Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies

Preparing you to provide quality health care

Are you looking to take the next step in your medical career? Becoming a Physician Assistant is a great option. You’ll have the advanced training to collaborate with one or more physicians and be able to examine, diagnose, treat, and counsel patients. There is a significant need in health care for high-level professionals. At CUW, we strive to prepare you to provide quality health care in a respectful, caring manner. If you value the same things we do, consider pursuing your Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies with us.

Credits 117

Cost Per Credit ^$715

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Program Overview

Information Session - Update

To better accommodate our out of town prospective students, we will be hosting a virtual information session in the coming weeks. Please check back for details or contact graduate admissions with questions. The info session will cover admission standards, how to apply, and other frequently asked questions.

About Our Program

Our mission in the PA program is to educate students who are committed to caring for patients in mind, body and spirit with an emphasis on continual lifelong learning.

Your studies will be a combination of didactic and clinical courses. The didactic portion is held on our Mequon campus and provides your foundation for the clinical year by exploring the basic sciences, clinical medicine, and behavioral medicine. We believe it is essential to begin putting your knowledge into practice as soon as possible in order for you to grow as a health care professional. You’ll get a variety of hands-on experiences through 11 months of clinicals. Clinical rotations must be taken in family medicine, internal medicine, general surgery, women's health, behavioral medicine, pediatrics, emergency medicine and two elective rotations. While the majority of your rotations will occur in Wisconsin, our Director of Clinical Education may work with you to pursue out-of-state options.

Your courses will delve into the realms of human anatomy, physical examination and history. You'll also cover pharmacology, physiology/pathophysiology, clinical skills, and issues in health care. The overarching theme of your education will be an emphasis on preventative medicine and primary care. In order to facilitate your clinical skills and overall experience, we have a simulation lab and recently renovated cadaver lab on campus. You’ll get to learn in a small class setting (no more than 30 students) and receive personalized instruction from our dedicated faculty. Upon graduation, you’ll be eligible to sit for the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE).

Program Highlights:

Small class sizes with personalized instruction
State-of-the-art cadaver lab
Multiple interprofessional educational experiences
Opportunities for service learning and community service within the curriculum and as a student society
Simulation lab
International rotations available

What to Expect

Physician Assistants (PA) are licensed health care professionals who practice medicine in collaboration with an MD or DO. PAs in conjunction with their collaborating physician provide patient care by obtaining histories, performing physical examinations, diagnosing injuries and illnesses, prescribing, assisting in surgery, educating patients on prevention as well as their conditions, and ordering and interpreting lab and radiologic results. PAs work in a variety of settings including hospitals, clinics, universities, governmental services, and industries.

Graduates must successfully complete the PA program that is accredited by the ARC-PA and pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) in order to obtain a license in the state(s) they desire to practice. Upon graduation, there are opportunities to work in all the different specialties of medicine. PAs are required to complete 100 hours of continuing medical education every two years and continue to pass the Physician Assistant Recertifying Examination (PANRE) every ten years to maintain certification.

Licensure / Certifications

Graduates take the PANCE exam after successful completion from the program. Licensure is required in all states.

Programs Requirements

Admission to the Physician Assistant program is competitive. Concordia University Wisconsin will admit one class of 30 full-time students in May of each academic year.

Basic Admission Requirements

Candidates for admission must meet the following requirements:

Baccalaureate Degree (must be earned prior to matriculation from a regionally accredited university or college).
Minimum 3.2 cumulative GPA or higher, AND
Minimum 3.2 prerequisite science GPA or higher
Note: All prerequisite courses must be successfully completed with a grade of “C” or higher from a regionally accredited college or university.
All prerequisite science coursework must be completed at the time of application.
One non-science prerequisite course may be pending at the time of application, but must be completed prior to matriculation in the program.
Labs must be taken on campus and not online.
Classes that are audited are not accepted for prerequisite courses.
Transcripts must be in English. If the transcripts are not in English, transcripts will need to be evaluated through the required service designated by CASPA)

Please note, the deadline for application is for Verified applications. Submit your applications at least 4-6 weeks earlier than the deadline to allow time for verification of information in your application. Applicants must have completed all prerequisite courses prior to application date. At the time of application there may not be any prerequisite science courses pending or in progress.

Documentation of 500 hours of hands-on patient care experience. Medical scribe work can be applied toward part of this requirement; however, applicants are strongly encouraged to obtain more hands-on patient care experience than scribe work. Examples of hands-on experience include but is not limited to: nursing, CNA, ER tech, EMT/paramedic
Complete a minimum of 24 hour minimum shadowing of a Physician Assistant.
- Shadowing must be completed and documented to the program either via email if the CASPA application has been submitted or on the CASPA application by September 1.
- The program does not find or suggest sites for applicants to complete the shadowing requirement.

Letters of Reference are required as part of the application process:
- One letter of reference must be from a PA with whom you have shadowed, and should speak to your understanding of the role of a PA.
- One letter of reference must be from an employer/supervisor of your patient care experience, and should speak to your interaction and care of patients.
- At least one more letter (may be more than one) can be professional in nature, academic in nature, or a character reference.

CASPer Assessment - Students who meet all admissions requirements and whose applications advance in the review process will be asked to complete a supplemental survey (CASPer). This will require a nominal fee (currently $10.00).
Applicant must be able to perform the Technical Standards for Physician Assistants

Prerequisites

General Chemistry - Two semesters of sequenced courses with labs
Organic Chemistry- One semester with lab
Biochemistry - One semester with or without lab
Microbiology - One semester with lab
Human Anatomy & Physiology - Two semesters with lab
- May be separate Anatomy (with lab) and Physiology courses
- OR may be combined A&P I and II courses including labs.
- Anatomy must be with lab and done on-campus, not online
Biology - Two semesters with lab
Genetics - One semester with or without lab
Psychology - One semester
Statistics - One semester
College algebra or higher - One semester
Medical Terminology - One semester

Highly recommended courses

Nutrition
Pharmacology
Immunology
Additional Psychology classes

Additionally

A & P and Medical Terminology are recommended within five years of applying to the program.
No advanced placement or transfer credit is granted if transferring from another PA or graduate program. No course credit is given for experiential learning.

How to Apply

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

Cumulative and prerequisite science GPA
Reference letters
Personal statement
Interview evaluation report
Applicant's desire to become a PA
Evidence of academic potential, motivation, personal maturity, self-assurance, and good interpersonal skills
Volunteerism, service to others

Admission Dates for the Class of 2021

Mid-April, 2019 - CASPA application portal opens
September 1, 2019 - CASPA applications must be e-submitted, completed and VERIFIED. Verification of the transcripts and supporting documents may take 4-6 weeks. Applications should be submitted with ample time for verification before the deadline. Concordia does not require a supplemental application, application fee, or materials.
November - Visit/Interview days for selected applicants
November - Acceptance offers may be extended to applicants soon after
A $500 deposit will be due within 3 weeks of acceptance.
May 21, 2020 - Program orientation
May 22, 2020 - First day of classes

Applicant Interviews

Completed applications are reviewed as they are received. Selected candidates are chosen to come to campus for an interview. Interview days will be held in November. Applicants will be notified as soon as possible regarding interview selection.

An on-campus interview will give the applicant an opportunity to learn more about the program and will give the program faculty an opportunity to meet and talk with the applicant. During the interview process, the program curriculum as well as other pertinent information will be discussed, interviews with at least two faculty members will occur, as well as a tour of the university.

After completion of the interview, the PA program admissions committee reviews each applicant and a final decision made. Applicants are notified if they have been accepted by no later than November 30.

Applicants who have been selected to enroll in the program after the interview process who have not completed their Bachelor’s degree will be conditionally accepted into the program. Those applicants who do not successfully complete their Bachelor’s degree prior to the first day of class, will not be allowed to matriculate into the program. Being offered an opportunity to interview for a seat in the program, does not guarantee admission or acceptance to enroll.

Background Checks

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

Working After Admission

It has been the program’s experience that those students who choose to work after admission to the program have struggled to meet requirements of the rigors of the curriculum and the clinical rotations. For this reason, the program STRONGLY recommends that students NOT work for the duration of the PA program.

International

At this time we are unable to enroll F-1 international students in the Physician Assistant Program.

Anti-Discrimination Policy

As a matter of policy, Concordia University admits students of any age, race, color, gender, and national and ethnic origin. Admitted students enjoy the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally offered to all Concordia students. Further, Concordia University does not discriminate according to age, race, color, gender, and national and ethnic origin in administering admissions and educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs. b. Accommodations for Students with Disabilities: Concordia University is committed to full compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which prohibit discrimination against qualified persons with disabilities, as well as other federal and state laws pertaining to individuals with disabilities. Under the ADA and its amendments, a person has a disability if he or she has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity. The ADA also protects individuals who have a record of a substantially limiting impairment or who are regarded as disabled by the institution whether qualified or not. A substantial impairment is one that significantly limits or restricts a major life activity such as hearing, seeing, speaking, breathing, performing manual tasks, walking, or caring for oneself.

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

Accreditation

The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) has granted Accreditation-Continued status to the Concordia University Wisconsin Physician Assistant Program sponsored by Concordia University Wisconsin. Accreditation-Continued is an accreditation status granted when a currently accredited program is in compliance with the ARC-PA Standards.

Accreditation remains in effect until the program closes or withdraws from the accreditation process or until accreditation is withdrawn for failure to comply with the Standards. The approximate date for the next validation review of the program by the ARC-PA will be September 2026. The review date is contingent upon continued compliance with the Accreditation Standards and ARC-PA policy.

Information on accreditation is available at www.arc-pa.org or at: Accreditation review commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc., 12000 Findley Road, Suite 150, Johns Creek, GA 30097, (770) 476-1224.

Concordia University Wisconsin is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Learn more about our accreditation here.

Didactic Year

Summer Term 1 (13 credits)

PHAS 500 Human Anatomy for Pas (6 cr)
PHAS 501 PA Seminar 1 (1 cr)
PHAS 515 Molecular Mechanisms (3 cr)
PHAS 535 Evidence Based Medicine (1 cr)
PHAS 540 Public Health & Epidemiology (2 cr)

Fall Term 1 (21 credits)

PHAS 504 Physical Assessment 1 (2 cr)
PHAS 525 Clinical Medicine 1 (6 cr)
PHAS 526 Pathophysiology/Pharmacology (5 cr)
PHAS 527 Medical Diagnostics 1 (3 cr)
PHAS 520 Neuroanatomy (2 cr)
PHAS 502 PA Seminar 2 (2 cr)
PHAS 506 Clinical Skills Laboratory (1 cr)

Winterim Term 1 (7 credits)

PHAS 580 Introduction to Clinical Practice (3 cr)
PHAS 570 Behavioral Medicine (2 cr)
PHAS 575 Obstetrics & Gynecology (2 cr)

Spring Term 1 (22 credits)

PHAS 503 PA Seminar 3 (2 cr)
PHAS 530 Clinical Medicine 2 (6 cr)
PHAS 531 Pathophysiology/Pharmacology 2 (5 cr)
PHAS 532 Medical Diagnostics 2 (3 cr)
PHAS 560 Surgical Medicine (3 cr)
PHAS 507 Clinical Skills Laboratory 2 (1 cr)
PHAS 505 Physical Assessment 2 (2 cr)

Summer Term 2 (8 credits)

PHAS 545 Emergency Medicine (4 cr)
PHAS 550 Pediatrics (3 cr)
PHAS 508 Clinical Skills Laboratory 3 (1 cr)

Total Credits for Didactic Year = 71

Clinical Year

Students will be placed on a rotation schedule for the last 11 months of their education and 46 credits in the program. Credit breakdown per term and required rotations are:

Fall Term 2 (16 credits)
Winterim Term 2 (4 credits)
Spring Term2 (16 credits)
Summer Term 3 (10 credits)

The following rotations are required, and are 4 credits each:

PHAS 610 Family Medicine Clinical Practicum 1
PHAS 615 Family Medicine Clinical Practicum 2
PHAS 620 Internal Medicine Clinical Practicum 1
PHAS 625 Internal Medicine Clinical Practicum 2
PHAS 630 Women’s Health Clinical Practicum
PHAS 635 Pediatric Clinical Practicum
PHAS 640 Emergency Medicine Clinical Practicum
PHAS 645 Surgery Clinical Practicum
PHAS 650 Behavioral Medicine Clinical Practicum
PHAS 655 Clinical Practicum Elective I
Phas 660 Clinical Practicum Elective 2

Total Credits for Clinical Year = 46

Learning Outcomes

PA graduates will:

Apply medical knowledge to practice and evaluate patient care in a legal, culturally sensitive, and ethical manner
Perform minor medical and surgical procedures including first or second assistant in the operating room
Interpret medical lab and radiologic tests
Demonstrate the ability to instruct patients and families on medically related conditions that take into consideration the mind, body, and spirit
Work as part of a health care team
Demonstrate an ability to communicate with other health care professionals, families, and patients in both written and oral formats
Provide culturally sensitive, ethical, and legal patient care in a professional manner
Respect patient rights and comply with HIPAA
Analyze the medical literature and apply best practices to clinical decision making
Navigate diverse health care delivery systems and utilize resources to provide best practices

PANCE Scores & Goals

PANCE Scores & Goals Accomplished

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

Program Goals

The goals of the CUW PA program:

PA graduates from CUW will have a first-time PANCE pass rate at or above the national average.
1. The classes of 2017 & 2018 have achieved a 100% first-time PANCE pass rate

The CUW PA program will maintain continuing accreditation status, fully compliant with all ARC-PA standards.
1. The program currently has 10 year continuing accreditation status, with next site visit scheduled for 2026.

The CUW PA Program will provide academic support to all matriculated students.
1. The program provides students with support via the Academic Resource Center at CUW
2. With a faculty-to-student ratio of 8:1 CUW’s program is able to provide mentoring and remediation opportunities
3. Tutoring is available and provided by the program for specific student needs.

The faculty and graduates will support and promote the CUW PA program.
1. Volunteerism and service are a large part of the program’s mission, and students participate in multiple service and service-learning projects.
2. Students provide health care services and patient education to underserved populations throughout the didactic and clinical year in area clinics and schools which promotes the program locally.
3. Alumni are active as adjunct faculty, participating in didactic lectures, practicum experiences, skills labs, and as preceptors for our students in their clinical settings.

The faculty and graduates will promote academics and leadership within the PA profession.
1. Nadine Miller is a PA member of the Council on PA’s at DSPS in Wisconsin
2. Jacqueline Kazik is a member of the Government Relations Steering Committee for PAEA (Physician Assistant Education Association)
3. Jacqueline Kazik was awarded PA of the Year for Wisconsin in 2017
4. Two students from the Class of 2019 were recipients of awards given at the fall WAPA meeting; one for a student who demonstrates exemplary service to the community, and one received the Future PA Award.
5. A PA student from the Class of 2020 represented PA as the Captain of a team who won the North East Region Case Proposal in the AHEC competition and will represent CUW in January. A second PA student also participated in the competition and their team will be alternates in the competition.
6. Amber Burtard, MSPAS, PA-C, a CUW alumnus from Class of 2015 has been named the Medical Director of the recently accredited geriatric ER at Sheboygan Memorial Medical Center.

The CUW PA Program will provide opportunities in inter-professional education and inter-professional practice in order to perform effectively as a member of the health care team.
1. PA students participate in inter-professional education in the didactic year with pharmacy students in a dedicated course on patient/medication safety
2. PA students participate in an inter-professional practice with PT and OT students in the didactic year with patients who have learning/cognitive disabilities, physical disabilities and those from disadvantaged backgrounds to provide medical services, patient education, and interventions to improve their health.
3. PT, OT and PA students participate in IPE in a pediatric lab practicum, and one with OT in an autism case study.
4. PA students are all trained in TEAMSTEPPS, which has four core principles of Leadership, Situation Monitoring, Mutual Support, and Communication, designed to improve communication among providers and improve patient safety.

Technical Standards

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tuition

Estimated Program Costs-Didactic and Clinical Years (program start May 2019 /graduating class of 2021)

(Fees are subject to change)

Tuition (1st year)	$11,795/semester	$47,180
Tuition (2nd year)	$12,150/semester	$36,450

Estimated Program Costs-Didactic and Clinical Years (program start May 2020/graduating class of 2022)

(Fees are subject to change)

Tuition (1st year)	$12,150/semester	$48,600
Tuition (2nd year)	$12,515/semester	$37,545

Other Costs

Cost will vary depending on the equipment selected by the student.

Fees	Student Pays	Program Pays
University Health	50.00
University Lab	300.00
Medical Equipment	855.00 max (varies)
Books	~600.00	Program provides most online through library
Technology Fee	420.00
Graduation Fee	58.00
UpToDate	159.00 (26 mos)
HIPPA-OSHA	30.00 yr 2	30.00 yr 1
BLS update	30.00 (cost varies)
ACLS		6241.20
WAPA dues		750.00
AAPA dues		2250.00
HOD travel/exp		Covers air, hotel, meals (~2000.00)
EOR exams/PACKRAT		410.00
White coat/scrubs	100.00
Drug screen/CB	120.00
International fees		200/student x 4 = 800.00
Clinical Site payments		~1200.00/student average = 36,000
Total:	2,244.00	16,081.20

**Costs are the same for both resident and non-resident. Student’s own food, transportation and housing costs are not included.

Tuition Refund

Students who withdraw from the University will receive a pro-rated refund of educational fees and board fees, according to the following schedule (a week runs Mon.- Sun.):

During first week of classes	80%
During second week of classes	75%
During third week of classes	60%
During fourth week of classes	40%
During fifth week of classes	20%
After fifth week	none

Students who are charged for summer and winterim class but then withdraw will receive refunds on a pro-rated basis as follows:

During first day of class	80%
During second day of class	75%
During third day of class	60%
During fourth day of class	40%
During fifth day of class	20%
After fifth day of class	none

Policies and Standards

Requirements for the Successful Completion of the Didactic Year

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

Requirements for the Successful Completion of the Clinical Year

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

Requirements for Graduation

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

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

Academic Standing

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

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

Academic Progression

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

A grade less than 79% in any course will be reviewed by the Student Progress Committee (SPC)
A term/cumulative GPA less than 3.00 will result in a review by the SPC
A student will not progress to the clinical year of the program with a cumulative GPA of less than 3.00 at the end of the 2nd summer term of the program
Additionally each term, students must earn a grade of 80% or higher on 50% of their exams, failing to do so, will result in a review by SPC

Academic Probation

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

Students on Probation:

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

If the student does not obtain a GPA of 3.0 the next term (Winterim is not included), and demonstrate professionalism s/he will be dismissed from the program. If a student reapplies to the program and is admitted after failing a course or courses in the program, they will be placed on academic probation. Returning to the program will also require the student to take all courses in the curriculum, including courses previously passed are audited in order to relearn the requisite knowledge needed to progress in the program and to prove competency by successively completing all assessments. The courses that are audited would be on a pass/fail basis. Students auditing courses on a pass/fail basis must achieve a grade of 73% in order to pass the class. If the student fails a course again, they will be dismissed from the program and not allowed to reapply to the program. Students will be required to pay to retake the courses already completed utilizing the auditing fee schedule. The course or courses that must be retaken due to failure will be charged at full tuition.

Dismissal and Withdrawal

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

Withdrawing from Program

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

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

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

Students wishing to re-enter the Physician Assistant program after a withdrawal must follow the procedure for re-entry below:

The student must notify the PA Program Director in writing no later than January 15 of the given year that they will to return to the program.

The student must be approved by the PA Program Director for return to the program in May of that year. Medical Reasons: If a student leaves the program due to medical reasons, the readmission request must have a letter from a physician stating the student is cleared for release and will be able to comply with the Technical Standards set by the Physician Assistant Program. Acceptance may be conditional on the length of time the student has been away from the program and space available in the class.

If the Student Progress Committee is recommending that the student be dismissed, the Chair of the Student Progress Committee will inform the PA Program Director of the recommendation as soon as possible. The PA Program Director will communicate with the student who is being dismissed that they must follow the procedures listed above in the withdrawal section.

Fair Practices

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