Academic and Professional Policies

Academic Standing (A3.14a, f)

Good Academic Standing

The CSU PA Program defines good academic standing as earning a semester GPA of 3.0 or above.

Professionalism Warning

A student is subject to receive a professionalism warning for failing to meet the professional behaviors expected of a PA student, which include but are not limited to:

Arrives on time and is prepared for class
Exhibits a positive and professional attitude and behavior in class and in clinical settings.
Actively engaged in class
Exhibits excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, in all interactions.
Demonstrates respect towards others in all interactions.
Demonstrates the appropriate attire and appearance.
Adheres to academic integrity.

Academic Probation

A student is subject to academic probation for the following reasons:

Earning one (1) final course grade of “C.” NOTE: A clinical year student must successfully remediate a SCPE for a final grade of “C,” which may delay program completion and graduation.
Earning a semester GPA less than 3.0.
Receiving three (3) professionalism warnings
Egregious professional behavior, as deemed by the A&P Com.

Dismissal

A student is subject to academic dismissal from the program for the following reasons:

Earning one (1) final course grade of “F,” defined as earning less than 70 percent.
Failing to meet good academic standing, defined as achieving a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher at the end of the didactic year (Unit 5).
Earning two or more semesters of academic probation.
If a student is remediating a course or course component, they may progress to the next unit at the discretion of the Academic and Professionalism Progress Committee.
If a student receives disciplinary action per the professionalism policy, such status will be reviewed at the end of each academic unit by the Academic and Professionalism Progress Committee, which will determine if the student will be placed on academic probation and/or allowed to progress in the program.

Grading Criteria (A3.14a)

A final course grade of 70 percent is required to pass each course in the didactic and clinical years. Grades will be assigned based on the following percentages: A (92-100%); B+ (89-91%); B (80-88%); C (70-79%); F (<70%).

Progression Requirements (A3.14a)

Given the sequential nature of the curriculum, students are expected to complete each unit/semester on time as a cohort. Progression will be a function of successfully passing all required coursework in a unit, and the coursework for the unit will serve as the prerequisite requirement for the following unit.

Students may be allowed to progress within the PA program if they are in good academic standing. The ability to progress in the program is subject to the discretion of the Academic and Professionalism Progress Committee.

If a student is remediating a course or course component, they may progress to the next unit at the discretion of the Academic and Professionalism Progress (A&P) Committee.
If a student receives disciplinary action per the professionalism policy, such status will be reviewed at the end of each academic unit by the A&P Committee, which will determine if the student will be placed on academic probation and/or allowed to progress in the program.
For a student to progress from the didactic year into the clinical year, he or she must be in good academic standing, as defined by achieving a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher at the end of Unit 5 and be recommended for advancement by the A&P Committee.

*A student receiving a negative progression decision may appeal such a decision by submitting a written letter of appeal to the Academic and Professionalism Progress Committee within seven (7) business days of receiving written notification of such decision.

Remediation (A3.14c)

The CSU PA Program considers remediation as any additional training, supervision, or educational assistance beyond the required instruction and training provided to the cohort. The goal of remediation is to promptly identify and address areas of academic, clinical, or professional deficiencies and collaborate with students for improved outcomes. The remediation process is designed to improve the student’s knowledge, skills, and professional attributes necessary to meet or exceed the graduation requirements successfully. Remediation may be classified as informal or formal, as delineated below.

Informal Remediation: This first step in the remediation process begins when warning signs arise, signifying the potential for a student not meeting instructional objectives or course learning outcomes related to knowledge, skill, or professional attributes. It allows the faculty and students to communicate outside regular class periods to improve student understanding and performance. Faculty involved in informal remediation will document the student’s strengths, deficiencies, expectations for improvement, observations, and progress. However, this documentation is not intended to be a permanent part of a student’s records unless satisfactory progress is not achieved and the student moves from informal to formal remediation.

Formal Remediation: This step in the remediation process identifies students who are not successfully meeting the academic, clinical, or professionalism standards established by the program and outlined below. Formal remediation will be initiated by the appropriate course director and coordinated through the director of didactic education or the director of clinical education, and the program director. This remediation process will be clearly documented to include the nature of such deficiency/deficiencies (e.g., medical knowledge; clinical skills; clinical reasoning and judgment; time management and organization; interpersonal skills and communication; professionalism; practice-based learning and improvement; systems-based practices; and/or mental well-being; etc.), the remediation plan, and the expected outcomes. During the remediation process, faculty will complete the Remediation Summary Form, as described below. A clear timeline will be established for formal remediation monitoring and completion. Students who fail to succeed in meeting the instructional objectives, course learning outcomes, or program standards will be placed on academic probation and dismissal from the program is considered as applicable according to the established policies and procedures.

Didactic Year Remediation:

A grade of less than 80 % on a midterm, final exam, lab practical, or OSCE demonstrates programmatic concern about the mastery of content for the assessment. Students will be required to participate in a remediation plan to be considered for continuation in the program.

Informal remediation & plan: a grade of 75-79% on a midterm, final exam, lab practical, or OSCE will result in the implementation of an informal remediation plan, which includes completing a self-reflection survey assigned by the course director.
Formal remediation & plan: a grade of less than 75% on a midterm, final exam, lab practical, or OSCE will result in the implementation of a formal remediation plan, which includes at a minimum, the following steps:
- The course director will meet with the student to review and identify deficiencies in the assessment.
- The course director will consult with the director of didactic education to develop a remediation plan, which may include, but is not limited to:
  - Reading assignments
  - Review of lecture material
  - Individual focused faculty-lead tutoring
  - Mandated program-established tutoring programs
- The course director will evaluate such a student’s proficiency upon completing the remediation plan. The assessment of proficiency in remediated subjects is at the discretion of the course director with the approval of the director of didactic education or the program director.
  - If the student is re-examined for a change in grade, the final grade on any remediated assessment may not exceed 70 percent.
  - Any failing grade (less than 70 percent) on a remediation exam necessitates a full reexamination of all objectives.
- The course director will complete the Remediation Summary Form, which outlines the remediation process and outcome(s) of the remediation effort. This form and any supporting documentation will become a part of the student’s official file.
- The course director will notify the director of didactic education, the program director, and the Academic and Professionalism Progress Committee of the remediation efforts and outcomes.
All formal remediation must be completed within the established timeframe as documented on the Remediation Form.
Should a student fail to successfully remediate a midterm, final exam, OSCE, or lab practical, the student will be referred to the Academic and Professionalism Progress Committee for review and consideration of action.
- Failure to successfully remediate a mid-term or final exam in any course may result in the dismissal from the program at the discretion of the Academic and Professionalism Progress Committee.
- In the event of a recommendation for dismissal based on the failure to score above 70 percent on a remediation assessment, the student may file a formal appeal per the Academic Appeals Policy.

Clinical Year Remediation:

The remediation process for the clinical year mirrors the didactic year guidance with the following additions:

A student who earns less than 75 percent on the SCPE assignment is required to participate in an informal remediation plan with the director of clinical education to be considered for continuation in the program.
Informal remediation: a student who fails an End of Rotation (EOR) exam will automatically be allowed one remediated retest per SCPE before the final course grade is assigned. If such a student scores a passing grade on their first attempted remediation exam, the recorded grade on the remediated exam shall be a 70, as stated in the CSU PA Program Remediation Policy.
Formal remediation: should a student fail a first attempt remediated EOR exam within a course, such student will receive an ‘F’ in the course and be required to participate in formal remediation of the knowledge portion of the rotation at the discretion of the director of clinical education before retaking the exam for the third time (second remediation exam) which may result in a delay in graduation. Formal remediation may include additional direct patient care under the supervision of a preceptor and is assigned at the discretion of the director of clinical education. The maximum grade the student can earn on a second or third retest will be 70. Should the affected student complete the formal remediation process and score a passing score on the third attempt of the EOR exam, a change of grade request will be completed to reflect the course grade that was earned from the completion of assessment tools during the time on the SCPE in addition to the remediated exam score of a 70.
If a student fails the exam on the third attempt, the student will earn an ‘F’ in the course and will be required formal remediation that includes repeating the entire rotation, which will result in a delay in graduation. Subsequently, the student will incur all financial costs and burdens of completing such rotation a second time. Students will not be allowed to repeat a rotation in place of an elective rotation. Should the rotation for remediation be an elective rotation, the student shall have to successfully complete a second rotation in that specialty in addition to the regular course requirements. Such required repeated elective rotation may result in the student not graduating on time.

NOTE: Students will not be allowed to remediate preceptor evaluations or patient encounter logging to increase their grade.

Summative Evaluation Remediation:

Students must earn a grade of greater than or equal to 75 percent on all aspects of the summative evaluation to successfully complete the summative assessment and graduate from the program.

Students earning a grade of less than 75 percent on any summative assessment item must remediate and achieve a reassessment grade of 75 percent or higher to be considered successful in meeting the program learning competency and graduate from the program.
Remediation/Reassessment: Students have two (2) remediation attempts to earn a grade greater than or equal to 75 percent on the summative evaluations. It is important to note that the timing of remediation for this process may delay graduation.
A student who fails to earn a grade above 75 percent after the maximum allocated remediation attempts will be dismissed from the program.

Deceleration (A3.14d)

The CSU PA program curriculum is designed to be delivered on a full-time basis to students in a cohort. The program must be completed on a full-time basis, and students are not eligible to opt into deceleration. Program policies may result in program-required deceleration for an approved leave of absence, as outlined below.

Leave Of Absence (A3.14d)

Students seeking a leave of absence from the CSU PA Program must submit a written request to the Academic and Professionalism Progress Committee and the program director to obtain permission. Acceptable leave of absence requests are considered for personal, financial, or medical reasons and are not typically granted for academic reasons.

Didactic Year: For students requesting a leave of absence during the didactic year, the Academic and Professionalism Progress Committee will make a recommendation to the program director, who makes the final decision regarding whether the leave of absence should be approved and the contingencies of returning to the program if approved. Students will either be required to return to the program in January or the semester after the one they most successfully completed.

Clinical Year: For students requesting a leave of absence during the clinical year, the Academic and Professionalism Progress Committee will make a recommendation to the program director, who makes the final decision regarding whether the leave of absence should be approved and the contingencies of returning to the program if approved. Students will return to the program within one (1) year from the date their leave of absence commenced and may not be permitted to complete The Graduate Project II coursework with their current cohort.

Additional Considerations:

Students may only be granted one (1) leave of absence for the program duration.
A leave of absence may be no more than 1 year in length. Anyone requiring longer than one year will have to reapply for the program, and their application will be treated in the same manner as all other applicants at that time.
A leave of absence will delay program completion, graduation, and registration for the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE).
If the leave of absence is granted, a date will be established by which the student must notify the program of their intent to resume the program.
- Any student granted a leave of absence for a medical reason will be required to provide documentation from their medical provider so that they may return to the program with their intent to resume letter.
A student with a leave of absence must complete a unique CSU application for readmission to be registered for courses and receive Financial Aid.
Any student granted a leave of absence will be required to complete a new background check and urine drug screen, which will be subject to the same review as other PA program matriculants within said cohort.
A student granted a leave of absence may choose to audit courses in the program leading up to their return to the program but will be required to comply with university course auditing fees. Any associated financial burdens shall be the sole responsibility of such student.
The ability of a student to return to the program outside of a January start will be contingent on the approval of the ARC-PA. Should the ARC-PA deny the program’s application to exceed class size, the student will be unable to continue in the program.
A student denied a leave of absence by the Program director may not appeal this decision.

Withdrawal (A3.14e)

Withdrawal by Request of the Student

Students may initiate voluntary withdrawal from the program at any time by writing a formal letter of resignation to the program director. It is recommended that students meet with their academic advisor and program director before initiating the withdrawal process.

To officially withdraw from CSU, a Withdrawal Form must be completed online. The form is found in the student section of MyCSU under Forms. Students must first login using their student IDs and PIN. The Office of the Registrar will process the withdrawal and remove the student from any current and/or future enrollments once the appropriate paperwork is fully executed and submitted. Such students are responsible for tuition and fees according to the Tuition and Fees Policy, which can be found on the CSU PA program website. Note that all financial and university property obligations must be satisfied to prevent “holds” from being placed against the student’s academic records. Such holds normally prevent transcript requests from being processed and can prevent future registration for classes.

CSU will request student input regarding reasons for withdrawal, including any problems that may have caused the withdrawal decision. Students may be contacted as part of an effort to improve student services.

Due to the nature of the PA program, withdrawal from an individual course will not be permitted because it does not meet the program’s outlined progression requirements described above.

Withdrawal by Request of the Program

Charleston Southern University reserves the right to require the withdrawal of a student whose conduct, general attitude, and/or influence are considered harmful to the university. Such administrative withdrawals or suspensions are handled through the program director, the Dean of the College of Health Sciences, and the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Academic and Professional Grievances (A3.14g-h)

Procedures for PA Students Appealing Course Grades

The first level of appeal for a student who is dissatisfied with a grade received is to the course director assigning the grade. The student should contact the course director to explain the basis of dissatisfaction, and the instructor should explain the basis for the grade. This meeting should be face-to-face; however, the course director may allow other forms of communication (via telephone or e-mail, for example). The student must request this interview in writing to the course director within ten (10) days of the posting of the final grade. Once the faculty member has received the request, the interview (or other communication) must be scheduled within ten (10) days of the student’s request (unless the request does not fall within a major term; see paragraph 4 below). Failure by the faculty member to respond to the student’s request within the established time will be considered a violation of the university policy. Failure of the student to appear at the scheduled interview ends the appeals procedure. If the student has not been contacted by the course director within 30 days of mailing the appeal, the student should file the appeal directly with the director of didactic education or the director of clinical education.
If the student wishing to appeal a final course grade is still dissatisfied after an interview (or other agreed-upon communication) with the professor, the student should then submit a written statement to the program director within ten (10) days of the interview. This should contain the reasons for dissatisfaction and the specific changes the student regards as fair and desirable. The burden of proof lies with the student in such a case to show that an error or malfeasance has occurred. Within ten (10) days of receiving the written appeal, the program director will notify the professor, the student, and the Registrar of the program director’s decision. When, in the opinion of the program director, the student fails to show reasonable cause for further investigation, the program director may deny the appeal and promptly notify the student without taking further action.
When, in the opinion of the program director, a student’s appeal raises reasonable doubt as to whether a mistake or malfeasance has occurred, the program director shall appoint, within ten (10) days, an ad hoc review committee of three (3) faculty members whom the program director considers most nearly competent in the subject matter. This committee will meet and issue a decision in writing to the program director, professor, and student within ten (10) days of the request. Both the course director and student should be asked to bind themselves in advance to accept the committee’s decision. Neither may be required, however, to bind themselves.
If the student files the initial request at a time other than during a major term and if the course director or program director is not available during that time, all the foregoing time requirements will begin with the first day of class in the next major term. In extreme or unusual circumstances regarding the timeliness of the appeals process, the Provost/VPAA will make the final determination.
Any student who has exhausted the remedies open under the procedures outlined above may appeal the entire matter to the enrollment sub-committee of the Graduate Council. The student should be advised that the enrollment sub-committee of the Graduate Council will not alter a grade under these circumstances, but if the student can show compelling evidence that the procedures outlined above have been violated, the enrollment sub-committee may recommend that a reexamination or other appropriate assignment be given to the student, that the program director investigate the entire matter, or other appropriate actions be taken.

Procedures for Appealing Academic Integrity Violation

The student who wishes to appeal an academic integrity violation should submit his/her appeal in writing to the program director by the appeal due date indicated on the Academic Violation Form, which is within ten (10) regularly scheduled class days after the completion date of the Academic Violation Form. This statement should contain the reasons for which the student is appealing to the professor who completed the form’s decision. The burden of proof lies with the student in such a case to show that an error or malfeasance has occurred. Within ten (10) regularly scheduled class days of receiving the written appeal, the program director will notify both the professor and the student of the decision in writing. If the program director is the one who files the Academic Violation Form, then the student must appeal to the Dean of the College of Health Sciences.
When, in the opinion of the program director, the student fails to show reasonable cause for further investigation, the program director may deny the appeal without taking further action. When, in the opinion of the program director, a student’s appeal raises a reasonable doubt as to whether a mistake or malfeasance has occurred, the program director will meet with the professor and with the student and render a decision within ten (10) regularly scheduled class days of the receipt of the appeal. If the decision favors granting the student’s appeal, the program director may request that the Registrar remove the Academic Violation Form from the student’s record. Theprogram director will notify both the student and the professor of this action.
Any student who has exhausted the remedies under the procedures outlined above may appeal the entire matter to the Academic Integrity Appeals Committee in writing within ten (10) regularly scheduled class days of receiving the response from the program director. Upon receipt of the appeal, the Academic Integrity Appeals Committee will review the matter and issue a decision within fifteen (15) regularly scheduled class days. The Academic Integrity Appeals Committee has the authority to deny the appeal, reduce the penalties (in the event of extenuating circumstances), or direct the registrar to remove the record of the Academic Violation Form from the student’s permanent record. The results of the Academic Integrity Appeals Committee are final.
The Academic Integrity Appeals Committee will be composed of five (5) members: three (3) faculty and two (2) students. The two (2) students are selected from the other CSU graduate programs and not in the appealing student’s program. Faculty members and students are selected by the program director as needed. If a member of the Academic Integrity Appeals Committee is unavailable, involved in the matter being appealed, or feels that he/she must recuse themself, then the program director will select another candidate to replace that member.
All results from the proceedings of the Academic Dishonesty Appeals Committee should be reported to the program director, the Dean of the College of Health Sciences, the Dean of Students, and the Provost/VPAA as information.

Procedures for Appealing a Professionalism Violation

The student who wishes to appeal a professionalism violation should submit his/her appeal in writing to the program director within ten (10) regularly scheduled class days. This statement should contain the reason(s) why the student is appealing the professionalism violation. The burden of proof lies with the student in such a case to show that an error or malfeasance has occurred. Within ten (10) regularly scheduled class days of receiving the written appeal, the program director will notify both the instructor and the student of the decision in writing. If the program director is the one who issues the violation, then the student must appeal to the Dean of the College of Health Sciences.
When, in the sole opinion of the program director, the student fails to show reasonable cause for further investigation, the program director may deny the appeal without taking further action. When, in the opinion of the program director, a student’s appeal raises a reasonable doubt as to whether a mistake or malfeasance has occurred, the program director will meet with the instructor and with the student and render a decision within ten (10) regularly scheduled class days of the receipt of the appeal. If the decision favors granting the student’s appeal, the program director may request that the violation be removed from the student’s record. The program director will notify both the student and the professor of this action.

Note: During the appeals process, the student may continue to attend the class in which the violation occurred.

Graduation Requirements (A3.14b)

To graduate from the Charleston Southern University PA Program and be awarded a Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies, a student must:

Successfully complete all coursework within five (5) academic years according to university and program-defined academic standards.
Achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 at program completion.
Successfully pass all components of the Summative Evaluation within four (4) months of graduation, demonstrating all Student Learning Competencies have been mastered.
Be in good professional standing with the program.
Complete the CSU graduation application process.
Complete payment of tuition, program fees, graduation fees, and outstanding university fees or library charges.

It is the student’s responsibility to ensure all degree requirements have been met to qualify for graduation. A graduating student must apply for their degree through the Registrar’s Office no later than the start of their final semester preceding said graduation.

Student Health & Immunizations (A3.09a-b)

Tuberculosis (TB) screening and vaccine/immunity documentation are required for enrollment and continued progression in the CSU PA Program. The program aligns vaccination recommendations with those routinely advised by the CDC for healthcare personnel and with the onboarding requirements of our clinical partnerships.

TB screening and immunization/immunity documentation must be dated, signed, or stamped by a healthcare provider or office before submission to the designated third-party health record service. The pre-enrollment deadline for submission of vaccine and immunity documentation and TB screening is December 1.

The following tables summarize the immunization and TB screening requirements for enrollment and progression in the CSU PA Program. While these requirements align with CDC guidelines for healthcare workers, they are subject to change or update based on clinical site policies. Students are solely responsible for any healthcare-related costs incurred while enrolled, even when following policy requirements.

IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS (A3.09a)

Vaccine/Test/Timing	Requirement	Notes/Alternatives
MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)	Two doses at least 28 days apart, OR Positive MMR titer demonstrating immunity	If negative titer, repeat 2-dose series. Titer not needed if 2 doses are documented.
Varicella (VZV)Pre-enrollment requirement	Documentation of 2 doses ≥28 days apart, OR Positive varicella (VZV) titer test demonstrating immunity, OR Healthcare provider-confirmed history of varicella or herpes zoster	Negative titer: must receive 2 doses, 4 weeks apart. US-born before 1980 still must provide evidence.
Tdap/Td Pre-enrollment requirement, but may require updates	One Tdap within the past 10 years	If 10+ years, obtain Tdap or Td booster.
Influenza (Flu) Pre-enrollment requirement with required updates	Proof of annual flu vaccine for the current influenza season Receipt from pharmacy Note from healthcare provider	Required 3 times: Pre-matriculation Clinical year preparation Completion of clinical year Typically obtained in Sept/Oct annually Alternate vaccines are available for individuals with egg allergies.
Hepatitis B Pre-enrollment requirement	Proof of completed vaccine series, *AND* Positive quantitative Hep B titer (anti-HBs or HBsAb) showing immunity	If negative, repeat the CDC-recommended series *AND* titer 1 month after the last series dose. After 6 doses *AND* 2 negative titers, the student is a ‘non-responder,’ and must notify the program.
COVID-19 Pre-enrollment requirement	CDC recommends healthcare workers receive an updated 2024–2025 Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, or Novavax Unvaccinated students are encouraged to initiate the vaccination process before matriculation.	Lack of the vaccine may prevent clinical year placement at specific sites. Alternate placements are not guaranteed, which could prevent clinical year completion, delay graduation, or prevent program completion.

Vaccine Exemption Statement: Certain clinical partners may grant a vaccine exemption on medical or religious grounds, subject to site approval. Sites are not required to accept exemptions. Students are responsible for requesting and securing exemption approval directly from the clinical site.

The CDC recommends screening all US healthcare personnel for tuberculosis (TB) upon hire (i.e., preplacement). TB screening is a process that includes baseline individual TB risk assessment, TB symptom evaluation, a TB test (e.g., TB blood test or a TB skin test), and additional evaluation for TB disease as needed. Furthermore, the clinical partners of the CSU PA program have strict requirements for clinical year PA students because of the increased risk of exposure to TB as a healthcare worker. The program aims to comply, which is reflected in the TB screening requirements below. More information on the CDC recommendations on TB screening/testing frequency for healthcare personnel can be found here (https://www.cdc.gov/tb-healthcare-settings/hcp/screening-testing/frequency.html).

TB SCREENING REQUIREMENTS (A3.09a)

*Pre-enrollment Requirements*	Accepted students must complete a 2-step PPD, valid only for one year from the 2^nd test. Another 2-step PPD will be required for clinical year preparation requirements.
*Clinical Year Preparation Requirements*	All PA students must complete a 2-step PPD, valid only for one year from the 2^nd test. Another 2-step PPD may be required to complete the clinical year. Many clinical sites require TB testing completed within 30 days** of a rotation start date. Additional testing may be necessary to meet site-specific requirements.
*Additional Guidelines:*	Positive PPD: Submit a clear chest X-ray during clinical year preparation, and again six months later, depending on clinical site policies. TB Blood Test (QuantiFERON®-TB Gold Plus or T-SPOT®.TB) A negative TB blood test may be acceptable in lieu of the 2-step PPD, unless otherwise specified by a clinical site Mandatory for individuals who previously received the BCG vaccine.

NOTE: Clinical sites and preceptors may require additional vaccinations and documentation, and the financial burden of any and all such vaccinations and/or documentation shall remain the sole financial responsibility of the individual student.

International Electives & Global Missions Trips (A3.09b)

Students participating in international elective rotations or global mission trips must adhere to the CDC Travelers’ Health recommended immunizations and health guidelines for travelers. Compliance with these guidelines ensures the safety and well-being of the students and the communities they serve and is mandatory for participation in our international programs. Visit the CDC Travelers’ Health page for more information.

PA Faculty and Medical Care During Enrollment (A3.06)

The program director, medical director, and principal faculty, the program director WILL NOT participate as healthcare providers for students enrolled in the program except in an emergency situation.

Student Exposure To Infectious and Environmental Hazards (A3.05a-c)

The Charleston Southern University PA Program policy is to follow guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regarding exposure to infectious and environmental hazards.

Procedures For Care and Treatment After Exposure

Exposure to bloodborne pathogens and hazardous substances is a risk accepted by all healthcare providers and students training to become healthcare providers. The program will provide specific training on infectious and environmental hazards before any educational activities that would place students at risk for potential exposure.

During the clinical year, students will familiarize themselves with each clinical site’s specific policies regarding standard precautions.

When injury or hazardous exposure to chemical agents, blood, or body fluids occurs, either in the laboratory or in the clinical setting, the incident must be immediately reported to the appropriate person following the completion of initial first aid safety procedures. Failure to report an accident or injury promptly may be grounds for disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from the program.

ON CAMPUS

If an incident occurs in the laboratory or classroom setting, the affected student(s) will immediately notify the instructor.
Such student(s) should go to Trident Medical Center (located at 9330 Medical Plaza Drive, North Charleston, SC 29406) to receive an evaluation and treatment of injury, if appropriate. Such medical triage is the financial responsibility of the affected student(s).
All such exposure incidents should subsequently be reported to the director of didactic education or the director of clinical education by submitting an Incident Report Form within 48 hours of the event.
For specific exposure-related policies and procedures in the Human Anatomy Lab, please reference the College of Health Sciences Human Anatomy Lab Policies and Procedure Manual.

OFF CAMPUS

If an incident occurs at a clinical training site, the affected student(s) will notify the designated clinical preceptor immediately.
The student will follow each clinical site’s exposure protocol and seek evaluation and treatment based on that site’s protocol for dealing with injuries and/or exposures.
If the clinical site lacks such protocol, treatment should be sought in the nearest emergency department, as determined by the student and clinical preceptor, to receive an evaluation and treatment of injury if appropriate. Such medical triage is the financial responsibility of the affected student(s).
Subsequently, the student must report all incidents to the director of clinical education by submitting an Incident Report Form within 48 hours of the event.

In case of an emergency, call 911 for rapid treatment and transport to the nearest emergency room.

Prevention – Standard Precautions

Standard precaution practices are designed to protect healthcare professionals and reduce the risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens and hazardous substances from recognized and unrecognized sources. Such precautions apply to all patient care and laboratory or clinical training experiences. The use of standard universal precautions is a mark of professionalism, and all faculty and students will utilize them in all activities that present potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens and hazardous substances. Failure to do so may be grounds for disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from the program.

PA students should behave like any patient who may have a potentially contagious disease. In doing so, a student should avoid direct contact with blood, body fluids, secretions, excretions, mucous membranes, non-intact skin, possibly contaminated articles, and/or any other reasonable hazard source.

A student should avoid direct contact with an injury from all sharps and dispose of them in designated puncture-resistant containers directly after use.

Hand Hygiene

According to the CDC, hand hygiene is a general term that includes handwashing, antiseptic handwash, alcohol-based hand rub, and/or surgical hand hygiene/antisepsis. Such hand hygiene is crucial in reducing the risk of transmitting infectious agents. Students should practice hand hygiene frequently and thoroughly in all potential exposure situations, including but not limited to immediately before touching a patient, before performing an aseptic task, before moving from work on a soiled body site to a clean body site on the same patient; after touching a patient or the patient’s immediate environment; after contact with blood, body fluids or contaminated surfaces; and immediately after glove removal.

Hand hygiene includes the use of soap and water as well as approved alcohol-based or chemical products for hand disinfection. The CDC guidelines for Hand Hygiene for Healthcare Workers recommend using an alcohol-based hand rub for hand hygiene unless hands are visibly soiled, when washing with soap and water is preferred. If hands are visibly soiled or come in direct contact with blood, bodily fluids, secretions, excretions, contaminated articles, or after caring for patients with known or suspected infectious diarrhea (C. difficile or norovirus), soap and water should be used immediately. For more information, see the CDC website.

Personal Protective Equipment

Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) should be put on before patient care whenever risk of exposure is present, depending on job duties. Protective apparel should not be worn from one patient or activity to another and should be properly removed and disposed of after each use, including between patients. The use of PPE is to protect skin and mucous membranes, especially the eyes, nose, and mouth. Types of PPE in healthcare include but are not limited to the following.

Gloves – protect hands and allow efficient removal of organisms from hands.
Gowns and Aprons – protect skin and clothing.
Face masks – protect mucous membranes of mouth and nose.
Respirators – prevent inhalation of infectious material.
Goggles – protect eyes.
Face shields – protect mucous membranes of the face, mouth, nose, and eyes.

Gloves should be worn when handling potentially infectious materials, including, but not limited to, blood, bodily fluids, secretions, and/or excretions, and when touching mucous membranes, non-intact skin, body orifices, or contaminated articles or equipment. Gloves must be removed and disposed of after each use.

Masks, gowns or aprons, goggles, and/or face shields should be worn for procedures and patient-care activities reasonably likely to generate splashes or sprays of bodily fluids or other hazardous material exposure and when anticipated procedures and/or activities can be reasonably expected to potentially cause contact of provider clothing and/or exposed skin and/or mucous membranes with blood, bodily fluids, secretions, excretions, and/or other potentially infectious materials.

Immediately after removing PPE, such materials should be properly disposed of, and hand hygiene should be performed.

Needles and Other Sharps

Do not recap, bend, or hand-manipulate used needles.
Use safety resources when available, such as self-sheathing needles and/or needleless systems.
All needles and other sharps must be placed in a puncture-resistant container as soon as possible after use.

Safe Handling of Possible Contaminated Articles or Surfaces

All patient-care equipment, textiles, and laundry should be handled in a manner that prevents the transfer of microorganisms to others and the environment; perform hand hygiene after handling.
Dispose of or clean all contaminated articles, equipment, and materials in a safe manner as prescribed by law and university and/or clinical site policy.
All areas where patient care is performed will be cleaned and disinfected after every activity, especially but not limited to between patients.

Respiratory Hygiene/Cough Etiquette

When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or use the crook of the elbow.
- Use and dispose of tissues properly.
- Perform hand hygiene directly after hands have contact with respiratory secretions.
- Consider using a mask or respirator to prevent aerosol spread.
- Sitting as far away from others as possible when coughing or sneezing.

The standard precautions outlined above are based on standard guidelines provided by the CDC and OSHA.

Student Responsibilities in Exposure to Infectious/Environmental Hazards

Healthcare Insurance: Before enrollment, all students must provide proof of health insurance through a third-party agency selected by the program. Proof of health insurance must be updated through the third-party agency upon policy renewal or if there is a change in coverage. This health insurance policy must remain active throughout each student’s involvement in the PA program. Failure to do so is grounds for dismissal. The financial burden of such insurance is the sole responsibility of the student.

Financial Responsibility: Payment for medical evaluation, treatment, and care is the sole responsibility of the student and their insurance carrier for any exposure or injuries that may occur while in the program.

Continued participation in the activities of the PA program following accidental exposure or injury will be reviewed on an individual basis by the program director.

Student Employment (A3.14i)

The Charleston Southern University PA Program does not allow students to work for the PA Program in a paid or volunteer capacity under any circumstances.

The PA Program strongly discourages any form of employment while enrolled as a PA student. This intensive graduate-level training requires full-time attendance during both the didactic and clinical years. Outside work obligations will not be considered an acceptable excuse for poor performance or absence from any scheduled course activities.

PA Students As Clinical/Administrative Staff (A3.03a-b)

During clinical rotations, students will not be used to substitute for regular clinical or administrative staff under any circumstances. if a student is asked to substitute for a staff person on a rotation, he or she must contact the Director of Clinical Education. Information collected will be presented to the Curriculum Committee to determine the suitability of continued use of the preceptor. The Curriculum Committee may consider the following actions: conducting a site visit prior to the next student experience with the preceptor, conducting a site visit in conjunction with the next student placement, telephone contact with the preceptor, or removal of the preceptor from program use. Assignment of preceptors will be modified as necessary to ensure the expected learning outcomes will be met by each student by program completion.

Supervised Clinical Practice Experiences (A3.08, A3.14j)

Soliciting Preceptors/Sites: Neither prospective nor enrolled students will be required to provide or solicit preceptors or clinical sites for the program mandated SCPE component of the curriculum. Students may voluntarily submit to the Director of Clinical Education the name(s) of potential preceptors and/or clinical sites not already affiliated with the CSU PA Program by completing a Request for New Rotation Development Form. There is no direct or implied guarantee on the part of the program that the student will be assigned a rotation with any requested clinical site or preceptor, including those already affiliated with the program. It is ultimately up to the Director of Clinical Education to decide whether the clinical site and preceptor are deemed appropriate for use in SCPEs. A student may request the development of a maximum of two new rotation sites.

Student Travel to Required SCPE Sites: The majority of clinical sites will be located within a 60-mile radius of the Charleston area. Students may be required to attend rotations at a site outside of this area and will be responsible for all expenses related to such assignments.

Student Identification In Clinical Settings

CSU PA students must always be clearly identified as PA students in the assigned clinical settings and clearly distinguished from other health profession students and practitioners.

At all times, CSU PA students must:

Introduce themselves to patients, caregivers/family members, and clinical site staff by stating their full name and position title – “Physician Assistant (or PA) Student.”
Wear the short white lab coat with the embroidered Charleston Southern University PA program logo during all assigned rotation activities unless otherwise directed by the clinical preceptor.
Wear either their CSU Student ID badge or a site issued student badge for each rotation.

On the admissions page leave the Admissions Policies section at the bottom, but only include the drop-down sections below. The others need to move out of the admissions section into the policies page, as outlined above.

Admissions Policies – Advanced Placement (A3.12b)

Advanced placement is defined as a waiver of required coursework in the program curriculum. The CSU PA Program does not accept any advanced placement under any circumstances, and no course waivers will be provided for preadmission experiential learning or credit transfers from another university in lieu of completing the required curriculum. The program’s curriculum presents all the medical and clinical science content that students are expected to acquire in order to achieve the PA program’s Program Learning Competencies. Each student must attend the program full-time and complete mandatory course requirements.

Special Accommodations

Students accepted into the CSU PA program who require accommodations should review the requirements and procedures outlined on the CSU Accessibility Services website. Only the CSU Office of Accessibility Services is authorized to approve accommodation requests. Students may contact the office at (843) 863-7159 or email awatson@csuniv.edu for assistance. Once approved, students must meet with each course director to notify and discuss their approved accommodations.

Quick Links

Info for...