Policies

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.

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.

The Yale PA Program requires that all students comply with required immunizations and health requirements based on Yale University policy and Connecticut State regulations. Please click on the following links that outline student requirements and obligations:

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

https://yalehealth.yale.edu/sites/default/files/2026-01/yale student health req info - website download 01.29.26.pdf

All Yale Health Immunizations forms are due prior to arrival at Yale (August 1st 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.

Influenza Vaccination and TB Screening

All health professions students are required to receive annual immunization against influenza. Students can receive the influenza vaccine through the University Health Services Center for no fee. Students should contact Graduate Student Health regarding recommendations for antiviral prophylaxis and their ability to continue to work with patients should they develop influenza or other potentially contagious diseases. Certain clinical rotation sites will not allow students to participate in patient care if they cannot provide proof of having received that season’s flu vaccination or appropriate waiver documentation. This may affect the student’s rotation schedule and/or ability to be placed in certain settings.

Tuberculosis screening is required within 6 months of matriculation which consists of one of the following: TB Blood Test or IGRA. A positive screening test must be followed up by Chest X-ray and description of any treatment for TB with documentation.

For clinical students: Some sites may require documentation of students' immunization records and proof of tuberculosis testing (negative PPD, QuantiFERON gold or clear CXR if +PPD) within the past calendar year. All students should have current copies of their immunization records and most recent TB testing uploaded to Exxat and therefore available to sites, as sites may not allow students to proceed onto their rotation if adequate documentation of immunizations and/or tuberculosis testing is not provided. Although CDC recommendations for PPDs have been revised, many sites are still requiring annual TB testing. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you keep your TB testing current. Please contact Student Health at Yale Health by calling 203-432-0312 or send a message via MyChart to request an order for TB testing. Notify faculty if you have already contacted Student Health at Yale Health and need additional assistance getting an order placed. Generally, sites within the Yale New Haven Health System/Northeast Medical Group (NEMG) will not require proof of an annual negative PPD.

For more information on the annual influenza vaccine, other immunization services, screening, or information regarding prior BCG immunization, visit: https://yalehealth.yale.edu/department/immunization

Before traveling abroad for clinical experiences, students must obtain any required immunizations and relevant prophylactics. Documentation of the completed travel consultation and compliance with recommended immunizations and preventive measures must be submitted to the program prior to participation in the international elective. For details, visit: https://yalehealth.yale.edu/more/travel-health-services-students.

For questions about travel consultations, please call 203-432-0312. For questions about travel immunizations, please contact 203-432-8797.

Additionally, while on international travel, Yale provides emergency evacuation insurance for all students through International SOS (Please note that this is not health insurance.)

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

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 in place to ensure successful completion of curricular requirements and address individual student needs. Remediation will be required of any student who fails to meet the academic or technical standards required by the program and may result in delayed graduation and additional tuition and fees.

Students who do not earn a passing grade in a course as outlined in the syllabus must meet with a faculty member to develop a remediation plan. Additionally, students who do not achieve a passing grade on an exam may be required to meet with faculty to develop a remediation plan. This plan will identify deficient knowledge and/or skills, specify what the remediation will entail, the dates that the remediation is to be completed and may involve evaluation by, and recommendations from Student Accessibility Services. Remediation may include but is not limited to review of materials, additional assignments, retesting, self-reflection, skill demonstration, or simulation. Students may be digitally, or audio recorded for curricular or remediation purposes. In this case, students will be notified in advance if recording will be necessary. The remediation plan and outcome will be documented by faculty and placed in the student’s file.

In the didactic phase, students must achieve the same minimum passing standard specified in the syllabus for the original assessment during remediation. The final score adjustment cannot exceed 75% (or the specified minimum passing score) when calculating final course grades. Students will receive an incomplete "I" grade until remediation is fulfilled.

In the clinical phase, for both mandatory and elective rotations, a minimum grade of 75% is required to pass a rotation. A grade (below 75%) will require personalized remediation of noted deficits and the student to repeat the rotation.

End of Rotation (EOR) Exam Remediation Policy
Please complete the following for any EOR exam grade <75%

• Download your exam report and include it as an attachment with your submission.
• Review/Process: Review your report, looking at the content category coding section. Write up a brief explanation (1-2 sentences) of the disease process/treatments, etc. Please include your reference source for each one.
• Application: Provide a brief narrative on how you will approach the next End of Rotation exam, specifically, timeline, study habits and resources you will use.
• Submit your work to Jen Barrett (j.barrett@yale.edu) within 14 days of the exam date for review by clinical faculty.

In the event of failure of >2 EOR exams, the student must meet with their academic advisor and the learning specialist to discuss study strategies, performance and consider alternative resources for test taking.

Remediation must be completed within the faculty-specified timeframe. Failure to do so will result in course failure and referral to the Progress Committee. If remediation is unsuccessful, the student will be referred to the Progress Committee, which may result in delayed graduation, deceleration, or dismissal from the program.

Remediation requirements are not negotiable or appealable. This remediation policy may be revised at any time and is at the discretion of the PA Program faculty.

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.

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

Deputy Director for Collaborative Excellence:

Rosana Gonzalez-Colaso, PharmD, MPH, rosana.gonzalez-colaso@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.

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 stated 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.

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.

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.