PREFACE The Hofstra University Department of Physician Assistant Studies Student Handbook outlines school-wide and program-specific policies and regulations for the students of the Hofstra University’s Department of Physician Assistant Studies. The handbook is designed to supplement rather than supplant existing University policies and procedures, including those set forth in Hofstra’s Undergraduate Bulletin, Graduate Studies Bulletin, and Guide to Pride. While this handbook covers polices for the entire curriculum, there are more specific guidelines and additional regulations for the clinical year. A separate Clinical Year Handbook with additional policies specific to the clinical year will be distributed and reviewed during the clinical year orientation. The Hofstra University Department of Physician Assistant Studies reserves the right to amend policies. Students will be notified in writing of any changes to this handbook. Students are subject to the guidelines, procedures and regulations of the most recent version of the handbook. All students, regardless of when they entered the program, will be provided with the latest version of the handbook as it becomes available. The September 3, 2019 edition of the handbook supplants any previous version of the handbook.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.
Overview of the Physician Assistant Program Mission, Vision, Values and Goals ................................................................................................. 3-4 Graduate Functions and Tasks ............................................................................................................4 Technical Standards ............................................................................................................................6 Curriculum Design ..............................................................................................................................7 Program Curriculum ...........................................................................................................................9 Tuition and Fees……………………………………………………………………………........…10 Didactic Year Calendar .....................................................................................................................11 Research Semester Calendar .............................................................................................................11 2019-2020 Clinical Semester Calendar ............................................................................................12 Program Faculty and Staff Contact Information ...............................................................................13
II.
Program Policy Work Policy ......................................................................................................................................14 E-Mail ...............................................................................................................................................14 Transportation ...................................................................................................................................14 Identification .....................................................................................................................................14 Program Calendars ............................................................................................................................14 Changes in the Calendar ...................................................................................................................14 Orientation ........................................................................................................................................15 Community Service ..........................................................................................................................15 Health Insurance ...............................................................................................................................15 Health Clearance ......................................................................................................................... 15-16 Program Faculty and Student Health Care........................................................................................16 Confidentiality ..................................................................................................................................16 Patient Rights and Confidentiality ....................................................................................................16 Student Teaching in Program Curriculum ........................................................................................16 Student Advisement ..........................................................................................................................17 Faculty – Student Meetings ..............................................................................................................17 Student Initiated Clerkships ..............................................................................................................17 Exposure Policy and Incident Reporting ..........................................................................................18 Universal Precautions .......................................................................................................................18 For Dual Degree Students: Awarding of a Baccalaureate Degree ...................................................19
III. Professional Integrity Policy Tenets of Professional Conduct ....................................................................................……………20 Attendance Policy .............................................................................................................................21 Absences for Religious Observance .................................................................................................21 Academic Honesty ............................................................................................................................22 Honor Code .......................................................................................................................................22 Dress Code ........................................................................................................................................22 Social Media Policy ..........................................................................................................................22 Hofstra Classes Outside of the PA Program Curriculum .................................................................23 Non-Discrimination Policy ...............................................................................................................23 Student Access Services (SAS) ........................................................................................................23 1
IV. Academic Policy Student Evaluation ...........................................................................................................................24 Examination Policy ...........................................................................................................................24 Examination Procedures ............................................................................................................. 24-25 Examination Review .........................................................................................................................25 Remediation of Academic Difficulties .............................................................................................25 Standard for Written Assignments ....................................................................................................26 Summative Examination .................................................................................................................. 26 Academic Standing Committee (ASC) .............................................................................................26 Academic and Professional Probation ..............................................................................................26 Maintenance of Good Academic Standing .......................................................................................27 Progression from Didactic to Clinical Year ......................................................................................27 Graduation Requirements .................................................................................................................27 Course Failure ...................................................................................................................................27 Medicine Course Component Failure ...............................................................................................28 Grade Calculations ............................................................................................................................28 Grade Appeal .............................................................................................................................. 28-29 Policy for Dismissal .................................................................................................................... 29-30 Leave of Absence ..............................................................................................................................31 Deceleration ......................................................................................................................................31 Withdrawal from the Program ..........................................................................................................31 V.
Physician Assistant Organizations American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) ......................................................................32 New York State Society of Physician Assistants (NYSSPA) ...........................................................32
VI. University Facilities and Support Student Clubs ....................................................................................................................................33 Library Resources .............................................................................................................................33 VII. Program Forms Agreement Form ...............................................................................................................................34 Incident Reporting Form ...................................................................................................................35 Professional Development Evaluation Form ....................................................................................36 Medicine Examination Failure Algorithm ........................................................................................38
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MISSION, VISION, VALUES AND GOALS OF THE HOFSTRA NORTHWELL DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT STUDIES Program Mission The mission of The Hofstra Northwell Department of Physician Assistant Studies is committed to the interprofessional development of physician assistant leaders who demonstrate clinical excellence, compassion, and the promotion of health to the diverse communities they serve.
Program Vision The vision of the Hofstra Northwell Department of Physician Assistant aspires to be an innovative global leader in the preparation of the next generation of physician assistants.
Program Values
Life-long Learning The program is committed to promoting the ongoing professional growth and betterment of clinical practice through self-directed learning activities. Innovation We facilitate learning with a multimodal approach that is creative, interprofessional, collaborative, and student-centered using the most advanced medical resources and technologies that will provide the student with the tools for life-long learning. Collaboration The program is committed to fostering a learning environment where students partner with members of an interprofessional healthcare team to promote excellence in patient-centered care. Compassion We embrace a patient-centered, caring, empathetic approach to the delivery of healthcare. Excellence We are committed to preparing clinically competent physician assistants that excel in their ability to critically think and problem solve in order to provide comprehensive patient care. Leadership We inspire our students and faculty to positively influence their professional, institutional, and patient care communities. Diversity We instill awareness of and respect for individual cultures by educating our students on the importance of understanding the unique needs of a diverse patient population. Professionalism We challenge our students to become exemplary physician assistants by exhibiting respect, integrity, honesty and ethical behavior in all circumstances. Scholarship We foster an environment that encourages the use of evidence-based medicine in clinical practice. We also promote the student and faculty’s contributions to the advancement of scientific knowledge for the betterment of the profession. 3
Program Goals
Train highly qualified physician assistants to practice medicine Develop effective oral and written communication skills Develop the skills necessary for life-long learning Promote professionalism through respectful, compassionate and responsive interactions with patients, peers, and supervisors Reinforce collaborative learning and working styles needed in order to participate in the team approach to medicine Cultivate pride and leadership skills within the profession, institution, and community Instill a desire among physician assistants to serve populations with limited access to quality care
GRADUATE FUNCTIONS AND TASKS Graduates of the Hofstra University Physician Assistant Program will be expected to demonstrate competence in the following functions and tasks: Medical knowledge Determine the etiologies, risk factors, and epidemiology for medical conditions. Identify signs and symptoms of medical conditions. Elicit a detailed medical history, perform appropriate physical examination, and accurately record all pertinent data. Identify and formulate an appropriate assessment and management plan. Select and interpret appropriate diagnostic or lab studies. Identify pharmacologic agents and other relevant treatment modalities as they relate to general medical conditions to include understanding the indications, contraindications, side effects, interactions, and adverse reactions. Determine the normal and the abnormal in anatomy, physiology, laboratory findings, and other diagnostic data. Graduates will demonstrate competence by the successful completion of the following: Didactic coursework; specifically, Human Anatomy, Physiology, Physical Examination and Diagnostic Modalities I, II & III, Medicine I, II, and III, Pharmacy I, II, and III, Epidemiology, Preventative Medicine, Correlative Medicine I & II. Supervised clinical practice experiences (rotations). Successful completion of summative examinations. Interpersonal & communication skills Use effective interviewing skills to elicit a detailed history. Use effective basic counseling and patient education skills. Work collaboratively as a member of interprofessional healthcare team. Accurately and adequately document medical information. Effectively complete oral presentations. Graduates will demonstrate competence by the successful completion of the following: Didactic coursework; specifically, Physical Examination and Diagnostic Modalities I, II and III, PA and Society, Correlative Medicine I & II and Health Psychology. Supervised clinical practice experiences (rotations). 4
Successful completion of summative examinations.
Professional behaviors Demonstrate empathetic and respectful behaviors. Exhibits reliability and dependability. Exhibits an understanding of the physician assistant profession. Demonstrates and identifies appropriate ethical behavior and attitudes. Graduates will demonstrate competence by the successful completion of the following: Didactic coursework; specifically, PA and Society and Health Psychology. Supervised clinical practice experiences (rotations). Successful completion of summative examinations. Successful completes professional development evaluations. Clinical reasoning and problem-solving ability Utilize critical thinking and problem-solving skills to identify and manage medical conditions. Synthesize and analyze clinical data correctly. Locate, appraise, and apply evidence from scientific studies. Graduates will demonstrate competence by the successful completion of the following: Didactic coursework; specifically, Physical Examination and Diagnostic Modalities I, II & III, Medicine I, II, and III, Evidence Based Medicine, Research Design and Analysis, Research Project, and Correlative Medicine I & II. Supervised clinical practice experiences (rotations). Successful completion of summative examinations. Technical Skills Performs procedures safely and at an appropriate skill level. Identifies the indications and contraindications of technical procedures. Graduates will demonstrate competence by the successful completion of the following: Didactic coursework; specifically, Physical Examination and Diagnostic Modalities III. Supervised clinical practice experiences (rotations).
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HOFSTRA UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT STUDIES Technical Standards A physician assistant student must possess a number of abilities and skills. The use of a trained intermediary is not acceptable in many clinical situations in that it implies that a candidate’s judgment must be mediated by someone else’s power of selection and observation. Therefore, each student must be able to:
Observe a patient accurately, at a distance and close at hand, with or without standard medical instrumentation.
Acquire information from written documents and to visualize information as presented in images from paper, film, slides or video.
Interpret X-ray, EKG and other graphic images with or without assistive devices.
Speak, hear and observe patients by sight in order to elicit information, describe changes in mood, activity and posture, and perceive nonverbal communication.
Communicate effectively with patients and their families in both written and oral modalities.
Possess motor skills necessary to perform palpation, percussion, auscultation and other diagnostic and therapeutic maneuvers, basic laboratory tests and emergency therapeutic procedures, including airway management, placement of intravenous catheters, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, application of pressure to control bleeding, and suturing of wounds.
Measure, calculate, reason, analyze, integrate, synthesize and comprehend three-dimensional relationships and understand spatial relationships of structures according to standard medical care.
Exercise good judgment and complete all responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis and care of patients promptly. Develop mature, sensitive and effective relationships with patients.
Tolerate physically taxing workloads, function effectively under stress, adapt to changing environments, display flexibility and learn to function in the face of uncertainties inherent in the practice of clinical medicine.
Where a candidate’s ability to observe or acquire information through sensory modalities is compromised, the candidate must demonstrate alternate means and/or abilities to acquire and demonstrate comprehension of essential information. Costs of necessary accommodations should be reasonable and will be properly borne by the University when not the responsibility of the student or otherwise funded. Students wishing to receive reasonable accommodations must first follow all registration procedures through Student Access Services.
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CURRICULUM DESIGN THE DIDACTIC PHASE The didactic phase is comprised of classroom and laboratory instruction in areas such as: basic science, behavioral science, pharmacology, physical diagnosis, and clinical medicine. Teaching methodologies are multimodal in approach and inclusive of active learning modalities. Active learning modalities include any activity where students are actively participating in the educational process. In addition to the traditional lecture approach, instructional methods, and examples of active learning, include use of simulation, case-based learning, structure (cadaver) lab, and the use of the Northwell Bioskills Education Lab which utilizes freshfrozen human specimens for practicing skills. Each teaching modality requires significant independent study and preparation on the part of the students to successfully participate in learning opportunities. To appropriately prepare students to practice as PAs, the course load during the didactic year is intense. Students should expect to be in class for a minimum of 8 hours a day. Some classes may require evening, early morning or weekend sessions. Students are expected to attend all classes. Students should have no other commitments during these hours. At the beginning of each course, students will receive a syllabus and course outline describing the purpose of the course, the format, the objectives, and a list of required and recommended books. Students will also receive instructional learning objectives for each course, which will guide the student in studying and provide the basis for examinations. Students are responsible for each objective listed in a syllabus, regardless of whether it is covered in class. Examples of evaluation methods include simulation lab, clinical note writing, procedure skill completion, oral presentations, group work, and written exams. Wherever possible, the curriculum is vertically integrated so that students study aspects of an organ system in several courses at the same time. For example, diseases of the lung might be studied jointly in medicine, pharmacology, and the Physical Examination and Diagnostic Modalities course. The case-based courses, Correlative Medicine I and II, synthesizes and integrates previously learned material and promotes critical thinking skills. Other courses address the social aspects of medicine. Preventive Medicine and Evidence-Based Medicine help students understand the social and public health contexts of their future patients’ health, as well as how to appropriately identify and synthesize medical literature to inform their clinical decision-making. Health Psychology focuses on the formulation and improvement of student interpersonal and communication skills, especially as it relates to difficult patients or clinical encounters. The Physician Assistant and Society course explores the role of physician assistants within medicine, the legislative and legal realms. The Physical Examination and Diagnostic Modalities series provides students with an opportunity to learn skills related to physical examination, laboratory and diagnostic testing, and procedures. Examples include: EKG interpretation, phlebotomy, suturing, and radiologic study interpretation.
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THE CLINICAL YEAR The clinical year is comprised of eight clerkships comprised of approximately 2,000 hours of hands-on patientcare experience. Mandatory clerkships include: internal medicine; pediatrics; obstetrics and gynecology; psychiatry; family medicine; emergency medicine; and, surgery. Students are also required to complete an elective clerkship in an area of special interest of their choice. Clerkships are completed off campus in various clinical settings such as hospitals, private offices, and clinics. Clerkship locations also vary, with many, but not all, housed within the Northwell Health System. Students are not required to obtain and secure their own clinical sites or preceptors. Students are required to report to the site as instructed by their preceptors. Some rotations will require student attendance during the weekend, a holiday, overnight, or late into the evenings. Students will return to campus or to Northwell Center for Learning and Innovation for “call back” days, which are held on the last day of each clerkship. These day-long sessions consist of oral presentations, end of rotation examinations, standardized patient encounter’s with debrief sessions, and special lectures related to clinical medicine. A separate handbook will be distributed during a clinical year orientation at the end of the didactic year detailing the specifics for the clinical year.
RESEARCH SEMESTER The research semester includes full-time study and synthesizes didactic and clinical knowledge in the application of epidemiology, evidence-based medicine, and research design and analysis. The Epidemiology course explores issues related to health and illness within communities rather than individuals. This course will provide an in-depth understanding of the design and conduct of research studies, including causal inferences, measurement, major study designs, threats to validity, and urban public health applications. Students will examine interventions to prevent illness in the interest of improving public health and bridge the gap between clinical medicine and the evidence-based research by which it is driven. The Research Design and Analysis course provides the framework in which data can be analyzed and presented. Students will learn how to critically read and evaluate the strengths and limitations of health research literature from a methodologic perspective. Students will practice qualitative and quantitative techniques and well as perform data analysis using statistical software. The Research Project course provides guidance in the collection, analysis, and written presentation of data. The Research Project is a culmination of the research curriculum, and a summation of cumulative knowledge gained in medical science, health care objectives, and community-based health care. Using skills learned in Epidemiology, Research Design and Analysis, and Evidence-Based Medicine, students will collaborate with a community organization and complete a master’s thesis assessing a specific dimension of health at the population level. Students will be given the option to work individually or in small groups. Students will choose from several clinically-relevant topics outlined by the Research Coordinator at the start of the semester and can either conduct qualitative or quantitative data analyses to address their research question. The project will culminate with a formal research paper and poster presentation of significant findings. Students will present their research to their peers, professors, and the scientific community in a conference-style setting. Students may also elect to submit their manuscript for publication in the journal of their choice. Integrated into the research semester students will complete a mandatory board refresher and professional series. Faculty will review topics and review questions according to the Physician Assistant National Certification Examination (PANCE) blueprint designed to help student pass the boards. The professional series is designed to begin preparing students for entrance into the workforce and includes topics such as curriculum vitae writing, contracts, and interview skills. Summative examinations and completion of the Packrat examination occurs during this semester. It is highly recommended that students maintain housing close to campus during the research semester as they are required to be on campus for the duration of the semester and attendance at all classes, activities, and examinations are mandatory. 8
PROGRAM CURRICULUM First Semester
17 credits
Anatomy Physical Examination and Diagnostic Modalities I Pharmacology I Physiology Medicine I Second Semester
PHA 223 PHA 215 PHA 217 PHA 212 PHA 224
18 credits
Health Psychology Physician Assistant and Society Pharmacology II Physical Examination and Diagnostic Modalities II Medicine II Evidence-Based Medicine Preventive Medicine Correlative Medicine I Third Semester
2 credits 2 credits 2 credits 3 credits 5 credits 2 credits 1 credits 1 credits
PHA 216 PHA 200 PHA 221 PHA 220 PHA 225 PHA 202 PHA 235 PHA 233
12 credits
Pharmacology III Medicine III Correlative Medicine II Physical Examination and Diagnostic Modalities III Fourth – Sixth Semesters
4 credits 3 credits 2 credits 4 credits 4 credits
(Clerkships)
Family Medicine Internal Medicine OB/GYN Surgery Emergency Medicine Pediatrics Psychiatry Elective
2 credits 7 credits 1 credits 2 credits
24 credits 3 credits 3 credits 3 credits 3 credits 3 credits 3 credits 3 credits 3 credits
Seventh Semester
PHA 234 PHA 227 PHA 233 PHA 219
PHA 250 PHA 255 PHA 260 PHA 265 PHA 270 PHA 280 PHA 285 PHA 290
8 credits
Epidemiology 2 credits PHA 218 Research Design and Analysis 3 credits PHA 301 Research Project 3 credits PHA 302 _________________________________________________________________ Curriculum Total 79 credits
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Tuition and Fees 2018-2019 Expenses listed are approximations, subject to change and exclude room and board. Visit our Tuition and Fees page for the most up-to-date information. The tuition and fees reflected below are for the graduate portion of the program. Students should reserve funds for the following expenses: University Tuition and Fees Tuition
$110,442.00
University fees Total Tuition and Fees
$2,500.00 $112,942.00
Program and Professional Ancillary Costs
Books Student Response System Equipment Medical Equipment / Medical Supply Bags Health Insurance Car expenses such as gasoline, tolls, and parking AAPA student membership NYSSPA student membership Infection Control Certificate HIPAA Certification Medical Terminology Course Laptop Computer with Privacy Screen Fit Testing
Influenza Vaccinations Background Check BCLS/ACLS Total Ancillary Costs
Time Frame Each Semester Before Beginning the Program
$500.00 $40.00
Before Beginning the Program
$1,000.00
Ongoing Ongoing, Primarily in the Clinical Year Before Beginning the Program Before Beginning the Program Before Beginning the Program Before Beginning the Program Before Beginning the Program Before Beginning the Program
$2,000.00 $2,500.00
Before Entering the Clinical Year – Spring or Summer of the Didactic Year Each Fall Before Beginning the Program Summer of the Didactic Year
$45.00
TOTAL COST (Tuition, Fees, and Ancillary Costs)
Total Cost
$75.00 $75.00 $35.00 $25.00 $80.00 $800.00
$75.00 $103.00 $300.00 $7653.00
120,595.00
Hofstra University reserves the right to alter this schedule of charges and fees without notice.
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DIDACTIC YEAR CALENDAR Fall 2019 (15 weeks) Holidays as per university academic calendar Semester begins September 3, 2019 Semester ends Dec 18, 2019 Spring 2020 (15 weeks) Semester begins Jan 2, 2020 Holidays and spring break as per university academic calendar Semester ends April 16, 2020 Summer 2020 (15 weeks) Semester begins May 4, 2020 Holidays as per university academic calendar Semester ends August 21, 2020
RESEARCH SEMESTER CALENDAR A detailed calendar will be distributed prior to the start of the research semester. Students should plan on being on campus for the entire semester. The semester typically runs from early September to the late December.
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2020-2021 CLINICAL SEMESTER CALENDAR Rotation 1 Fall Semester
9/8/2020 – 10/15/2020
Call Back Day 10/16/2020
Rotation 2 Fall Semester
10/19/2019 – 11/24/2020 Students off 11/26/2020 11/29/2020 11/30/2020 - 12/18/20120
Call Back Day 11/25/2020
Rotation 3, Part #1 Fall Semester
Call Back Day 1/15/2021 Winter Break- 12/19/2020 – 12/27/2020 12/28/2020 - 1/14/2021 Rotation 3, Part #2 Fall Semester Students off 1/1/2020 Rotation 4 Spring Semester Rotation 5 Spring Semester
Rotation 6 Spring Semester Rotation 7 Summer I Rotation 8 Summer II
1/18/2021 – 2/25/2020 Students off 2/15/2021 3/1/2021 – 4/8/20201 Students off 4/5/2021
Call Back Day 2/26/2021 Call Back Day 4/9/2021
Spring Break- 4/10/2021 – 4/8/2021 4/19/2021 – 5/27/2021 Call Back Day 5/28/2021 6/1/2021 – 7/8/2021 Students off 7/4/2021 7/12/2021 – 8/19/2021
Call Back Day 7/9/2021 Call Back Day 8/20/2021
*Call Back Day is either on Campus or at Center for Learning and Innovation
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FACULTY AND STAFF CONTACT INFORMATION Chair and Program Director / Assistant Professor Carina Loscalzo, MS, PA-C (516) 463-4412 Carina.Loscalzo@hofstra.edu Gallon Wing, room 243B Associate Director / Assistant Professor Mark L’Eplattenier, MPAS, PA-C (516) 463-1353 Mark.S.Leplattenier@hofstra.edu Gallon Wing, room 243C Academic Coordinator / Assistant Professor Amy Roberts, MS, PA-C (516) 463-7728 Amy.Roberts@hofstra.edu Gallon Wing, room 130
Medical Director Samuel Sandowski, MD (516) 463-4074 ssandowski@snch.org Gallon Wing, room 132 Academic Coordinator / Assistant Professor Kelly Porta, MS, PA-C (516) 463-4381 Kelly.R.Porta@hofstra.edu Gallon Wing, room 131 Academic Coordinator / Assistant Professor Christine Zammit, MS, PA-C (516) 463-4380 Christine.Zammit@hofstra.edu Gallon Wing, room 137
Dual-Degree Coordinator / Assistant Professor Mary Banahan, MS, PA-C (516) 463-4161 Mary.K.Banahan@hofstra.edu Gallon Wing, room 244
Clinical Coordinator / Assistant Professor Shannan Ricoy, MS, PA-C (516) 463-4233 (516) 509-6470 (Program cellular phone) Shannan.Ricoy@hofstra.edu Gallon Wing, room 236 Clinical Coordinator / Assistant Professor Jennifer Duperval, MS, PA-C 516-463-6841 Jennifer.P.Duperval@hofstra.edu Gallon Wing, room 237 Senior Assistant-Full Time Marie Sorrentino (516) 463-4074 Marie.Sorrentino@hofstra.edu Gallon Wing, room 132 Clinical Secretary – Part Time Karen Forman (516) 463-4074 Karen.S.Forman@hofstra.edu Gallon Wing, room 132 Academic Administrator/Advisement Coordinator Gia Raponi (516) 463-4043 Gia.Raponi@hofstra.edu Gallon Wing, room 245
Clinical Coordinator / Assistant Professor Thomas Gallo, JD, PA-C 516-463-4382 Thomas.Gallo@hofstra.edu Gallon Wing, room 231 Research Coordinator / Assistant Professor Christina Ventura-DiPersia, MPH (516) 463-4042 Christina.M.VenturaDiPersia@hofstra.edu Gallon Wing, room 138 Secretary – Part Time Sharon Poulson (516) 463-4074 Sharon.Poulson@hofstra.edu Gallon Wing, room 132 Assessment and Evaluation Analyst and Academic Support Debra Triolo, MS, RHIA 516-463-8543 Debra.Triolo@hofstra.edu Gallon Wing, room 140
Department Main Office Department office number: (516) 463-4074 Department fax number: (516) 463-5177 Department Mailing Address: Hofstra University Physician Assistant Studies Gallon Wing, room 132 Hempstead, New York 11549-1270
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PROGRAM POLICY WORK POLICY The program strongly discourages any type of outside employment during the course of studies in the program. Program responsibilities are not negotiable and will not be altered due to student work obligations. Furthermore, working has been a chief cause for academic difficulty in past years. Students who choose to volunteer or be paid employees during the course of their physician assistant training cannot use their affiliation with the program in any aspect of that employment. Any activity undertaken by the student, independent of the program, is not covered by the liability insurance offered for clinical work associated with physician assistant training. Students are not permitted to perform clerical or administrative work for the program. Students may not substitute for regular clinical or administrative staff during the clinical year. Should such a request be made of a student, it should be reported to the program director immediately.
E-MAIL E-mail is the preferred mode of communication between the program faculty/staff and students. All students must use their Hofstra e-mail account and must check and reply to their emails on a daily basis. Additionally, students should empty mailboxes to allow for regular e-mail from program staff and faculty. Failure to check an e-mail account is not an allowable excuse for missing a program event or notification.
TRANSPORTATION Throughout the didactic, clinical, and research phases of the curriculum, opportunities to participate in clinical or research experiences in medical settings will require travel off campus. Transportation to hospitals, clinics, and other community settings, and the associated cost, is the student’s responsibility.
IDENTIFICATION Students must display their Hofstra University or clinical site photo identification on their person in a clearly visible location while in the clinical setting. All students must identify themselves as a “physician assistant (PA) student” to patients and medical staff. Under no circumstance should a student encourage or fail to correct the misconception that he/she is a physician or a medical student. Students answering pages or phone calls must use their title when answering.
PROGRAM CALENDARS The Program provides students with a calendar specific to program curricular needs. Unless otherwise specified in the syllabus or on the calendar, all activities on the calendar are mandatory.
CHANGES IN THE CALENDAR Due to unforeseen circumstances, a class may be cancelled and/or changed. This class may be rescheduled in the evening, on previously designated “study days,” or on weekends. The Course Coordinator/Instructor will take all conflicts into consideration when rescheduling. However, students are expected to attend all rescheduled classes and will be held responsible for the material covered in that class. 14
ORIENTATION To assure all students receive the information necessary to be successful in advancing throughout the curriculum, orientation sessions found on a Program calendar are mandatory.
COMMUNITY SERVICE Supporting the Program and University Mission and Goals, the faculty and staff highlight the importance of awareness of the community around you and the need to be an active member of your community locally, within the state, and nationally. Further, health care professionals have the skills and are uniquely qualified to support our community. To emphasize this, you will see many activities and opportunities on the Program calendar that support this initiative. The Hofstra SAAAPA organization also often initiates several activities that may or may not be on the Program calendar. In all cases, students are highly encouraged to attend and/or expected that you attend these outreach activities. Mandatory sessions are designated as such on the calendar.
HEALTH INSURANCE Health insurance is mandatory for all students while enrolled in the physician assistant program. All students will need to supply the program with proof of health insurance; at the beginning of the didactic, clinical, and research year. The insurance policy must cover students in the event of illness or injury including that may result from patient care. If a health condition arises during the course of study that would in any way alter a student’s ability to perform in the clinical setting, it is the student’s responsibility to notify the Director of the Department of` Physician Assistant Studies immediately. Domestic students who would like to purchase insurance coverage can go to the federal insurance exchange at www.healthcare.gov to find available health plans in the state where they permanently reside. If the permanent residence is outside of New York, it will be important to select a PPO plan that offers coverage throughout the United States, so that health care expenses are covered in the area near our university. International students should visit the International Student Affairs at https://www.hofstra.edu/studentaffairs/international/insurance.html. Students should contact the Student Health and Counseling Center at SHACC@hofstra.edu or 516-463-6745 with further advice on obtaining healthcare insurance. Students are encouraged to use the Student Health and Counseling Center at Hofstra. Services offered to enrolled students are generally free or very low cost regardless of insurance coverage.
HEALTH CLEARANCE All students must be medically cleared as evidenced by a health care provider who has determined his/her fitness to perform physician assistant student functions. This verification must be provided at the beginning of the didactic and clinical year. Additionally, supplemental health clearance documents must be completed in order for students to participate in clinical year clerkships. Depending on research project location, health clearance documents may be required prior to beginning the research semester. The potential cost associated with health clearance is the responsibility of the student. As determined by the New York State Department of Health and as per CDC requirements, students should be aware that the influenza vaccine is now required for all hospital personnel including students. If a student declines to be vaccinated against influenza, a declination form must be completed and the student must wear a mask in all clinical arenas or comply with the policies set forth by the clinical site. Documentation of 15
vaccination must be submitted to the PA Program main office during each influenza season (fall semester) while enrolled. Immunization requirements are in accordance with the most current Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations for health care professionals. Students should be aware that some clinical or research site requirements exceed CDC recommendations. Student health records are confidential and must not be accessible to program faculty or staff with the exception of immunization and tuberculosis screening results which are maintained and released with written permission of the student. Therefore, students are required to keep their own medical information and present it at the beginning of each clinical clerkship or research site.
PROGRAM FACULTY AND STUDENT HEALTH CARE No faculty member, including the program director and the medical director, are permitted to provide health care for Hofstra PA Students. Provision of health care includes giving medical advice in this instance. Program faculty are, however, able to refer students for medical and mental health care, if needed.
CONFIDENTIALITY In compliance with The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 and Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant Accreditation Standards, student materials, grades, records, and files are considered privileged and confidential. All student records are stored in locked files when not in use. Faculty and clerical staff are the only individuals who have access to these files. No information contained within a student record will be given, either verbally or in writing, without the written consent of the student. Written consent for release of records will be kept in the student file. Written clearance is also necessary for the release of any medical information as discussed in the health clearance section of the Handbook. The following link provides the FERPA release form to be used for release of student’s materials, grades, records and files. http://www.hofstra.edu/StudentAffairs/StudentServices/AcademicRecords/acdrec_ferpa.html
PATIENT RIGHTS AND CONFIDENTIALITY All information regarding a patient’s health is privileged information. All students must strictly adhere to each institution’s policy governing patient rights and confidentiality and to all federal, state and local regulations. Students must not discuss any information regarding a patient in a manner or location that might reveal the identification of the patient to individuals not directly involved in that patient’s care. For this reason, all students must complete HIPAA training and provide proof of completion before entrance to the PA Program. Patient charts, inclusive of progress notes or lab reports, must not be removed from the clinical site by the physician assistant student. If photocopies of a patient’s record are needed for a program assignment, all information that might identify the patient must be removed, omitted or deleted to protect patient confidentiality.
STUDENT TEACHING IN PROGRAM CURRICULUM Some students may be particularly knowledgeable in an area of medicine or possess advanced clinical skills because of prior health care related experience. Although such expertise is commendable, PA students are not permitted to participate in the teaching of any component of the curriculum.
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STUDENT ADVISEMENT Each student is assigned a faculty advisor who is available for counsel on matters concerning academic performance, professional behavior, or personal issues. Formal student advisement will occur at a minimum of twice during the program, once in the academic year, and once during the clinical year. Professional development is assessed on an ongoing basis but formally, at a minimum, once during the didactic year. Problems arising within a course should be addressed directly with the instructor, although the advisor may offer assistance in these cases as well. Personal issues identified by students or by faculty that impact performance in the program must be addressed in a timely manner. Should a student become concerned about a personal matter, he/she should contact his/her advisor or the program director. The faculty can facilitate the acquisition of services either within Hofstra University or privately. Student services are available at the Student Health and Counseling Center.
FACULTY-STUDENT MEETINGS Throughout the program, classes will periodically meet with the faculty to discuss issues that arise with the Program, including within individual courses and with the Hofstra University infrastructure. These meetings are mandatory. At the beginning of the meeting both the faculty and students will establish an agenda. Students may approach the director regarding agenda items at any time and, if appropriate, these items will be brought forward to the meeting. Students may discuss issues of a more personal nature with the director or their faculty advisor in private at any time.
STUDENT INITIATED CLERKSHIPS At no time are students required to obtain their own clinical sites or preceptors. Students occasionally wish to study in a clinical site that is not affiliated with the program. Students may initiate a maximum of two clerkships (with one being their elective clerkship). Students may initiate a clerkship if they are in good academic standing and adhere to the following protocol: 1. Requests for clerkship sites outside of the University’s normal affiliation must meet all requirements as outlined by the clerkship description and affiliation agreement contract. 2. The student may make the initial contact with the site to identify a potential preceptor. The clinical coordinators will manage remaining negotiations and execution of the affiliation agreement process. A minimum of three students per year is strongly recommended of all student-initiated clerkships. In hospital settings, this process can take several months. Therefore, the initial affiliation process must be initiated in the didactic year. 3. All non-Hofstra rotations must be approved prior to the start of that rotation. 4. No more than 2 student-initiated clerkships for the entire clinical year will be permitted. 5. The Program cannot guarantee the approval of student-initiated clerkships. 6. The use of family members or personal acquaintances as preceptors is prohibited.
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EXPOSURE POLICY AND INCIDENT REPORTING Should a student be exposed to the body fluid of a patient, or otherwise injured, he/she must immediately report the incident to a faculty member if on campus or the preceptor if on clinical clerkships. The student will follow the institutional infectious and environmental hazard policy, including completing all necessary documentation as required. Students should be aware that an infectious or environmental hazard exposure can adversely affect their overall health as well as performance in the Program. The student is required to complete an incident form (see appendix) and submit it to the program director and if on clinical clerkships, to the clinical coordinator, within 24 hours of the incident. Health information concerning the student or anyone else should not be included when filling out the exposure form. Following an exposure, the student must follow-up with his/her medical provider or the Hofstra Student Health and Counseling Services Center (SHACC@hofstra.edu) for further evaluation and/or treatment. Should any expense be incurred as a result of an exposure, the student is responsible for all costs related to the incident.
UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS All PA students must complete a training session for healthcare professionals in infection control/universal precautions approved by the New York State Department of Health before entering the program. A certificate of completion must be kept by the student and provided to any clinical site requesting a copy. For additional information on universal precautions, please refer to www.cdc.gov. The principle of universal precautions has been adopted to protect clinicians from exposure to infectious disease because any patient may harbor microorganisms that could cause infection if transmitted. Although bloodborne pathogens are of particular concern, all bodily fluids, secretions, and excretions are included in universal precautions. Since infected patients may be asymptomatic, it becomes necessary to use basic precautions with every patient. Observance of universal precautions will help to provide better protection for every staff member. Students should also familiarize themselves with the hospital/clinical sites specific policies regarding universal precautions. The material below reviews guidelines and preventative techniques. Universal Precautions Guidelines and Prevention Methods: 1. Avoid direct contact with: blood, body fluids, secretions, excretions, mucous membranes, non-intact skin, and lesions. 2. Avoid injuries from all sharp objects such as needles or scalpels. 3. Avoid direct contact with items, objects, and surfaces contaminated with blood, body fluids, secretions, and excretions. 4. Dispose of all sharp objects promptly in special puncture resistant containers. 5. Dispose of all contaminated articles and materials in a safe manner prescribed by law. In practice, using Universal Precautions also requires: 1. Wash hands frequently and thoroughly, especially if they become contaminated with blood, bodily fluids, secretions, and excretions. 2. Depending on job duties and risk of exposure, use appropriate barriers, which can include: gloves, gowns, aprons, caps, shoe covers, leggings, masks, goggles, face shields, and resuscitation devices. These barriers are to be used to protect: a. Skin, especially non-intact skin (where there are cuts, chapping, abrasions, or any other break in the skin). 18
b. Mucous membranes, especially eyes, nose and mouth. NOTE: The items of protective apparel, including gloves, are to be removed after each use and are to be PROPERLY disposed of. Gloves, etc. are NOT to be worn from one patient or activity to another.
FOR DUAL-DEGREE STUDENTS: AWARDING OF A BACCALAUREATE DEGREE Students who complete 126 semester hours of course work and all Hofstra University undergraduate degree requirements are eligible for the B.S. degree. Students should file for graduation only at the end of the didactic (fourth) year. Students in years 1-4 of the program will be eligible for undergraduate financial aid and all relevant undergraduate awards; students enrolled in years 5-6 will be eligible for graduate financial aid and all relevant graduate-level awards. Students are not eligible either to sit for the PANCE exam or to receive the M.S. degree until all requirements for the M.S. degree are fulfilled, including completion of the professional phase of the program.
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PROFESSIONAL INTEGRITY POLICY TENANTS OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT Students must adhere to standards of professional behavior at all times. These standards are the ethical foundation of medical practice and of our integrity as physician assistants. Professional behavior is expressed through respect for instructors, fellow students, patients, preceptors, and colleagues. Violation of one of the Tenants of Professional Conduct may result in the need to appear before the Academic Standing Committee. Professional behavior is evaluated throughout the course of study and is also formally evaluated during advisement sessions. Examples of unprofessional behavior include but are not limited to: poor attendance or tardiness; multiple excused absences; unexcused absences or not following program protocol for notifying program personnel of an absence; not following program protocol for reporting lateness or leaving early; lack of preparation; lack of involvement; plagiarism; falsifying documents; falsifying procedure or patient encounters; inability to accept constructive criticism; lack of respect for the rights of patients to competent, confidential service; lack of respect of others; failure to follow protocol, or directions of a physician, physician assistant, member of the healthcare team, or program faculty; performing unauthorized procedures or administering services not permitted by the supervisor, the facility, or the program; endangering the health and welfare of any patient; utilizing illegal substances; being under the influence of alcohol during class, while on clerkships, or completing other aspects of the program curriculum; violation of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA); failure to perform all or part of assigned tasks and responsibilities; leaving the clinical setting without permission from the preceptor; performing any activity which is beyond the scope of the role of a student; failure to identify as a physician assistant student; failure to report all observed unethical conduct by other members of the health profession, including other students; engaging in conversation with others during a class or lecture; leaving the classroom during lectures; using personal e-mail, Facebook, or other social media while in class; posting inappropriate content on social media platforms or otherwise violating the social medial policy; connecting on social media with faculty, preceptors or supervisors while a student in this program; exhibiting un-truthful behavior; lying to preceptor, faculty, or staff; failure to submit program evaluations in a timely fashion;
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neglecting to turn off cell phones, texting or talking on a cell phone during class, examinations, meetings, on the clinical site, or during any other professional functions; unacceptable dress; failure to submit required documents; using scrap paper other than what is distributed by the program. not replying to emails within 24 hours.
ATTENDANCE POLICY Attendance and punctuality are mandatory for all program courses and activities, including the didactic, clinical, and research phase. Medical appointments and job interviews should not be scheduled during class/program activities. During the didactic phase absences, lateness, or leaving class/program activities early must be reported to ALL of the academic coordinators via e-mail prior to the start of class. During the research semester absences, lateness, or leaving class/program activities early must be reported to ALL of the academic coordinators AND the research coordinator via e-mail prior to the start of class. It is unacceptable to report an absence or lateness to any of the program administrative staff. It is likewise unacceptable for a student to report the lateness or absence of another student. If a student follows this protocol, the absence will be considered excused. If a student does not follow this protocol, an unexcused absence is issued. An unexcused absence, a pattern of multiple excused absences (3 or more), extended absences or chronic lateness (3 or more) in the didactic phase are subject to disciplinary action including appearance before the Academic Standing Committee. See the “Examination Policy” below for attendance policies related to examinations. With any absence, the student is responsible for obtaining all information related to any missed class time including course material and announcements. The student is responsible to make up any work missed due to an absence. Instructors are not obligated to provide material to students due to an absence; instructors are further not obligated to provide the opportunity for students to make up missed material due to an absence. Additional attendance policies apply to the clinical year and are outlined in the clinical year handbook, which will be distributed during clinical orientation.
ABSENCES FOR RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCE Hofstra University recognizes that students and/or faculty may from time to time miss class due to religious observances. Students who anticipate missing class for this reason should notify faculty members in advance. Likewise, faculty members who anticipate missing class for religious observance should notify students in their classes. As per Faculty Policy Series 12 (B): “No student shall be expelled or refused admission to Hofstra University because he or she is unable to participate in any examination, study or work requirement because of his or her religious obligations and practices. However, all students are expected to complete all assignments and examinations. It is understood that no adverse or prejudicial effects shall result to any student who avails him or herself of religious observances. The University, faculty, and student shall work together to achieve a reasonable accommodation concerning any conflicts between educational and religious obligations.” Faculty will publish notice of this policy in their syllabi and announce it during the first week of each semester and will further make reasonable efforts to avoid scheduling exams and/or due dates of assignments that would otherwise interfere with religious observances of students. 21
Additionally, in accordance with New York State Law, each student who is absent from school because of his or her religious beliefs will be given an equivalent opportunity to register for classes or make up any examination, study or work requirements which he or she may have missed because of that absence on any particular day or days.
ACADEMIC HONESTY Plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty are serious ethical and professional infractions. For information regarding Hofstra’s statement of principles with respect to academic honesty, examples of violations, procedures for handling violations, as well as a student’s right to appeal a charge, see Faculty Policy Series #11 for undergraduate students (http://www.hofstra.edu/pdf/faculty/senate/senate_fps_11.pdf) and Faculty Policy Series #11G for graduate students () (http://www.hofstra.edu/pdf/faculty/senate/senate_fps_11g.pdf). As members of Hofstra, we abide by the following honor code:
HONOR CODE “As a member of the Hofstra community, I pledge to demonstrate integrity and ethical behavior in all aspects of my life, both inside and out of the classroom. I understand that I am accountable for everything I say and write. I will not misrepresent my academic work, nor will I give or receive unauthorized assistance for academic work. I agree to respect the rights of all members of the Hofstra community. I will be guided by the values expressed in the P.R.I.D.E. Principles (http://www.hofstra.edu/studentaffairs/deanofstudents/commstandards/commstandards_prideprinciples.html). I accept the responsibility to follow this Honor Code at all times.”
DRESS CODE Students must dress professionally at all times. While students are not required to dress in business attire while in class, certain types of dress are not acceptable. Clothing that is revealing such as beach wear, shorts, or bathing suit tops should not be worn in class. Business attire, closed-toe shoes, white jackets with program patch on left arm, and Hofstra University photo identification in a clearly visible location, must be worn when visiting a hospital, clinic, the Northwell Center for Learning and Innovation, and when otherwise representing Hofstra. The dress code for the clinical year is more restrictive. These regulations will be outlined in the Clinical Year Handbook, which will be distributed during the clinical year orientation.
SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY Maintaining professionalism is of utmost importance when using social media. It is recommended that you assume all postings are visible to program faculty, future employers, and patients. It is strictly prohibited to discuss patient related matters, take photographs of patients or cadavers, including in the operating room, even if the patient is not identified. Similarly, the posting of diagnostic images or any form of patient data on any social media platform such as YouTube, Facebook, iTunes, LinkedIn, Twitter, and blogs is strictly prohibited. Posting on Facebook or any other form of social media regarding program personnel, including faculty and fellow students is strictly prohibited. Other than LinkedIn or program and course related activities, requesting connections with preceptors, faculty, staff, and supervisors while currently a student is unacceptable.
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Violation of this policy will result in being called before the Academic Standing Committee and possible dismissal from the program. Witnessing any violation of this policy should be immediately reported to the program director.
HOFSTRA CLASSES OUTSIDE OF THE PA PROGRAM CURRICULUM Because of the rigor of the PA program, taking additional classes outside of the PA Program Curriculum is prohibited. Extenuating circumstances must be presented to the Program Director in writing.
NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY Hofstra University is committed to extending equal opportunity to all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national or ethnic origin, physical or mental disability, marital or veteran status in employment and in the conduct and operation of Hofstra University’s educational programs and activities, including admissions, scholarship and loan programs and athletic and other school administered programs. This statement of non-discrimination is in compliance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act, the Age Discrimination Act and other applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to nondiscrimination (“Equal Opportunity Laws”). The Equal Rights and Opportunity Officer is the University's official responsible for handling inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies and coordinating its overall adherence to Equal Opportunity Laws. Questions or concerns regarding any of these laws or other aspects of Hofstra’s Nondiscrimination Policy should be directed to the Equal Rights and Opportunity Officer at EROO@hofstra.edu, (516) 463-7310, C/O Office of Legal Affairs and General Counsel, 101 Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY 11549. The University’s Title IX Coordinator, who is responsible for the University’s efforts to comply with and carry out responsibilities under Title IX, can be reached at TitleIXCoordinator@hofstra.edu, 516-463-5841, 214 Roosevelt Hall, Hempstead, NY 11549. For additional contacts and related policies and resources, see http://www.hofstra.edu/eoe.
STUDENT ACCESS SERVICES (SAS) If you believe you need accommodations for a disability, please contact for Student Access Services (SAS). In accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, qualified individuals with disabilities will not be discriminated against in any programs, or services available at Hofstra University. Individuals with disabilities are entitled to accommodations designed to facilitate full access to all programs and services. SAS is responsible for coordinating disability-related accommodations and will provide students with documented disabilities accommodation letters, as appropriate. Please note that accommodations may require early planning and are not retroactive; please contact SSD as soon as possible. All students are responsible for providing accommodation letters to each instructor and for discussing with him or her the specific accommodations needed and how they can be best implemented in each course. For more information on services provided by the university and for submission of documentation, please contact the Services for Students with Disabilities, 107 Student Center, 516-463-7075
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ACADEMIC POLICY STUDENT EVALUATION A variety of mechanisms will be used to evaluate course work, including tests, written and oral presentations, discussion boards, simulation exercises, and group projects. All examinations are the property of the Program. The type of evaluation used in each course will be delineated in the course syllabus. All course work will be evaluated by a letter grade. These letter grades will be converted to a Quality Point Index as follows:
Letter Grade A AB+ B BC+ C F
Course Raw Score 93-100 90-92 87-89 83-86 80-82 77-79 70-76 <70
University Points 4 3.7 3.3 3.0 2.7 2.3 2.0 0
Grade Calculations Each grade is entered into the gradebook rounded to the 100th (ie 92.60). The final calculation for the course is rounded to the whole number (ie 93) and then converted to the letter grade (ie A). The grade point average (GPA) is obtained by multiplying the university points by the number of credits for each course (quality points). The total quality points are added up for all the courses and then divided by the total number of course credits completed. For direct-entry, dual-degree students, the PA program GPA is calculated using only the grade points earned in professional phase curriculum.
EXAMINATION POLICY Almost all multiple-choice examinations are administered utilizing an online format in a computer lab or on a laptop. If a student arrives late, no additional time will be granted to take the exam. Arriving more than fifteen minutes late for any exam will result in a five (5) point deduction in the exam grade. Should an unexcused absence occur for an exam or the day before an exam, the student will meet with the Academic Standing Committee. If the opportunity to take the exam at a later time is granted by the ASC, the highest possible grade the student would receive would be a 70%, regardless of the score. Any student with an excused absence on the day of the examination may result in a five (5) point deduction from the examination grade.
EXAMINATION PROCEDURES Since most exams in PA school are meant to simulate the PANCE, students must follow the procedures below: Students must arrive 15 minutes before the examination start time, log onto the computer, and be prepared to begin the exam at the posted time. Whenever possible, students must have one empty seat separating one another. Upon entering the room, students must place all belongings in the front of the room, on the hooks, or in a locker. This includes, but is not limited to backpacks, cellphones, all electronic devices, beverages, 24
snacks, chewing gum, coats, and brimmed hats. Before stowing, all electronics must be placed in the off position. Examinations will not begin until all items are placed at the front of the room. No student will be permitted to wear a coat/jacket, zip-up shirt/sweatshirt, brimmed hat, hood, electronic device, or watch. The only paper allowed during the exam is the scrap paper provided by the proctor. Scrap paper will be distributed after the examination begins. Students must write their name on the top of the scrap paper, regardless of whether it is used. If a student needs to wear earplugs, they must remain in place for the entirety of the exam. Students may not ask questions during the exam. Students will be able to make comments about individual questions during exam review. No student will be allowed to leave the room until they have completed their exam; students should go to the restroom before the examination begins. All students must use a privacy screen during computerized exam. Upon completion of the exam, all students will hand in their scrap paper with their name at the top. Students must leave the room after completing their exam and wait outside of the building for exam review. The proctor will text all students once it is time for exam review. All students must attend exam review. Students are permitted to take their laptop out of the classroom while waiting for exam review. We recommend students utilize this time to complete outstanding evaluations. All students will return for exam review. Proctors will take attendance and once all students are back in the room, students will be given a new log-in password and exam review will commence. All students must stay in the room until exam review is over. Students cannot retrieve their personal belongings until the examination review is complete. After exam review, students will be required to complete faculty evaluations if applicable (proctors will ascertain if the student completed the evaluation before a student leaves the room).
EXAMINATION REVIEW Review of examinations will occur immediately after the exam. If not possible, an alternate exam review date will be identified. All students must attend exam review. If for any reason you do not review your exam at the scheduled time, you will not be able to review it at another time. Students are allocated ten minutes per exam, and shorter time if a quiz for review. It is recommended that students focus on questions that were answered incorrectly. After all examinations are reviewed, students can provide the program with feedback about test questions through the “feedback” function in EXAM MASTER. Typed queries regarding test questions or answers can be typed into “feedback”; these submissions are reviewed by the academic coordinators. Issues regarding the validity of test questions will not be addressed during the review. The Clinical Handbook will delineate examination review policies utilized in the clinical year.
REMEDIATION OF ACADEMIC DIFFICULTIES Students who fail to demonstrate the requisite knowledge or skills necessary to perform at an acceptable level for a course may be required to remediate those deficiencies. It is the program’s responsibility to assure the availability of remedial instruction. Remediation is a process intended to correct a student’s academic deficiencies and includes such activities as special assignments, examinations, additional advisement, tutoring, and assessment and development of study skills. Remediation is mandatory for unit exam failures, course failures, or upon the recommendation of a course instructor or PA core faculty member. 25
STANDARD FOR WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS All written assignments must use the most recent edition of American Medical Association (AMA) Manual of Style. In addition, all papers must be free of typographical errors, spelling and grammatical errors, and plagiarism. Written work must also be sensitive to gender, racial, sexual orientation, religious, and ethnic bias. Non-adherence to any of these requirements may affect the grade received for that paper. Students are advised to make an extra copy of all written assignments for their own protection and records prior to submission. A resource for AMA style can be found at http://www.hofstra.edu/library/library_citation_style.html and at http://www.amamanualofstyle.com/.
SUMMATIVE EXAMINATION Students will have two summative examinations during the curriculum. The first occurs at the end of the didactic year and the second at the end of the program. These examinations will combine a multiple choice test, and an OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Exam). These tests must be successfully passed to continue in the program and to graduate. If a student fails either the written exam, or OSCE, a make-up will be given. Should a student fail the makeup, the Academic Standing Committee will review the case, and action, including possible dismissal, will be taken.
ACADEMIC STANDING COMMITTEE (ASC) The ASC committee is comprised of a minimum of three PA Program faculty excluding the program director. The program director is an active, non-voting member of the ASC. The function of the ASC is for the faculty to present issues of academic or professional difficulty to the student and to give the student the opportunity to provide information that may explain or clarify the issue. The ASC will make decisions concerning the course of action needed to address the problem and to enforce program policy. Determinations such as the issuance of a warning, professional or academic probation, dismissal, or other alternatives are made by the ASC, as deemed appropriate.
ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL PROBATION Probation is a designation that alerts the student that dismissal is possible should the conditions placing the student in this status not change. There are two types of probation: Academic Probation and Professional Probation. Academic Probation is often the result of a student not meeting the conditions of good academic standing, failure of more than one clinical year end of rotation examination, or if a student becomes eligible to take a comprehensive examination. Professional probation is a status designated by the ASC when a student violates one of the tenets of professional conduct or those set forth by Hofstra University. The student will remain on professional probation for the duration of the program curriculum. Any student placed on probation will be advised in writing by the chair and program director of the Academic Standing Committees decision. Deficiencies will be clearly outlined, and the student will be advised as to what course of action will be available to him or her to remedy the deficiency. Should a student not meet the conditions of probation, the student will be dismissed. Should a student qualify for a second academic probation, the student will be dismissed from the Program.
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MAINTENANCE OF GOOD ACADEMIC STANDING The cumulative grade point average (GPA) for good academic standing and for degree conferral is 3.0. Students with academic difficulty will be identified by the faculty and remedial measures will be delineated to assist the student in improving academic performance. Should the cumulative grade point average fall below 2.5 at the end of any semester, the student will be dismissed. Should a student obtain an overall GPA between 2.50 and 2.99 at the end of any semester, the student will be placed on academic probation and have one semester to obtain an overall GPA of 3.0 or above. If the student does not obtain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 within one semester, he/she will be dismissed. In addition, failing to meet the conditions of probation will result in dismissal from the Program.
PROGRESSION FROM THE DIDACTIC TO CLINICAL YEAR Several conditions must be met in order to progress from the didactic to the clinical year: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Successful completion of all didactic year courses A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 must be earned All incomplete grades, probationary issues or pending assignments must be resolved A passing grade must be earned for the didactic year summative examinations A faculty evaluation of professional behavior evaluation must be satisfactorily completed
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS Graduation is dependent upon successful completion of the following: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
All courses in the physician assistant curriculum including all clinical rotations Completion of all research semester requirements A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 must be earned Successfully passing all summative examinations Meeting all patient and procedural log requirements Passing a faculty review of professional behavior throughout the entire program Any student enrolled in the direct-entry, dual-degree must also complete all Hofstra University requirements as published in the University Bulletin.
Eligibility to sit for the Physician Assistant National Certification Examination is contingent upon successful completion of all program requirements.
COURSE FAILURE A course grade below 70% will result in failure. Should a student receive a grade of less than 70%, an Academic Standing Committee meeting will be scheduled. Students may be given the opportunity to make up a failing course grade by taking a comprehensive exam in that course. In addition, medicine courses have certain conditions that lead to course failure (see “Medicine Course Component Failure” below). In all cases, students who achieve a passing grade on the comprehensive examination will receive a grade of “C” for the course. Students who receive a failing grade on the comprehensive examination will fail the course. Repeating a course is not possible, as the courses are offered only once a year, and are sequenced in such a fashion that basic material must be mastered before progressing to more advanced course work. Therefore, failure of a course in the didactic year will result in dismissal from the program.
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A student can take only two (2) comprehensive exams during the entire didactic component. During the program, if a student qualifies to take a third comprehensive exam, the student will be dismissed from the program. Policies regarding clinical year course failure are outlined in the Clinical Handbook.
MEDICINE COURSE COMPONENT FAILURE Each of the medicine courses (PHA 224, 225, and 227) is made up of multiple components representing various disciplines of medicine. A passing grade in each component is required to pass the entire course. Unless students meet the conditions for dismissal as stated below, students will be given the opportunity to remediate a failed component by taking a make-up examination covering material in the respective component. Students who achieve a passing grade on the make-up examination will receive a 70%, which will be averaged in with the remaining components to calculate a new final course grade. Students who fail the make-up examination, will have the make-up grade placed in the gradebook, and will be offered a comprehensive examination for the entire course. Students who achieve a passing grade on the comprehensive examination will receive a grade of “C” for the course. Students who receive a failing grade on the comprehensive examination will fail the course and be dismissed from the program. Students who fail a medicine component may be required to take a comprehensive examination. Eligibility for a comprehensive examination can occur in either of the following situations: 1) Failing 1 module exam and the corresponding make-up exam and have no more than 1 other module exam failure with successfully passing the make-up examination in any one medicine course. 2) Failing 3 module exams, and successfully passing all three make-up exams in any one medicine course. The following conditions will lead to ineligibility to take a comprehensive examination, course failure, and dismissal from the Program: 1) Any combination of failing 1 module exam and the corresponding make-up exam and having 2 other module exam failures in any one medicine course. 2) Failing 2 make-up exams at any point in any one medicine course or in the three-course medicine sequence. 3) Failing 4 module exams at any point in any one medicine course or in the three-course medicine sequence. 4) Failing a comprehensive examination. Please see the “Medicine Exam Failure Algorithm” in the back of the handbook.
GRADE CALCULATIONS Each grade is entered into the gradebook rounded to the 100th (ie 97.34). The final calculation for the course is rounded to the whole number (ie 97) and then converted to the letter grade (ie A).
GRADE APPEAL According to the University’s grade appeal policy (http://www.hofstra.edu/pdf/senate_fps_42.pdf ), it is the right and responsibility of the faculty to determine student grades at Hofstra University. An instructor’s right to determine the grades assigned in his or her classes shall be abrogated only if it is demonstrated (through the procedure below) that a course grade was based on factors other than the student’s academic performance in the 28
course. To ensure a fair and expeditious processing of appeals, the following deadlines should guide the entire appeals process: Students must contact their instructor with a formal appeal in writing about their final grade no later than three (3) weeks into the subsequent semester following the issuance of the grade. The instructor must then reply in writing within two (2) weeks. If the student wishes to appeal to the Chair, he or she must submit a formal appeal within two (2) weeks of receiving the instructor’s reply. If the student does not get a response from the instructor within two (2) weeks, the student may proceed directly to the Chair, also within a two (2) week period. The Chair will have two (2) weeks to mediate a resolution. If the student wishes to appeal further, he or she must submit an appeal in writing to the Dean within two (2) weeks of hearing from the Chair. The Dean shall have three (3) weeks to dismiss, begin mediation or empanel an Ad Hoc Appeals Committee and investigate the appeal. By the end of the semester in which the appeal process began, the Ad Hoc Appeals Committee should notify the student, instructor, Chair, Dean, and Provost of its decision. The student and instructor then have two (2) weeks to ask for a review by the Provost. If the appeal occurs during or upon completion of a semester, the student shall be permitted to continue coursework unless extenuating circumstances have been determined. Grades shall be withheld until the appeal process has been completed. However, if a student is registered for a course that involves an outside internship (including but not limited to field experience, practicum, and student teaching), the student may not continue the course during the appeal process unless extenuating circumstances have been determined. In most cases, in the PA Program, the grade appeal process will delay the completion of clinical clerkships. Delaying clinical clerkships will likely affect a student’s full-time status and financial aid package. It is strongly suggested that a student consult a financial aid advisor. Schedules of tuition reimbursement are published in the Hofstra University Bulletin each year. It is the student’s responsibility should additional costs incur secondary to the grade appeal process. Delaying a clinical clerkship will likely affect the student’s University graduation date, and therefore their ability to begin working. Although the NCCPA allows students to take the PANCE examination once program requirements are complete, the University does not issue a diploma until after the specified University graduation date for that year.
POLICY FOR DISMISSAL Dismissal After meeting with a student, the ASC may determine that academic or professional deficiencies are substantial enough to warrant dismissal. This decision will be forwarded to the director of the graduate program. The director of a graduate program shall notify a student of his/her dismissal from that program in writing (certified return receipt requested) within 7 days following the ASC meeting. The notification shall state the reasons for the dismissal and shall be as explicit as possible. The letter shall indicate the appeal procedures specified below. A copy of the letter shall be sent to the appropriate dean, the provost and the Office of Academic Records. If the student is an international student, a copy of the letter shall be sent to the director of the Multicultural & International Student Programs Office. The student is given 7 days after receiving notification of dismissal to decide whether or not to appeal the dismissal. During that time, the student is permitted to continue course work in progress. If a student 29
chooses not to appeal, 7 days after receiving notification of dismissal the student will no longer be permitted to continue course work in progress, to sit in on classes, or to register for additional classes. Appeals If dismissal occurs during the semester and the student appeals the decision, the student shall be permitted to continue coursework already in progress unless extenuating circumstances have been determined. Grades shall be withheld until the appeal process has been completed. Unless the appeal is successful, no grade or credit will be awarded. However, if a student is registered for a course that involves an outside internship (including but not limited to field experience, practicum, and student teaching), the student may not continue the course during the appeal process unless extenuating circumstances have been determined. If dismissal occurs at the completion of a semester and the student appeals the decision, the student may not register for or sit in on any courses unless extenuating circumstances have been determined. Step 1: The first appeal is at the program level. The student may appeal this decision in writing to the graduate program director within 7 days from the date of receipt of the letter of dismissal. The letter of appeal shall include the grounds for appealing the dismissal. If no letter is forthcoming, the right of the student to further appeal is waived. The graduate program director shall conduct a full review of the appeal and will inform the student in writing of the decision within 7 days from the date of the receipt of the appeal letter. (A copy of the letter shall be sent to the appropriate dean, the provost and the Office of Academic Records.) The student may appeal this decision in writing. Step 2: The second appeal is at the dean’s level. The student may appeal in writing to the dean within 7 days of the receipt of the graduate program director’s decision. If no letter is forthcoming, the right of the student to further appeal is waived. The dean shall conduct a full review of the appeal, which may include independent research and/or discussion with the program’s Academic Standing Committee (ASC). The dean shall inform the student in writing (certified return receipt requested or confirmation of receipt via email) of his/her decision within 7 days from the date of receipt of the appeal letter. (A copy of the letter shall be sent to the graduate program director, the provost and the Office of Academic Records.) The student may appeal this decision in writing. Step 3: The final appeal is at the provost’s level. The student may appeal in writing to the provost within 7 days of the receipt of the dean’s decision. The provost shall inform the student in writing (certified return receipt requested or confirmation of receipt via email) of his/her decision within 14 days from the date of the receipt of the appeal letter. The provost’s decision is final. (A copy of the letter shall be sent to the graduate program director, the appropriate dean and the Office of Academic Records. If the student is an international student, a copy of the letter shall be sent to the director of the Multicultural & International Student Programs Office.) 30
LEAVE OF ABSENCE A student may be granted a leave of absence only in the case of personal illness, family emergency or other circumstance beyond the student’s control. Students are not given the option to drop into the class behind them in the case of academic difficulty. A request for leave must be made in writing to the program director. Once approved by the program director, all medical leaves will require a medical letter stating the student is under the care of a provider and must submit a new letter for return to the program. A leave taken without consent from the program director may result in dismissal from the program. Because the curriculum is “lock-step,” a leave of absence is strongly discouraged in the didactic phase of the program. A student will be forced to wait until the following academic year to resume study. A leave of absence is only granted until the following academic year. A student must complete the professional phase of the Physician Assistant Studies Program in 40 months including any leave of absence. Prior to returning to the program, students must pass a comprehensive examination covering all material up to and including the point at which the student left the program. In the clinical year, a comprehensive examination must be passed if a leave extends for more than two clerkships. A leave of absence will affect a student’s full-time status and financial aid package. It is strongly suggested that a student consult a financial aid advisor when considering a leave of absence. Schedules of tuition reimbursement are published in the Hofstra University Bulletin each year. It is the student’s responsibility should additional costs incur secondary to a leave of absence. A leave of absence, or if for any reason your graduation is delayed, will likely affect the student’s University graduation date, and therefore their ability to begin working. Although the NCCPA allows students to take the PANCE examination once program requirements are complete, the University does not issue a diploma until after the specified University graduation date for that year.
DECELERATION All students are required to remain in the cohort with whom they were admitted. Students are not given the option to drop into the class behind them in the case of academic difficulty. The only exception to this policy is if a student should be required to take a leave of absence.
WITHDRAWAL FROM THE PROGRAM The program director must be notified in writing should a student decide to withdraw from the program. It is imperative that students follow Hofstra University Policy and Procedures for withdrawal from courses and/or the University. Please refer to the Hofstra University Bulletin and the Hofstra University Class Schedule for the most recent policies and procedures.
PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT ORGANIZATIONS The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) and the New York State Society of Physician Assistants (NYSSPA) are instrumental in Physician Assistant Advocacy and are primary resources for information regarding the profession.
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American Academy of Physician Assistants The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) is the national organization representing physician assistants. The AAPA provides leadership opportunities, works toward improving legislation on a national level, provides continuing medical education (CME) opportunities and has an abundance of additional resources. Students who join the AAPA are represented in the Student Academy of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (SAAAPA), assuming that they establish a student society within their PA program. Charter societies are represented in two ways: The first is through their regional chairs serving the northeast, southeast, north central, south central and western regions of the country. The second way is through the Student Academyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Assembly of Representatives (AOR) which is a two-day session held during AAPAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual conference. The AOR establishes Student Academy policy for the coming year by voting on resolutions submitted to the AOR. AOR representatives are responsible for discussing the resolutions with students from their program prior to the conference, debating and voicing the concerns of their fellow students during the conference, and voting on each resolution as the representatives from their PA Program. In addition to discussing resolutions, the AOR representatives are also responsible for electing the Student Board of Directors (SBOD) for the following year. These student officers will direct the Student Academy activities for the year, based on the guidelines that have been provided to them by the resolutions. American Academy of Physician Assistants 950 N. Washington St. Alexandria, VA 22314-1552 (703) 836-2272 ext 3303. Fax: (703) 684-1924 www.aapa.org
New York State Society of Physician Assistants (NYSSPA) The New York State Society of Physician Assistants (NYSSPA) is the state organization representing physician assistants. NYSSPA provides access to valuable resources, provides scholarship opportunities, sponsors continuing medical education (CME), lobbies to improve state law and regulation for PAs and much more. Students who join NYSSPA are full members and can vote for the student director at large.
New York State Society of Physician Assistants 100 North 20th Street, Suite 400 Philadelphia, PA 19103 (877) 769-7722. Fax: (212) 564-2175 www.nysspa.org
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UNIVERSITY FACILITIES AND SUPPORT STUDENT CLUBS Hofstra University Chapter of the Student Academy of the American Academy of Physician Assistants The Hofstra University Chapter of SAAAPA serves as the official organization for the students of the Hofstra University Physician Assistant Studies Program. The mission of the organization is to encourage academic achievement and clinical excellence, to educate the public and promote the Physician Assistant (PA) as a member of the health care delivery team, and to demonstrate Hofstra Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commitment to training future PA Providers. The Hofstra University Chapter of SAAAPA operates in conjunction with the New York State Society of Physician Assistants (NYSSPA) and the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA). The organization values community involvement and participates in campus blood drives and hosts multiple fundraisers and food drives each year. Global Medical Brigades Global Medical Brigades, GMB, is a secular, non-profit, student run volunteer organization that aims to provide sustained health care to underserved communities all over the world. The GMB team recruits student volunteers and a variety of medical professionals, gathers medications, and travels to an underserved area in other countries to provide medical and dental care.
LIBRARY RESOURCES The Joan and Donald E. Axinn Library contains approximately one million print volumes and approximately 10,000 VHS and DVDs, and provides 24/7 online access from campus or home to 150 databases, more than 100,000 full- text electronic journals, approximately 15,000 streaming videos, and 115,000 electronic books via the Internet. Newly renovated facilities provide modern spaces for group and individual study, along with a coffee bar and space for meeting friends. Contact: Joan and Donald E. Axinn Library, South Campus Reference: (516) 463-5962 Many required textbooks students are provided to students via electronic resources (Access Medicine, Up to Date, NEJM and LLW resources). Other required texts will be housed in the main PA Program office. Students may have access to these texts during normal office hours. Other supplemental texts will also be available in the main PA Program office. The main office staff can assist with utilizing program textbooks as well as borrowing rules. The program has a number of models, A/V aids, and computer programs available to students. Holdings include breast models, prostate exam models, foley catheter male and female models, IV and suture arms, and anatomy models. The main office staff can direct students to the location of an instructional aid as well as borrowing rules. 33
PROGRAM FORMS
STUDENT HANDBOOK and GUIDE TO PRIDE AGREEMENT FORM September 2019 Edition The Physician Assistant Studies Program Student Handbook in conjunction with the University Handbook, Guide to Pride, outlines school-wide and program-specific policies and regulations for students enrolled in the physician assistant program. If the student is in doubt about the intent or content of any of the material in this handbook, it is his or her responsibility to initiate a discussion with their faculty advisor or the program director. I have read and understand the policies, rules and regulations as outlined within the Hofstra University Physician Assistant Studies Program Student Handbook and the Hofstra University Guide to Pride and agree, without reluctance, to abide by them.
In addition to reviewing the student handbook, I acknowledge that the Hofstra University Physician Assistant Studies Program, has a remediation program for students who are struggling academically. This is a mandatory activity to further expand my underlying knowledge. We Do Not offer a deceleration program.
NAME (Signature):
____________________________________________________________
NAME (Print):
____________________________________________________________
DATE:
____________________________________________________________
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INCIDENT FORM _____________________________________________________________________________ Name: _____________________________________________
Date of Report: ________________________
Date of Exposure/Incident: ___________________________
Time of Exposure/Incident: ______________am/ pm
Location of Exposure/Incident: __________________________________________________________ Brief Description of Exposure/Incident: (OMIT ANY PATIENT SPECIFIC INFORMATION)
Signature: __________________________________________________ Yes
No
Completed institution’s exposure/incident forms: ..............
Submitted institution’s exposure/incident forms: ...............
FOR PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT PROGRAM STAFF ONLY: Reviewed by: ______________________________________
(Student signature)
Date: ______________________________
(Faculty signature) 35
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT STUDIES PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT EVALUATION FORM Student: __________________________ Faculty member: ____________________ Date: _____________________________ ATTRIBUTE
UNSATISFACTORY (0)
NEEDS IMPROVEMENT (1)
MEETS REQUIREMENTS (2)
EXCEEDS REQUIREMENTS (3)
UNSATISFACTORY (0)
NEEDS IMPROVEMENT (1)
MEETS REQUIREMENTS (2)
EXCEEDS REQUIREMENTS (3)
Respects faculty and classmates by arriving punctually Notifies faculty if circumstances prevent attendance; satisfactorily makes up missed assignments Assumes responsibility for own action Demonstrates ability to solve problems by logically evaluating facts Demonstrates ability to be flexible with unexpected circumstances Demonstrates functional level of confidence and selfassurance
ATTRIBUTE
Demonstrates ability to be a cooperative and contributing member of the class and profession Recognizes and manages personal and professional frustration in a nondisruptive and constructive manner Demonstrates ability to modify behavior in response to constructive criticism
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Demonstrates ability to give constructive feedback Respects fellow students, staff, and faculty Demonstrates proper respect for patients and maintains confidentiality of medical information
Additional comments by faculty or student (optional): __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________ Student signature
_______________________________ Faculty advisorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s signature
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