Promotions and Graduation

Professional Standards & Promotions Committee

Promotion from the academic year to the clinical year, and graduation from the School of Physician Assistant Studies, are based on the student’s readiness to assume a professional role, as well as his/her academic performance. While grades are important, the decisions for promotion and graduation are based on the composite picture of both academic performance and professional growth and development. The School’s Professional Standards and Promotions Committee (PS&P) meets regularly to address questions related to promotion and graduation, and to determine each student’s eligibility for promotion and/or graduation.

The PS&P Committee is composed of all faculty members in the School of Physician Assistant Studies.

White Coat Ceremony

The transition from the academic to the clinical year is celebrated with a White Coat Ceremony held in the summer session of the academic year. During this ceremony, academic year students repeat the PA’s oath of service and receive their white lab coats signifying the entrance into the clinical phase of the curriculum and their readiness for patient care.

Graduation

The Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree is conferred upon all graduates of the School of Physician Assistant Studies at the School’s graduation convocation in June. Graduates also receive a certificate of completion at this ceremony. Upon graduation, graduates are eligible to sit for the national certifying examination (PANCE).