Program Overview
Click here for more information on the Pacific University PA Studies Program.
The program is 27 months total. It is divided into a Didactic Phase and a Clinical Phase. The Didactic Phase occurs over 14 months and is located at the health professions campus in Hillsboro, Oregon. The Clinical Phase occurs over 13 months and is located at sites throughout the United States, including Oregon, and some select international sites. Students also complete a graduate project during the Clinical Phase.
Program Details
Program Learning Outcomes
The Pacific PA Studies Program Competencies are available on the PA Studies Program website.
Program Transfer Policy
Transfer credits are not accepted.
Program Graduation Requirements
All curricular components must be successfully completed in the designated timeframe and with a passing grade (PASS) to graduate. Students must also remain in compliance with University and PA Studies program policies.
Program Grading
All courses are graded PASS (P) or NO-PASS (NP). An INCOMPLETE (I) may be issued if all the requirements of a course are not successfully completed in the designated timeframe for that course (ex. due to health or other emergency). In this case, the student is notified of the components that must be successfully completed and given a timeframe to complete them in order to PASS. If the components are not successfully completed in that timeframe then a NO-PASS is issued.
Program Academic Standing
During the Didactic Phase students have a defined number of opportunities to achieve passing grades (PASS) on courses. A student who NO-PASSES a didactic course and progresses to Remediation through Extended Learning (REL) will be on Academic Probation. If that student successfully PASSES REL they will return to Academic Good Standing.
During the Clinical Phase a student will be on Academic Probation if they NO-PASS a clinical course (they will remain in Academic Good Standing). A student who NO-PASSES a clinical course is notified of actions that must be taken and given a timeframe to complete those actions in order to PASS. If the actions are not satisfactorily completed in the timeframe then a NO-PASS is issued.
Program Policy for Withdrawl
A student may choose to withdrawal at any time. Courses that have been completed will receive a grade of PASS or NO-PASS. The transcript will not show courses that have not started. If a student wishes to re-enroll they will need to complete the application process to be considered for admission.
Program Policy for Leave of Absence
A student may request a Leave of Absence (LOA). If approved, the student will need to complete an Action Plan to return. Depending on the time frame for the LOA, the student may return with their original cohort or may return with a subsequent cohort.
Program Policy for Dismissal
Dismissal from the program may occur if a student does not PASS a curricular component. Dismissal may also occur for non-compliance with University and PA Studies program policies. Students are regularly notified of their academic standing and provided opportunities to improve before dismissal.
Program Licensure
The program is accredited by ARC-PA. Students who graduate are eligible for the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE). Click here for more information on Pacific PA Program Licensure.
Employment While Enrolled in the Program
Students are strongly encouraged to not work while enrolled. Students are required to attend all program-related activities and will not be granted an excused absence for work obligations.
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