	AND	Varicella titer showing immunity
MMR	2 dose vaccine series	AND	MMR titer showing immunity
Tdap	1 dose Adult Tdap
Meningitis	1 dose (after age 16)
Hepatitis	3 dose vaccine series	AND	Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Hepatitis B Surface Antibody Titer Hepatitis B Core Antigen
Covid-19	1 or 2 doses depending on manufacturer, plus booster(s)		Per CDC guidelines https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/topics/covid2019_dashboard.shtml
Influenza	Annually
TB Testing	Annually (see below)

Tuberculosis Screening:

Documentation of baseline tuberculosis screening in the form of a tuberculosis skin test (TST) or Quantiferon testing (if applicable) performed in accordance with CDC guidelines within 12 months of matriculation and again before beginning the clinical phase of the program.
If any TB testing is positive, evaluation (and treatment, if indicated) must be completed in accordance with CDC guidelines. This information must be documented on the PA Program History and Physical Examination Record.
Please note: some clinical sites may require additional immunization and/or have more stringent tuberculosis screening requirements. Students will be notified of such requirements prior to clinical year placements. Students are responsible for providing any required additional documentation directly to Health Services, and/or clinical sites.

Bloodborne Pathogen Prevention and Exposure Policy (A3.08)

The Department of Physician Assistant Studies follows the Kean University Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan, which can be found here: https://www.kean.edu/media/njcstm-bloodborne-pathogens-exposure-control-plan. The Exposure Control Plan is designed to eliminate or minimize occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens in accordance with the Public Employees Occupational Safety and Health (PEOSH) Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, Title 29 Code of Federal Regulations 1910.1030 https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=10051

Upon acceptance into the PA Program, students are required to complete the OSHA training module for blood borne pathogens through Castlebranch. The cost of this course is included in the Initial Background and Training Package for which students are responsible. Additional training and review of the Exposure Control Plan will be done during orientation as part of PAS 5230, and during PAS 6110. Clinical training sites may require additional on-site training as part of their specific orientation process.

In the event that a student sustains an exposure, they should follow the appropriate procedure:

If during a didactic course located on campus:

Notify the course instructor and the Director of Clinical Education.
Seek immediate medical evaluation at Kean University Health Services. If the student prefers, they may seek evaluation from their personal healthcare provider.

If during a SCPE:

Notify the preceptor and the Director of Clinical Education.
Follow the incident reporting and post-exposure plan in place at the clinical site (several sites offer evaluation on-site, while others refer students to an emergency room, urgent care center or to the provider of their choice).
Seek follow up care at Kean University Health Services. If the student prefers, they may seek evaluation from their personal healthcare provider.

All costs for medical care associated with any incident or exposure are the responsibility of the student.

If there is a question about the appropriate medical treatment for occupational exposures, assistance is available from the Clinicians' Post Exposure Prophylaxis Hotline (PEPline) at 1-888-448-4911. Hours of operation can be found on the AETC (AIDS Education and Training Center) website: https://aidsetc.org/aetc-program/national-clinician-consulation-center

Incident Report

Students must submit a PA Program BBP Exposure Incident Reporting Form (Appendix B in Student Handbook) to the Department of Physician Assistant Studies in the event of any BBP exposure during both the didactic and clinical years.

The student may obtain post-exposure care from Kean University Health Services or the provider of their choice. The information regarding the student’s medical care will be kept confidential and will not be shared with the PA Program. If the student seeks care from their own clinician, they must provide documentation that they sought care post-exposure.

Faculty Responsibilities (A3.09)

The Program’s Principal faculty, Program Director or Medical Director must not act as health care providers for students enrolled in the program, except in emergencies

Tuition and Fees

The University charges a special flat rate tuition and fee per semester (7 semesters) for students in the Physician Assistant Program.

Students should check the web page https://www.kean.edu/offices/student-accounting for the most current information concerning tuition and fees, and PAS webpage https://www.kean.edu/media/proposed-program-costs.

PA Studies Competencies

PATIENT-CENTERED PRACTICE KNOWLEDGE

Apply the principles of biomedical, clinical, and social-behavioral sciences to recognize patient health and illness.
Utilize critical thinking skills to integrate theoretical and practical knowledge into the evaluation and care of patients across the lifespan and in a variety of settings.
Obtain accurate and essential information about the patient and then interpret and use the information, principles, and sound clinical judgement to treat the patient.
Utilize patient-centered strategies to integrate patients into medical decision-making

SOCIETY AND POPULATION HEALTH

Obtain accurate and essential information about factors that may influence the health of the patient including their social/economic/environmental/cultural contexts, intersecting self-identifications, support systems, and resources.
Interpret and use such information combined with evidence and sound clinical judgement, to make informed decisions with the patient about their care.

HEALTH LITERACY AND COMMUNICATION

Communicate effectively to exchange information and create appropriate relationships with supervisors, colleagues, patients, patients’ family members, physicians, and other members of the multidisciplinary healthcare team.

INTERPROFESSIONAL COLLABORATIVE PRACTICE AND LEADERSHIP

Exhibit professional characteristics of the Physician Assistant while taking responsibility for actions and balancing autonomy with professional collaboration in clinical practice.
Coordinate care while advocating for the primacy of patient needs

PROFESSIONAL AND LEGAL ASPECTS OF HEALTHCARE

Incorporate principles into the care of the patient and the practice of medicine to provide quality patient care at all levels
Practice patient care with an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks within which medicine operates.
Demonstrate respect, dignity, compassion, and integrity in all interactions with professors, supervisors, colleagues, patients, families, and other members of the healthcare team.

HEALTHCARE FINANCE AND SYSTEMS

Respond to the complexities of the larger healthcare system to provide equitable, high quality patient care

Progression and Completion (A3.17.c)

Progression

Students in the PA Program are expected to adhere to all academic standards and professionalism performance standards outlined in the Student Handbook. Due to the sequential nature of the curriculum, students must successfully complete all coursework in one semester before being allowed to progress to the subsequent semester.

At the conclusion of each semester, the PA Student Progress Committee will review each student’s academic and professional performance.
Students must be recommended for progression by the PA Student Progress Committee before they are able to register for classes in the following semester.
At the conclusion of the didactic year a more in-depth review of student performance will be done to ensure the student has met the PA Program defined level of competency for the student learning outcomes before being recommended for progression to the clinical year.
Prior to the completion of the Program, overall student performance will be reviewed to ensure the student has met the PA Program student learning outcomes in order to be recommended for graduation and the student must pass the Summative Evaluation process.
In the event that a student is remediating a course or course component, they may progress to the subsequent semester at the discretion of the Student Progress Committee. All coursework or remediation assignments must be completed within two weeks of the end of the prior semester.

Completion deadlines/requirements related to curricular components (A3.17.b)

Graduate degrees are conferred by the authority of the Kean University Board of Trustees. To qualify, a student must be fully matriculated in a graduate program of the University, have a minimum GPA of 3.0, and meet all PA Program requirements for completion (see below). In accordance with the College of Health Professions and Human Services policy, the Department of Physician Assistant Studies must be completed within a six-year time limit (from date of initial matriculation), with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. In order to be recommended for graduation, the student must:

Be in good professional standing;
Successfully complete and pass all coursework according to PA Program’s defined academic standards;
Be in good academic standing:
- Achieve an overall GPA or 3.0 or higher;
  - A student, who is on academic probation at the start of the final semester, must achieve the required overall GPA of 3.0 by the end of the final semester.
Demonstrate they have met all program level Student Learning Outcomes;
Complete and pass all components of the Summative Evaluation;
File an application for a M.S. degree with the Office of the Registrar;
Complete all requirements for graduation within six years of the original date of matriculation; and
Have no financial obligations with Kean University.

Application for Graduate Degree

All graduate degree candidates must complete an online application in KeanWISE in order to be considered for graduation. Students who are eligible to apply will receive an email from the Office of the Registrar.
Additional information and deadlines are posted at https://www.kean.edu/offices/registrars-office/graduation-information
Each application must be accompanied by a paid receipt of the graduation fee noted on the application. A student’s academic record will not be evaluated for graduation unless the application has been filed prior to the deadline.
Unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the Program Director and/or approved by the Student Progress Committee, all outstanding coursework must be completed within two weeks of the end of the semester, which precedes a student’s graduation date.

Grade Grievance (A3.15.g)

If a student believes that he or she has not been graded fairly in a course, it is the student’s right to initiate a grade grievance. A formal process exists for the resolution of such problems.

The steps in the process are outlined below and must be followed in order; it is understood that if a satisfactory resolution is reached at any level, the process ends. If, at a given step, either party is dissatisfied with the proposed resolution, the dissatisfied party may request reconsideration at the next level. Decisions by the College of Professions and Human Services Dean are final, with no provision for further appeal beyond that point.

Requests for reconsideration of a grade must be brought to the course instructor /course coordinator as soon as possible after the conclusion of the course and no later than one week after the end of the semester in which the grade was received.

1. The student meets with the course instructor /course coordinator to request information about the grading decision or evaluative judgment. If after receiving an explanation, the student remains dissatisfied, he or she may request reconsideration of the grade by the PA Director. This request must be filed within one week from the date of the initial meeting with the course instructor/course coordinator.

2. The student submits a written grievance to the PA Director, and then meets with the PA Director to discuss the assigned grade. The request must include a description of the problem, the student’s reasons for filing the grievance and a completed Grievance Tracking Form (Appendix G). The PA Director may choose to intervene directly at this point and attempt to seek a resolution or may decide to refer the question to the PA Program Departmental Grievance Committee within one week of the meeting.

3. The PA Program Departmental Grievance Committee, comprised of PA Program faculty members, hears the grievance within one month of the original request to the course instructor/coordinator for reconsideration. The committee determines (in accordance with prevailing departmental practices and the specifics of the particular grievance) a procedure to follow: a) both the student and faculty member might be asked to submit materials in writing, or b) both might be invited or required to appear before the committee. The committee may schedule these meetings so that the parties appear separately or together. During this process, the committee reserves the right to request additional information, as needed.

4. The PA Program Departmental Grievance Committee makes a determination and notifies the student and course instructor/course coordinator in writing of its decision within one week of the meeting(s). An official letter will be sent to the Dean for inclusion in the student’s academic file.

5. If the decision of the PA Program Departmental Grievance Committee is not acceptable to either of the parties involved, the grievance and the decision may be referred to the Dean of the College of Health Professions and Human Services for resolution within one week of notification of the decision of the PA Program Departmental Grievance Committee. All relevant materials are to be forwarded to the Dean’s Office.

6. The appeal must be submitted in writing to the PA Director and the Dean of the Graduate College within one week of the decision by the PA Program Departmental Grievance Committee. Failure to adhere to this time frame can result in the Dean’s refusal to hear the appeal. No in-person appeals will be accepted. All appeals will be reviewed within a reasonable time frame and the Dean’s decision will be communicated via an official letter from the University. The decision of the College of Health Professions and Human Services Graduate College Dean is final.

7. The final grade must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar before the M.S. degree is conferred. Once the degree has been posted, the academic record is frozen and no changes are permitted.

Academic and Professional Probation and/or Dismissal (A3.17.e)

Students who have been placed on probation or dismissed from the PA Program will be notified in writing within one week of the determination. An official letter will also be sent to the Office of the Registrar for inclusion in the student’s academic file.

If a student believes that he or she has been unfairly placed on probation or dismissed from the PA Program, it is the student’s right to initiate a grievance. A formal process exists for the resolution of such problems.

The steps in the process are outlined below and must be followed in order; it is understood that if a satisfactory resolution is reached at any level, the process ends. If, at a given step, either party is dissatisfied with the proposed resolution, the dissatisfied party may request reconsideration at the next level. Decisions by the Dean of the College of Health Professions and Human Services and the Academic Standing Committee of the Graduate College are final, with no provision for further appeal beyond that point.

Requests for a meeting to discuss the decision must be brought to the Director no later than one week after receipt of the written notification.

1. The student meets with the PA Director to discuss the decision. If after receiving an explanation, the student remains dissatisfied, he or she may submit a written grievance to the PA Program Departmental Grievance Committee. This request must be filed within one week from the date of the meeting with the Director.

2. The student submits a written grievance to the PA Director. The request must include a description of the problem, the student’s reasons for filing the grievance and a completed Grievance Tracking Form (Appendix G).

3. The PA Departmental Grievance Committee, comprised of PA faculty members, hears the grievance within two weeks of the grievance request. The committee determines (in accordance with prevailing departmental practices and the specifics of the particular grievance) a procedure to follow: a) the student might be asked to submit materials in writing, or b) the student might be invited or required to appear before the committee. During this process, the committee reserves the right to request additional information, as needed.

4. The PA Departmental Grievance Committee makes a determination and notifies the student and Program Director in writing of its decision within one week of the meeting(s). An official letter will be sent to the Office of the Registrar for inclusion in the student’s academic file.

5. If the decision of the PA Departmental Grievance Committee is not acceptable to either of the parties involved or if implementation of the decision requires the attention of the College of Health Professions and Human Services Dean, the grievance and the decision may be referred to the Dean of the College of Health Professions and Human Services and the Academic Standards Committee of the Graduate College. This Committee will be comprised of the Dean of the Graduate College, as well as administrators and faculty members appointed by the Dean.

6. The appeal must be submitted in writing to the PA Director and the Dean of the College of Health Professions and Human Services within one week of the decision by the PA Departmental Grievance Committee. Failure to adhere to this time frame can result in the committee’s refusal to hear the appeal. No in-person appeals will be accepted. All appeals will be reviewed within a reasonable time frame and the committee’s decision will be communicated via an official letter from the University. The decision of the Dean of the College of Health Professions and Human Services and the Academic Standards Committee of the Graduate College is final. A dismissed student does not have the opportunity to appeal the Committee’s final decision.

Upon successful petition at any of the above steps, the student will be received back into the class on probation. The student will be expected to meet the terms of any reinstatement contract. In the case of professional issues, if the student fails to adhere to the Defined Professional Behaviors, the student will be dismissed from the PA Program.

After a graduate student attempts six (6) total graduate credits as a matriculated student, a 3.0 cumulative GPA must be achieved. Failure to meet this minimum may result in the student being placed on Academic Probation. Additionally, conditions of the probation may be set at the discretion of the Dean of the College and/or the program/department. Upon completion of twelve (12) attempted graduate credits, if a student fails to achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.0, the student may be academically dismissed from Kean University at the discretion of the program/department. If a student who is on Academic Probation achieves a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, they will be removed from Academic Probation. However, if at any time during subsequent semesters the student falls below a cumulative 3.0 GPA, they will be academically dismissed from Kean University. All notices of Academic Probation and/or dismissal will occur at the completion of the fall and spring academic semesters.

When the actions and/or behavior of a student are found by the program/department or other competent authority, using established procedure, to be detrimental to the interests of the University community or to violate established professional standards, that student may be required to withdraw due to a non-academic dismissal. Notices of non-academic dismissal can occur at any time.