NLU PA Program — Didactic Year Handbook
Appendix L: Academic Progression and Remediation Policy
Effective Date: 11/1/2026 Review Cycle: Annually and as required by university, regulatory, or ARC-PA changes Responsible Unit: NLU Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies Program Responsible Official: Program Director Applies To: All enrolled NLU MSPAS students, PA Program faculty, staff, administrators, and other individuals involved in PA Program academic or clinical education processes Related ARC-PA Standards: A3.01, A3.16(d)
Satisfactory Academic Progression
Satisfactory Academic Progression in the National Louis University Physician Assistant (PA) Program is defined as a PA student’s continuous attainment of the academic, clinical, and professional behaviors required across all didactic and clinical phases of the curriculum. Maintenance of Satisfactory Academic Progression reflects successful progression in coursework, demonstration of the clinical and technical skills consistent with Physician Assistant competence, and adherence to professional and ethical standards of the PA profession. Students meeting academic progression requirements are considered to be progressing appropriately toward program completion, fulfilling graduation requirements, and achieving the competencies necessary to be eligible to take and pass the Physician Assistant National Certification Examination (PANCE) and gain entry into clinical practice as a physician assistant. Academic Progression in the didactic terms of the Physician Assistant Program is dependent on passing each required course in the term prior to advancing to the next term. Students who do not meet any of the criteria outlined below will receive a remediation plan. In the clinical terms, Supervised Clinical Practice Experiences (SCPE) are not dependent upon each other for progression, however a failure of any component of the clinical rotation must be remediated or if the student meets any of the criteria outlined below. Students must also meet Academic Progress standards of the institution found in the National Louis University Academic Catalog. Remediation Remediation is the opportunity to rectify unsatisfactory performance, progress and/or professional conduct in the program. Remediation will be recommended by the PA Program to the student to further assess/evaluate a student and to support the student in meeting the learning objectives of the course. Remediation will be implemented at the course level, Formative or Summative Exam, or cumulative grade point average (GPA). The following unsatisfactory academic performance will activate the remediation process, which includes: • A formative or summative grade (assignment, exam, etc.) in any course < 80% • Failure of one (1) End of Rotation (EOR) examination during the clinical term. • Failure to adhere to the PA policies or Student Code of Conduct policies for National Louis University at any time. • The PA student’s cumulative GPA falls below 3.0. • Verbal or written reports and/or evaluations from academic faculty, clinical preceptors, designees, or staff that indicate a PA student is not adhering to course requirements outlined in course syllabi or not achieving course learning outcomes.
Remediation in the didactic year occurs during the term or break between terms. If the term has ended, the student will receive a grade of (I) incomplete. If the course is remediated successfully, then the grade will be
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