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Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (PA)

Ashland University’s PA program does not allow students to work for the PA program in a paid or volunteer capacity under any circumstances.

• The PA Program does not allow students to substitute for clinical or administrative staff, regardless of their prior knowledge, education or experience.
• Students are not to be the primary instructor or instructor of record for any component of the curriculum under any circumstances.
• Students will not be permitted to serve as an instructor during courses, labs or Supervised Clinical Practice Experiences.
• Students cannot be used to substitute for regular or administrative staff under any circumstances during clinical rotations.
• If a student is asked to substitute for a staff person on a rotation, they must contact the Director of Clinical Education immediately.

Any form of employment during the duration of the intensive, 24-month program is strongly discouraged. The program requires full-time attendance in both didactic and clinical components, and outside work obligations will not be considered an acceptable excuse for poor performance or absence from any program-related activities.

Students who choose to withdraw from the university must contact their Graduate Advisor and the Registrar’s Office to complete the Ashland University Withdrawal Request and Information Form.

Fees paid directly to the university are nonrefundable.

• Ashland University Policies for “Withdrawal and Refund” of tuition

Students of the Ashland University Physician Assistant program must possess and demonstrate the capacity to complete the curriculum in its entirety and to perform the essential functions required of practicing Physician Assistants upon graduation.

The program requires demonstration of competency in the following categories with or without reasonable accommodations.

1. Observation
   PA students must demonstrate the ability to:
   • Acquire knowledge through a variety of observational methods, including classroom demonstrations and presentations in lectures and laboratories.
   • Observe a patient accurately at a distance and up close.
   • Use their senses of sight, hearing, sensation and smell as part of the observation process.
2. Communication
   PA students must demonstrate the ability to:
   • Communicate sensitively and effectively with patients and families in a culturally competent manner.
   • Communicate effectively and efficiently in oral and written forms with all members of the healthcare team.
   • Elicit information from patients, perceive nonverbal communications and describe changes in mood, activity and posture.
   • Effectively use speech, reading, writing and computers as part of the communication process.
   • Communicate effectively in small and large groups.
3. Motor
   PA students must demonstrate the ability to:
   • Execute the patient care necessary regarding diagnostic maneuvers such as palpation, auscultation and percussion.
   • Provide continuous general care and emergency treatment to patients.
   • Manipulate equipment and instruments, without interruption, necessary to perform basic laboratory tests and procedures required to attain curricular goals. Examples include: needle, stethoscope, ophthalmoscope, tongue blade, intravenous equipment, gynecologic speculum and a scalpel.
   • Transport instruments and equipment from one location to another in a timely fashion to facilitate patient care responsibilities and receive educational training.
4. Intellectual
   PA students must demonstrate the ability to:
   • Comprehend three-dimensional relationships and the spatial relationship of structures.
   • Collect, organize, prioritize, analyze and assimilate large amounts of technical and complex information within a limited timeframe, and present the information in a variety of educational settings, including lectures, small group discussions and individual clinical settings.
   • Analyze, integrate and apply information appropriately for problem-solving and decision-making.
   • Be alert and attentive at all times in clinical settings.
5. Behavioral and Social Attributes
   PA students must demonstrate:
   • The emotional health, maturity, sensitivity, intellectual ability and good judgment needed to complete all responsibilities associated with the diagnosis and care of patients.
   • Tolerance toward physical, mental and emotional stress related to training and the profession.
   • Adaptability, flexibility and the ability to function in the face of uncertainty.
   • A high level of compassion for others, motivation to serve, integrity and a consciousness of social values.
   • Sufficient interpersonal skills to interact positively and in a culturally competent manner with people from all levels of society, all ethnic backgrounds and all belief systems.
   • The ability to accept criticism and respond by appropriate modification of behavior.

The Ashland University PA Program believes that no person shall be denied admission to the program, or awarded the degree of Master of Science in Physician Assistant study on the basis of any disability, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, provided that the person demonstrates the ability to meet the minimum standards set forth herein. Ashland University’s Physician Assistant program will reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities, provided that the standards required by the program and the integrity of the curriculum are upheld. Mastery of essential skills is required of all students.

For additional questions, please contact Ashland University’s Student Accessibility Center.

Ashland University’s Physician Assistant program does not offer experiential credit toward the PA program curriculum. Students who have been in a previous Health Science or Medical Science program are not eligible for credit transfer toward the PA program curriculum and are required to take courses in sequence.

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• Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA)
• American Academy of PAs (AAPA)
• Ohio Association of Physician Assistants (OAPA)
• National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)

The majority of our clinical sites will be located in North, Northeast and Central Ohio. However, students may be required to attend rotations at a site outside the commutable area and will be responsible for all expenses related to such assignments.

Physician Assistant students will not be required to provide or solicit preceptors or clinical sites, but they may submit a request for the development of up to two new clinical sites. A completed “Student Request for Preceptor Form” must be submitted to the Director of Clinical Education six months before the proposed clinical rotation. This form does not guarantee placement. It is the program's responsibility to evaluate and assign each Supervised Clinical Practice Experience.

Based on the information provided by the student, the Director of Clinical Education will initiate the formal contact representing the Ashland University PA program with the clinical agency. The proposed site must meet all of the established educational goals for the clinical experience and agree to become legally affiliated with Ashland University College of Nursing and Health Sciences during the time that the student is on clinical rotation.