Physician Assistant Studies

Program Policies of Interest to Current and Prospective Students'

The following policies are published for current and prospective students in compliance with the 6th edition of the ARC-PA Accreditation Standards.

A3.01 - Program policies are published, readily available, and consistently applied to all students, principal faculty, staff, and the program director regardless of their location.

Policy published in the Student Handbook

The University of Toledo Division of Physician Assistant Studies and University of Toledo policies, including the Main Campus and the Health Science Campus policies, the College of Graduate Programs, and the College of Medicine and Life Sciences (COMLS), apply to all students, principal/instructional faculty, and program directors, regardless of location or whether students are completing their didactic or clinical-year courses. The policies of any other institution or facility where students, principal faculty, and the program director may be assigned also apply. A signed clinical affiliation agreement or memorandum of understanding may specify that those at the clinical site may supersede specific program policies.

A3.02 - The program publishes, makes readily available, and consistently applies a policy that PA students are not required to work for the program.

Policy published in the Student Handbook 

15.0     EMPLOYMENT

15.6 – The PA Program does not allow students to work for the PA Program in paid or volunteer capacity under any circumstances. This includes prohibitions on substituting or functioning as the following:

    1. Substitute for or function as instructional
    2. Substitute for or function as clinical or administrative

A3.03 The program publishes, makes readily available, and consistently applies a policy that PA students do not substitute for or function as: a) instructional faculty, and b) clinical or administrative staff

Policy published in the Student Handbook 

15.0     EMPLOYMENT

15.6 – The PA Program does not allow students to work for the PA Program in paid or volunteer capacity under any circumstances. This includes prohibitions on substituting or functioning as the following:

    1. Substitute for or function as instructional
    2. Substitute for or function as clinical or administrative

A3.04 The program publishes, makes readily available, and consistently applies a policy that requires PA students to be clearly identified in the clinical setting to distinguish them from other health profession students and practitioners. 

Policy published in the Student Handbook

15.0     EMPLOYMENT

15.7 - Students employed or volunteering in health care fields or settings not associated with The University of Toledo are not permitted to identify themselves as physician assistant students while employed in another capacity.

15.8 - A physician assistant student, while acting as a student of UToledo, may not identify themself by any other title, profession, or practice under any additional professional license.

29.0     PROFESSIONALISM

  1. Accurate Representation

A student should accurately represent themselves to patients and others on the medical team.

1. Physician assistant students must always be readily identifiable in the didactic and all clinical areas where other health professionals or patients are likely to be encountered. Per University of Toledo policy, all students visibly display their University of Toledo identification badge above the waist while on campus.

2. When meeting another health professional or a patient, a physician assistant student must introduce themselves as a “Physician Assistant Student” and do so with sufficient clarity to ensure that the other person understands. Additionally, clinical sites may require an extra identification badge (to be worn in addition to the UToledo identification badge).

A3.05 The program publishes, makes readily available, and consistently applies policies addressing student exposure to infectious and environmental hazards before students undertake any educational activities that would place them at risk. Those policies: a) address methods of prevention, b) address procedures for care and treatment after exposure, and c) clearly define financial responsibility 

Policy published in the Student Handbook 

24.0     INJURY POLICY AND PROCEDURE

24.1     Student Occupational Exposure/Needlestick

The College of Medicine and Life Sciences ensures that students are educated about exposure to infectious and environmental hazards, methods of prevention, and procedures for care and treatment should exposure occur.

Student Occupational Exposure to Blood-Borne Pathogens/Needle Stick and Airborne Pathogens/Tuberculosis (Policy # 3364-81-04-016-04). Student Occupational Exposure. The information is summarized below. Please go to the link to review the policy in its entirety.

 Education Requirement:

Education about air- and bloodborne pathogens must occur before students’ first contact with patients and their first contact with human tissue, blood products, and body fluids.

Relevant Policies and Procedures:

Note: All referenced policies and procedures can be accessed on the University of Toledo policy website: UToledo Policies.

24.2     Blood/Body Fluid Exposure

Universal blood and body fluid precautions lessen the risk of exposure to such fluids, and these precautions must be used routinely.

In the event of exposure:

  1. Excuse yourself and decontaminate (wash with soap and water) the exposed site
  2. Report the exposure to your immediate supervisor (Attending/Fellow/Resident physician).
  3. Seek immediate medical care for treatment without
    1. If at the University of Toledo Medical Center: Go to the Emergency Department and identify yourself as a UToledo COMLS Graduate Physician Assistant Student.
    2. If at a ProMedica site: Contact the Ouch Line (1.877.880.6824). You will either be directed to the Emergency Department or 360 Health for evaluation.
    3. If at an outside facility: Follow the host institution's policy, if unknown, or go to the Emergency

 Follow up at the Student Health Center on the Medical Campus after immediate treatment to review the results of baseline testing, provide additional counseling and support, assess medication side effects and compliance, and prescribe additional medication if necessary.

Reporting and documentation:

  1. Notify the Office of Student Affairs
    1. Notify the Office of Student Affairs and complete an Injury/Illness Report form: Employee Injury Illness Form.
    2. The completed form should be sent to Heather Lorenz in Health and Safety at lorenz@utoledo.edu
    3. The Office of Student Affairs will contact Office of Environmental Health and Radiation Safety (Sr. Safety and Health Specialist): Safety Contact Department

 Payment:

  • If you are at the University of Toledo Medical Center Emergency Department/Occupational Health:
    • All charges will be waived
  • Outside facility:
    • If the hospital does not cover the cost, then the University of Toledo College of Medicine will cover the student’s out-of-pocket costs up to a maximum of $1000.00.
    • Medical insurance should be billed
    • Any out-of-pocket cost, such as co-pays, will be paid by UTCOMLS up to $1,000.00.
    • Students must promptly present all medical bills to the Office of Student Affairs, which will connect with COMLS finance for payment/reimbursement.

Student Wellness Center for follow-up care:

  • The student will be responsible for any additional testing

Contact for questions:

  • Director of Student Health — Student Health Center 383.3745
  • Senior Associate Dean for Student Affairs and Admissions- 383.4055

A3.06 The program publishes, makes readily available, and consistently applies policies that preclude the program director, medical director, and principal faculty from participating as healthcare providers for students in the program, except in emergency situations. 

Policy published in the Student Handbook 

22.0     HEALTH REQUIREMENTS AND BACKGROUND CHECKS

22.4 Policy on Provision of Medical Care to PA Program Students

The program faculty, instructional faculty (guest lecturers, faculty outside the PA Program, and clinical preceptors), program director, and program medical director are prohibited from providing medical care to students in the PA Program, except in emergency situations. Please visit the Student Wellness Center for information on student healthcare providers.

A3.07 The program publishes, makes readily available, and consistently applies written procedures that ensure timely access and timely referral of students to services addressing personal issues that may impact their progress in the PA program. 

Policy published in the Student Handbook

12.0     STUDENT SUPPORT POLICY

The Physician Assistant (PA) Program is dedicated to creating a supportive learning environment that fosters student well-being and academic excellence. Recognizing that personal issues can affect academic performance and professional development, the program will provide timely access to, and/or referrals for, services that address personal, psychological, emotional, or health-related concerns. The PA Program will facilitate prompt connections to institutional or external resources, aiming to minimize disruption to students’ academic progress.

  • Calling and/or emailing the Program during office hours (8:00 am – 4:30 pm): 419-383-5408 OR
  • Contacting the Program Director during office hours: 419-383-5410 OR
  • Calling and/or emailing the Faculty Clinical Coordinator: 419-383-5352,
  • Students can also contact the Office of Student UToledo Office of Student Affairs

A3.08 The program publishes, makes readily available to current and prospective students, and consistently applies a policy stating that PA students are not required to provide or solicit clinical sites or preceptors. 

Policy published in the Student Handbook

16.0          Soliciting Clinical Sites Policy

The Program is responsible for recruiting, training, overseeing, and assigning students to all supervised clinical practice experiences. Students are not required to provide or solicit clinical sites or preceptors. Students can identify potential training sites. Please see the PA Program Clinical Manual for more information.

A3.09 The program publishes, makes readily available to current and prospective students, and consistently applies policies based on current CDC health professionals’ recommendations and applicable state or country mandates for: a) minimum immunization and health screening of students, and b) international travel (for programs offering international curricular components)

Policy published in the Student Handbook 

 22.0       Health Requirements and Background Checks

Our health requirements comply with the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) for healthcare providers.

CDC: CDC Vaccine Schedules Adult Medical Conditions

*Note: Note that the medical condition in the far right column is being a medical provider.

Ohio Department of Health (ODH): Ohio.gov Immunization Recommendations for College Students

Health Requirements:

  • Health requirements:
    • Physical Exam (yearly)
    • 2-Step PPD processing
    • Tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular (T-DAP) or Tetanus-diphtheria within the last 10 years
    • Immunization records for Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella (chicken pox) or proof of immunity by titer
    • Immunization records for Hepatitis B vaccination and a positive Hepatitis B Surface Antibody
    • Influenza vaccinations
  • COVID-19 vaccination is not However, COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters are strongly recommended.
  • Drug screening (if required by clinical site)

Every Student must present evidence of good health to Student Health Services before matriculation in the Physician Assistant Program. In addition, students are required to complete an annual physical and PPD to remain in compliance throughout the program. The program will provide forms and procedures. Additionally, students must meet the health requirements of each clinical site before beginning a rotation.

In most cases, site health requirements include, but are not limited to, a physical examination, up-to-date immunizations or immunity against mumps, measles, rubella, varicella, and hepatitis B, a 10-panel drug test, and a negative TB skin test. Clinical sites may impose additional requirements, such as the COVID-19 vaccine.

Students can schedule an appointment at the University Student Wellness Center to fulfill the requirements. Please see the clinical manual for more information.

Policy # 3364-81-04-033-00 COMLS Health and Immunization Requirements.

COMLS Policy webpage: UToledo COMLS Policy Page

A3.11 The program publishes and makes readily available to enrolled and prospective students current program information, including:

a. the program’s ARC-PA accreditation status as provided to the program by the ARC-PA

The program’s ARC-PA accreditation status can be found on the Physician Assistant Program, The University of Toledo webpage.

b. evidence of its effectiveness in meeting its goals 

The evidence of the effectiveness of the program meeting its goals can be found on the Program Goals and Outcomes webpage.

c. the current annual “NCCPA PANCE Exam Performance Summary Report Last 5 Years” listing pass rates at each distant campus individually provided by the NCCPA through its program portal, when complete or no later than April first (4/1) of each year 

The NCCPA PANCE exam performance summary can be found on the About the Program webpage.

d. all required curricular components and the delivery method 

The required curricular components and delivery methods can be found on the Curriculum webpage.

e. academic credit offered by the program

The academic credit offered by the program can be found on the Curriculum webpage.

f. estimates of the total cost of enrollment

The estimated total cost of the program can be found on the COSTS AND FINANCIAL AID webpage.

g. program-defined competencies for entry level practice

The program defined competencies can be found on the About the Program webpage.

h. which services and resources are only available, or differently available, to students and faculty on the main campus when the program is offered at a geographically distant campus location

Information on the services and resources available to students can be found in the Student Handbook – Student Support Services section

i. current annual student graduation rate information, on the table provided by the ARC-PA, no later than April 1st (4/1) of each year

Information on the annual Graduation rate can be found on About the Program webpage.

A3.12 The program publishes, consistently applies, and makes readily available to enrolled and prospective students any admission and enrollment practices that address: a) favored or preferred characteristics, individuals, or groups (if applicable), b) prior education, c) awarding or granting advanced placement, d) required work experience, and e) required technical standards for enrollment.

Information on groups that receive special considerations, prior education, awarding or granting advanced placement, and required work experience can be found on the Prospective Students webpage.

The required technical standards for enrollment can be found on the Technical Standards webpage.

A3.14 The program publishes, consistently applies, and makes readily available to enrolled and prospective students:

a. any required academic standards to maintain enrollment and progress in the curriculum

Policy published in the Student Handbook 

6.0   REQUIREMENTS FOR PROGRESSION AND COMPLETION OF THE PROGRAM

6.1   In the event a student earns less than an overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 at the end of a semester, the student will be placed on academic probation. The program will review the student's progress at the end of each semester. A student may be restored to good academic standing by attaining a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater.

6.2   Students on academic probation cannot request a leave of absence.

6.3   If a student fails to achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.0 after one semester on academic probation, their academic record will be reviewed by the program for possible dismissal from the program.

6.4   To remain in good academic standing in the Physician Assistant Program, a student must:

a. maintain a current cumulative GPA of at least 3.0,
b. successfully complete each clinical rotation, and
c. successfully complete all program summative assessments and requirements.

6.5   To complete the Physician Assistant Program, a student must complete each course outlined in the program's curriculum outline, including satisfactory completion of the Scholarly Project and all program requirements. In addition, a student must be in good academic standing after completing the prescribed program with a minimum grade point average of 3.0, as required by the College of Graduate Studies. UToledo Catalog and Graduate Programs Procedures and Policies

6.6   Deadline requirements for completion of the program

Students must complete all requirements of the program within 42 months.

b. requirements and deadlines for completion of the program

Policy published in the Student Handbook 

6.0   REQUIREMENTS FOR PROGRESSION AND COMPLETION OF THE PROGRAM

6.1   In the event a student earns less than an overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 at the end of a semester, the student will be placed on academic probation. The program will review the student's progress at the end of each semester. A student may be restored to good academic standing by attaining a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater.

6.2   Students on academic probation cannot request a leave of absence.

6.3   If a student fails to achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.0 after one semester on academic probation, their academic record will be reviewed by the program for possible dismissal from the program.

6.4   To remain in good academic standing in the Physician Assistant Program, a student must:

a. maintain a current cumulative GPA of at least 3.0,
b. successfully complete each clinical rotation, and
c. successfully complete all program summative assessments and requirements.

6.5   To complete the Physician Assistant Program, a student must complete each course outlined in the program's curriculum outline, including satisfactory completion of the Scholarly Project and all program requirements. In addition, a student must be in good academic standing after completing the prescribed program with a minimum grade point average of 3.0, as required by the College of Graduate Studies. UToledo Catalog and Graduate Programs Procedures and Policies

6.6   Deadline requirements for completion of the program

Students must complete all requirements of the program within 42 months.

 

c. policies and procedures for remediation 

Policy published in the Student Handbook 

5.0   ACADEMIC INTERVENTION AND REMEDIATION

5.1   IN-COURSE INTERVENTION POLICY

  1. Students whose exam scores are below a “C” for a didactic course receive in-course interventions, such as tutorial sessions or additional written assignments.
  2. Students are required to meet with the Course Director each time they score a grade below passing on exams. The course Director has discretion regarding scores below passing on quizzes and assignments.
  3. Some courses may have different exam grade thresholds for meeting with the Course Director. For example, the Course Director may require a meeting if the exam grade is below a “B.” However, all courses require a meeting with the Course Director with an exam score below a “C.”
  4. Students must meet with the Academic Enrichment Center (AEC) after the first time they score a grade below passing on an exam. Subsequent meetings are at the AEC’s discretion.
  5. Students with a grade below a “C” must contact the Course Director and AEC within two business days of receiving their exam grades. Failure to comply with this policy will result in a verbal professionalism warning. (See the Professional Policy).

Follow this link to schedule an appointment at the AEC: https://www.utoledo.edu/med/depts/aec/. *Click on academic coaching.

5.2   END-OF-COURSE REMEDIATION POLICY

a. Students with a cumulative course grade at the end of the semester within ten percent of the required passing grade (between 59.5% and 69.4%) for the course will be provided an opportunity for end-of-course remediation, for example, a written examination.

b. Remediation must be completed before the first day of the subsequent semester. Unless the Course Director determines an alternative remediation schedule.

c. Successful remediation:

i. Students who remediate successfully will be awarded the letter grade of a “C.”
ii. Successful remediation will demonstrate knowledge and skill acquisition for all course objectives. Beyond these requirements, course directors may implement in-course remediation as they see fit.

d. Unsuccessful remediation:

i. Unsuccessful remediation will result in the student’s original grade as the final grade (before the remediation exam).

5.3   END-OF-SEMESTER REMEDIATION POLICY

a. Students with a cumulative or semester GPA <3.0 are considered on academic probation. They must meet with their PA Program Advisor and the Academic Enrichment Center (AEC) learning specialist, even if they have already met with the AEC. Please see the Academic Standing Policy below.

b. Students with a cumulative or semester GPA ≤ 3.3 after the first semester must meet with the Academic Enrichment Center (AEC) learning specialist if they have not already done so.

c. The amount and frequency of meetings may vary based on the discretion of the Academic Enrichment Center (AEC) and/or PA Program Faculty. The student must coordinate meeting times with the AEC, who will send an attendance log to the program. If you would like to meet with your advisor in addition, please email them to schedule a meeting.

d. policies and procedures for deceleration

Policy published in the Student Handbook 

7.0   DECELERATION

Only students who take a Leave of Absence (LOA) are eligible for deceleration. Under no other circumstances will a student be allowed to decelerate. See the PA Program Leave of Absence Policy (LOA) below.

ARCPA definition of deceleration: the loss of a student from the entering cohort, who remains matriculated in the PA Program.

e. policies and procedures for withdrawal 

Policy published in the Student Handbook 

20.0 WITHDRAW

20.1 A student may voluntarily withdraw from the program at any time.

20.2 Withdrawal from a single course is not permitted.

20.3 Any student who withdraws (without an LOA) or is dismissed from the program must reapply through CASPA and to the University of Toledo PA Program to be considered for re-admission. Applicants for re-admission are evaluated along with new applicants during the program’s regular admission cycle.

20.4 Procedure for withdraw

Please read through each step below to consider before withdrawing from any course.

Step 1: Contact the Program Director to discuss procedures and policies related to withdrawing from the program

Step 2: Contact Rocket Solution Central (RSC) at rsc@utoledo.edu, 419.530.8700, or Rocket Hall 1200 to find out how withdrawing will affect you financially. It is important to understand how changing your credit hours may affect your financial aid (loans, grants, scholarships) now and in the future.

Step 3: Determine the best option for your situation BEFORE you withdraw. If you decide withdrawal is the best option for you, please write and email the program director of your intention to withdraw from the PA Program.

Step 4. If you are a military-connected student, please consult with the Military Service Center before withdrawing from the program. Webpage: https://www.utoledo.edu/military/

Step 5. If you are an International Student, please contact the Office of International Student & Scholar Services before withdrawing from the program. Webpage: https://www.utoledo.edu/cisp/international/

For questions regarding the withdrawal process, please contact the Office of Graduate Success and the Office of the Registrar.

f. policies and procedures for dismissal

Policy published in the Student Handbook 

9.0 ACADEMIC DISMISSAL DUE TO ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE DEFICIENCY

9.1   The program shall consider recommending the dismissal of a student from the program to the Program Director on the grounds of academic deficiencies if that student does one or more of the following:

    1. requires remediation in more than one course in a semester
    2. does not achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.0 after one semester on academic probation
    3. fails an EOR exam, fails a re-take of an EOR exam, and/or fails a clinical rotation evaluation, totaling three times during the clinical year
    4. fails to successfully complete one of the program's summative assessments
    5. fail to successfully pass the PAEA End-of-Curriculum Examination per the policies in the clinical manual
    6. fails to complete all requirements of the program within 36 months, excluding all time spent on a leave of absence (LOA.).

9.2   The Program will, by majority vote, agree to a decision about the issue. The decision shall be reduced to a written statement of findings and actions and communicated to the student and the Senior Associate Dean of COMLS Graduate Programs.

9.3   Appeal of Academic Dismissal

  1. A written request for an appeal of dismissal must be received by the Dean of COMLS Graduate Programs within 10 days following the issuance of the written decision by the Program Director, or any further right to appeal is waived.
  2. The Dean of the COMLS Graduate Programs may personally review the materials, including:
    1. the letter provided by the program
    2. academic transcripts and/or
    3. meet with the student to discuss any specific concerns, or may
    4. Appoint an ad hoc committee of any number, which may include individuals from outside the College of Medicine & Life Sciences, to hear the student's appeal and make a recommendation to the Dean of COMLS Graduate Programs.
  3. Upon review of the evidence presented and the concerns raised by the student, and upon receipt of the ad hoc committee's written recommendation, the Dean of the COMLS Graduate Programs may consider the recommendations of that panel and may choose to uphold, reverse, or return the findings and recommendations to the original committee for reconsideration of some or all their findings or recommendations.
  4. The Dean of the COMLS Graduate Programs will provide the decision regarding all findings to the student. If the decision of dismissal is upheld, the Dean of the COMLS Graduate Programs will inform the Dean of COMLS, the Chair of Family Medicine, the Physician Assistant Program Director, and the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies.

9.4   The student shall have the right to appeal this decision of the Dean of the COMLS Graduate Programs according to the due process and appeals policy for COMLS graduate students.

COMLS Graduate Student Grade Grievance Policy #3364-77-02. UToledo COMLS Graduate Studies Academic Grievance

9.5   Disciplinary Action

Generally, the implementation of disciplinary action will be suspended until all appeals made by the student have been exhausted. However, the Program Director, Chair of Family Medicine, or Dean of COMLS may, at their discretion, impose interim suspensions and/or restrictions on the student if they believe that the alleged conduct in any way concerns the patient and/or public (including faculty and other students) safety, or when dismissal from UToledo COMLS is a possible sanction.

Procedure for Dismissal

If you are dismissed from the PA Program, the program will contact the Office of the Registrar.

Step 1: Contact the Program Director to discuss procedures and policies related to dismissal. The dismissal process involves the student withdrawing from their courses.

Step 2: Contact Rocket Solution Central (RSC) at rsc@utoledo.edu, 419.530.8700, or Rocket Hall 1200 to find out how withdrawing will affect you financially.

g. policies and procedures for student grievances

Policies published in the Student Handbook 

8.0   APPEAL OF FINAL GRADE

Students in the Physician Assistant Program, College of Medicine and Life Sciences (“COMLS”) of The University of Toledo may dispute a final grade only when they feel that there has not been an equitable application of the department or course’s policies and procedures for student evaluation and grading. Students may not dispute a final grade for the following reasons: 1) the policies and procedures for student evaluation and grading, or 2) a grade due to dissatisfaction with the assigned grade.

COMLS Graduate Student Grade Grievance Policy #3364-81-10: UToledo COMLS Graduate Studies Academic Grade Grievance

9.0   ACADEMIC DISMISSAL DUE TO ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE DEFICIENCY

9.1   The program shall consider recommending the dismissal of a student from the program to the Program Director on the grounds of academic deficiencies if that student does one or more of the following:

    1. requires remediation in more than one course in a semester
    2. does not achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.0 after one semester on academic probation
    3. fails an EOR exam, fails a re-take of an EOR exam, and/or fails a clinical rotation evaluation, totaling three times during the clinical year
    4. fails to successfully complete one of the program's summative assessments
    5. fail to successfully pass the PAEA End-of-Curriculum Examination per the policies in the clinical manual
    6. fails to complete all requirements of the program within 36 months, excluding all time spent on a leave of absence (LOA.).

9.2   The Program will, by majority vote, agree to a decision about the issue. The decision shall be reduced to a written statement of findings and actions and communicated to the student and the Senior Associate Dean of COMLS Graduate Programs.

9.3   Appeal of Academic Dismissal

  1. A written request for an appeal of dismissal must be received by the Dean of COMLS Graduate Programs within 10 days following the issuance of the written decision by the Program Director, or any further right to appeal is waived.
  2. The Dean of the COMLS Graduate Programs may personally review the materials, including:
    1. the letter provided by the program
    2. academic transcripts and/or
    3. meet with the student to discuss any specific concerns, or may
    4. Appoint an ad hoc committee of any number, which may include individuals from outside the College of Medicine & Life Sciences, to hear the student's appeal and make a recommendation to the Dean of COMLS Graduate Programs.
  3. Upon review of the evidence presented and the concerns raised by the student, and upon receipt of the ad hoc committee's written recommendation, the Dean of the COMLS Graduate Programs may consider the recommendations of that panel and may choose to uphold, reverse, or return the findings and recommendations to the original committee for reconsideration of some or all their findings or recommendations.
  4. The Dean of the COMLS Graduate Programs will provide the decision regarding all findings to the student. If the decision of dismissal is upheld, the Dean of the COMLS Graduate Programs will inform the Dean of COMLS, the Chair of Family Medicine, the Physician Assistant Program Director, and the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies.

9.4    The student shall have the right to appeal this decision of the Dean of the COMLS Graduate Programs according to the due process and appeals policy for COMLS graduate students.

COMLS Graduate Student Grade Grievance Policy #3364-77-02. UToledo COMLS Graduate Studies Academic Grievance

9.5   Disciplinary Action

Generally, the implementation of disciplinary action will be suspended until all appeals made by the student have been exhausted. However, the Program Director, Chair of Family Medicine, or Dean of COMLS may, at their discretion, impose interim suspensions and/or restrictions on the student if they believe that the alleged conduct in any way concerns the patient and/or public (including faculty and other students) safety, or when dismissal from UToledo COMLS is a possible sanction.

Procedure for Dismissal

If you are dismissed from the PA Program, the program will contact the Office of the Registrar.

Step 1: Contact the Program Director to discuss procedures and policies related to dismissal. The dismissal process involves the student withdrawing from their courses.

Step 2: Contact Rocket Solution Central (RSC) at rsc@utoledo.edu, 419.530.8700, or Rocket Hall 1200 to find out how withdrawing will affect you financially.

h. policies and procedures for student appeals

Policies published in the Student Handbook 

8.0   APPEAL OF FINAL GRADE

Students in the Physician Assistant Program, College of Medicine and Life Sciences (“COMLS”) of The University of Toledo may dispute a final grade only when they feel that there has not been an equitable application of the department or course’s policies and procedures for student evaluation and grading. Students may not dispute a final grade for the following reasons: 1) the policies and procedures for student evaluation and grading, or 2) a grade due to dissatisfaction with the assigned grade.

COMLS Graduate Student Grade Grievance Policy #3364-81-10: UToledo COMLS Graduate Studies Academic Grade Grievance

i. policy for student employment while enrolled in the program

Policies published in the Student Handbook 

15.0        EMPLOYMENT

15.1      Students enrolled in the Physician Assistant Program are cautioned regarding accepting employment. The intensity and continuity of the program are such that employment may detract from course responsibilities. During the clinical year, students may be on call for evening, night, weekend, or emergency duty, and some rotations involve frequent shifts.

15.2      If a student finds it financially necessary to work, they must provide a written notification to the Program Director that includes the schedule. A student's Program schedule will not be amended to accommodate outside employment.

15.3      Employment will not be considered an acceptable excuse for violating the PA Program attendance policy.

15.4      Employment should not interfere with satisfactory student performance in program activities.

15.5      A potential conflict of interest may occur when a clinical training site is the student’s place of employment. In such cases, the PA Program will reassign the student; in no case will a student's training overlap with employment.

15.6      The PA Program does not allow students to work for the PA Program in paid or volunteer capacity under any circumstances. This includes prohibitions on substituting or functioning as the following:

    1. Substitute for or function as instructional faculty.
    2. Substitute for or function as clinical or administrative staff.

15.7  Students employed or volunteering in health care fields or settings not associated with The University of Toledo are not permitted to identify themselves as physician assistant students while employed in another capacity.

15.8  A physician assistant student, while acting as a student of UToledo, may not identify themself by any other title, profession, or practice under any additional professional license.

j. policy for student travel to required rotation sites

Policies published in the Student Handbook 

14.0 TRANSPORTATION

Students must provide their own transportation to all didactic educational experiences and all clinical sites.

A3.15 Programs granting advanced placement document within each student’s file that those students receiving advanced placement have: met program-defined criteria for such placement met institution-defined criteria for such placement demonstrated meeting the learning outcomes for the curricular components for which advanced placement is given

The policy regarding advance placement is published on the Prospective Students webpage.

The UToledo PA Program does not provide advanced placement or advanced standing for any students.

 

Last Updated: 8/28/25