Academic Policies PA

Pace University-Lenox Hill Hospital Physician Assistant Program NYC

Progression

Progression and continuance in the Pace University-Lenox Hill Hospital Physician Assistant Program NYC is not based solely upon scholastic achievement. It is also, necessarily, based on the qualities described in the Standards of Professional Conduct for the Physician Assistant Student and Academic Integrity.

Progression Standards

1. Students are required to maintain a cumulative QPA of 3.0 or higher to continue and/or graduate from the PA Program.
2. Students must obtain a minimum grade of “B-” (80%) in all PAS letter graded courses and a “P” in all PAS pass/fail graded courses.
3. Students must adhere to the Standards of Professional Conduct for the Physician Assistant Student. Please refer to the sections titled “Standards of Professional Conduct for the Physician Assistant Student and Academic Integrity” of the handbook.

Students who fail to achieve a cumulative QPA and cumulative science QPA of 3.0, a grade of “B-” in letter graded PAS courses or “P” in pass/fail graded PAS course may present his/her case before the Academic Progression Appeals Committee. Please refer to the Standards of Professional Conduct and Academic Integrity Compliance Policy, Academic Probation, Academic Dismissal and Appeal of Academic Dismissal sections of the handbook for additional information. 

For additional academic policies, including the academic probation policy; academic dismissal policy; appeal of academic dismissal policy; academic requirements, eligibility to graduate; academic integrity; and standards of professional conduct see the Pace University-Lenox Hill Hospital Physician Assistant Program Handbooks, provided each academic year to students enrolled in the program. 

Physician Assistant Program - Pleasantville 

Students are required to maintain a cumulative QPA of 3.0 or higher to continue and graduate from the PA Program.

Students must obtain a minimum grade of “B” in all letter graded PASP courses and a “P” in all PASP pass/fail graded courses and must successfully complete all other requirements for each specific course.

Requirements for Promotion within the Didactic Year

1. All examinations including written, electronic, practical, and oral assessments must be successfully completed.
2. Each student must pass each PASP letter graded courses with a minimum grade of a “B” (80%) and a “P” in all PASP pass/fail graded courses.
3. Students must demonstrate skills required necessary for clinical practice as determined by the program.
4. A satisfactory rating from the Progression and Promotion Committee must be obtained through meeting all academic and professional standards.
5. Students must comply with the policies of Pace University and the Physician Assistant Program - Pleasantville.
6. Students must comply with the Standards of Professional Conduct for the Physician Assistant Student set forth in the program’s student handbook as well as University policies described in the Pace University Graduate Student Handbook.

Requirements for Successful Completion of the Didactic Year

To successfully complete the didactic year, the student must adhere to the requirements above and:

1. Follow all policies (rules) and regulations published by the Physician Assistant Studies Program – Pleasantville.
2. Fulfill all requirements set forth in the Student Handbook regarding progression.
3. Maintain a professional demeanor as a physician assistant student, as evidenced by attendance and active participation in all classes, lectures, seminars, and clinical experiences as designated by the program.
4. Assume responsibility for learning.
5. Satisfactory completion of program competency exams (summative assessments including cognitive and skills assessments).
6. Provide proof of satisfactory completion of and certification in BLS/ACLS, infection control, medical terminology, and HIPAA regulations.

Undergo and submit documentation of a complete physical examination and labs to establish a health database prior to the start of the didactic and clinical years.

Graduation Requirements

The Physician Assistant Program – Pleasantville and the University's Office of the Registrar will review all student records prior to graduation. Any outstanding financial balance must be reconciled with the University prior to graduation. Students must fulfill all program and University requirements, including compliance with academic integrity and disciplinary policies, before being awarded a diploma and to be eligible for the physician assistant national certifying examination.

Specific requirements include

1. Satisfactory completion of all Pace University required courses and courses for the Physician Assistant Program - Pleasantville.
2. Satisfactory completion of all courses in the professional curriculum with a minimum grade of a “B” (80%) in a PASP letter graded course, and a “P” in a PASP pass/fail graded course.
3. Students are required to achieve a cumulative QPA of 3.0 to graduate from the PA Program and have successfully completed all clinical clerkships.
4. Satisfactory completion of all assignments.
5. Satisfactory completion of a comprehensive written examination at the end of the didactic year.
6. Satisfactory completion of a comprehensive physical exam and didactic Objective Structured Clinical Evaluation (OSCE) or simulation at the end of the didactic year.
7. Satisfactory completion of a comprehensive written examination at the end of the clinical year.
8. Satisfactory completion of a comprehensive clinical OSCE in the last 4 months of the clinical phase.
9. Satisfactory completion of a comprehensive Professional Development Assessment Test in the last 4 months of the clinical phase.
10. Completion of the PACKRAT examination at the end of the didactic phase and in the last 4 months of the clinical phase.
11. Compliance with standards of conduct and guidelines for ethical conduct and professional performance standards as listed in the student handbook.
12. Submit a completed and signed Application for Graduation form to the Office of the Registrar. This application is not for the graduation ceremony, but to have your degree officially conferred by the University. This is not to be submitted to the Physician Assistant Program.

Contact the Office of the Registrar for degree verification-related inquiries by creating a Helpdesk ticket for any additional questions you may have.