New Cohort Begins Every Fall | Credits 125 | Program Length 28 Months | Format In-person, Full Time
Program Policies
Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) PA Medicine is committed to providing prospective applicants, enrolled students, clinical partners, and the public with timely access to the policies and program information required by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).
This site summarizes the public policies and information required by the ARC-PA Accreditation Standards (6th Edition). Where University-wide policies govern a topic, this document provides a summary and directs readers to the applicable University resource. Program-specific policies are published within this document.
Additional University information is available through the:
Master of Medical Science in PA Medicine Policies for Prospective Students
Below is a curated list of policies, each with a direct link to its detailed webpage. Prospective students must review and understand these policies.
PA MEDICINE POLICIES
A1.02g – Student Harassment and Mistreatment Policy Information
Palm Beach Atlantic University is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment that is free from discrimination, harassment, mistreatment, retaliation, and sexual misconduct. Students who experience or witness conduct inconsistent with these expectations are encouraged to report concerns promptly through established University reporting procedures. Reports are reviewed in accordance with applicable University policies and federal and state laws.
Additional Resources
A3.02- Student Employment Policy Information
Enrollment in PA Medicine is a full-time educational commitment. Students are not required to work for the PA Medicine Program or Palm Beach Atlantic University as a condition of enrollment. Employment by the University or any external organization is voluntary and must not interfere with the student’s ability to meet academic and professional responsibilities.
Additional Resources
A3.03 – Students Do Not Substitute for Faculty, Clinical Staff, or Administrative Personnel Policy Information
PA Medicine students participate in educational activities solely as learners. Students will not substitute for or function as instructional faculty, clinical staff, administrative personnel, or other healthcare providers beyond the scope of their supervised educational experiences. Clinical activities are performed only under appropriate supervision consistent with ARC-PA Standards and program policies.
Additional Resources
A3.04 – Student Identification Policy Information
PA Medicine students must clearly identify themselves as Physician Associate (PA) students in all clinical and educational settings. Students are required to wear University-issued identification and any additional identification required by affiliated clinical sites. During all patient interactions, students must introduce themselves as PA students and accurately represent their educational status.
Additional Resources
A3.05 – Student Exposure to Infectious Diseases and Environmental Hazards Policy Information
The PA Medicine Program is committed to providing a safe educational environment and educating students regarding the prevention of occupational exposure to infectious diseases and environmental hazards. Prior to participating in clinical education, students receive instruction regarding Standard Precautions, bloodborne pathogens, infection prevention, OSHA requirements, and CDC recommendations.
Students who experience an exposure or occupational injury during a program activity must immediately notify the appropriate clinical supervisor and the PA Medicine Program, seek prompt medical evaluation, and follow all required reporting procedures. Students are responsible for maintaining personal health insurance and for expenses associated with medical evaluation and treatment.
Additional Resources
- CDC Standard Precautions
- CDC Transmission-Based Precautions
- CDC Bloodborne Infectious Disease Risk Factors and Treatment
- Institutional Online Catalog
A3.06 – Healthcare Providers for Students Policy Information
The Program Director, Medical Director, principal faculty, instructional faculty, and clinical preceptors do not serve as healthcare providers for enrolled PA Medicine students except when emergency intervention is necessary to prevent serious harm. Students are encouraged to establish care with independent healthcare providers for routine medical care.
Additional Resources
A3.07 – Referral to Student Support Services Policy Information
Palm Beach Atlantic University provides a variety of academic, personal, health, counseling, accessibility, and wellness services designed to support student success. Students may access these services directly without prior approval from PA Medicine faculty. Program faculty may recommend or facilitate referrals when personal circumstances appear to affect academic performance or student well-being.
Additional Resources
A3.08 – Supervised Clinical Practice Experience (SCPE) Placements Policy Information
The PA Medicine Program is solely responsible for securing and assigning all required Supervised Clinical Practice Experiences (SCPEs). Students are not required to identify, solicit, or arrange their own clinical sites or preceptors. Clinical assignments are based on educational requirements, available clinical resources, and program needs. Student preferences may be considered when feasible but cannot be guaranteed.
Additional Resources
A3.09 – Student Health Screening and Immunization Requirements Policy Information
Students are required to maintain compliance with all health screening, immunization, background screening, health insurance, and other clinical clearance requirements established by the PA Medicine Program and affiliated clinical sites. Requirements are based upon current CDC recommendations, applicable laws, and clinical affiliation agreements. Failure to maintain required compliance may delay participation in clinical education and progression within the program.
Additional Resources
A3.11a – Accreditation Status Public Policy & Information
The Palm Beach Atlantic University PA Medicine Program maintains accreditation information in accordance with the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) requirements. The program’s current accreditation status, accreditation history, and the official ARC-PA accreditation statement are publicly available.
Additional Resources
A3.11b – Program Mission, Goals, and Effectiveness Public Policy & Information
The PA Medicine Program publishes its mission, goals, and program outcomes to demonstrate its commitment to preparing competent, compassionate, and service-oriented physician associates. Program goals are evaluated through the continuous assessment process and are periodically reviewed to ensure they remain consistent with the mission of Palm Beach Atlantic University and the PA Medicine Program.
Additional Resources
A3.11c – NCCPA PANCE Performance Public Policy & Information
The PA Medicine Program publishes first-time Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) performance as required by ARC-PA. Results are updated annually and reflect the program’s graduate performance on the NCCPA certification examination.
Additional Resources
A3.11d – Curriculum Public Policy & Information
The PA Medicine curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for entry-level clinical practice through an integrated sequence of didactic and clinical education. The curriculum includes classroom instruction, laboratory experiences, simulation, supervised clinical practice experiences (SCPEs), and summative assessment.
Additional Resources
A3.11e – Academic Credit Public Policy & Information
The Master of Medical Science (MMSc) in Physician Associate Medicine curriculum consists of the academic credit required for graduation. Course descriptions, credit hours, sequencing, and degree requirements are published in the Palm Beach Atlantic University Institutional Online Catalog.
Additional Resources
A3.11f – Tuition and Fees Public Policy & Information
Current tuition, fees, and other educational expenses associated with enrollment in the PA Medicine Program are published by Palm Beach Atlantic University. Tuition and fee schedules are reviewed periodically and are subject to change in accordance with University policy.
Additional Resources
A3.11g – Program Competencies Public Policy & Information
The PA Medicine Program has established competencies that define the knowledge, clinical skills, professional behaviors, communication abilities, clinical reasoning, and interprofessional collaboration expected of graduates. These competencies guide curriculum development, student assessment, and program evaluation.
Additional Resources
A3.11h – Distance Campus Public Policy & Information
The Palm Beach Atlantic University PA Medicine Program is offered on the West Palm Beach campus. At this time, the program does not operate an ARC-PA designated distance campus.
A3.11i – Graduation Rate Public Policy & Information
The PA Medicine Program publishes graduation rate information in accordance with ARC-PA requirements. Graduation statistics are updated regularly and reflect the percentage of students who successfully complete the program within the published timeframe.
Additional Resources
- Graduation Outcomes webpage (link to be added)
A3.12a – Admissions Preferences Public Policy & Information
The PA Medicine Program utilizes a holistic admissions process that considers academic achievement, healthcare experience, personal attributes, leadership, service, professionalism, and the applicant’s potential for success within the profession. Admission decisions are made in accordance with published program policies and University procedures.
Additional Resources
A3.12b – Admissions Requirements Public Policy & Information
Applicants must satisfy all published admission requirements before matriculation. Admission requirements include prerequisite coursework, minimum academic standards, required application materials, and any additional requirements established by the Program and the University.
Additional Resources
A3.12c – Advanced Placement Public Policy & Information
The PA Medicine Program does not grant advanced placement, advanced standing, or transfer credit for professional PA coursework completed at another physician assistant program. All students must successfully complete the full PA Medicine curriculum to be eligible for graduation.
Additional Resources
A3.12d – Patient Care Experience Public Policy & Information
Patient care experience requirements for admission are published as part of the admissions process. Applicants should refer to the published admissions criteria for current requirements and definitions of qualifying healthcare experience.
Additional Resources
A3.12e – Technical Standards Public Policy & Information
Students admitted to the PA Medicine Program must possess the intellectual, physical, emotional, and professional abilities necessary to meet the program’s Technical Standards, with or without reasonable accommodation. These standards describe the essential functions required for successful completion of the curriculum and entry into professional practice.
Additional Resources
A3.13 – Admissions Selection Factors Public Policy & Information
Admission to the PA Medicine Program is competitive. Applicants are evaluated using published admissions criteria that include academic achievement, healthcare experience, personal qualities, communication skills, professionalism, leadership, service, and alignment with the mission of Palm Beach Atlantic University and the PA Medicine Program.
Additional Resources
A3.14a – Academic Standards for Enrollment and Progression Summary
Students enrolled in the PA Medicine Program must maintain satisfactory academic and professional performance throughout the curriculum. Students are expected to meet all program requirements for academic achievement, professional behavior, technical standards, and competency attainment in order to remain in good academic standing and progress through the curriculum. Failure to meet published academic or professional standards may result in academic intervention or other actions in accordance with program policies.
Additional Resources
- Institutional Online Catalog
- Academic Standards Policy (link to be added)
A3.14b – Requirements and Timeframe for Program Completion Summary
Students must successfully complete all required didactic and clinical coursework, achieve the program-defined competencies, satisfy all graduation requirements, and complete the program within the maximum time permitted by the PA Medicine Program. Students who are unable to complete program requirements within the established timeframe may be subject to dismissal from the program.
Additional Resources
- Graduation Requirements (link to be added)
- Institutional Online Catalog
A3.14c – Academic Remediation Summary
The PA Medicine Program provides academic remediation for students who do not demonstrate satisfactory achievement of required learning outcomes or program competencies. Remediation is individualized based on the identified deficiency and may include faculty-directed learning activities, reassessment, skills practice, written assignments, simulation, or other educational interventions. Successful remediation demonstrates competency attainment but does not replace the student’s original assessment performance.
Additional Resources
- Didactic Remediation Policy (link to be added)
- Clinical Remediation Policy (link to be added)
A3.14d – Deceleration Summary
Deceleration is an approved interruption or modification of a student’s progression through the PA Medicine curriculum that allows additional time to successfully complete program requirements. A matriculated student who experiences exceptional non-academic life circumstances and intends to return to continue the program may request deceleration. Deceleration may also be approved when additional time is necessary for a student to achieve required competencies or resolve circumstances affecting academic progression. Requests and recommendations for deceleration are reviewed on an individual basis, with consideration by the Progress and Advancement Committee, when applicable, and final approval by the Program Director. Students who are approved for deceleration remain matriculated in the PA Medicine Program but are no longer progressing with their original cohort. Deceleration may extend the anticipated graduation date and may result in additional educational costs.
Additional Resources
- Deceleration Policy (link to be added)
- Institutional Online Catalog
A3.14e – Withdrawal Summary
Students may voluntarily withdraw from the PA Medicine Program in accordance with University and program procedures. Students considering withdrawal are encouraged to consult with the Program Director and appropriate University offices to understand the academic and financial implications of withdrawal. Requests for withdrawal must follow published University procedures.
Additional Resources
- Institutional Online Catalog
- Withdrawal Policy (link to be added)
A3.14f – Dismissal Summary
Students may be dismissed from the PA Medicine Program for failure to satisfy academic, professional, technical, ethical, or other program requirements. Grounds for dismissal include, but are not limited to, failure to maintain satisfactory academic progress, failure to achieve required competencies, violations of professional conduct, academic integrity violations, or failure to comply with published program or University policies. Students are afforded the opportunity to appeal dismissal decisions in accordance with published procedures.
Additional Resources
- Dismissal Policy (link to be added)
- Institutional Online Catalog
A3.14g –Student Grievances Summary
The PA Medicine Program and Palm Beach Atlantic University are committed to the fair and timely resolution of student concerns. Students are encouraged to resolve concerns through informal discussion whenever appropriate. Students may also submit formal academic or non-academic grievances through established University procedures without fear of retaliation. All grievances are reviewed in accordance with applicable University policies.
Additional Resources
A3.14h – Student Appeals Summary
Students have the right to appeal certain academic and administrative decisions affecting their enrollment in the PA Medicine Program. Appeals must be submitted according to published procedures and within the designated timelines. Appeal procedures are intended to ensure fairness, due process, and consistent application of program and University policies.
Additional Resources
A3.14i- Student Employment while enrolled in PA Medicine Summary
Enrollment in PA Medicine is a full-time educational commitment. Students are not required to work for the PA Medicine Program or Palm Beach Atlantic University as a condition of enrollment. Because of the rigorous academic and clinical requirements of the curriculum, outside employment is strongly discouraged. Students who choose to maintain employment are responsible for meeting all academic, clinical, attendance, and professionalism requirements of the program. Employment responsibilities are not considered an acceptable reason for absences, missed assignments, or failure to meet program expectations.
Additional Resources
A3.14j- Student Travel to Required Rotation Sites Summary
Students may be required to travel for selected clinical rotations.
Estimated Clinical Rotation Travel and Temporary Housing: Approximately $4,500.00
The clinical phase consists of nine, five-week clinical rotations. Students should anticipate travel for up to two rotations. The estimated cost of $4,500 represents travel and temporary housing associated with required distant clinical placements. Many students complete rotations within commuting distance and incur lower expenses.
Please note: Routine housing, transportation, food, and personal living expenses during the clinical year are already included in the Personal Living Expenses estimates above.
Additional Resources
Accreditation (A3.12a, D1.02c)
The ARC-PA has granted Accreditation-Provisional status to the Palm Beach Atlantic Physician Assistant Program sponsored by Palm Beach Atlantic University.
Accreditation-Provisional is an accreditation status granted when the plans and resource allocation, if fully implemented as planned, of a proposed program that has not yet enrolled students appear to demonstrate the program’s ability to meet the ARC-PA Standards or when a program holding Accreditation-Provisional status appears to demonstrate continued progress in complying with the Standards as it prepares for the graduation of the first class (cohort) of students.
Accreditation-Provisional does not ensure any subsequent accreditation status. It is limited to no more than five years from matriculation of the first class.
The program’s accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website at https://www.arc-pa.org/accreditation-palm-beach-atlantic-university/.