NLU PA Program — Didactic Year Handbook
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. Professional behavior is expected of every student in every didactic year setting — classroom, laboratory, simulation, and any interaction with faculty, staff, standardized patients, and peers. Lapses in professionalism (including tardiness, disruptive behavior, dishonesty, disrespect, or failure to meet deadlines) are documented and may result in escalating consequences up to and including referral to the Student Progress Committee.
Appearance and Dress Code (A3.06)
Students must present a professional appearance consistent with the standards of the medical profession during all didactic activities involving standardized patients, simulation, or community/clinical exposure, including wearing the Program-issued identification and, where specified, the short white coat with Program patch. Professional appearance is evaluated as a component of professionalism throughout the curriculum, and applies to all didactic coursework, laboratory and simulation activities, interprofessional education, service-learning and community outreach, and Program-sponsored events, as well as Supervised Clinical Practice Experiences (SCPEs). The complete Student Dress, Professional Appearance, and Identification Policy — including student identification requirements, restrictions on professional representation, and clinical education appearance expectations — is reproduced in full in Appendix F.
Student Health, Immunizations, and Health Insurance (A3.07; A3.09)
Students must maintain personal health insurance throughout enrollment and provide proof of a satisfactory physical examination, negative tuberculin skin testing (or appropriate follow-up), and immunizations consistent with current CDC Immunization of Health-Care Personnel recommendations, prior to participating in activities involving standardized or simulated patient contact.
Page 14 of 93
Powered by FlippingBook