Student Handbooks
Upon admission to the program, PA students will be provided with an electronic copy of the MSPAS Student Handbook and the Franklin College Student Handbook.
PA Program Policies and Procedures
The following policies and procedures are also contained in the PA Program Student Handbook.
Student Employment while in the Program
To support student success in a fast-paced PA program, students are strongly discouraged from having outside employment during the didactic year of the MSPAS program. Program expectations, class schedule, assignments, deadlines and responsibilities will not be altered to accommodate working students. Student attendance is mandatory at all scheduled program activities including didactic and clinical experiences.
Students are not required to work for the PA program and may not substitute for or function as didactic or clinical instructional faculty. Students with specific prior knowledge, experiences, and skills may assist faculty in didactic and laboratory sessions to share their knowledge and skills. However, these students will never be asked or permitted to serve as the primary instructor or instructor of record for any component of the curriculum.
During the clinical year, students must not substitute for clinical or administrative staff during clinical rotations regardless of the student’s prior healthcare experience. Students are not permitted to have outside employment during the clinical year and third year. Exemptions may be granted by MSPA faculty body and Program Director upon written request. While exemptions are considered, they are not guaranteed. Clinical schedules will vary, and Program expectations, assignments, deadlines and responsibilities will not be altered to accommodate working students. Student employment must not interfere with the student’s learning experience, including the ability to integrate material learned during the clinical rotation.
Advanced Placement and Transfer Credit (A3.13c)
Advanced placement or transfer credits for MSPA curriculum courses will not be awarded. No credit will be awarded to students for prior work experience.
Dual Enrollment
PA students may not be enrolled in another degree program during the 25 months of the PA program.
Clinical Rotations
Clinical rotation placement for each student is the responsibility of the PA program which makes all decisions regarding student placement. The program develops and maintains the clinical education sites and orients clinical preceptors to the goals and expectations (outcomes) of the specific rotation. Students are prohibited from contacting and soliciting clinical sites or preceptors. Students may make suggestions to the PA program for sites and preceptors but are not required to do so. Student-suggested sites and preceptors will be reviewed, evaluated, and approved for educational suitability by the program.