Appendix D: Leave of Absence (LOA) Policy Effective Date: 11/1/2026 Responsible Office: Program Director Review Cycle: Annually Related ARC-PA Standards: A3.15, A3.17, A3.19, B3.01, B3.02, C1.01, C1.02 Purpose
The National Louis University (NLU) Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) Program recognizes that unforeseen circumstances may require a student to temporarily interrupt enrollment. This policy establishes the procedures governing a Leave of Absence (LOA) while maintaining compliance with National Louis University policies, ARC-PA Accreditation Standards, and the competency-based, sequential nature of physician assistant education. The MSPAS Program follows the University’s Leave of Absence Policy as published in the current National Louis University Academic Catalog. Because the PA curriculum is delivered in a lock-step cohort model with sequential didactic and supervised clinical practice experiences (SCPEs), additional Program- specific requirements apply to ensure that students successfully achieve all required competencies before graduation. Policy Statement A Leave of Absence (LOA) is a temporary interruption in enrollment approved by the Program and the University for students who experience significant circumstances that prevent continued participation in the curriculum. Examples may include, but are not limited to:
● Personal medical conditions ● Family medical emergencies ● Military deployment or service obligations ● Jury duty
● Pregnancy or childbirth ● Family responsibilities ● Financial hardship ● Other extraordinary circumstances beyond the student’s reasonable control
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