Policies

Admissions

There are no specific policies or practices that favor specific groups of applicants. Each application is reviewed and the merits are considered individually.

https://medicine.yale.edu/pa/admissions/prerequisites-experience-skill/#academic-prerequisites

https://medicine.yale.edu/pa/admissions/policy/#policy-on-advanced-placement

https://medicine.yale.edu/pa/admissions/prerequisites-experience-skill/#healthcare-experience

Academic Progression and Program Completion

The criteria for promotion from one semester to another are listed below. At all times, students must adhere to the Yale PA Program’s Professionalism Policy, the Yale PA Program Technical Standards, and the Yale School of Medicine Human Relations Code of Conduct.

Satisfactory progression during the DIDACTIC phase requires:

• Mandatory attendance for all skills-building and group learning sessions
• Successful completion of all courses; see individual course syllabi for details
• Documented adherence to standards of professional behavior
• 75% or greater in the Patient Assessment I, II, and III courses
• 85% or greater on the physical examination practical exam
• Completion of training in HIPAA, blood borne pathogens, respiratory fit, and ACLS
• Compliance with Yale School of Medicine and university vaccination policy
• Satisfactory performance of skills during Transition Week, including phlebotomy, suturing and other clinical and technical skills

Satisfactory progression during the CLINICAL phase requires:

• 75% or greater on clinical rotation final grades
• Attendance and participation in the Practice Enhancement Course (a.k.a., Callback Curriculum)
• Documented adherence to standards of professional behavior
• Attendance at all mandatory sessions, including professionalism and practice-related sessions, and capstone-related events
• Compliance with HIPAA and YSM vaccination policies

Satisfactory completion of the Yale PA Program requires the successful completion of both the didactic and clinical phases of the program and:

• Attendance at all mandatory professionalism, practice-related, and skills-building sessions held during all phases of the Program
• 75% or greater on the Capstone project
• 75% or greater on Summative Assessments

Students must complete all program requirements within 42 months of matriculation. If the student is not able to complete the program within this time frame, the student must withdraw and will be required to reapply to the program.

Remediation is an educational process designed to identify and address deficiencies in academic performance, clinical skills, or professional behavior and to support successful progression through the Yale Physician Associate Program. Remediation requirements are individualized based on the nature and severity of the identified deficiency.

Didactic Phase

Students will be required to complete remediation for:

• Course failure: A student who does not achieve the minimum passing grade specified in a course syllabus must successfully complete a faculty-approved remediation plan before continuing in the program. A failing course grade remains on the student's official transcript.
• Module examination failure: In Basic Science, Pharmacology, and Clinical Medicine, failure to achieve the minimum passing score on a module examination requires remediation, even when the overall course grade is passing. Required module remediation must be completed within the timeframe established by faculty and before progression to the next trimester.
• Professionalism concerns: Professionalism is evaluated throughout the didactic phase. Concerns may include, but are not limited to, attendance, punctuality, preparation, communication, integrity, receptiveness to feedback, respect for others, adherence to program policies, and professional conduct. Minor or isolated concerns may be addressed through feedback or counseling; significant, persistent, or repeated concerns will require formal remediation.

Clinical Phase

Students will be required to complete remediation for:

• End-of-Rotation (EOR) examination failure: An EOR examination score below 75% requires completion of the Program's EOR remediation assignment within the timeframe established by the Program. Failure of an EOR examination does not, by itself, constitute failure of the clinical rotation.
• Clinical rotation failure: A final clinical rotation grade below 75% constitutes a failed rotation and requires individualized remediation addressing identified deficiencies. Remediation is required in addition to repeating the failed rotation.
• Professionalism concerns: Professionalism is an integral component of clinical education. Concerns may include, but are not limited to, attendance, punctuality, preparation, communication, integrity, receptiveness to feedback, respect for patients and members of the healthcare team, adherence to program and clinical site policies, and professional conduct. Minor or isolated concerns may be addressed through feedback or counseling; significant, persistent, or repeated concerns will require formal remediation.
• Summative Assessment failure: A grade below the passing threshold on the first attempt for any portion of the summative assessment will require remediation. A grade below the passing threshold on the second attempt on any portion of the summative assessment will be referred to the Progress and Promotions Committee for further action.

Remediation Process and Outcomes

A student required to remediate will meet with appropriate faculty to establish an individualized remediation plan. The plan will identify the deficiency, required remediation activities, and timeframe for completion. Remediation may include additional assignments, directed study, reassessment, skills practice, reflection, counseling, simulation, or other faculty-directed educational activities.

Successful remediation requires the student to meet the standard established by the Program for the identified deficiency. Remediation requirements and outcomes will be documented and maintained in the student's academic record.

Failure to successfully complete required remediation, recurrence of a previously remediated deficiency, or significant or repeated deficiencies may result in referral to the Progress Committee and may lead to deceleration, delayed graduation, or dismissal from the Program. Serious concerns involving patient safety, academic integrity, harassment, discrimination, or other significant misconduct may be referred directly to the Progress Committee or addressed through applicable University policies and procedures without a prior remediation opportunity.

Deceleration is defined as delaying graduation by up to one year to retake a course or clinical rotation to achieve a passing grade. This may require the student to withdraw or take a leave of absence and later re-enter the program with the following class. Any student request for deceleration (for personal or academic reasons) must be made in writing to the Program Director. Additional tuition and fees may apply. Evaluation by the Student Accessibility Services office (SAS) may be required. The student is responsible for any expenses associated with such testing. Students must complete all program requirements within 42 months of matriculation. If the student is not able to complete the program within this time frame, the student must withdraw and will be required to reapply to the program.

Students considering withdrawal from the Yale Physician Associate Program are required to meet with their faculty advisor and the Associate Director for Student Affairs or the Program Director to discuss their circumstances; understand the academic and personal implications of withdrawal; and to explore available options such as academic support, leave of absence, or other alternatives. They will also be advised to consult with the Registrar and the Office of Financial Aid to understand any financial implications of withdrawal.

Should a student determine that withdrawal is the appropriate course of action, an official request for withdrawal from the program must be submitted. The Yale University Request for Formal Separation or Leave of Absence Form must be submitted to the Program Director, with a copy provided to the Associate Director of Student Affairs and the Registrar. If approved, the effective date of withdrawal will be the date the withdrawal request is approved by the Program Director.

Students are responsible for resolving all outstanding financial obligations to Yale University. Tuition adjustments, if applicable, are governed by Yale University’s official refund policies. Students receiving financial aid, including federal loans or external funding (e.g., Veterans Affairs benefits or federal service-based scholarship), are required to consult with the Office of Financial Aid to understand the impact of withdrawal on their funding and any repayment responsibilities.

If a student initiates withdrawal while simultaneously undergoing academic or professional review by the Progress and Promotions Committee (including but not limited to academic warning, probation, or disciplinary action), the outcome of that review will take precedence and will remain part of the student’s permanent record, even if the withdrawal is completed.

Upon withdrawal, the student will be administratively removed from all enrolled courses. If withdrawal occurs during a clinical rotation, the student will be withdrawn from that rotation. Any course or rotation not completed due to withdrawal will be assigned a grade of incomplete.

Students who withdraw from the Yale Physician Associate Program and later wish to return must reapply through the standard admissions process, including submission through CASPA. Readmission is not guaranteed. If readmitted, students may be required to repeat coursework and comply with all current Program requirements in place at the time of re-entry. The Program will determine, on a case-by-case basis, whether any previously completed coursework will be accepted toward degree requirements.

Inability to make satisfactory academic progress, behavior that is inconsistent with the program’s professional expectations, or inability to maintain the Technical Standards (with reasonable accommodation, if necessary), may result in dismissal from the Yale PA Program. If the Progress Committee recommends dismissal, the individual student case is automatically referred to the Academic Affairs Committee (details described below). Dismissal from the program may also result when a student who is on probation is unable to satisfactorily maintain the academic or technical standards established under the terms of probation. The PA Program Director, or their designee, will communicate dismissal from the program in writing to the student.

Penalties of probation, suspension or dismissal will be permanently noted on the student’s transcript. Pending disciplinary charges will be noted on a student’s transcript if the student withdraws from the program after being formally charged but before such charges have been resolved. A student who has been dismissed for a disciplinary violation may petition for a degree to be awarded, at the discretion of the Academic Affairs Committee, based on work completed before the infraction occurred. The student may not be eligible for the NCCPA PANCE exam even if a degree is awarded.

A student dismissed for academic misconduct will not receive a degree regardless of requirements fulfilled before the infraction occurred. In addition to imposing these penalties for offenses subject to disciplinary action, the University may refer students for prosecution, and students found guilty of unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs or alcohol on university property or as part of any University activity may be required to complete an appropriate rehabilitation program.

Clinical Education and Responsibilities

Students are not required to perform work duties for the PA Program. Students are not permitted to substitute for clinical or administrative staff during supervised clinical practice experiences (rotations). Students are not permitted to substitute for instructional faculty. Violation of these policies will result in a referral to the Progress Committee.

In clinical settings and as directed by the program, all students must always wear a short white lab coat with their name and ID clearly visible. Students are required to identify themselves as a “Physician Associate Student,” regardless of previously earned credentials. Long coats are reserved for professional graduates only and may not be worn by PA students. Surgical scrubs may not be worn outside of the immediate clinical area in which they are indicated. To misrepresent oneself as a graduate physician associate or as another health care provider either verbally or by wearing inappropriate clinical attire (i.e., long white coat) is considered a violation of the Code of Ethics which will be subject to disciplinary action.

PA program faculty will recruit clinical rotation sites and preceptors and will assign students to both mandatory and elective rotation sites as appropriate. Students may provide suggestions to clinical faculty for clinical sites or preceptors but are not required to do so. Suggested sites or preceptors may only be vetted by program faculty.

Employment outside the Program: Due to the time-intensive nature of the Yale School of Medicine Physician Associate Program curriculum, students are discouraged from working while enrolled in the program. Any student who chooses to work while in the program is expected to attend scheduled classes and fulfill all required activities of the program. A student who chooses to work may not switch classes, labs, special assignments, or clinical rotations to accommodate a work schedule.

If the student’s academic or clinical performance falls below the minimum program standard, the Program Director may recommend that the student terminate their outside employment. This recommendation will be made in writing and placed in the student’s file.

Clinical training sites are primarily located in the state of Connecticut, with a limited number of sites in adjacent states. Students must have reliable means of transportation to and from clinical rotation sites and must be prepared for commute distances up to 65 miles each way.

Students are required to participate in day, evening, and overnight shifts, weekend shifts, and on-call schedules as required by the clinical rotation site. Shifts may also fall on holidays or over holiday breaks.

Student Health

Students training to become PAs are required to maintain health insurance coverage throughout their training. All eligible enrolled students attending Yale at least half-time and working towards a Yale degree, receive many Yale Health services, including primary care. Your status as an eligible Yale University professional student automatically makes you eligible for and enrolls you in Yale Health Basic Student Health Services. If you are eligible for Yale Health Basic Student Health Services, the university requires you to obtain additional coverage for hospitalization and specialty care; unless you waive Hospitalization & Specialty Care coverage, you are automatically enrolled in and billed for that coverage as well.

Please see the following link if you choose to waive Hospitalization and Specialty coverage.

Methods of Prevention

Before participating in clinical or other educational activities that may place them at risk, students receive instruction regarding the prevention of and response to infectious and environmental hazards. All students are required to complete Bloodborne Pathogens training and Respiratory Fit Testing before participating in activities involving potential exposure to bloodborne or airborne infectious diseases. Students are also required to follow standard precautions, use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and comply with the safety and exposure-control policies of the clinical site.

Standard precautions are required for the care of all patients. Students must:

• Perform hand hygiene before and after patient contact, after contact with blood or body fluids, and after removal of gloves.
• Wear gloves when contact with blood or body fluids, mucous membranes, nonintact skin, or contaminated equipment may occur.
• Use gowns, eye protection, masks, or other PPE when procedures may result in splashing or spraying of blood or body fluids.
• Follow appropriate sharps-safety and infection-prevention practices at all times.
• Complete required Bloodborne Pathogens training before participating in activities involving potential exposure to blood or body fluids.
• Follow the safety and exposure-control policies of the clinical site.

Procedures for Care and Treatment After Exposure

In the event of a percutaneous, mucous membrane, or nonintact skin exposure to blood or body fluids:

1. Wash or irrigate the exposed area immediately with soap and water. Irrigate eyes with water or saline.
2. Notify the supervising clinician immediately. The supervising clinician will facilitate appropriate source-patient testing, as permitted.
3. Seek immediate medical evaluation. For Yale New Haven Hospital (YNHH) rotations, students should report to Occupational Health (203-688-2462) Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. After hours and on weekends, students should report to the YNHH Emergency Department (203-688-2222) or the emergency department at their clinical site.
4. Contact Student Health (203-432-0312) to arrange follow-up care and for additional questions or concerns. After hours and on weekends, contact Acute Care (203-432-0123).
5. Complete an incident report in accordance with the policies of the clinical site.
6. Follow any additional exposure-management procedures required by the clinical site.

Students receive an exposure-response card for quick reference and should keep it readily accessible for quick reference.

Financial Responsibility

In the event of an infectious or environmental exposure, the student is responsible for any costs associated with evaluation, testing, treatment, or post-exposure prophylaxis that are not covered by the student’s health insurance. These costs may include copayments, deductibles, coinsurance, and charges for services that are not covered by the student’s insurance plan, whether care is received from an in-network or out-of-network provider or facility. The Yale Physician Associate Program may provide financial assistance toward eligible costs associated with a blood or body fluid exposure.

If traveling abroad for a global health clinical elective, students are required to bring post-exposure prophylaxis medication which will be provided at no cost to the student.

The program director, medical director, and principal faculty cannot participate as healthcare providers for students in the program, except in emergency situations. Student medical records are maintained at Yale Health in the Department of Student Medicine.

The Yale PA Program requires that all students comply with required immunizations and health screening requirements established by Yale University, Connecticut State regulations, and applicable Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations for healthcare personnel and students in health professions. Yale Health administers and determines compliance with these requirements. Please review the following resources for current student health requirements and obligations:

https://yalehealth.yale.edu/new-student-health-requirements

Health Requirements Information PDF

All Yale Health Immunizations forms are due prior to arrival at Yale and usually by July each year. This includes an immunization form that must be completed to meet Connecticut State Law and Center for Disease Control Requirements. Once submitted, the student’s record is reviewed, and the student is contacted if they do not meet requirements. Yale Health maintains immunization documentation and when deficiencies are identified, they will contact the student to rectify the deficiency. If you do not meet the immunization requirements, you will be placed on “Health Hold” until they have been met. You will not be able to register for class or attend clinical rotations until all immunization requirements have been met. If a student does not comply with the standards for immunization, they will not be permitted to continue in the program.

Students traveling internationally for academic, clinical, or other program-related activities are responsible for obtaining appropriate pre-travel health guidance and meeting all applicable health and immunization requirements for their destination. Yale Health recommends that students schedule a travel health consultation approximately 6–8 weeks before departure as some vaccines require multiple doses or must be administered a specified period before travel. Travel health recommendations are based on the student's destination, purpose of travel, planned activities, and individual health risks.

For international travel, the Yale PA Program follows Yale University and Yale Health requirements and refers to current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations, including destination-specific CDC travel guidance for recommendations regarding travel-related immunizations, prophylaxis, and other health precautions. Students participating in international clinical activities are required to meet all applicable requirements before departure, including any additional requirements established by the destination, clinical site, or program.

Travel health services are not a covered benefit. You will be charged for travel consultations and travel immunizations at Yale Health and all other locations. Travel health services are also offered locally at CVS Minute Clinics or Concentra in New Haven.

Questions about travel consultations or travel immunizations can be directed to the Student Health Department at 203-432-8148. Additional information can be found at this link: https://yalehealth.yale.edu/more/travel-health-services-students.

Additionally, all students are covered by International SOS for both business and pleasure travel. International SOS is not a medical insurance program, but provides international and domestic emergency medical, security and travel assistance anywhere in the world, including emergency medical evacuation and repatriation, emergency political and security transportation, natural disaster evacuation services, medical and travel assistance services and personal security services. For more information about International SOS please see the following link: https://ogc.yale.edu/erm/ISOS

Student Grievances and Appeals

Yale is a community committed to fostering an environment of mutual respect and intellectual discovery in which all students can thrive. Yale does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, status as a special disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era or other covered veteran. The Yale Physician Associate Program follows the University’s policy that governs any case in which a student has a complaint against a member of the YSM faculty or administration of the program.

Reporting Mistreatment, Unprofessional or Disruptive Behaviors

Students may choose to address unprofessional or disruptive behaviors directly with the person engaging in the behavior or to share their concerns with leadership within their program or school. The following faculty and resources are available to provide guidance and to help students through informal or formal complaint procedures related to mistreatment, unprofessional or disruptive behaviors:

Program Director and Associate Dean for PA Education:

Alexandria Garino, PhD, PA-C, alexandria.garino@yale.edu

Associate Director for Student Affairs:

David Brissette, MMSc, PA-C, david.brissette@yale.edu

Associate Director for Academic Affairs:

Courtney Fankhanel, MMSc., PA-C, courtney.fankhanel@yale.edu

In the event a student wishes to pursue reporting anonymously, one can report a concern with the Office of Academic and Professional Development (OAPD) at https://medicine.yale.edu/oapd/professionalism/addressingconcerns/, call 203-785-2101 or email: oapd.acadprof@yale.edu.

Sexual Misconduct Resources

Yale takes all complaints and accusations of sexual misconduct seriously. If you or a colleague seek assistance with an issue of sexual misconduct at the School of Medicine, please contact one of the school's Title IX coordinators.

If you need to speak to someone confidentially, you may contact Sexual Harassment and Assault Response & Education Center (SHARE) at this 24/7 hotline: 203-432-2000.

The University-Wide Committee on Sexual Misconduct is a source of information and responds to formal complaints.

SHARE: Advocacy, Information, and Counseling 24/7 hotline: 203-432-2000

Some legal and medical options are very time-sensitive, so if a student has been assaulted, we encourage them to call immediately. Counselors can talk over the phone or meet in person at Yale Health or the Yale-New Haven Emergency Room. If it is not an acute situation, students may call SHARE directly at 203.432.0310 during business hours or contact staff by visiting the following URL for contact information: https://sharecenter.yale.edu/contact-us

Sexual Misconduct Policies and Related Definitions

https://smr.yale.edu/find-policies-information/yale-sexual-misconduct-policies-and-related-definitions

Sexual Misconduct Response & Prevention

https://smr.yale.edu/

Title IX and Equal Opportunity Resources:

Title IX Coordinators

https://medicine.yale.edu/myysm/personal-resources/sexual-misconduct-resources/ - ysms-title-ix-coordinators

Resources to Address Discrimination and Harassment Concerns

https://oiea.yale.edu

The Yale Police Department and possible Legal Action

203-432-4400 (24/7)

https://your.yale.edu/community/public-safety

The Yale Police Department has officers who are trained sexual assault/rape investigators. They work closely with the New Haven State’s Attorney, SHARE, the Title IX Coordinators, and various other departments within the University. Talking to the police does not commit you to collecting evidence or pressing charges; with very few exceptions, all decisions about how to proceed are up to you.

Students who disagree with the decisions of the Progress Committee may have the decision reviewed by the Program Director. However, suspension pending disciplinary review may not be challenged or appealed. A request for appeal must be made to the Program Director in writing within 10 business days of notification of the committee’s decision and must indicate the reason for the appeal. The Program Director may disallow the appeal if these conditions are not met. The Program Director will review the student’s written appeal and meet with the student. They will review earlier actions and recommendations, if any, of the Progress Committee to ensure that deliberations were conducted fairly and equitably, conclusions were justified, and any remediation requirements or other actions imposed were appropriate. The Program Director may accept, reject, or modify the recommendation of the Progress Committee and will typically issue the decision within four (4) weeks of receipt of the request for appeal.

Students who disagree with the plan of action set forth by the Program Director, or in the case of recommendation for program dismissal the actions of the Academic Affairs Committee, may have the decision reviewed by the Deputy Dean for Education of the Yale University School of Medicine. The appeal to the Deputy Dean for Education must be made within 10 business days of notification of the Program Director’s decision and must indicate the basis for the appeal. The Deputy Dean for Education may disallow the appeal if these conditions are not met. The Deputy Dean for Education will review the student’s written appeal and meet with the student. They will also review the actions and recommendations of the Progress Committee and/or the Academic Affairs Committee to ensure that deliberations were conducted fairly and equitably, and conclusions were justified. The Deputy Dean for Education may accept, reject, or modify the recommendation of the Progress Committee and/or the Academic Affairs Committee. The Deputy Dean for Education will typically issue a reconsidered decision within four (4) weeks of receipt of the request for appeal.