Program Policies

Behavioral Expectations

Behavioral expectations are considered an academic expectation. They include interactions with faculty, fellow students, preceptors, patients, members of the health care team and the UT community. These expectations also include adhering to the UT Student Code of Conduct policy, UT and UTPA social media policies, UTPA HIPAA policy and the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) Code of Ethics.

Examples  of unprofessional behavior include but are not limited to:

• Rudeness, disruptive, disrespectful behaviors (profanity, swearing, screaming, etc.) to faculty and staff including video techs or peers
• Inflammatory emails
• Harassment of other students
• Chronic tardiness
• Recurrent violations of dress code
• Failure to check emails or monitor email account size
• Leaving cell phones on (must be turned off during lectures and away from classroom/labs)
• Failure to maintain a well-functioning computer
• Prohibited online testing behavior
• Wearing headphones or ear plugs during lectures
• Not paying attention during class by emailing, reading emails, text messaging, reading text messages, cell phone use, listening to music, sleeping in class, use of Facebook, Twitter or other social media and surfing the internet while an instructor or professor is lecturing
• Disrupting other students by talking, laughing, and excessive movement in and out of classroom or making excessive noise in any fashion during lectures originating in one’s own or opposite campus
• Leaving classroom after signing attendance sheet or signing in any other student, whether they are present or not
• Giving feedback on peers or teacher evaluations that is not tactful or constitutes a personal insult

Professional Concern Report

Behavioral expectations are considered an academic expectation. The program uses a professional concern report (PCR) to document events that are considered unprofessional. These events may occur individually or between two students or may be observed by a faculty member. (For incidents that involved faculty mistreatment of student(s), refer to the student mistreatment policy.) The PCR report is used to notify the program of the concern. The report is located on the student Canvas home page for students or faculty to report a concern. The concern must be reported within seven days of the event or within seven days of notification of discovery of the event.

• The first PCR will trigger a meeting with the faculty advisor to discuss the issue and develop a professional remediation action plan.
• A second PCR may result in a meeting with the Progression, Promotion and Professionalism committee. The student may be placed on academic warning or probation and will be required to complete professional remediation.
• Continued lapses in professionalism or an egregious lapse of professionalism may result in dismissal from the program.

UT Student Code of Conduct Policy:

PA students are expected to adhere to all UT policies, including the  UT Student Code of Conduct policy. This policy addresses multiple areas of conduct, including respectful interactions with the UT community.

PA Social Media Policy:

PA students are expected to be mindful while using social networking websites and applications, as they are held to the highest standard keeping with the ideals of the institution and the profession of medicine. Each student is responsible for their own posting on the internet and social media. Therefore, they should be aware of the risks associated with such use. Violation of the social media policy may result in dismissal from the program.

HIPAA:

Students are expected to follow HIPAA privacy standards at all times.

Additionally, the following actions are strictly forbidden:

• In the professional role of a caregiver, one may not present the personal health information of other individuals. Removal of an individual’s name does not constitute proper de-identification of protected health information. Inclusion of data such as age, gender, race, diagnosis, date of evaluation, type of treatment or the use of a highly specific medical photograph (such as a before/after photograph of a patient having surgery or a photograph of a patient from a medical outreach trip) may still allow the reader to recognize the identity of a specific individual.
• Students may not report private (protected) academic information of another student or trainee. Such information might include, but is not limited to, course or clerkship grades, narrative evaluations, examination scores or adverse academic actions.
• In posting information on social networking sites, students may not present themselves as official representatives or spokespersons for UT.

AAPA Code of Ethics:

PA students are expected to adhere to the AAPA Code of Ethics.

Academic Professional Behavioral Expectations and Student Assessment

As health care practitioners, PAs are required to understand and conform to the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct, following the AAPA  Guidelines for Ethical Conduct for the Physician Assistant Profession and the professional expectations of UT's PAM program.

Professional behavior encompasses the principles of honesty, integrity, empathy, respect, advocacy, self-awareness, personal accountability, teamwork, responsibility for learning, courtesy, compassion, moral and ethical interaction and avoidance of conflicts of interest.

PA students must be aware that they are viewed by both patients and medical providers as part of the medical community and are required to conduct themselves in a manner that complies with these principles.

Examples of professional behavior:

1. Behave in an ethical manner that inspires trust amongst patients, coworkers and the public

• Respect patient’s modesty and protect patient privacy
• Identify yourself as a learner
• Maintain confidentiality of patient information
• Set appropriate boundaries in interpersonal relationships
• Only perform procedures authorized by the program, clinical site, supervisor and/or preceptor
• Maintain and exhibit respect for the privacy and confidentiality of fellow students

2. Exhibit honesty and integrity in all interactions

• Accurately attribute sources in all written and oral presentations
• Accurately represent clinical actions and findings
• Do not intentionally mislead others
• Admit mistakes and errors
• Demonstrate proper care and use of institutional property and personal property of others

3. Advocate for the needs and well-being of patients, learners and others with whom you serve

• Altruistically champion patient rights in a manner appropriate to your level of training
• Respect and assist faculty, staff and students
• Identify when patients’ needs supersede your needs
• Be aware when situations require the help or expertise of others (e.g., reporting abuse, assisting with social services agencies)

4. Demonstrate caring, compassion, empathy, respect and interpersonal skills

• Communicate in a polite tone and manner in all exchanges and encounters
• Communicate effectively, avoiding discipline specific terminology with patients, families and the public
• Use appropriate verbal and non-verbal communication to convey concern, pleasantness, compassion, and professionalism to others
• Communicate in a manner that is respectful of and sensitive to the patient’s and family’s age, orientation, culture and beliefs
• Be sensitive to the emotional needs of others demonstrating sensitivity, honesty and compassion during difficult conversations in a culturally competent manner
• Offer criticism or suggestions in a thoughtful and reasoned manner that fosters respect and trust
• Dress in professional and neat attire, including good personal hygiene, demonstrating respect for patients and others, as well as, following all dress code expectations during clinical training in accordance to the policies of each site

5. Demonstrate awareness of your own perspectives and biases

• Identify conscious and unconscious biases that might influence your interactions with patients and others

6. Assume responsibility and accountability for your education

• Recognize and take action to correct deficiencies in your behavior, knowledge and skill
• Request specific external feedback – measure that feedback against your own self-assessment
• Reflect on and take action to improve in response to feedback
• Seek to achieve deeper learning – learning from every patient you take care of and beyond clinical site learning objectives

7. Function effectively as a team member

• Fulfill assigned roles and request assistance and/or education when needed
• Demonstrate respect for knowledge, skills and expertise of other team members
• Recognize and embrace the role as a member of a team and contribute equally to the work of the team in a cooperative and considerate manner
• Self-regulate your behavior to positively impact the team environment
• Continue to develop and refine robust teamwork skills
• Maintain a professional and calm demeanor at all times, including highly stressful situations

8. Fulfill your responsibilities as a learner and a colleague

• Timely completion of all assignments and duties, effectively and to the best of one’s ability
• Be attentive and participate during learning activities
• Collaborate with classmates in active learning sessions – share your knowledge and skills with others around you 
• Complete administrative requirements in a timely manner (e.g., scheduling, evaluations) 
• Be punctual to all activities (abiding by UT PA Program attendance policy)
• Strive to contribute to a positive and professional learning environment 
• Provide respectful feedback to others to help their continued growth and development

9. Recognize and avoid conflicts of interest

• Recognize and avoid situations in which professional, commercial, or financial interests or activities have the potential to or actually influence academic, clinical and conduct obligations

10. Striving to balance in commitments to self and others

• Recognize signs of impairment in yourself and others and take appropriate action
• Strive to develop personal habits that promote social, physical and mental health
• Recognize the importance of self-care and personal wellness and its impact on others as a leader in the community

Assessment of Professionalism

Students are assessed in a variety of ways on their professionalism. These include self-evaluation, peer evaluations during group work, faculty evaluations during presentations and problem-based learning events, standardized patient assessment and preceptor evaluations.

Each course director utilizes the “professionalism and interpersonal skills assessment tool” to assess student skills in their course. A low score in any category or overall on this tool may result in academic warning, probation or a referral to the Progression, Promotion, Professionalism committee to discuss performance and remediation of behavior.

The program does not allow recordings with any audio or video communication device by students during any class, event or activity, unless express permission is gained from the course director. Each new lecturer in a course must grant permission for recording regardless of course director consent.

Conditionally accepted students may be permitted to delay matriculation for up to one year on a case by case basis. The written request must be submitted to the chair of the Progression, Promotion and Professionalism (PPP) committee as soon as possible, but no later than the first day of new student orientation. The request must include an explanation of circumstances for which the student is requesting a delay in matriculation, and how those circumstances will be resolved during the delay. Examples of personal circumstances that might prompt a deferment include, but are not limited to, medical emergencies and military service or family obligations that impact the ability to progress unimpeded in the program of study.

PPP committee chair: Kimberly Mularoni, kmularoni@ut.edu
Department chair: Johnna Yealy, jyealy@ut.edu

Deferred Admission Procedures

1. An email with detailed written request is sent by the student to the PPP chair requesting deferment.
2. The PPP chair will contact the student to verify the request and discuss plans for the deferral year. These will include preparation for the next cohort and alternative options. If deferment is rejected, students may stay with cohort of original acceptance or re-apply.
3. The PPP committee will meet to discuss and make a decision.
4. A letter will be sent to the student with deferral decision, conditions of deferment and student’s right to appeal if applicable.
5. The student may appeal the decision to the physician assistant medicine department chair, in writing, within five business days of receiving the decision.
6. The department chair will have two business days to respond to the appeal.
7. If the deferral request is rejected, the student must respond within two business days with their intent to enter as scheduled with the original cohort or their admission will be rescinded.

Deferred Admission Requirements

• The student has submitted, in writing, a request for deferred admittance to the next entering cohort no later than the first day of new student orientation. The written request includes explanation of circumstances for the request.
• The student meets all requirements for admission into UT’s physician assistant medicine program for the cohort with which they will be matriculating. Example: the student must meet any revisions to admission criteria between cohorts (GPA, prerequisites, etc.).
• Requests for deferral will be considered if there is probability that the motivating factors for such requests may be resolved prior to matriculation into the next cohort. Examples: military deployment, traumatic personal injury, medical diagnosis or family obligations that impact the ability to progress unimpeded in the program of study.

The student will be responsible for the current admission non-refundable fee for the cohort of matriculation. The student will be responsible for all tuition and fees for the cohort of matriculation.

Exam Policy

• High stakes exams are delivered by computer on computerized testing software.
• To maintain exam validity and academic integrity, students may not inquire about interpretation of exam items or content during the administration of the examination or assessment.
• If technical problems related to exam administration are encountered during the examination, the examination proctor should be notified immediately.
• All backpacks, notes, cell phones and any items other than your tablet/computer must be removed from the table and put inside your assigned locker prior to the start of the exam.
• During an examination, students may not have at their desk or on their persons:
  • Watches, cellphones, head coverings (except religious) or hats
  • Written material of any kind
  • Electronic devices, unless approved by the course director
  • No food or drink, including water
• Students should not leave the room during an exam. However, if a student needs to use the restroom, they must leave all their exam materials and electronic devices in the exam room. No more than one student may leave the room at a time. No access to the lockers or any other room. 
• Cheating is a violation of the school’s policy on academic honesty and grounds for dismissal.
• Students will have use of one sheet of paper from the program that they may use but will have to turn in at the end of examination. The program will provide a pencil to each student for the examination.
• Students will be provided a single pair of noise-cancellation earplugs by the program.

Computerized Testing Integrity:

Courses will use computerized testing to assess knowledge. The following parameters apply to all computerized, on-site, proctored examinations:

• The student should raise their hand if computer difficulties develop.
• Exams will be done through the computerized testing software that requires a lockdown browser.
• When a test is open, no other windows may be open simultaneously (unless otherwise instructed). The testing screen must be fully maximized.
• Once a student has left the room, they may not return until everyone has completed the exam.

Late for an Examination/Timed Assessment Policy

• Students MUST be in their seat and ready to take the exam 5 minutes prior to the scheduled exam time.
• Students arriving after an examination has begun will be allowed to take the examination, but no additional time beyond the scheduled conclusion will be allowed.
• If a student arrives for an examination after another student has completed it and left the room, he or she will not be allowed to take the examination. The ultimate decision of the allowance of a missed examination by the student will be made by the academic director and may be in an alternate exam format.
• Tardiness is considered unprofessional and may result in a professional conduct report.

Missed Examination Policy

• Due to personal emergencies or other exceptional circumstances, a student may miss sitting for an exam. If this occurs, it is the responsibility of the student to inform the course director immediately.
• The course director will consider each request on its individual merits and all decisions for either approval or denial shall be final.
• All missed exams due to medical illness (or your child’s illness) will require a provider excuse to be presented.
• It is expected that all students have reliable transportation. Lack of transportation is not typically approved as a reason for exam absence.
• Unexcused absence from an examination will result in a grade of zero (0) on that exam.
• If excused, the student must be prepared to take the exam on the day they return to class. The actual timing and type of the exam will be at the discretion of the course director and the make-up exam may not be the same as the original exam.
• It is at the course director’s discretion if the same exam/format or a different exam and exam format will be required as the make-up for a missed exam.

Exam Reliability and Storage Policy (Assessment Challenge):

The program will retain electronic copies of student examination grading and written assignments not returned to students until after the appeal period (usually one semester) in order to address any concerns regarding the assignment or recording of a grade. After that time, materials will be shredded to preserve the confidentiality of the student. The program utilizes the delineated graduate school academic policy in the event of final grade challenges.

Exam Item Review and Feedback

1. The course director, following the exam, will complete a test item review and address any poorly performing items. If necessary, concepts will be retaught in lecture.
2. Following the test item review, grades will be released within Canvas.
3. Refer to exam review policy on your cohort organization page for further information.

The faculty firmly believe that feedback is necessary to guide your continued learning and are committed to providing as much feedback as possible on concepts while maintaining the test item security.

As a program, the following test item discussion policy will be implemented moving forward:

1. Do not discuss exam questions with classmates before, during, or after the exam.
2. You absolutely may NOT post any exam question or partial exam question to a social media site or PA blog site — doing so will be cause for dismissal from the program.
3. You absolutely may NOT discuss OSCE scenarios — ever — or post them to a social media site or PA blog site. Doing so will be cause for dismissal from the program.
4. You absolutely may NOT re-create the exam questions in a word document or any other kind of document to create a test bank for future students. Doing so will be cause for dismissal from the program.

Sequestration for objective structured clinical events (OSCEs)

1. Students will be sequestered during all objective structured clinical events. Generally, this lasts 4 to 6 hours.  
2. Students will not be allowed to have cell phones, smart watches, or computers during the sequestration. Plan to bring printed material to review.
3. You may give the program's phone number to family for emergencies during sequestration ((813) 257-3071).

Grade Appeal

To appeal an individual exam grade or course grade, use the Grade Petition form located in your cohort’s Canvas site. It must be submitted within two days of grade posting.

Accommodation Policy for Exams

The UT PA program is committed to supporting accommodations for those students who require them. At the beginning of every semester, the student must send their accommodation letter to the PA academic or clinical director. Testing accommodations WILL NOT be granted in the PA program unless and until the student sends the letter to the academic or clinical director each semester. 

The following policy is in place for exams that require extended time:

1. Exam dates/times will be listed in the syllabus for students using their accommodations.
2. These exams must be taken at the time listed on the syllabus in the testing center.
3. Arriving late or starting an exam late at the testing center will not be tolerated. The late-to-exam or missed-exam policy will be applied.
4. Students are not allowed to deviate from the schedule published in the syllabus for accommodated exam and must make their exam appointment for the date/time listed on the syllabus at the testing center.
5. All exams will be given in the same format they are given to the cohort.
6. If a student chooses not to use their exam accommodations, they must notify the testing center and the course director at least 48 hours in advance or they must take the exam in the testing center as scheduled. Choosing to take the exam in the classroom will result in a forfeiture of accommodations.
7. Remediation exams will be given in the PA program during remediation week only.

Absences

Students are required to attend all scheduled classes. All requests for absences must be reviewed by the course director and academic director. Approval is not guaranteed. If approval is granted, there may be consequences for the student, including but not limited to, delayed progression and graduation, course incompletion or failure requiring a repeat, or program dismissal. It is the student’s responsibility to discuss the request and consequences with the course director.

Types of Absence Requests

The PA program follows the general attendance policy in the UT catalog. In addition, see the policies listed below.

1. Emergency/Unexpected Absence or Tardiness

Absences or tardiness due to unexpected medical and/or personal issues must be reported as soon as possible. Mode of notification should be based on student’s safety at the time of absence or tardiness.

All absences related to illness will require a statement from a health care provider. Absences of greater than three days due to illness or injury will require a statement from the student's health care provider (not a family member or friend) stating that the student is able to resume all activities fully, without limitation, as required by the program. This statement must be delivered to the course director immediately upon the student returning to class. Failure to notify the program in a timely manner may result in the absence being deemed "unexcused" and may result in disciplinary action by the PPP committee.

2. Expected/Planned Absence

Students are to attend all scheduled classes; however, the program understands that there may be exceptional circumstances for which class or scheduled activity may be excused. Requests for vacation trips, weddings of friends, graduations of friends and other circumstances should be approved by the course director with at least 30 days’ notice before the event if possible.

For these expected/planned absences, students must obtain permission from the course director(s) by email.

3. Unexcused Absences or Tardiness

An unexcused absence from class or repeated tardiness is considered unprofessional conduct. At the discretion of the course director, the student's professionalism assessment (via Professional Assessment Tool) for that course may be affected, and/or the final grade may be decreased by up to 10% (noted in the syllabus), and/or the student may be referred to the PPP Committee for discussion and action. In all situations, students are responsible for the material and assignments presented during the time of absence including all examinations and unannounced quizzes.

Unexcused Tardiness

Unexcused tardiness and leaving class early are considered to be unprofessional behavior. On first instance, the instructor will document tardiness by sending the student an email about their tardiness with a copy to the Faculty Advisor and Academic Director. If second instance occurs, the instructor will document tardiness by sending the student an email about their tardiness with a copy to the Faculty Advisor and a copy to the Program Director. At this point, the Faculty Advisor will meet with the student for an advisor meeting where the Faculty Advisor will document meeting via Advisor Form. Further instances of tardiness could result in referral to the PPP Committee.

Absence Approval Process

1. The student will email all course directors for courses their absence will affect.
2. The course director will notify the student as soon as possible (but within three business days) of the decision regarding the approval of the absence request and/or will provide the student with further information regarding next steps to discuss the request for absence.

Extended Absences

Any continuous or cumulative absence of 7 days or greater in a single semester will result in consideration of continued enrollment in the program.

Absences Due to Religious Observations Policy

The program's policy follows the University's policy on these specific absences.

The PA program is on an individualized academic schedule. See the PA academic schedule in your cohort’s Canvas for information on breaks and holidays.

It is the policy of the UT PA program to utilize a Progression, Promotion and Professionalism Committee chaired by the medical director to complete the following tasks:

• Review each student’s performance and make a progression recommendation to the program director (progression from one semester to the next semester).* (See the progression/promotion/graduation policy for academic standards related to progression, promotion or graduation)
• Review each student’s performance and make a promotion recommendation to the program director (promotion from one phase to the next).* (See the progression/promotion/graduation policy for academic standards related to progression, promotion or graduation)
• Review each student’s performance and make a graduation recommendation to the program director.*
• Review student’s performance related to academic professional concerns and make recommendations for probation, remediation, deceleration and/or dismissal to the program director.
• Review student’s performance related to academic grade concerns and make recommendations for probation, remediation, deceleration and/or dismissal to the program director (serving in the role of the Academic Integrity Review Board).
• Review student deferral request for admission into the program.

*See the progression/promotion/graduation policy for academic standards related to progression, promotion or graduation.

The committee consists of:

• Medical director - chair
• Faculty member
• Simulation director
• Remediation coordinator
• Program director - ex officio member (invited for guidance or to provide information but non-voting)

The committee will participate in scheduled meetings the last month of each semester and will meet as needed otherwise. Meetings will be documented on the PPP Committee form. Faculty advisors may participate in the meeting to provide input.

Referral to Committee:

Students may be referred to the PPP committee for the following:

• Egregious professionalism lapses
• Two professional conduct reports (cumulative)
• A score of “1” on any professionalism assessment
• Failure to meet the academic standards listed in the probation policy.

Notifications:

• The committee is responsible for placing a student on probation for failure to meet academic standards and notifying the student, faculty advisor, program director and Office of Graduate Studies (OCGS) for a GPA less than 3.0 (or failure in a pass/fail course) at the end of any semester.
• During the clinical phase, a student will go on probation immediately upon failure of a module (rotation) and will be notified by the clinical director, who will notify the student, the PPP chair and faculty advisor. The PPP chair will notify the program director and OGCS at the end of the semester.
• All other recommendations are first sent to the program director for review and affirmation.

Appeal

• Students may appeal decisions, other than probation due to academic standards, to the program director within seven days by written appeal with rationale for appeal. The student may email the appeal.
• The program director will respond within seven days to the appeal.
• The next appeal would be to the College of Natural and Health Science Appeals Committee through email to the dean of the College of Natural and Health Sciences.
• Appeal of a course or rotation grade/failure – see grade appeal policy. It is not the function of the PPP to hear appeals of individual or final grades.

• The institution addresses the safety of students on campus through the Department of Campus Safety.
• The dedicated PA facility has key card entry controlled access; therefore, only PA students and faculty have access to their floors in this building.
• Safety and security for students on clinical rotations are addressed during the clinical year orientation. These rely on the personal safety and security measures in place for the staff at each clinical facility.
• Personal safety measures also include student instruction in the application of universal precautions and risks of bloodborne pathogens during the program’s didactic phase prior to potential exposure.
• Call 911 for any emergency event and then follow the reporting procedure listed below. When calling 911 from the GHSB on campus, the physical location is 350 UT Archway Lane.
• The incident reporting process and procedure for reporting safety and security events on campus during the didactic phase are to complete the complaint form here: https://www.ut.edu/about-ut/university-services/campus-safety/file-a-report.
• The incident reporting process and procedure for reporting safety and security events at clinical sites is to contact the clinical director immediately and complete the advisor form describing the incident.
• For occupational health and safety incidents that occur on campus, notify your course director and complete the incident form located here: https://www.ut.edu/academics/environmental-health-and-safety-(ehs)/accident-/-incident-reporting.
• For occupational health and safety incidents that occur at clinical sites, follow the site specific protocol and notify the clinical director immediately.

Teaching-Out Policy

• In the event of PA program closure or loss of accreditation, the UT PA program will establish a teaching-out plan that is in alignment with institutional policy and meets regional accreditation requirements and/or federal law. If, for any reason, the UT-PA program is prohibited from teaching out currently enrolled students then all reasonable attempts to execute a teaching-out agreement with currently accredited PA programs will be made. The written agreement between the UT-PA program and the accepting institution will provide for the equitable treatment of students and an opportunity for students to complete their program within a reasonable period of time.
• Accepted applicants into the next class would be notified of the program’s closure and change in accreditation status and applicants would be refunded all deposits required for enrollment. The teaching-out plan and agreement for students would be submitted to the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and ARC-PA for approval prior to execution.
• The procedure to implement the plan will be as follows: the program director/department chair will coordinate the teaching out of students with UT senior institutional officials in the event the accrediting authority allows the action. If not, the program director/department chair will contact regionally accredited PA programs to initiate a teach-out agreement and coordinate with senior institutional officials.

Regarding faculty grievances, the Department of PA follows the UT Faculty Handbook, Chapter 5: Rights, Privileges, and Benefits of Members of the Faculty .

Regarding faculty sexual harassment, the Department of PAM follows the UT Faculty Handbook, Chapter 6: University Policy Statements.

• Information related to the institution's policy and procedures for processing students' allegations of harassment that is sexual in nature can be located at https://www.ut.edu/about-ut/university-services/human-resources/title-ix-.
• The University of Tampa and the PA program foster a campus culture that is inclusive and supportive to aid in student success and persistence efforts through the core values of diversity and inclusion. To learn more about this and how to process a complaint or concern related to bias or discrimination, please visit this webpage and follow the BERT policy: https://www.ut.edu/diversity-equity-and-inclusion/bias-education-resource-team-(bert).
• The PA Program policy for student mistreatment is located on this page in A3.15 Academic/Curriculum Standards.

• It is the policy of the program to describe, publish and make readily available information on policies and procedures on refunds on the UT PA website and in informational brochures.
• Costs and Billing
• Brochure

• All student program policies apply to all PA students regardless of location.
• All faculty/administrative program policies apply to all principal PA faculty regardless of location.
• All faculty/administrative program policies apply to the program director/medical director regardless of location.

PA students will be informed of program policies and practices in multiple ways:

• Program policies are posted on the PA program webpage.
• During orientation, program policies will be reviewed and discussed. Students will sign an attestation of completion of online policy review and participation of policy discussion during orientation.
• During clinical orientation, the student clinical handbook and policies will be discussed. Students will sign attestation of review to document their awareness of the policies and practices.

• Students are not required to solicit or recruit clinical sites and/or preceptors.
• Refer to the clinical placement policy in the Clinical Phase Student Manual for more information.

• The PA program is rigorous in nature and students are highly discouraged from working while enrolled. Working will not be considered a valid reason for class, lecture or clinical rotation absence.
• Students are never required to work for the PA program.

• Students may not substitute for instructional faculty. Students may voluntarily share the knowledge and expertise they have developed in previous health profession training or work experience, but they are not required to lecture for the program.
• Students may not be utilized as clinical or administrative staff while on clinical rotations. If this occurs, contact the clinical director immediately.

The UT PA program student dress code policy states that students must clearly identify themselves as a UT physician assistant student by wearing their UT PA student ID, embroidered lab coat and/or embroidered scrubs.

A student dress code policy has been established that follows the guidelines of the clinical sites utilized for training UT students. It is both a professionalism and curricular expectation that students adhere to the dress code in all settings. A violation of the dress code will be addressed by the professionalism committee; persistent violations of dress code policy may result in dismissal from the program.

Classroom Area: Classroom and Labs

Patient Care Areas – Clinical Sites: inpatient and outpatient, during didactic phase and community medicine course/Didactic Interprofessional Seminar (DIPS) events

Identifying self in any setting: At no time should a student, either by virtue of his/her skills or knowledge attained while progressing through the UT physician assistant medicine program, misrepresent himself/herself as being other than a PA student. Students may not use previously earned titles and credentials in any correspondence regarding or related to the UT physician assistant medicine program (i.e., RN, Ph.D., RD, etc.).

The following items are considered appropriate.

Appropriate:

• Official program-issued PA student ID badge
• Flesh-colored ear gauges
• Clean and neat PA program-approved scrubs or professional dress and closed-toe/heeled shoes
• During lab, the short, waist-length (consult) lab coat provided by the PA program may be required at times; students will be informed in advance when it is required.
• Hair must be well groomed, neat and appear as a natural hair color. Long hair should be secured off the shoulders and behind the ears when performing procedures of any kind.
• Facial hair is acceptable as long as it is neatly groomed.
• PA program-issued waist-length white coat (consult) is required to be worn.
• Business professional attire is required to be worn at all times. For example, men should wear a collared shirt, tie (optional), dress slacks and shoes. Women should wear a blouse/shirt, slacks or dress. Skirts and dresses must be conservative and professional in length, style and fabric. Slacks must not reveal underclothes. Bear in mind that as you examine patients and perform procedures you may be kneeling or bending over in front of or across the patient. In all instances, clothes should be professional and not revealing.
• If the clinical site approves, PA program-approved or other scrubs may be worn to the site.

Prohibited:

• Mini-skirts/tube-tops/shorts/T-shirts
• Excessive jewelry/facial piercings
• Flip-flops/open-toes shoes
• Jeans/denim/leggings/sportswear — jogging and attire, gym wear, swimwear and sweatshirts (may wear UT PA logo gear)
• Excessively tight, short or baggy clothing
• Clothing that exposes skin in the chest, abdomen, shoulders and /or midriff area
• Low-cut tops/dresses, sleeveless tops/dresses (unless covered by a sweater or jacket)
• Undershirts, undergarments or spandex are not acceptable as outerwear. Undergarments must not be visible, either by color or outline, and must be worn at all times.
• Students are expected to bathe frequently, and body odor should be avoided.
• Perfume and cologne should be avoided due to patient sensitivity.
• Baseball caps or other hats/hoodies (except head coverings required for a rotation activity or prescribed for religious/cultural observation) are not permitted in the classroom or on rotations. Students are responsible for checking with rotation/clinical staff regarding regulations and rules for dress and head coverings specific to individual rotation policies.

Note: Additional regulations will apply during testing.

Student Clinical Rotation Dress Code

• The program requires students to wear their UT short, white lab coats at all times while on rotations unless otherwise designated by the preceptor/site. The lab coat is emblazed with the students first and last name, PA student (title), UT PA program patch and UT minaret. All identify the student as a UT PA program student. Students are also required to display their UT student identification name badge at all times during rotation.
• Identification may be required by specific sites at which the student is rotating, this should be in addition to program-required identification, not in lieu of. If a student loses their student ID or lab coat they must stop their rotation and not return until the items are replaced. Students are responsible for the replacement costs of all lost items. Time missed from rotation is subject to the SCPE absenteeism policy.
• Students must dress in a professional manner best suited to the rotation environment (program scrubs, black scrubs, or professional attire). All attire must be clean, pressed and without damage.

Whether in the classroom or clinical site, students may choose to adorn their lab coats, scrubs or clothes with pins that represent the PA profession or UT. No other adornment is approved.

• During the admission process into UT, the student must refer to Orientation Health Forms and follow the UT required process for documentation of immunizations and health examinations for full-time domestic graduate students. Note that the due date is July 1 for fall matriculates. The UT health center does not share these forms/documents with the PA program.
• In addition to the above, the PA program requires all students to meet the health and immunization requirements recommended by the CDC for health professionals found at Recommended Vaccines for Healthcare Workers. Documentation of these immunizations will be maintained by the UT Dickey Health and Wellness Center.
• In regards to COVID-19 immunization, the CDC recommendations for health profession students can be found here (Healthcare Workers: Information on COVID-19). The PA program does not currently require the COVID-19 vaccine for our PA students, but we highly recommend that each student receive it if they are eligible (3.12.2021).
• Students will be sent the PA program health form and must return it before matriculation. This form must be completed by the student’s healthcare provider and returned directly to the PA program.
• Once completed, students must maintain compliance with all CDC-recommended immunizations throughout the program or they will not be allowed to participate in patient care in clinical settings.

Specific health/immunization requirements:

• Proof of current health insurance. The physician assistant medicine department requires that PA students have current health insurance. This is mandatory for each year of enrollment in the program. Students will be required to provide a copy of their insurance card to the program in August of each year. This will be maintained in the student file.
• Full-time graduate students at UT have the option of voluntarily purchasing a health insurance policy through United HealthCare Student Resources. This policy may be used at the UT Dickey Health and Wellness Center for covered benefits. To learn more or to purchase this policy, call United HealthCare Student Resources Customer Service at (888) 224-4846. For more information, visit UT Health Center Insurance Information.
• Proof of influenza vaccination is required annually; it must be given by the end of October of each year enrolled.
• Proof of negative TB status will be required before students begin their clinical phase of training. The required TB test will be based on clinical site recommendations. This information will be placed on the student’s Canvas site during the Fall 2 semester.
• Students are financially responsible for the cost of maintaining compliance with health, health insurance and immunization requirements.

• The PA program has a commitment to protect the health and well-being of students, faculty, staff and patients. As part of their training, PA students may encounter exposure to infectious and/or environmental hazards. This may include being exposed to human donors and preservative chemicals such as formaldehyde in the anatomy lab, latex or other products such as gloves that may contain allergens, and exposure to communicable infectious disease which may be transferred via airborne, mucous membrane splashes or needle-stick exposures in the clinical setting. Examples of bloodborne pathogens and communicable disease may include tuberculosis, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV. Women of child-bearing age may also have additional considerations, such as minimizing exposure to infectious diseases, possible teratogens or chemical exposures or exposure to ionizing radiation.
• While the risk of transmission is small, the program has a number of processes in place to minimize risk.
• Prevention is the first step in student safety; therefore, students are required to show proof of appropriate immunity, or documented immunization, as part of their matriculation requirements and prior to the onset of actual patient contact.
• During the didactic year of training, presentations are given on universal blood and body fluid precautions, infection control and prevention of the spread of communicable disease. These are included in orientation week activities. In addition to instruction on how to prevent exposures, students will receive instruction on what constitutes an exposure and the procedures for care and treatment after an exposure. In the event the exposure occurs on campus, students will be referred to the local emergency room or urgent care center for care. The academic director will complete an incident report and notify the appropriate UT official of the incident.
• In the event of respiratory or gastrointestinal illness, students are advised to follow health provider recommendations to self-isolate at home until they are no longer potentially infectious to others.
• Students also will be provided with safety policies to follow in the anatomy laboratory (as detailed in the anatomy lab manual). Allergy to formaldehyde and/or latex (previous and subsequent to enrollment) must be verified by a health care provider. The student must give this information to the Academic Success Center, where the coordinator of disabilities services is based, in order for protective mask/cartridge or other accommodations to be considered for payment.
• Additional instruction on procedures for care and treatment of exposures in the clinical setting will be provided as part of orientation to the clinical education phase. Students should follow the process in place at their clinical training site and then notify the clinical director to complete an incident report form at the program.
• The student is financially responsible for any costs incurred secondary to infectious and/or environmental hazardous exposures.
• Effects of infectious or environmental disease or disability: acquisition of an infectious or environmental disease may impact student learning activities and outcomes. Students must be able to meet published health requirements at all times in order to continue matriculation in the program and to provide care at clinical sites. Based upon outcomes and degree of infectious or environmental hazard exposure, a student’s continued participation in classroom and/or clinical activities as part of the PA program may be delayed or prevented. In the event that the student contracts a communicable disease which potentially poses a risk to patients or co-workers (e.g., tuberculosis), steps will be taken to prevent dissemination in accordance with public health and/or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention protocols.
• To request accommodation for latex allergy, the student must provide proof of allergy that must be submitted with the student’s request at Documentation of Disability. For questions regarding documentation requirements, contact the associate director of Student Accessibility and Academic Support at (813) 257-3266 or accessibility.services@ut.edu.
• Certain communicable diseases may also be reported to county or state health authorities, as required by law. A list of reportable disease for Florida may be found at Reportable Diseases/Conditions in Florida (PDF).

• The PA faculty (including the program and medical directors) are not allowed to provide medical care to students or access student health records, but may facilitate referrals to health facilities.
• Preceptors are not allowed to provide medical care to students or access student health records.

• To provide timely access and referral of students to services addressing personal issues which may impact the student’s progression in the PA program, the program has partnered with UT Counseling Services to provide up to six visits of free counseling on campus for PA students regardless of the student’s insurance status. The PA program will be billed for these services without identifying student information.
• Full-time graduate students at UT have the option of voluntarily purchasing a health insurance policy through United HealthCare Student Resources (see UT Health Center Insurance Information). UT medical services is not contracted to provide services under any other health insurance policy other than the student health insurance listed above. This policy may be used at the Dickey Health and Wellness Center for covered benefits. To learn more or to purchase this policy, call United HealthCare Student Resources Customer Service at (888) 224-4846.
• For services that are not covered by student health insurance, medical services charges a reasonable fee at the time of visit. Otherwise, there are multiple local medical providers for which students may seek health care.
• Students with health or personal issues that arise while enrolled in the PA program are encouraged to discuss any educational program related concerns with the program director or their faculty advisor. The PA faculty (including the program and medical directors) may not provide medical care to students or access student health records, but may facilitate referrals to health facilities.

Mental Health Support, After Hours Crisis and Emergency Care

The University of Tampa provides a 24/7 confidential student support line that is staffed by licensed professional counselors through a partnership with Christie Campus Health. Students that need in the moment support, after-hours crisis assistance or emergency concerns should contact (833) 755-0484 for immediate support.

• See PA Program Accreditation Status
• See PA Program Brochure

It is the policy of the program to describe, publish and make readily available information on its success in achieving its goals on the UT PA website: PANCE Results, Program Goals and Outcomes webpage.

It is the policy of the program to describe, publish and make readily available information on the PANCE pass rates on the UT PA website: PANCE Results, Program Goals and Outcomes webpage.

• It is the policy of the program to describe, publish and make readily available information on the curricular components on the UT physician assistant medicine website and in informational brochures.
• Curriculum
• Brochure

• It is the policy of the program to describe, publish and make readily available information on the academic credit offered by the program on the UT PA website and in informational brochures.
• Curriculum
• Brochure

• It is the policy of the program to describe, publish, and make readily available information on the estimates of all costs related to the program on the UT PA website and in informational brochures.
• Costs
• Brochure

It is the policy of the program to describe, publish and make readily available the following information on the UT PA website and in informational brochures.

1. admission and enrollment practices that favor specified individuals or groups
2. admission requirements regarding prior education or work experience
3. policies and procedures concerning awarding or granting advanced placement
4. any required academic standards for enrollment
5. any required technical standards for enrollment
   • Admission practices
   • Brochure

A3.15 Academic Curriculum Policies PDF

• PA students and other unauthorized persons are not allowed to have access to the academic records or other confidential information of other students or faculty.
• To ensure that PA student’s academic or confidential information is handled in confidence, PA faculty complete FERPA training. More information can be found at FERPA for Faculty and Staff.

• PA student health records are confidential and are not accessible to or reviewed by program faculty or staff, except for immunization and tuberculosis screening results, which are retained and released with written permission from the student.
• The program does not consider needle stick/sharp reports, results of drug screening or criminal background checks a part of the health record.