Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies

Admission to the Physician Assistant program is very competitive. Concordia University Ann Arbor will admit one class of 32 full-time students in late January of each academic year.  For this first cycle of admission, there will be a very short turnaround time, necessitating rolling admissions.

Applications will be reviewed as soon as submitted; and if complete, a preliminary decision to invite for an interview will be made.  Several times during the application review process, cohorts of applicants will be invited to campus to tour the program facilities, meet the faculty, and have all questions answered, as well as answer any outstanding questions that the faculty may have about the application or the applicant.  Shortly after the interview (within 2-3 weeks) a decision will be made and reported as accepted, wait-listed, or denied.  This rolling admission process will continue throughout July, August, September and October until all 32 seats are filled.  Wait-listed applicants will be contacted if admitted candidates elect to withdraw their acceptance.

Classes will begin at the end of January 2021 (which is the beginning of the spring term).

Basic Admission Requirements

Candidates for admission must meet the following requirements:

• Baccalaureate Degree (must be earned prior to matriculation from a regionally accredited university or college). (Coursework completed at a non-US institution, please see XXXX link)
• Minimum 3.0cumulative GPA or higher, AND
• Minimum 3.0prerequisite science GPA or higher
• Note: All prerequisite courses must be successfully completed with a grade of “C” or higher from a regionally accredited college or university.
• All prerequisite science coursework must be completedat the time of application.
  • At the time of application there may not be any prerequisite science courses pending or in progress.

• One non-science prerequisite course may be pending at the time of application, but must be completed prior to matriculation in the program.
• Labs must be completed in face-to-face manner in the classroom, and not as an online component.
• Classes that are audited are not accepted for prerequisite courses, nor are grades of PASS/FAIL.
• Please note, the deadline for application is for Verified Submit your applications at least 4-6 weeks earlier than the deadline to allow time for verification of information in your application.
• Documentation of 50 hours minimum non-health volunteering/community service/service work
• Completion of 24 hour minimumshadowing of a Physician Assistant.
  • Shadowing must be completed and documented to the program via CASPA in order for the application to be considered ready for review.
  • The program is not able to find or suggest sites for applicants to complete the shadowing requirement.

• There must be documentation of 500 hours of hands-on patient care experience. Medical scribe work can be applied towards part of this requirement; however, applicants are strongly encouraged to obtain more hands-on patient care experience than scribe work. 
  • Examples of hands-on experience include but is not limited to: nursing, CNA, ER tech, EMT/paramedic, lab technician, dietician, exercise stress test technician, mental health therapist, military medical/clinical specialist, occupational/physical therapist, pharmacist, pharmacy technician, phlebotomist, respiratory therapist, surgical technician. 
  • The following are NOT considered hands-on experience:  PA or MD shadowing; non-clinical research assistants; candy striper; CPR instructor; patient transporters, pharmaceutical reps; ski patrol (unless EMT certified), lifeguard, aerobics instructor, therapeutic horse observers, unit clerk, medical insurance clerk, medical secretary. 
  • Medical Scribes: experience as a scribe is invaluable to documentation and observational learning, but hands-on patient care experience is not part of the scribe’s responsibility.  As such, a scribe may use 100-200 hours of scribe work as part of the health care requirement, but the remainder must be in some capacity in which you have direct patient interaction.
  • If you have additional questions regarding whether your particular experience suffices, please contact the program office directly to discuss.
• Three letters of reference are required to be submitted: (PLEASE NOTE)
  • One letter of reference must be from a PA with whom you have shadowed, and should speak to your understanding of the role of a PA and aptitude for the vocation of a Physician Assistant specifically.
  • One letter of reference must be from an employer/supervisor of your patient health care experience, and should speak to your interaction and care of patients and aptitude for a profession as a health care provider.
  • One letter must be from someone who can speak to your aptitude for successfully navigating the strenuous workloads and rigor that the curriculum will require. 
• Technical Standards are physical, behavioral and cognitive abilities that must be met in order for a PA to complete the educational curriculum, and competently perform all duties required as a PA upon graduation. Please see Technical Standards for Physician Assistants that each student must be able to meet in order to be admitted to the PA program and function in the PA profession.

Prerequisites 

• Chemistry –
  • One or two semesters of general (inorganic) chemistry with lab (4 cr each) (two preferred)
  • One semester of either organic chemistry or biochemistry with lab (both are preferred)  (3 cr)
  • (if Organic chemistry or Biochemistry are taken at a community college, pre-req for that course must have been a college level general chemistry course)
• Biology
  • One or two semesters of general biology with lab (3-4 cr. each) (two are preferred)
  • Botany, or survey course does not fill this requirement
• Human Anatomy & Physiology:
  • May be completed as two semesters of A & P with lab done on-campus
  • May be completed as individual Human Anatomy and separate Physiology course, again with on-campus lab component.
  • PLEASE NOTE:  A & P is the cornerstone for all understanding in clinical medicine, and as such, the course must be rigorous, related to HUMAN anatomy & physiology, and should have been completed within 5 years of application, although more distant coursework of an applicant currently working in a medical field utilizing A & P may be acceptable.
• Microbiology - One semester with lab
• Genetics - One semester with or without lab
• Psychology - One semester (lifespan, developmental or abnormal preferred)
• Statistics - One semester
• College algebra or higher - One semester (will accept high school AP credit)
• Medical Terminology - One semester (recommended within 5 years of application)
• English Composition – One semester minimum (will accept high school AP credit)

Highly recommended courses though not required:

• Pharmacology
• Immunology
• Additional Psychology classes

Additionally:

• No advanced placement or transfer credit is granted if transferring from another PA or graduate program nor for foreign medical graduates or foreign physicians. No course credit is given for experiential learning.

Application Timeline

• Early to mid July, 2020 - CASPA application portal opens
• October 15, 2020- CASPA applications must be e-submitted, completed and VERIFIED. Applications should be submitted with ample time for verification before the deadline which may take 4-6 weeks. Concordia does not require a supplemental application, application fee, or materials.
• The CUAA program will use rolling admissions: Applications will be reviewed as they are received and fully completed with decisions by the admissions team occurring on an ongoing basis.  There will be four interview periods with small cohorts of applicants that will occur during the admission cycle.  Once decisions are made applicants will be informed and required to submit a $500 deposit within 3 weeks of acceptance which will hold the seat for the applicant.

Interviews

An on-campus interview will give the applicant an opportunity to learn more about the program and will give the program faculty an opportunity to meet and talk with the applicant. During the interview process, the program curriculum as well as other pertinent information will be discussed, interviews with at least two faculty members will occur, as well as a tour of the university. Students will be notified very soon after the interview about a firm admission status.  Those who are not admitted in the first wave of interviews will be wait-listed, and notified at each of the four cycles about admission status.

The invitation to interview for admission to the program does not guarantee admission or acceptance to enroll.

Program Begins

• January 27, 2021 - Program orientation
• January 28, 2021 - First day of classes

Applicants who have been selected to enroll in the program after the interview process who have not completed their Bachelor’s degree will be conditionally accepted into the program. Those applicants who do not successfully complete their Bachelor’s degree prior to the first day of class, will not be allowed to matriculate into the program.

Background Checks

All students accepted into the PA program will be required to complete and pass a background check. A felony conviction may impact our admissions decision.

Working After Admission

It has been the program’s experience that those students who choose to work after admission to the program are most often unable to complete the program and be eligible to take the PANCE exam.  For this reason, the program STRONGLY recommends that students NOT work for the duration of the PA program.

International Applicants

International applicants who have taken pre-requisite courses at non-US colleges and universities should follow the directions provided by the CASPA Help Center for information on providing their academic credentials prepared by accepted international credentialing agencies.

TOEFL

Applicants whose native language is not English or do not have a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited United States, Canadian, or Great Britain University or College must demonstrate English proficiency by taking the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE.  Scores must be sent directly from the Educational Testing Service (ETS) to CASPA in electronic format.  The ETS TOEFL score report will then be matched with your CASPA application.

Scores are valid two years from the date of testing. Reer to the CASPA FAQ page for additional information on how to report TOEFL scores.

Minimum scores accepted: IELTS 7; TOEFL 94; PTE 64

Anti-Discrimination Policy

As a matter of policy, Concordia University admits students of any age, race, color, gender, religion, and national and ethnic origin. Admitted students enjoy the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally offered to all Concordia students. Further, Concordia University does not discriminate according to age, race, color, gender, and national and ethnic origin in administering admissions and educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities: Concordia University is committed to full compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which prohibit discrimination against qualified persons with disabilities, as well as other federal and state laws pertaining to individuals with disabilities. Under the ADA and its amendments, a person has a disability if he or she has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity. The ADA also protects individuals who have a record of a substantially limiting impairment or who are regarded as disabled by the institution whether qualified or not. A substantial impairment is one that significantly limits or restricts a major life activity such as hearing, seeing, speaking, breathing, performing manual tasks, walking, or caring for oneself.

Concordia University is committed to providing qualified students with disabilities with reasonable accommodations and support needed to ensure equal access to the programs and activities of the University.

All accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis. A student requesting any accommodation should first contact the Director of Disability Services who coordinates services for students with disabilities. The director reviews documentation provided by the student and in consultation with the student, determines which accommodations are appropriate to the student’s particular needs and programs. It is then the student’s responsibility to make direct requests for accommodations to the appropriate staff.

Selection Factors

• Academic Achievement
• MCAT and CASPer Scores
• Personal Statement and Essays
• Letters of Recommendation
• Experiences
• Non-Cognitive Personal and Professional Characteristics
• Personal Interview
• Interviews will offered from August through November. All invitations to interview will be sent via email. Interview space is limited, and reservations are taken on a first-come, first-served basis.
• The interview day schedule and timing will differ depending on campus location; however, you can expect to spend about four hours on campus for interview day activities.
• Completion of the CASPer test is mandatory for all MCW Medical School applicants. CASPer is an online test which assesses non-cognitive skills and interpersonal characteristics that we believe are important for successful students and physicians. This information will complement other tools we use for applicant screening, evaluation, and review and will further enhance the fairness and objectivity of our holistic review and selection process.

  Your application will not be reviewed for possible interview selection until you have completed and submitted the CASPer test. We highly recommend that you take the test early in the application cycle. Keep in mind that it takes about 4 weeks for us to receive your score.

  Please note that CASPer test scores are only valid for one admissions cycle. If you took the CASPer test as part of last year’s application, you are required to retake the test this cycle as well.

  To take CASPer, you will need a computer with audio capabilities, a webcam, and a reliable internet connection on your selected test date. There is a $10 fee to take CASPer and a $10 fee to send your score to MCW. CASPer fees are waived for those approved for the AAMC Fee Assistance Program.

  Please go to the CASPer Test website to sign up and reserve a test date using your AAMC ID and a government-issued photo ID. Make sure to select the 2019-2020 Admissions Cycle, and to sign up for the American Professional Health Sciences test (CSP10101). Please note that you will not be allowed to send scores to MCW after the final test date (Dec. 11, 2019) has passed.

Please note, the deadline for application is for verified applications only. Submit your application  as soon as possible to allow time for verification of information in your application, particularly because of the rolling admission procedure being used in this first cohort selection.

REMINDER: At the time of application there may not be any prerequisite science courses pending or in progress.

As a potential candidate, the admissions committee will look at the following for acceptance into the program:

Cumulative and prerequisite science GPA (3.0 is the minimum, most successful candidates have GPA higher than 3.0)

Reference letters – should speak to the applicant’s aptitude for the profession, which requires that the applicant and the letter writer understand the PA profession. Both advantages and disadvantages as compared to other health care professions, and the applicant’s particular aptitude for the rigors of PA school, which is accelerated compared to many other health professions and requires tremendous sacrifice and successful completion of multiple courses with many assessments with large course loads in each term.

The Interview Evaluation Report

The following will be reviewed in determining an applicant’s aptitude, likelihood for success and mission fit:

• Applicant's desire to become a PA and understanding of the profession
• Evidence of academic potential, motivation, personal maturity, self-assurance
• Interpersonal interactions observed on visit day
• Writing sample on a question related to current health care issues
• Volunteerism, service to others

Preferences given

• CUAA graduates and alumni will be granted an automatic visit day with successful completion of all requirements in addition to a 3.4 GPA in BOTH cumulative AND pre-requisite coursework
• All things being equal in comparing applications, preference will be given to applicants who demonstrate service to others, interest in rural medicine/placement after graduation, and working with the underserved.

The Concordia University Ann Arbor Master of Science, Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) Program has applied for Accreditation-Provisional from the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).  Concordia University Ann Arbor anticipates matriculating its first class in January 2021, pending achieving Accreditation-Provisional status at the June 2020 ARC-PA meeting.  Accreditation Provisional is an accreditation status granted when the plans and resource allocation, if fully implemented as planned, of a proposed program that has not yet enrolled students appears to demonstrate the program's ability to meet the ARC-PA Standards or when a program holding accreditation-provisional status appears to demonstrate continued progress in complying with the Standards as it prepares for graduation of the first class (cohort) of students.

CASPA applications will not be available for completion until such time as the CUAA program has successfully been provisionally accredited.  This is anticipated to be no sooner than July 2020 and admission decisions will not be made until successful accreditation is granted.  Program applicants will be notified as soon as we are informed of accreditation process results.  Information on accreditation is available at http://www.arc-pa.org/accreditation/, or at: Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc., 12000 Findley Road, Suite 150, Johns Creek, GA 30097, (770) 476-1224.

The proposed Physician Assistant program will grant the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) degree.

Estimated Program Costs-Didactic and Clinical Years

Updated information for the Spring 2021 cohort will be posted soon. 

Preceptors: CUAA offers clinical training rotations in Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, OBGYN, Pediatrics, General Surgery, Behavioral Health, Emergency Medicine and elective rotations.  We are seeking potential preceptors in the above fields.  If you are interested in precepting a CUAA PA student, please fill out the letter of intent and return to gradpa@cuaa.edu.  

Faculty: We are seeking faculty to teach in a primary care based program. Those interested in a faculty position, please send an email with CV to gradpa@cuaa.edu. 

Preceptor Responsibilities

Clinical preceptors are expected to conduct themselves in a fair and conscientious manner in accordance with the ethical standards generally recognized with the academic community as well as those of the medical professions they represent. Preceptors are expected to:

• Be a credentialed and licensed practitioner
• Meet scheduled appointments, rounds and clinical teaching opportunities, be available to supervise all activities of student practitioners and approve implementation of all treatment plans (or delegate this responsibility to a licensed practitioner who has such authority)
• Delegate to students, certain defined duties, with appropriate supervision and direction, but never use students as substitution for regular staff
• Be available at reasonable times for teaching and evaluation of students
• Perform student evaluations in a timely manner
• Communicate with students regarding clinical performance and provide written mid-rotation and end of rotation evaluations that are fair
• Communicate to students at the beginning of the rotation expectations and standards of evaluation
• Base all academic evaluation upon good faith professional judgment
• Not consider in academic evaluation factors such as race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, handicap, sexual orientation, political or cultural affiliation, lifestyle, activities or behavior outside of the academic setting unrelated to academic and professional achievement
• Respect confidentiality of student academic information
• Not exploit professional relationships with students for private advantage and refrain from soliciting the assistance of students for private purpose in a manner which infringes upon such student’s freedom of choice
• Give appropriate recognition to student contributions in clinical activities
• Refrain from any activity which involves risk to the health and safety of a student except with the student’s and the program’s informed consent
• Respect the dignity of each student individually and all students collectively in all academic contexts

What is the benefit of precepting a CUAA Physician Assistant student?

1. If you are considering hiring a Physician Assistant but have never worked with one, precepting a student will increase your understanding of the profession. It will give you first hand knowledge of how the PA will interact with your patients and staff, their skill level and the potential impact on your practice.
2. If you are considering hiring the Physician Assistant following graduation, precepting that student would give you an opportunity to participate in their approach to the practice of medicine.
3. A preceptor can earn Continuing Medical Education credits for precepting students.
4. Most preceptors enjoy teaching as it helps them maintain an up-to-date standard of practice.

I have only precepted medical students. How will I have to adjust my supervision for a PA student?

During the clinical year (the final year of training) a CUAA Physician Assistant student functions minimally at the level of a 3rd or 4th year medical student. On rotations they are expected to assume the hours of the site/preceptor including on-call, weekends and off-shifts.

Does the student carry liability insurance?

CUAA Physician Assistant students participating in the PA program and assigned to a health facility for clinical experience are covered by the University’s blanket malpractice insurance policy which presently contains a $1,000,000 occurrence/3,000,000 aggregate coverage CUAA maintains on file evidence of the existence of this policy and will provide this information to the health facility upon request. CUAA will notify the health facility within five (5) business days in the event the aforementioned policy limits are modified or discontinued.

This coverage is limited to:

• Students currently registered and matriculated in the CUAA PA program
• Clinical rotations approved and scheduled through the CUAA PA Program.
• Students practicing within the guidelines outlined in the CUAA PA Policy Manual.

The student is not covered for any service or activity, either voluntary or for remuneration that is not approved and scheduled by the program.

How are students screened prior to clinical rotations?

The College of Health Professions at the Concordia University requires review of the criminal histories of those having direct contact with patients in health care and other settings.

These background checks are considered a condition of acceptance into a clinical program. Concordia University does not disclose the information to any person who is not directly involved in evaluating the applicant's qualifications for their clinical program but students do consent to the release of criminal background information to any affiliating health care institution that requests or requires this information as a condition of assignment.

Additionally, submitting a negative urine drug screen is a condition for admission into the Physician Assistant (PA) program.

Students also are required to undergo a physical examination and vaccinations recommended by the CDC for health care personnel.

Who can act as a preceptor for a PA student and what are their responsibilities?

A clinical preceptor must be credentialed and licensed. This would include but is not limited to: MD, DO, PA-C, NP, psychologist, or social workers

Clinical preceptors are expected to conduct themselves in a fair and conscientious manner in accordance with the ethical standards generally recognized with the academic community as well as those of the medical professions they represent. Preceptors are expected to:

• Meet scheduled appointments, rounds and clinical teaching opportunities, be available to supervise all activities of student practitioners and approve implementation of all treatment plans (or delegate this responsibility to a licensed practitioner who has such authority)
• Delegate to students, certain defined duties, with appropriate supervision and direction, but never use students as substitution for regular staff
• Be available at reasonable times for teaching and evaluation of students
• Perform student evaluations in a timely manner
• Communicate with students regarding clinical performance and provide written mid-rotation and end of rotation evaluations that are fair
• Communicate to students at the beginning of the rotation expectations and standards of evaluation
• Base all academic evaluation upon good faith professional judgment
• Not consider in academic evaluation factors such as race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, handicap, sexual orientation, political or cultural affiliation, lifestyle, activities or behavior outside of the academic setting unrelated to academic and professional achievement
• Respect confidentiality of student academic information
• Not exploit professional relationships with students for private advantage and refrain from soliciting the assistance of students for private purpose in a manner which infringes upon such student’s freedom of choice
• Give appropriate recognition to student contributions in clinical or research activities
• Refrain from any activity which involves risk to the health and safety of a student except with the student’s and the program’s informed consent
• Respect the dignity of each student individually and all students collectively in all academic contexts

How would I determine if my practice would meet the objectives of the CUAA program?

Part of the initial contact with the site is review of clinical rotation objectives by the clinical director either via phone interview or on-site visit. This review also includes, hours of operation, typical patient census, number of practitioners /potential preceptors, location of assignment and any current affiliations with other facilities.

What if a problem occurs with a student while on rotation?

At the time each rotation is confirmed, contact information is included in the preceptor packet.  The expectation is the preceptor will not be a disciplinarian but if problems arise, the preceptor will get hold of the CUAA contact immediately to discuss the issue and to agree upon an action plan.

How can I get more information about precepting PA students from CUAA or about the CUAA PA program itself?

Please contact:
Christine Oldenburg-McGee
PA Program Director
Concordia University Ann Arbor
4090 Geddes Road
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
734-995-7437

What is a Physician Assistant and what can they do? (From AAPA*)

Physician assistants are health care professionals licensed to practice medicine with physician supervision. . As part of their comprehensive responsibilities, PAs conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, counsel on preventive health care, assist in surgery, and in virtually all states can write prescriptions. Within the physician-PA relationship, physician assistants exercise autonomy in medical decision-making and provide a broad range of diagnostic and therapeutic services. A PA's practice may also include education, research, and administrative services.

How would a Physician Assistant benefit my practice? (From AAPA*)

Physician assistants (PAs) are found in all areas of medicine. They practice in the areas of primary care medicine - that is family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, and obstetrics and gynecology -- as well in surgery and the surgical subspecialties. Because of the close working relationship the PAs have with physicians, PAs are educated in the medical model designed to complement physician training.  What a physician assistant does varies with training, experience, and state law. In addition, the scope of the PA's practice corresponds to the supervising physician's practice. In general, a physician assistant will see many of the same types of patients as the physician. The cases handled by physicians are generally the more complicated medical cases or those cases which require care that is not a routine part of the PA's scope of work. Referral to the physician, or close consultation between the patient-PA-physician, is done for unusual or hard to manage cases. Physician assistants are taught to "know our limits" and refer to physicians appropriately.  It is an important part of PA training.

*American Academy of Physician Assistants, www.aapa.org

Curriculum Plan:  

Updated information for the Spring 2021 cohort will be posted soon. 

Concordia University Ann Arbor (CUAA) has specific technical standards that apply to all candidates for admission and those who are selected to enter the program.  Students selected to enter the program must have the capacity to complete the entire course curriculum to achieve the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies degree.  Accommodations may be possible for some disabilities, but the Physician Assistant’s (PA) role in the provision of health care requires that he or she be able to perform in an independent manner that does not compromise patient care.

In order to perform the functions required of a physician assistant in a variety of clinical situations and render competent patient care stipulated by the faculty, accreditation agencies, and the standards of practice as a PA, candidates/students for the program must meet the Technical Standards:

In order to perform the functions required of a physician assistant in a variety of clinical situations and render competent patient care stipulated by the faculty, accreditation agencies, and the standards of practice as a PA, candidates/students for the program must meet the Technical Standards:

1. Observation: Students must be able to observe demonstrations, visual presentations, lectures, and laboratory studies in the basic medical and clinical settings.  The candidate must be able to accurately observe a patient both close and at a distance; this requires functional use of vision, sensation, and smell. Adequate visual capabilities are necessary for proper evaluation and treatment integration, including the assessment of symmetry, range of motion, and tissue texture changes.
2. Communication: Students must be able to speak, hear, and observe patients to gather pertinent data, describe their observations (including activity and function, mood, and posture) and be able to perceive nonverbal communications.  Students must be able to effectively communicate with patients, families, faculty, and colleagues from different cultural backgrounds in oral, written, computer and telephonic formats.
3. Motor and Sensory: Students must have gross and fine motor function and coordination in order to auscultate, palpate, and percuss as well as the ability to use appropriate diagnostic techniques and instruments to provide routine and emergent medical care and common diagnostic procedures  such as, but not limited to, performance of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, advanced cardiac life support, administering intravenous medications, suturing of simple and complex wounds, treatment of respiratory distress or bleeding, and routine obstetric and gynecologic care, as well as assisting in surgery.  Students should have adequate sensory skills, including tactile sensory and proprioceptive capability.  Students must be able to transport themselves from one location to another in a timely fashion in order to facilitate patient care responsibilities and to receive educational training. Strength, mobility and endurance: Students must be able to tolerate physically taxing workloads.
4. Cognitive, Integrative, and Quantitative Skill: Students must exhibit skills in problem solving, and critical thinking, measurement, calculation, and comprehension of three dimensional relationships consistent with medical practice.  Students must be able to assimilate and learn large amounts of complex, technically detailed information in the form of lectures, discussions, videos, handouts, and clinical exam demonstrations and to synthesize and apply concepts arising from it to create diagnostic and therapeutic plans.
5. Behavioral and Social Skills: Students must possess sufficient emotional health to allow them to optimally utilize intellectual, cognitive, and reasoning judgment required of medical professionals and be able to quickly complete all duties and responsibilities commensurate with effective diagnosis and treatment of patients of all ages.  Students must be able to demonstrate empathy, sensitivity, and the ability to quickly establish rapport with patients, exhibiting adequate interpersonal communication skills, compassion, concern for others, honesty, and integrity.  Students must be able to tolerate physically demanding workloads (which may involve nights, weekends, and on call), noisy environments, and long hours.  Students need to be able to maintain composure and emotional stability in challenging and stressful, changing circumstances and to deal effectively with uncertain, possibly emotionally charged situations. Students must be able to accept constructive criticism and respond via appropriate behavior modification. Students must be able to complete all assignments and activities as assigned by the program.  Students must be able to attend all classes, labs, examinations, and rotations on time and act in a professional manner.

The PA program at Concordia University Ann Arbor has the freedom and ultimate responsibility for selection and evaluation of students, design, implementation and evaluation of curriculum, and determination of who will be awarded a degree and certificate of completion.  Admission, retention, program completion, and graduation decisions are made based on satisfactory academic and clinical performance and upon non-academic, behavioral factors, which serve to ensure overall success in the PA profession.

Candidates for admission to the Concordia University Ann Arbor’s PA program will be required, if admitted, to certify in writing that they understand and meet the above technical standards.  

Concordia University will attempt, to the best of its ability, to develop mechanisms by which otherwise qualified candidates for admission can be accommodated; however, the integrity of the curriculum and the need to provide optimal patient care must be maintained in order to ensure that all parts of PA education are delivered to all students.

Requirements for the Successful Completion of the Didactic Year

1. Comply with the professionalism expectations (located in the PA Student Handbook).
2. Achieve a grade of 79% or higher in all didactic courses.
3. Maintains a GPA of 3.0 or higher overall.
4. Successfully complete, with a grade of 79% or higher or as designated in the syllabus, summative examinations (complete physical examination practical, cumulative exams at the end of courses).
5. Submit documentation of health requirements for the clinical year.
6. Maintain BLS certification (on their own) throughout the program and obtain or maintain ACLS certification (through the PA program) prior to entering clinical rotations. Students’ ACLS certification must be valid through graduation from the program.
7. Comply with all CUAA and Physician Assistant program policies and procedures. 

Requirements for the Successful Completion of the Clinical Year

1. Follow all policies and procedures published by CUAA and the PA Program. 
2. Achieve a grade of 79% or higher in all clinical rotations.
3. Maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher each term.
4. Successfully complete written and practical summative evaluations with a grade of 79% or higher or as designated in the syllabus.
5. Successfully complete the capstone as designated by program requirements.
6. Comply with the professionalism expectations (located in the PA Student Handbook).
7. Comply with all CUAA and Physician Assistant Program policies and procedures.

Requirements for Graduation

A student will be recommended for the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies degree provided s/he:

1. Successfully completes all components of the program (didactic, clinical, and the capstone). The capstone includes the portfolio and multiple written and practical summative exams that will be conducted within the last four months prior to graduation.
2. Maintains an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher;
3. Maintains professionalism standards (located in the PA Student Handbook); and
4. Fulfills all financial obligations to Concordia University Ann Arbor.
5. Comply with all CUAA and Physician Assistant Program policies and procedures

Academic Standing

A student who is in good standing in the Department of Physician Assistant Studies will have met the following criteria:

1. Achieves a grade of 79% or higher in all didactic and clinical courses required by the Concordia University Ann Arbor (CUAA) Physician Assistant (PA) Program;
2. Maintains a GPA of 3.0;
3. Meets the CUAA and Physician Assistant Program professionalism expectations; and
4. Complies with all CUAA and Physician Assistant Program policies and procedures.

Academic Progression

Progression in the Physician Assistant Program is contingent on continued mastery of program student learning outcomes, course objectives, course content, and the demonstration of professional behavior. To remain in good academic standing, all PA students must maintain a minimum term cumulative GPA of 3.00 and earn a 79% or better in all courses.

• A grade less than79% in any course will be reviewed by the Student Progress Committee (SPC)
• A term/cumulative GPA less than 3.00 will result in a review by the SPC
• A student will not progress to the clinical year of the program with a cumulative GPA of less than 3.00 at the end of the 2nd fall term of the program
• Additionally each term, students must earn a grade of 80% or higher on 50% of their exams, failing to do so, will result in a review by SPC

Academic Probation

Students who do not maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher overall or do not meet the Professional Expectations each term, will be placed on Academic Probation and notified in writing by the PA Program Director. In the written notification, the PA Program Director will specify the reason(s) for academic probation, the policy/process for removal from academic probation and the deadline for completing the requirements. Requirements for removal from academic probation include, obtaining a 3.0 the next term (Winterim is not included), and demonstrating professionalism.

Students on Probation:

• May not hold any student society position
• Must meet with their mentor a minimum of twice a month and the course directors they have classes with for the upcoming term at a minimum once
• Must submit a written plan to the Chair of the SPC, Program Director, and to their designated mentor summarizing how they plan to improve their academic performance.
  • The plan must be submitted to the mentor, Program Director, and to the SPC Chair 24 hours prior to this meeting.
  • The plan must be approved by their mentor. If this process is not followed, the student may be dismissed from the program.

If the student does not obtain a GPA of 3.0 the next term (Winterim is not included), and demonstrate professionalism s/he will be dismissed from the program. If a student reapplies to the program and is admitted after failing a course or courses in the program, they will be placed on academic probation. Returning to the program will also require the student to take all courses in the curriculum, including courses previously passed are audited in order to relearn the requisite knowledge needed to progress in the program and to prove competency by successively completing all assessments. The courses that are audited would be on a pass/fail basis. Students auditing courses on a pass/fail basis must achieve a grade of 75% in order to pass the class. If the student fails a course again, they will be dismissed from the program and not allowed to reapply to the program. Students will be required to pay to retake the courses already completed utilizing the auditing fee schedule. The course or courses that must be retaken due to failure will be charged at full tuition.

Dismissal and Withdrawal

The CUAA’s PA Program reserves the right to dismiss any PA student at any time prior to graduation. Circumstances warranting such action may be of an academic, legal or professional nature.

Withdrawing from Courses

Students who wish to withdraw from the University during a term must notify the Director of the Physician Assistant Program. If withdrawal is authorized, the student will receive the notation ‘‘W’’ on their permanent academic record for each course in which they are in good academic standing; for each course, in which the student is doing failing work, they receive the notation ‘‘WF.’’ In the event that a student is seriously injured/ill, receives an official leave of absence, or cannot continue for any acceptable reason, the student will receive a ‘‘W’’ in all registered courses. A student who discontinues attending classes without official permission to withdraw will receive a grade of ‘‘WF’’ for all registered courses.

Students must complete an Add/Drop Form through the Office of the Registrar.

• If a withdrawal is not made through the Office of the Registrar, a failing grade will be recorded for the affected course(s)
• Withdrawals may be made without penalty within the first half of a term (please see the current Academic Catalog for current dates)
• After the beginning of the tenth week of a semester or the second half of a summer session, withdrawals are reported with a grade of WF (Withdraw Fail)
• Exceptions may be made for withdrawals due to extenuating circumstances such as illness or some other unavoidable occurrence by working with the Professor and Director of Physician Assistant Program.

• The student must notify the PA Program Director in writing no later than April 15 of the given year that they will to return to the program.
• The student must be approved by the PA Program Director for return to the program in August of that year.  Medical Reasons: If a student leaves the program due to medical reasons, the readmission request must have a letter from a physician stating the student is cleared for release and will be able to comply with the Technical Standards set by the Physician Assistant Program. Acceptance may be conditional on the length of time the student has been away from the program and space available in the class.
• If the Student Progress Committee is recommending that the student be dismissed, the Chair of the Student Progress Committee will inform the PA Program Director of the recommendation as soon as possible. The PA Program Director will communicate with the student who is being dismissed that they must follow the procedures listed above in the withdrawal section.

Fair Practices

PA students have equal access to facilities and programs of Concordia University Ann Arbor as students in other programs. CUAA is committed to admitting qualified students of any age, sex, race, color, national or ethnic origin, physical or mental conditions, or developmental disability, to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. Concordia University Ann Arbor does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, sex, physical or mental condition, or developmental disability in the administration of its admission policies, educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic and extra-curricular programs or other school-administered programs. Concordia University Ann Arbor does not discriminate on the basis of handicap. (cf. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973). All policies concerning nondiscrimination, harassment, and conflicts of interest are found in the Concordia University Code of Student Conduct and/or the PA Student Handbook.

The Concordia University Ann Arbor MSPAS program will publish first time Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) rates for the five most recent graduating classes as provided by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). We will begin publishing this information once it becomes available.

Please view the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and the NCCPA PANCE Pass Rates. 

The goals of this program are to:

• To maintain a first-time PANCE pass rate greater than or equal to the national first-time PANCE pass rate.
• To develop entry-level PA graduates who demonstrate competency in all aspects of patient care with curricular emphasis on primary medicine, health promotion and disease prevention.
• To provide experiences for students that enhance competency in working with diverse, medically underserved populations.
• To instill the values of lifelong learning, professionalism, and ethical practice in upholding the CUAA mission.
• To provide opportunities for inter-professional experience in order to more effectively work as a health care team member.

PA graduates will:

• Apply medical knowledge to all aspects of clinical practice

• • Course exams & assessments, PANCE, clinical year evals, summative exam

• Select appropriate medical lab and radiologic tests and interpret the results

• • Exams, MDM, clinical year evals, summative practicums

• Utilize history and physical exam findings and any pertinent lab and diagnostic results in order to inform a prudent management plan or clinical intervention for the patient as warranted

• • Practicums, OSCE’s, MDM, clinical year evals

• Demonstrate the ability to competently perform minor medical and surgical procedures

• • Skills competencies/clinical year competency & logging

• Demonstrate the ability to interact with patients and families regarding medically related conditions that considers cultural sensitivity, health literacy, and language barriers, in order to provide care that is ethical, moral, legal and beneficial to all concerned.

• • OSCE’s, interpreter practicum, health literacy assessment/ clinical year evals

• Demonstrate the ability to communicate with other health care professionals, families, and patients in both written and oral formats on disease processes, health care interventions and therapeutic management plans and appropriate and necessary follow up.

• • IPE/IPP experiences, OSCE’s,/clinical year evals

• Respect patient rights and comply with HIPAA and all other regulations required in the provision of health care.

• • Clinical year evaluations

• Analyze the medical literature and apply best practices to clinical decision making

• • EBM assessments, portfolio, MDM

• Navigate diverse health care delivery systems and utilize resources responsibly for the benefit of all patients