Clinical Year Handbook Final

NCE’s 2023-2024 fiscal year, illustrating how the College is following through with our commitment to the betterment of education on both a local and national level.

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT STUDIES

CLINICAL YEAR HANDBOOK Prepared in accordance with ARC-PA 6 th Edition Standards

R EVISED S EPTEMBER 2026 R YAN A TKINS , MS, PA-C

Table of Contents INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................ 5 MISSION STATEMENT ................................................................................................... 5 PROGRAM VISION ......................................................................................................... 5 NLU PA PROGRAM FACULTY/STAFF CONTACT INFORMATION ........................................... 6 CLINICAL ROTATION PRECEPTOR CONTACT INFORMATION............................................... 7 CLINICAL ROTATION CALENDAR....................................................................................... 7 NLU PA PROGRAM CLINICAL YEAR GENERAL POLICIES.................................................... 8 Second Year Academic Standing and Performance Requirements ................................. 8 Evaluation of Students / Grading Scale ......................................................................... 9 Academic Integrity ....................................................................................................... 9 Standards of Professionalism ....................................................................................... 9 Student Records.......................................................................................................... 12 Access to Support Services ......................................................................................... 12 Student Academic Progression and Remediation ......................................................... 12 Deceleration................................................................................................................ 13 Student Progress Committee....................................................................................... 13 Student Grievance Procedure ...................................................................................... 13 Incomplete Grade (“I”) Policy ......................................................................................... 14 Leave of Absence (LOA) Policy ..................................................................................... 14 Academic Honesty Policy and Ethical Behavior on Rotations Policy .............................. 15 Academic Concern/Probation Policy ............................................................................ 16 Attendance Policy........................................................................................................ 18 Student Employment Policy ........................................................................................ 20 Communication Policy ................................................................................................. 21 Criminal Background Checks & Drug Screen Requirements ......................................... 22 Dress Code and Identification Policy ........................................................................... 23 Occupational Exposure, Injury, Illness, and Incident Reporting Policy........................... 24 Important Phone Numbers.......................................................................................... 25 On-Call Responsibilities and Duty Hours ...................................................................... 25

Rotation Scheduling Policy ......................................................................................... 26 Alternative Elective Rotation & Out of State Rotation Scheduling Policy ...................... 27 Rotation Travel and Commuting Policy ........................................................................ 27 Student Health Compliance Requirements.................................................................. 27 Clinical Rotation Objectives and Competencies – General................................................ 30 Clinical Rotation Course Learning Objectives.................................................................. 33 Documenting Clinical Encounters and Procedures .......................................................... 33 Completing Site and Preceptor Evaluations .................................................................... 34 Completing Mid-Rotation Evaluations............................................................................. 34 Clinical Year Patient Minimum Requirements .................................................................. 34 Forms .............................................................................................................................37 Performance Improvement Plan.................................................................................. 38 Professionalism Competency Evaluation Form ............................................................ 39 Occupational Exposure / Incident Report Form ........................................................... 40 Health Screening and Immunization Compliance Verification Form .............................. 41 Student Remediation Documentation, Tracking, and Annual Audit Form...................... 44 Appendices ..................................................................................................................... 51 Appendix A: PA Student Employment Policy................................................................ 52 Appendix B: PA Student Role, Non-Substitution, and Non-Staff Employment Policy .... 59 Appendix C: Incomplete Grade (“I”) Policy..................................................................... 63 Appendix D: Leave of Absence (LOA) Policy ................................................................. 69 Appendix E: Occupational Exposure, Injury, Illness, and Incident Reporting Policy ........76 Appendix F: Student Dress, Professional Appearance, and Identification Policy ........... 83 Appendix G: Confidentiality, Privacy, HIPAA, and Protected Information Policy ............ 89 Appendix H: NLU MSPAS Academic Grievance, Student Appeals, Harassment, Discrimination, and Non-Retaliation Policy.................................................................. 98 Appendix I: Program Learning Outcomes and Professionalism Assessments .............. 108 Appendix J: Six-Competency Summative Evaluation Blueprint....................................112 Appendix K: Course Descriptions ................................................................................116 Appendix L: Academic Progression and Remediation/Dismissal Policies .....................118

Appendix M: Student Healthcare Provider Conflict of Interest and Faculty/Program Leadership Healthcare Provision Policy ..................................................................... 136 Receipt and Acknowledgement of Clinical Year Handbook.............................................. 144 The Physician Assistant Professional Oath ..................................................................... 146

INTRODUCTION Congratulations! You have successfully navigated the rigors of the didactic year. You are now transitioning from the classroom to the clinic, where the medical knowledge you’ve worked so hard to acquire meets the art of patient care. As you step into the healthcare systems across Chicago and beyond, you represent not only yourself but also the National Louis University Physician Assistant Program. This is the year where your identity as a healthcare provider truly takes shape. MISSION STATEMENT The National Louis University Physician Assistant Program prepares diverse, practice- ready Physician Assistants who are lifelong learners committed to deliver compassionate, evidence-based, patient-centered care that advances the health and well-being of individuals and communities. We are dedicated to improving health literacy, reducing health disparities, and expanding pathways into the Physician Assistant profession for historically underrepresented and underserved populations. Through rigorous didactic and clinical education, community engagement, and scholarly inquiry, the program develops ethical, culturally responsive healthcare leaders prepared to serve in evolving healthcare environments. PROGRAM VISION The National Louis University Physician Assistant Program aspires to be a nationally recognized leader in Physician Assistant education distinguished by its commitment to equity, community impact, and workforce readiness. In alignment with the vision of National Louis University, the program aspires to: 1. Develop highly competent, adaptable Physician Assistants through an integrated didactic and clinical curriculum that prepares graduates for collaborative and independent practice in dynamic healthcare settings. 2. Promote culturally responsive, ethical, and inclusive care that respects all individuals regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, socioeconomic status, or religion. 3. Foster leadership, scholarship, and community engagement among students, graduates, and faculty to advance evidence-based practice and improve patient and population health outcomes. 4. Expand access to the PA profession by creating supportive pathways and academic opportunities for individuals from historically underrepresented backgrounds.

NLU PA PROGRAM FACULTY/STAFF CONTACT INFORMATION National Louis University Department of Physician Assistant Studies

18 S. Michigan Ave Chicago, IL 60603 Phone: 888-658-8632 Website: nl.edu

Dr. Robert Hill, DMSc, MPA, PA-C Program Director P: (312)-261-3843 E: rhill25@nl.edu Office: TBD Thomas Hansen, PA-C Emeritus Associate Medical Director P: (312)-261-3843 E: thansen@nl.edu Office: TBD Ryan Atkins, MS, PA-C Director of Clinical Education P: (312)-261-3593 E: ratkins3@nl.edu Office: TBD

Dr. Shami Goyal, MD Medical Director P: (312)-261-3843 E: PAprogram@nl.edu Office: TBD

Dr. Jiang Mi Johnson, DMSc, PA-C Director of Didactic Education P: (312)-261-3843 E: jjohnson306@nl.edu Office: TBD

Amer Khairallah, PA-C Principal Faculty P: (312)-261-3843 E: akhairallah@nl.edu Office: TBD TBD Principal Faculty P: (312)-261-3843 E: PAprogram@nl.edu Office: TBD TBD Clinical Coordinator

TBD Principal Faculty P: (312)-261-3843 E: PAprogram@nl.edu Office: TBD Sabah Vikaruddin Program Manager P: (312)-261-3843 E: svikaruddin@nl.edu Office: TBD

P: TBD E: TBD Office: TBD

CLINICAL ROTATION PRECEPTOR CONTACT INFORMATION Specific contact information for all clinical sites and preceptors will be provided to students by the NLU PA program prior to beginning clinical rotations. All questions regarding rotations should be directed to the Director of Clinical Education. CLINICAL ROTATION CALENDAR The following calendar outlines the required SCPEs and the start and end dates of each rotation period. Each student’s specific rotation schedule will fall within these timeframes. Required Rotations 2028-2029 Rotation Dates PAS 551: Pediatric Medicine Rotation 1: 09/25/2028 TO 10/27/2028

PAS 552: Family Medicine

Rotation 2: 10/30/2028 to 12/01/2028

PAS 561: Behavioral Medicine

Rotation 3: 12/11/2028 to 01/12/2029

PAS 562: Women’s Health

Rotation 4: 01/15/2029 to 02/16/2029

PAS 571: Surgery

Rotation 5: 02/26/2029 to 03/30/2029

PAS 572: Elective

Rotation 6: 04/02/2029 to 05/04/2029

PAS 581: Internal Medicine

Rotation 7: 05/14/2029 to 06/15/2029

PAS 582: Emergency Medicine

Rotation 8:06/18/2029 to 07/20/2029

Note: All rotations are five weeks. Rotations may not occur in course numbered order.

NLU PA PROGRAM CLINICAL YEAR GENERAL POLICIES Second Year Academic Standing and Performance Requirements In order to progress to clinical rotations, a student must have met each of the following standards: • Pass all required courses and be in good academic standing in the program at the end of the first year of the progra m, in accordance with the Didactic Year Student Handbook • Have an overall cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher • Have successfully passed their first year OSCE examinations • Must be in good standing in the program in accordance with National Louis University policies. In order to remain in good standing during the clinical phase of the program, the student must meet all required clinical performance standards. These include, but are not limited to: • Obtain a passing final preceptor evaluation from each rotation • Obtain a passing score on the end of rotation examinations (EORE) for each required rotation • Obtain a passing grade on each required rotation component including but not limited to patient notes, case presentations and other rotation assignments • Obtain passing scores on any research assignments • Pass the second year OSCE examination • Maintain an overall cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher • Participate in all scheduled activities of the second clinical year including return-to- campus events • Demonstrate professionalism and academic integrity throughout all clinical rotations Refer to the Clinical Rotation Grading Criteria section for details regarding rotation evaluation and grading standards and criteria.

Evaluation of Students / Grading Scale Students are required to pass all didactic coursework with a minimum grade of C for courses using letter grading, or Pass for courses using Pass/Fail grading. No student may advance to the clinical phase of the program without satisfactorily completing all required didactic year courses.

Percentage

Letter Grade

100 – 90

89 – 80

< 80

C – Remediation Required

Pass/Fail courses require a numerical average of 80% or higher to receive a grade of Pass. Course- specific grading breakdowns (examinations, quizzes, laboratory practicals, OSCEs, participation, etc.) are provided in each course syllabus. Academic Integrity Students are expected to uphold the highest standards of honesty and integrity in all academic work, including examinations, laboratory exercises, written assignments, and clinical simulations. Violations of academic integrity - including but not limited to cheating, plagiarism, fabrication, and unauthorized collaboration - are addressed under National Louis University’s Academic Integrity Policy and may result in course failure, referral to the Student Progress Committee, and/or dismissal from the Program. Standards of Professionalism Professional behavior includes maintaining the clear distinction between the educational role of a PA student and the responsibilities of instructional faculty, clinical staff, or administrative staff. Consistent with ARC-PA Standard A3.03, students are never required, assigned, or permitted to substitute for or function as instructional faculty, clinical staff, or administrative staff of the Program or its clinical affiliates; approved peer tutoring, mentoring, and similar student-learning activities remain educational in nature and do not confer faculty or staff status. The complete PA Student Role, Non-Substitution, and Non- Staff Employment Policy is reproduced in full in Appendix B. The complete Confidentiality, Privacy, HIPAA, and Protected Information Policy is reproduced in full in Appendix G. Professionalism is a core competency required for the successful completion of the Physician Assistant program. During the clinical year, students transition from the

classroom to the professional healthcare environment. As such, students are expected to uphold the highest standards of ethical behavior, integrity, and respect. This policy aligns with the AAPA Guidelines for Ethical Conduct for the Physician Assistant Profession and ensures compliance with ARC-PA 6th Edition Standards regarding student conduct and assessment. Professionalism Policy For All PA Program Activities: Students must demonstrate honesty and integrity in all professional interactions. In add ition to satisfying other grading criteria specified for each course, students are required to pass a professionalism component. Professionalism is evaluated by the PA program faculty, clinical preceptors, or other designated agents of the program, on a pass/fail basis. • Academic Honesty : Falsification of patient logs, medical records, or clinical hours is considered a severe violation of professional integrity and is grounds for immediate dismissal. • Patient Confidentiality (HIPAA) : Students must strictly adhere to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Unauthorized access to or disclosure of Patient Protected Health Information (PHI) is prohibited. • Professional Boundaries: Students must maintain appropriate professional boundaries with patients, families, and clinical staff at all times. • Identification : Students must clearly identify themselves as a "Physician Assistant Student" in all clinical encounters. • Dress Code: Students must wear their NLU-issued photo ID badge and a clean, pressed short white coat with the program patch. Scrub attire is only permitted in designated areas (e.g., OR, ED) or as directed by the site. • Signature: All documentation must be signed with the student’s name followed by the designation "PA-S" or "PA Student" and must be countersigned by the supervising preceptor. • Collaborative Care: Students are expected to function as respectful members of the interprofessional healthcare team, showing courtesy to all staff members regardless of their role. • Cultural Humility: Students must demonstrate sensitivity and responsiveness to a diverse patient population, including but not limited to diversity in gender, age, culture, race, religion, disabilities, and sexual orientation.

• Response to Feedback: Professionalism includes the ability to accept constructive criticism gracefully and implement changes in behavior or clinical practice immediately. • Punctuality: Students must arrive at the clinical site at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time or as directed by the preceptor. • Attendance: Clinical year attendance is mandatory. Any unexcused absence or failure to notify both the site and the Clinical Coordinator of an emergency absence is a lapse in professionalism. • Clinical Logs: Accurate tracking of patient encounters and procedures must be completed daily. Failure to maintain logs may result in a "Needs Improvement" or "Unsatisfactory" rating in professionalism. • Social Media: Students are prohibited from posting any information regarding clinical sites, preceptors, or patients on social media platforms. Photos taken within clinical facilities are strictly forbidden. • Electronic Medical Records (EMR): Students may only access the records of patients they are directly involved in treating. Using EMR access to view the records of friends, family, or themselves is a violation of federal law and program policy. • Advocacy for Learning: Students are expected to be proactive and self-directed learners. This includes reporting to rotations prepared to discuss core medical topics, seeking out clinical opportunities and procedures, and actively engaging in the "advocacy for learning" by identifying personal knowledge gaps and seeking resources to fill them. Assessment Professionalism is assessed in every rotation through: • Preceptor Evaluations : Specifically measuring interpersonal skills and reliability. • Faculty Observation: Monitoring communication, attendance, and adherence to program policies. • Rubric-Based Evaluation: Assessments based on the four pillars of Involvement, Interaction, Integrity, and Introspection. Lapses in Professionalism: • Minor Lapses: (e.g., occasional tardiness, dress code infraction) may result in a formal warning and/or a Professionalism Improvement Plan (PIP).

• Major Lapses: (e.g., HIPAA violation, falsification of logs, patient safety risk) may result in rotation failure and referral to program faculty for dismissal from the program. Student Records Student academic records are maintained by the University Registrar and the Program in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Students do not have access to the academic or health records of other students or faculty. Student health records are confidential and are not accessible to program faculty or staff , except for immunization and tuberculosis screening results released with the student’s written permission. Access to Support Services Students experiencing personal, academic, or health- related difficulties that may affect their progress in the Program are encouraged to seek support early. The Program maintains referral pathways to University counseling, disability services, and academic support resources; see Student Resources, below. Student Academic Progression and Remediation Progress through the clinical curriculum requires continual, satisfactory academic performance. A student who scores below the passing threshold on a graded assessment will follow the remediation process below: ● The student meets with the course director and/or Director of Clinical Education to review the assessment and complete a Didactic Remediation Form. ● The course director provides the student with a list of topics or objectives not met. ● The student is issued a remediation plan with a deadline for completion. ● Upon completion of the remediation plan, the student is reassessed; a minimum grade of 80% is expected on reassessment. ● The original grade on the assessment stands as the grade of record; successful remediation demonstrates competency but does not change the recorded grade u nless otherwise specified in the course syllabus. ● Failure to meet remediation deadlines, or failure to achieve the minimum score on reassessment, results in referral to the Student Progress Committee. Every stage of this process - the identified deficiency , the remediation plan, activity tracking, reassessment, final disposition, and any committee review - is documented on

the Program’s Student Remediation Documentation, Tracking, and Annual Audit Form (ARC-PA A3.16), reproduced in full in the Forms section, and is subject to an annual record audit by Program leadership. A second failure within the same course, or a pattern of remediation across multiple courses, is referred to the Student Progress Committee for review and may result in a remediation plan, probation, or dismissal, consistent with the Program’s Progression and Promotion Policy. Deceleration The NLU PA curriculum is designed to be delivered and completed on a full-time basis. The Program does not offer deceleration or the option to complete the curriculum on a part- time basis. Student Progress Committee The Student Progress Committee (referred to in Program policy documents as the Student Evaluation and Progress Committee, or SEPC) reviews student academic and professionalism concerns referred by course directors or the Director of Clinical Education, and makes recommendations regarding remediation, probation, or dismissal. Committee composition, procedure, and the appeals process are detailed in the Program’s Student Progress Committee policy, available from the Program office. Student Grievance Procedure Students who wish to file a grievance related to a grade, a policy application, or an allegation of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation should refer to the National Louis University Student Grievance Procedure, available in the University Catalog and Student Guidebook, and may also consult the Director of Clinical Education or Program Director for guidance on the appropriate channel. The Program’s complete academic grievance, student appeal, harassment/discrimination, and non-retaliation procedures - including informal resolution, the formal grievance process, academic appeal rights, interim measures, confidentiality protections, and the Program’s express prohibition on retaliation against any student who reports a concern in good faith - are reproduced in full in the NLU MSPAS Academic Grievance, Student Appeals, Harassment, Discrimination, and Non- Retaliation Policy (Appendix H).

Incomplete Grade (“I”) Policy An Incomplete (“I”) grade is a temporary designation assigned when a student has demonstrated satisfactory academic progress but is unable to complete a limited portion of required coursework due to documented circumstances beyond the student’s reasonable control (e.g., serious illness or injury, family emergency, military obligation, bereavement, or other extraordinary circumstances approved by the Program Director). An Incomplete grade is not intended to replace poor academic performance, inadequate preparation, excessive absences, or failure to complete coursework resulting from preventable circumstances, and assignment of an Incomplete is not automatic. Due to the administrative burden related to scheduling of clinical rotations, incomplete grades will not be granted for SCPEs. In the event that a student is unable to complete a SCPE due to circumstances beyond the student’s reasonable control (as listed above), the SCPE will be rescheduled, and this may delay graduation. Leave of Absence (LOA) Policy A Leave of Absence (LOA) is a temporary interruption in enrollment, approved by the Program an d the University, for students who experience significant circumstances that prevent continued participation in the curriculum (e.g., personal or family medical conditions, military deployment, pregnancy or childbirth, or other extraordinary circumstances). Granting an LOA is not automatic. Students requesting an LOA must notify the Program Director as soon as reasonably possible, meet with their faculty advisor or the Program Director, develop an individualized Academic Completion and Return Plan, complete the official University LOA Request Form, and obtain all required Program and University approvals. Ordinarily, a leave should not exceed 180 calendar days within a rolling 12-month period. Because the PA curriculum is cohort-based and sequential, students returning from an approved LOA may be required to repeat selected courses, laboratory instruction, simulation activities, or clinical rotations, and are not guaranteed re-entry into the same cohort. Students who do not return by the approved date may be administratively withdrawn. The complete Leave of Absence Policy, including eligibility, the request procedure, duration limits, academic progression and clinical education considerations upon return, and the effect of an LOA on financial aid and degree co mpletion, is reproduced in full in Appendix D.

Academic Honesty Policy and Ethical Behavior on Rotations Policy Honesty must be the foundation of all academic work. The NLU PA Program and NLU as an institution treat all forms of academic dishonesty as a serious offense. Students are expected to review and follow NLU's Standards of Academic Integrity as published in the University Catalog. Associated Definitions Academic Dishonesty: Committing or contributing to acts of dishonesty in teaching, learning, research, or other academic activities. Cheating: The unauthorized use of information, materials, devices, sources, or practices to complete academic activities. Examples include: copying another individual's answers on an assignment; using unauthorized sources; or engaging in behaviors prohibited in course syllabi or policies. Plagiarism: The adoption of another individual's ideas, designs, or work as one's own without acknowledging the source or obtaining permission from the author. Examples inc lude: copying material from another source without proper citation; or submission of materials prepared by another individual without acknowledgment. Fabrication or Falsification : The unauthorized alteration or creation of information required for an acade mic activity or document. Examples include: artificial creation of data; or alteration or falsification of patient encounter logging entries or procedure completion records. Sabotage: The disruption or destruction of another individual's work in a manner that may prevent them from completing an activity successfully. Procedure for Cases of Academic Dishonesty 1. When a faculty member or program administrator discovers evidence of academic dishonesty, an informal conference will be scheduled promptly with the student. If an in-person meeting is not possible, this may occur via video conference or email. 2. If the student denies academic dishonesty but the faculty member is satisfied that evidence exists, a formal conference will be scheduled with the student, faculty member, and the appropriate faculty committee. 3. If, following either conference, the faculty member and committee determine that academic dishonesty has occurred, the student will receive written notification specifying the infraction and the recommended penalty. A copy will be sent to the Program Director.

4. Cases not resolved through faculty, program administration, and committee review may be referred to the appropriate NLU University academic office for further action in accordance with University policies. 5. The student may accept the recommended penalty or request a formal hearing through National Louis University appeal procedures, as outlined in the University Catalog. 6. Beyond the penalty imposed for the individual rotation or course, the Program Director will review each case and exercise judgment as to whether the student should be recommended for dismissal from the program. Any academic work submitted to the program - including patient case reports, clinical presentations, and medical record submissions - must represent the student's own original work. The faculty may utilize plagiarism detection software and electronic health record (EHR) audit review to verify the originality of all student submissions. Inappropriate or unethical behavior toward fellow students, preceptors, clinical staff, or patients while on a supervised clinical practice experience is strictly prohibited and will be investigated promptly. Violations may result in academic probation and/or dismissal from the program. Students who encounter potentially inappropriate or unethical situations must follow these steps: • Under NO circumstances should a student attempt to independently manage a potentially inappropriate or unethical situation. • The student must contact the Director of Clinical Education and/or Program Director at the earliest possible opportunity for investigation and resolution. Academic Concern/Probation Policy Student progress is continuously monitored and documented in a manner that promptly identifies knowledge and skill deficiencies. All students must perform according to the academic standards set forth by the NLU PA Program. Any student who fails to maintain satisfactory performance, or who violates the program's standards for professionalism or ethical behavior, will be referred to the PA Program's Progress and Promotions Committee for review. The following minimum standards are required of all students in each evaluated area during the clinical year: • End-of-Rotation Examinations: Passing score per program standards (80% or higher) • Written Assignments: Passing score per program standards (80% or higher)

• Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs): Passing score per program standards (80% or higher) • Preceptor Evaluations: Passing score per program standards • Professionalism: Pass Academic Remediation Plan for the Clinical Year Multiple methodologies for remediation during the clinical year will be employed and monitored by the Director of Clinical Education and faculty advisors. Completion of required remediation allows the program to document that a student has met the professional, clinical, and academic expectations of the PA Program - a requirement for program completion and graduation. No changes will be made to the initial grade earned upon successful completion of remediation. Students must successfully complete all required remediation in order to graduate. Pre-remediation support will be offered to students who fail both rotation quizzes, receive significant concern feedback from preceptors, or for w hom concern is raised during a student site visit. The Director of Clinical Education will meet with the student to develop an individualized performance improvement plan. Specific remediation pathways include: Failure of Written Examinations: Students must meet with the Director of Clinical Education to review deficiencies and complete a remedial activity. One remediation attempt is permitted. Failure to achieve a passing score on the remediation examination will result in rotation failure and may result in dismissal from the program. Failure of more than two end-of- rotation examinations (first attempt or remediation) constitutes unsatisfactory performance, and the student may be subject to dismissal. Failure of Written Assignments: Students will be counseled by their faculty advisor and must resubmit the assignment as directed. A passing score must be attained on resubmission, or rotation failure may result. Failure of OSCEs: Students must meet with the Director of Clinical Education and complete a remediation activity with reassessment within the timeframe determined by faculty. See the OSCE section for full policy. Failure of Preceptor Evaluation: Students with a failing preceptor evaluation, multiple areas of concern, or patient safety issues must meet with the Director of Clinical Education and Program Director. An academic or professionalism remediation plan will be instituted. More than one failing preceptor evaluation may result in committee review, delay of graduation, or dismissal.

Failure of a Clinical Rotation: Students who fail a rotation must repeat the entire rotation at the end of the clinical year, resulting in a delay of graduation. Students may not fail and repeat more than one rotation throughout the clinical year. Failure of a repeated rotation is considered unsatisfactory performance and will result in dismissal. Attendance Policy Regular attendance is of paramount importance for students enrolled in the NLU PA Program. It is essential for professional and personal growth, academic achievement, and the development of clinical competency. Attendance at all supervised clinical practice experiences (SCPEs), return-to-campus days, simulation activities, and program events is mandatory. Clinical Rotation Attendance Students are expected to be present at their clinical rotation sites during the times scheduled by their preceptors unless prior arrangements are made at a minimum of one week in advance with the Director of Clinical Education and the preceptor. The only exceptions to this policy are for sick leave, bereavement, or a schedule change approved by both the preceptor and the program. If an unforeseen circumstance arises and the preceptor is unable to be at the clinical site and no delegate is available to supervise, the student is responsible for contacting the Director of Clinical Education immediately. Students may not remain on-site when no preceptor or designated supervisor is present. Additional readings or educational assignments may be provided to compensate for lost clinical time. Absences and tardiness from clinical rotations, return-to-campus events, or any other required program activity will not be tolerated. Events such as weddings, family vacations, dental appointments, travel, or minor illness are NOT considered excused absences. Failure to notify both the preceptor and the Director of Clinical Education of an absence within one hour of the scheduled start of the student's shift will be considered an unexcused absence. Consequences for unexcused absences are as follows: • One (1) unexcused absence: 5- point deduction from the final course grade for that rotation • Two (2) unexcused absences: 15- point deduction from the final course grade for that rotation • Three (3) unexcused absences: Rotation failure

• More than three (3) unexcused absences: Referral to the Progress and Promotions Committee; possible professionalism -based dismissal from the PA Program Students missing two or more days during any rotation must arrange to make up the missed hours with their clinical preceptor, with documentation provided to the Director of Clinical Education. Students missing more than 32 hours during a single five -week rotation will be required to repeat the entire rotation at the conclusion of the clinical year. Failure to make up missed time may result in rotation failure. Missed time must be completed before a certificate of completion or degree will be awarded. Time Off Clinical year students are actively preparing for the transition to clinical practice upon graduation. Students are allotted six (6) personal days to utilize during the clinical year, pending approval from the Director of Clinical Education and notification of the preceptor. Personal days may be used for sick time, interview days, appointments, or other approved purposes . Students may not miss the first scheduled day of a rotation, the day prior to or following a scheduled return-to-campus event, or the day prior to the end-of-rotation meeting. Students requesting time off for reasons other than acute illness or bereavement must submit a written Time Off Request to the Director of Clinical Education at least two (2) weeks in advance. Interview days scheduled during return-to-campus or testing days will not be approved. Approval is at the sole discretion of the Director of Clinical Education. Illnesses requiring three or more consecutive days of absence require written verification from a licensed healthcare provider. Students are responsible for obtaining documentation from their preceptor confirming that any missed time ha s been made up. Bereavement Leave Any absence due to a death in the family must be reported to the Director of Clinical Education prior to the scheduled activity the student will be missing. It is the student's responsibility to obtain any missed work and arrange make-up of missed clinical time. • Death in the immediate family: Up to three (3) days per occurrence • Death in the extended family: Up to two (2) day per occurrence Leave of Absence For specific LOA information, please refer to Appendix D. If a student requires a leave of absence during clinical rotations - for example, for medical or personal reasons - a written request must be submitted to the Program Director. Each student is permitted only one

leave of absence while matriculating in the NLU PA Program. A leave of absence may be granted under the following circumstances, at the discretion of the program: • The student is in good academic standing (minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA) • The leave request is made for personal, medical, or military reasons • The leave will not extend beyond the academic year in which it is taken • The student is in good academic and clinical standing at the time of the request Re- entry to the program is not automatic; re -entry coursework may be required as determined by program faculty. Permission to re-enter will be granted on a case-by-case basis depending on space availability. Documentation of satisfactory resolution of the problem prompting the leave must be provided to the program upon return. Extended leaves of absence may signifi cantly hinder a student's progress and may delay graduation. School Closures and Delays In the event of campus closure due to weather emergencies or other unforeseen circumstances, on-campus classes will not be held. If the clinical site remains open and the student can arrive safely, attendance is expected. If the student cannot safely report to the clinical site, the Director of Clinical Education and preceptor must be notified immediately. An Inclement Weather/Absence Form must be submitted to document the

absence. Holidays

The university will be closed on the following holidays, and as such, students will be exempt from clinical rotations: Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, 4 th of July, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, and Labor Day. Clinical preceptors may require students to work on or around holidays to accommodate patient care needs; students are expected to meet such requests. Students are not permitted to miss the day prior to or following a scheduled holiday without prior program approval. The program will accommodate individual religious/cultural observances, i.e. Ramadan ; students must contact the Director of Clinical Education in advance to arrange

accommodations and make-up plans. Student Employment Policy

The NLU PA Program strongly discourages students from maintaining employment while enrolled, given the demands of a rigorous, full-time graduate professional curriculum. Students who elect to maintain employment do so with the understanding that employment is an outside commitment that will not be considered a basis for modifying, reducing, rescheduling, or otherwise accommodating any program requirement - including required classes, laboratories, examinations, assignments, advising, or Supervised Clinical

Practice Experiences. Maintaining outside employment is not, by itself, a violation of this policy; however, if employment contributes to missed classes or clinical experiences, poor performance, or a failure to meet program requirements, the student remains subject to the same academic, attendance, and professionalism consequences applicable to all students. Consistent with ARC-PA Standard A3.02, PA students are also never required to work for the PA Program itself, and may not substitute for instructional faculty, clinical staff, or administrative staff. The complete PA Student Employment Policy is reproduced in full in Appendix A. Clinical Education and Employment Clinical education is an essential component of PA education. Clinical rotations may require participation during early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, or other times determined by the clinical site. The program does not guarantee that clinical schedules will accommodate a student's employment schedule. Students may not request or expect a clinical rotation, clinical site, preceptor assignment, or schedule to be modified because of employment. Students participating in supervised clinical practice experiences must function in their designated role as NLU PA students and comply with all program and clinical-site requirements and policies. Employment activities may not be represented as PA Program educational activities unless specifically approved by the program. Students may not use employment at a healthcare organization to substitute for required PA Program clinical education or to replace clinical-site employees. Communication Policy Open lines of communication must be maintained between the Director of Clinical Education and all clinical year students. All students are required to check their NLU email account and the program's learning management system (LMS) daily for updates. All electronic communication with program faculty, staff, and administration must be conducted using the student's official NLU emai l account. Failure to respond to emails or calls from program faculty in a timely manner may result in a professionalism violation. Students must respond to all emails or phone calls from NLU PA Program faculty or clinical rotation contacts within 24 hours. The following communication requirements apply at the start of each clinical rotation: • Confirmation of safe arrival to the clinical site on the first day • Identification of the primary preceptor and their contact information

• Submission of the signed prece ptorship schedule by the end of the first week of the rotation • Immediate notification to the Director of Clinical Education if any concerns arise with the rotation site or assigned preceptor Students may be issued a designated communication device by the program prior to the start of clinical rotations. Students must carry this device at all times during clinical hours as required by the preceptor and must respond to all pages from program faculty within three to five minutes. Failure to respond constitutes a professionalism violation and may result in rotation failure and/or academic probation. Students who lose or damage an assigned device are responsible for the cost of replacement per program policy. Criminal Background Checks & Drug Screen Requirements The practice of medicine requires students and healthcare practitioners to maintain sound professional conduct at all times while interacting with patients to reduce risk of harm and enhance the quality of care provided. As part of its commitment to the safety of students, patients, preceptors, and clinical site employees, the NLU PA Program conducts comprehensive criminal background checks and drug and alcohol screenings on all students enrolled in the program. Associated Definitions Criminal Background Check: A nationwide review including a list of all public federal and state misdemeanor and felony convictions and may include information about charges, convictions, resulting incarceration, and outstanding warrants. Controlled Substance: A drug or other substance tightly controlled by the government because it may be abused or cause addiction, including opioids, stimulants, depressants, hallucinogens, and anabolic steroids. Policy Statement Continued enrollment in the NLU PA Program is contingent upon satisfactory completion of background checks and drug and alcohol screenings. All PA students must complete these requirements at the following times: • Upon acceptance, prior to matriculation • Prior to beginning supervised clinical practice experiences • Randomly, at the discretion of the program, if reasonable cause exists • At the request of clinical rotation sites Passing the criminal background check means having no felony convictions as reported by the approved vendor. Failure to disclose an existing criminal offense to the program will be

considered a serious breach of academic integrity and will result in immediate academic probation, removal from clinical rotations, referral to the Progress and Promotions Committee, and possible dismissal. Pre-disclosed misdemeanor offenses will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Passing the drug screen means no positive results for any screened substances. Students who utilize screened substances for documented medical purposes are responsible for providing reasonable proof that the substance was prescribed and used for its intended purpose, including a current prescription or a letter from the prescribing clinician. Note that cannabis remains a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law; marijuana use does not qualify for medical exemption under this policy. Some clinical rotation sites may require additional or repeat background checks or drug screening prior to the student beginning a rotation. Students may not refuse such requirements and must comply in a timely manner. Students are responsible for all costs associated with background checks and drug screenings. Failure to pass either requirement will result in immediate placement on academic probation, removal from clinical rotations, and possible dismissal. Dress Code and Identification Policy Adherence to standards of professional appearance - including personal hygiene, dress, and safety - projects competence and credibility during interactions with patients, colleagues, and members of the general public. Clinical preceptors, site supervisors, office managers, and PA program faculty reserve the right to dismiss students from clinical sites for inappropriate or unprofessional attire. Students dismissed for dress code violations will receive a five -point deduction from the overall rotation grade for each infraction, and a professionalism report may be filed. Student Id entification • NLU PA Program student ID badges must be clearly visible at all times while in a clinical setting. • Students must wear a short white medical lab coat unless otherwise requested by the preceptor. • Students must clearly identify themselves to patients and clinical staff as a PA student, both verbally (First and Last Name, NLU Physician Assistant Student) and in all written documentation (First and Last Name, PA-S). Appearance Standards General Hygiene: Good personal hygiene at all times, including regular bathing, use of deodorant, and dental hygiene. Strong perfumes or colognes should be avoided. Clean

clothing in good repair that allows for adequate movement to complete clinical examinations. Strict avoidance of midriff tops, halters, translucent tops, low-cut necklines, tank tops, leggings, shorts, jeans, T-shirts, or skirts more than four inches above the knee. Tattoos should be covered when seeing patients or navigating clinical sites. Footwear: Comfortable, clean, closed-toed shoes in good repair. Open-toed shoes are not permitted. Clean sneakers are acceptable only when worn with scrubs. Hair: Neatly groomed hair, worn in compliance with clinical site or healthcare facility guidelines. Shoulder-length or longer hair should be secured to avoid interference with patient care. Facial hair should be neatly trimmed. Nails : Artificial nails, tips, and gel polish are not permitted during clinical rotations. Nail length may not inhibit physical examination or procedural skills. Jewelry: Students may wear a wristwatch, two to three rings, small non-distracting earrings, and a maximum of two bracelets or necklaces. Excessive jewelry or accessories

that may interfere with patient care or patient safety are not permitted. Students found not adhering to dress code standards are in violation of the

professionalism policy and may receive a failing grade for the rotation regardless of other performance. Repeated violations may result in academic probation and/or dismissal. Occupational Exposure, Injury, Illness, and Incident Reporting Policy Before participating in any laboratory or simulation activity that carries a risk of exposure to infectious or environmental hazards (e.g., standard precautions training, phlebotomy practice, cadaver lab), students are informed in writing of the relevant safety policies, including procedures for post- exposure care and the associated financial responsibility. The complete Occupational Exposure, Injury, Illness, and Incident Reporting Policy, including required prevention training, the immediate post-exposure response, incident documentation, medical follow- up, and financial responsibility, is reproduced in full in Appendix E. Post-Exposure Procedure (Summary) ● Immediately wash the affected area (or flush/irrigate as appropriate) a nd report the exposure to the supervising faculty member or preceptor. ● Notify the Clinical Director of Education (or designee) and course faculty, as applicable, as soon as safely possible. ● Seek prompt evaluation from an appropriate healthcare provider - the clinical affiliate’s Employee/Occupational Health office, an emergency department, an

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52 Page 53 Page 54 Page 55 Page 56 Page 57 Page 58 Page 59 Page 60 Page 61 Page 62 Page 63 Page 64 Page 65 Page 66 Page 67 Page 68 Page 69 Page 70 Page 71 Page 72 Page 73 Page 74 Page 75 Page 76 Page 77 Page 78 Page 79 Page 80 Page 81 Page 82 Page 83 Page 84 Page 85 Page 86 Page 87 Page 88 Page 89 Page 90 Page 91 Page 92 Page 93 Page 94 Page 95 Page 96 Page 97 Page 98 Page 99 Page 100 Page 101 Page 102 Page 103 Page 104 Page 105 Page 106 Page 107 Page 108 Page 109 Page 110 Page 111 Page 112 Page 113 Page 114 Page 115 Page 116 Page 117 Page 118 Page 119 Page 120 Page 121 Page 122 Page 123 Page 124 Page 125 Page 126 Page 127 Page 128 Page 129 Page 130 Page 131 Page 132 Page 133 Page 134 Page 135 Page 136 Page 137 Page 138 Page 139 Page 140 Page 141 Page 142 Page 143 Page 144 Page 145 Page 146

nl.edu