Acknowledgement

The production of this document is the result of the considerable efforts of the faculty and staff of the Department of Physician Assistant Studies (PA Studies) at New York Institute of Technology (New York Tech).

Purpose

The purpose of the student handbook is to inform students of program policies and procedures. The program updates the student handbook periodically. The university also publishes the Student Handbook: U.S. Edition that covers college-wide policies and procedures along with other resources.

Disclaimer

The PA Studies program at New York Tech reserves the right to make changes to this document at any time. Changes are anticipated, and students will be notified of all updates through their nyit.edu email. A form will be distributed requiring students to sign off that they have read, understand, and have had the opportunity to ask questions about the contents of the updated handbook.

Any statement in this document that refers to face-to-face interactions will also apply to virtual interactions should the need arise to convert to a virtual format.

Congratulations on taking another step in making your dreams and aspirations come true! As a future physician assistant your choice of where you learn your professional content is important and we are proud and honored that you have selected and trusted New York Tech to be your portal into our profession. As a founding faculty member of the New York Tech Department of Physician Assistant Studies I was here in 1997 when we were just a concept and since 1998, we have taken that concept and turned it into a reality accepting fifty-six students each academic year to fulfill the healthcare demands of New York State and the nation.

Our program has been fully accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA) since 1999 with the next accreditation site visit to occur in 2029. This accreditation allows us to educate physician assistants to the highest standards accepted by the profession and provides assurances to our students on our dedication to the best professional education we can provide them with. The delivery of this education has always been to a diverse student population and is provided by a diverse faculty committed to your success. Evidence of this success can be found in the performance of our students on the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination® (PANCE) where our students have exceeded the national examination pass rate every year since 2016.

The New York Tech physician assistant program is now your home, and we welcome you as you start your journey to not only become our graduates, but our colleagues. Our academic team consists of some of the best clinicians and educators I have worked with during my thirty-nine year career, and I am proud of each of them and their commitment to you. The experience they bring to bear on your education will provide you with the content you need to not only learn but exceed when contrasted with your peers. Your journey will challenge your academic abilities, but you will all rise to meet program expectations through dedication and the support of the faculty and institution. I extend my personal congratulations for your selection and look forward to meeting and getting to know each and every one of you during our 3-year journey together.

Regards,

Frank A. Acevedo MS, PA-C, DFAAPA
Chair
New York Tech
Department of Physician Assistants

The faculty and staff of the New York Tech Department of PA Studies welcomes you. The entire faculty is committed to your successful educational experience in physician assistant studies.

The program will challenge and test your personal and academic limits. You will find the rewards of completing the program to be well worth your efforts. Graduation from the program will help to prepare you for the Physician Assistant National Certification Examination (PANCE) and to practice as a knowledgeable, skillful, and caring healthcare provider.

The focus of your education will be primary care; however, the curriculum and clinical clerkships cover the entire spectrum of medicine. In the process of your education, you will learn much about yourself, both your strengths and areas requiring improvement.

This handbook is designed to provide help to you in understanding the policies of the program. Changes in this document are anticipated and you will be provided with updates as they occur. Feel free to discuss any issues or concerns you have regarding this document with the chairperson of the program, a program faculty member, or your program faculty advisor, who will be assigned to you.

The faculty and staff of the New York Tech PA program have your success as our highest priority, and we look forward to the day when you will become our colleagues.

Sincerely,
The Faculty and Staff of the New York Tech PA Program

Faculty

Frank Acevedo, M.S., PA-C, DFAAPA
Assistant Professor, Chair

Timothy Robinson, DO, M.B.A.
Medical Director

Anoma Zehra Ahmed, M.B.B.S., M.S.,PA-C, DFAAPA
Associate Professor

Yennie Armand, M.S., PA-C
Assistant Professor and Director of Clinical Education

Jaclyn Cotgreave, M.S., PA-C
Assistant Professor

Shinu Kuriakose, DHSc, PA-C
Associate Professor

Kristine A. Prazak-Davoli, M.S., PA-C
Associate Professor and Director of Didactic Education

Sara Winter, M.S., PA-C
Assistant Professor and Director of PA Admissions

Corri Wolf, Ph.D., PA-C, R.D
Associate Professor

Staff

Elizabeth A. DiNapoli, M.Ed.
Manager of Clerkship Education

Suzana Rebecca, M.A.
Senior Specialist and Associate Director of PA Admissions

Lisa E. Safon, B.S.
Administrative Assistant

The New York Tech Department of PA Studies was awarded full re-accreditation by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. in September 2019 for 10 years—the maximum number of years granted at that time. The program's next accreditation review is in September, 2029.

The mission of the program is based on the fundamental principles of New York Institute of Technology, the PA profession, and the belief that access for all persons to quality healthcare is a right.

View New York Institute of Technology's mission, vision, and goals.

• Mission statement
• Goals and outcomes

Note: Course instruction may include a combination of remote teaching [synchronous and asynchronous] and on-campus instruction, for laboratory courses. Please see individual syllabi for details.

The Department of Physician Assistant Studies is one of five departments in the School of Health Professions. The PA program was established in September 1997 and received Accreditation Provisional status in October 1999 as a Bachelor of Science degree program in Physician Assistant Studies. The first class began in August 1999 and 20 students graduated in August 2001. On February 15, 2005, the New York State Education Department recognized two modes of entry into the PA program—a three-year Master of Science (M.S.) degree program in Physician Assistant Studies and a six-year combined Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences/Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program (B.S./M.S.). The M.S. program admits 56 students every fall. Priority in filling those seats is given to students from the B.S./M.S. track who have met the requirements to transition into the graduate phase. The remaining seats are open to external applicants. The M.S. degree program completion requirements include four traditional semesters of didactic studies followed by 48 weeks of supervised full-time clinical clerkships at selected clinical settings.

Students entering the M.S. program are required to have a bachelor's degree with a strong emphasis in science and mathematics or be matriculated from the B.S./M.S. track. All students entering the master's degree PA program must show evidence of proficiency in the sciences and have completed all admission requirements.

The three-year (30 month) professional program is divided into two didactic years and one clinical year. The design and sequencing of the didactic coursework is structured in such a manner as to provide students with carefully crafted incremental steps toward the development of their cognitive and psychomotor abilities. The curriculum is designed to provide a basis for the study and practice of clinical medicine. The key basic and behavioral science courses are Advanced Anatomy, Advanced Physiology, Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Skills I, II, & III, Pharmacology, Advanced Clinical Pathology, PA Professional Issues, Behavioral Medicine, and Pharmacology. Informatics and Diagnostic Imaging cover the integration of information technology into medicine, ordering appropriate imaging studies, and applying the findings in the medical management of patients.

The fall and spring semesters of the first year introduce the students to professional issues and patient communication through the PA Professional Issues and Behavioral Medicine courses. Students are introduced to the practice of medicine in the first year through lectures in Clinical Medicine. These courses introduce pathology in the various organ systems through case-based discussion, which begin to build the critical thinking processes that are essential for diagnoses and management. Two semesters of Pharmacology cover the ever-expanding repertoire of medications that are at the disposal of clinicians. Clinical Skills I and II provide students with the acquisition of history taking and physical diagnosis skills. Clinical Laboratory Medicine introduces the interpretation and use of laboratory procedures that are further needed for formulating a diagnosis and monitoring a patient's status. The following courses have also been sequenced to assist students in the development of their master's thesis project: Epidemiology & Interpretation of the Medical Literature, and Research I – IV, with these latter courses extending into the clinical year. The successful completion of an approved capstone graduate-level research project is a requirement of the Master of Science degree in PA Studies.

In the second year of didactic studies courses elevate the concepts and higher order thinking to provide students with skills that are essential for the transition to clinical clerkships in the third year. These courses include Health Promotion & Disease Prevention, Emergency Medicine, General Surgery, Clinical Decision Making, Clinical Skills III, Family Practice, Orthopaedics & Rheumatology, Pediatrics, and Women's Health. In Health Promotion & Disease Prevention students learn to apply behavior modification skills learned in Behavioral Medicine to deliver appropriate patient education and empower patients to participate in the decision making process as it pertains to their own health. The course in Emergency Medicine is delivered after the Clinical Medicine I and II courses have been completed, and concurrently with Clinical Skills III. It is during emergency medicine that students will acquire their certification in BLS and ACLS.

Due to COVID-19 and the state restrictions placed on institutions of higher education including New York Tech, the program successfully developed alternative methods to deliver the required curriculum content and assessment of skills through virtual teaching and learning. If we are faced with a similar situation, we are prepared to meet the objectives of these skills and learning outcomes so students will be prepared for clinical clerkships and eventually clinical practice.

In Clinical Skills III students will learn the necessary psychomotor skills to perform the various medical/surgical procedures that are required of them while on clerkships. This includes sterile technique, blood draws, IV placement, immobilization techniques, suturing, the use of ultrasound, and other applicable skills. Surgery introduces the student to preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care issues in general surgery, thoracic, cardiovascular and ophthalmological surgery. Students learn to deal specifically with medical and surgical emergencies and receive certification in basic and advanced cardiac life support (BCLS and ACLS). Building on the knowledge, skills, and analytical approach they have developed thus far, the Clinical Decision Making course culminates in a purely problem-based learning format. The Family Practice course provides students with opportunities to enhance the Clinical Medicine courses already mastered and focus upon the chronic/longitudinal care model to prepare for the diverse patient populations they will manage in practice. Pediatrics and Women's Health cover further sub-specialties that often do stand on their own but are also a significant part of primary care.

During the didactic and clinical phases, students receive standardized patient (SP) contact experience at the Institute for Clinical Competence (ICC). This includes patient examination rooms and simulation labs where students practice history and physical examination skills; assessment and planning with the SPs; hone communication skills; and work in Interprofessional healthcare teams with other healthcare students from Nursing, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and NYIT/College of Osteopathic Medicine. Standardized patients are hired from the community and have received training in simulating a medical condition and documenting student performance. They have also been trained in virtual simulation and assessment of the students. The cases chosen are selected to reflect the objectives and learning outcomes in both the didactic and clinical years. The assessments evaluate students' clinical knowledge, patient care skills, and interpersonal skills. An internet-based streaming digital audio-video system is utilized, allowing the students, and faculty, to observe and review SP interactions. This technology can also be utilized by faculty to assess student performance and recommend remediation as needed.

The clinical clerkships in the final year will be completed at nationally recognized facilities located throughout the greater metropolitan New York area, rural and urban distant sites, either in New York State or beyond, when desirable. Virtual medicine or telemedicine, though not new to the practice of medicine, is a new model of healthcare the program is exploring and an elective rotation experience in this is being pursued. The number and diversity of outstanding affiliated clinical sites is a significant strength for the program.

The PA program is a constituent part of the School of Health Professions. The departmental collegiality that exists within the school provides an exceptional academic environment that benefits both the faculty and students. New York Tech PA students are presented with the opportunity to be part of an Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC) and train with osteopathic medical students as well as students in Nursing, Occupational Therapy, and Physical Therapy. The PA students learn the team concept of medicine early in their academic careers.

Candidates to the program are required to read and sign these technical standards, which reflect reasonable expectations for PA students and graduates in performing common functions, with emphasis on the safety and welfare of patients.

Academic Standing Committee

The Academic Standing Committee (ASC) aids the PA program in dealing with student academic and disciplinary problems by making recommendations and providing guidance to the Chair of the PA program regarding these matters. These recommendations may include dismissal, deceleration, or various forms of remediation. The ASC is composed of representatives of the program's principal faculty, faculty from other departments within the School of Health Professions and other members as deemed appropriate by the Chairperson. A student in jeopardy due to professional or academic issues will be given an opportunity to present their case and any mitigating circumstances to the committee. The date and time of the ASC meeting will be communicated to the student in advance.

Professional behavior refers to the characteristic conduct that reflects the commonly held values and beliefs of the PA profession and the college. At all times, students are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and abide by the highest standards of academic honesty, ethics, and professional conduct.

The following are considered essential requirements for PA students and are part of students' academic review:

Personal Hygiene, Grooming, and Timeliness

• The protection of the patients and students necessitates a high standard of personal and professional hygiene and cleanliness.
• Dress codes and grooming requirements must be followed.
• The student must be punctual and perform work in a reliable and timely manner. Interpersonal Relations and Collegiality
• The student must be able to demonstrate professional maturity by attending to the needs of the patient over self-interest.
• Students must use self-assessment and metacognitive skills, as well as exercise humility and compassion, to provide patient centered care regardless of the situation.
• The student must be able to maintain mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with patients, student peers, faculty, staff, and other professionals consistently, even in high stress, ambiguous, and uncomfortable situations.
• The student must be able and willing to examine and modify his or her behavior when it interferes with productive individual or team relationships.
• The student must be able to manage patients with a range of moods and behaviors in a tactful, congenial, personal manner so as not to alienate or antagonize them.
• The student must be able to interact productively, cooperatively, and in a collegial manner with individuals of differing personalities and backgrounds while remaining an active contributor to the process of providing healthcare by demonstrating the ability to engage in teamwork and team building.
• The well-being of the patient requires that the student be able to accept direction and supervision.
• The student must recognize personal limitations and establish healthy boundaries to support healthy partnerships
• The student must possess skills and experience necessary for effective and harmonious relationships in diverse academic and working environments.
• The student must always maintain patient confidentiality as well as comply with all HIPAA requirements.

Classroom Health and Safety

We all share responsibility for the health and safety of all in a classroom environment. Please follow all infection control workplace policies as established by the college. These workplace policies may differ from federal, state, and local ones.

All students entering the program in September 2021 MUST be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to be able to participate during in person classroom activities.

Prior to attending in person classes, students must notify the program of their decision/inability to receive COVID-19 vaccination by submitting the Covid-19 Vaccine Refusal Acknowledgement form (Appendix D). Attending classes without informing the program of an unvaccinated status is grounds for dismissal from the program. Additionally, un-vaccinated students can be prohibited from rotating at clinical sites that require Covid-19 vaccination.

Handling Stress, Setting Priorities, and Time Management

• The student must be able to handle the stress inherent in a healthcare career.
• The student must be able to use good judgment during his or her healthcare educational experience.
• The student must be able to demonstrate the ability to set priorities during his or her healthcare educational experience.
• The student must possess the emotional maturity and stability to function effectively under stress that is inherent in medicine and to adapt to circumstances that are unpredictable or that change rapidly.
• The student must possess attributes that include compassion, empathy, altruism, and tolerance.
• The student must possess the emotional health required for full utilization of his or her intellectual abilities, exercise good judgment and the prompt completion of all responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis and care of patients.
• The student must demonstrate the ability to identify and set priorities in patient management and in all aspects of his or her professional work.
• The student must demonstrate time management skills by consistently meeting all deadlines.

Honesty and Integrity

• The student must possess attributes that include integrity, honesty, and responsibility.
• The student must be forthright concerning errors or uncertainty.
• The student must be accountable to patients, society, and the profession.

Maturity and Dedication

• The student must be dedicated to the pursuit of excellence and to the acquisition of knowledge and skills required for practice.
• The student must have the maturity and discipline required for the competent delivery of healthcare services.
• When a student denies that there is a problem, professes that he/she is not responsible for the problem, or fails to engage in any behavior that reflects that he/she cares, is concerned, or intends to try to improve his/her performance, the faculty may use this information to come to a more expeditious decision to dismiss.

A PA student should consistently demonstrate the following:

• Ethical conduct, integrity, and honesty
• Concern for others, self, and the rights of privacy
• Responsibility to duty
• An appearance appropriate to the clinical professional
• Ability to recognize one's limitations and accept constructive criticism
• Punctual attendance at all program and clinical activities
• Adherence to all deadlines
• Respect for interpersonal relationships with patients, their families, faculty, staff, and peers
• Maintain patient confidentiality at all times

Any program faculty, staff, or preceptor can initiate a discussion regarding professional behavior and escalate the issue upwards.

PA Department Procedure and Outcomes on Breaches of Professionalism

Any breach of professionalism, as described above but not limited to, which may occur during a student's tenure (didactic and clinical years) within the program will result in the following:

• A meeting will be convened to include the student, the complainant along with the student's faculty advisor.
  1. Should the faculty advisor be the complainant, an additional program faculty, other than the Chair should be included in the initial meeting. The chair must be notified of this infraction and the outcome of the meeting in writing (email is acceptable).
  2. For each infraction, the Breaches of Professionalism Form (BOP) must be completed by the program faculty, staff, or preceptor. The original form and electronic copy will be filed in the student's record.
  3. Three breaches of professionalism will result in a meeting with the ASC.
  4. If the faculty and advisor determine that the incident is egregious enough to warrant an ASC meeting at any point (and override Item 3, above), they will discuss it with the chairperson and a decision will be made whether to call an ASC meeting.
  5. All recommendations for action by the committee will be submitted to the program chair, academic and/or clinical coordinators of the program, in writing (email is acceptable). A copy will be placed in the students file (hardcopy and electronic).
  6. If the charges against the student are supported, the committee may recommend any of the following, but are not limited to:
     • ASC may request a presentation, essay, or other appropriate action that allows the student to reflect on the infraction(s), and demonstrate their understanding of such infraction
     • Recommendation for possible probation (due to lack of professionalism), suspension, or dismissal from the program
  7. The student will be automatically placed on professional probation after three infractions or sooner should the ASC recommend this, or if the chair deems it is appropriate after discussion with the ASC and/or principal faculty. The probation may run throughout the student's matriculation in the program.
  8. A fourth infraction will result in an automatic dismissal from the program
  9. If the student demonstrates that they have understood and met the requirements imposed on them following the breach in professionalism, the chair and the principal faculty will consider taking them off probation. A letter of this decision will be sent to the student and will be a permanent record in their file.

Please refer to the Clinical Year Handbook for additional details that relate to clinical rotations.

Procedures outlined in the university Student Code of Conduct may be followed as applicable.

The program chair, in consultation with the Academic Standing Committee reserves the right to dismiss students from the program for reasons that include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Inability to remain in good academic standing
• Academic dishonesty
• Behavior endangering others' safety or well-being
• Disrespectful behavior towards patients, faculty, staff, other students
• Excessive unexcused absences/lateness
• Unprofessional behavior, includes but is not limited to the following:
  
  • Violation of patient confidentiality
  • Violation of AAPA Guidelines for Ethical Conduct (Appendix A)
  • Violation of clinical clerkship policy and procedure
  • Violation of State and Federal regulations

Alternatively, violations of professional conduct may also be handled in accordance with the Academic Integrity Policy.

Students will be required to successfully complete a criminal background check prior to matriculation in the program, and periodically thereafter. This will be done at the student's expense. Additionally, students will be periodically required to successfully pass a urine drug screen (UDS). This will also be at the student's expense, and may include random UDS. Failure to comply may be interpreted by the program as equivalent to failing a UDS and result in disciplinary action including expulsion from the program.

Certain legal issues, professional reprimands, and/or criminal convictions may preclude a student from being accepted by clerkships and thus may impact the student's ability to successfully complete the program, delay their program completion date, and impede their ability to achieve certification and/or licensure.

A student will be notified by the Chair or his/her designee of recommendations for dismissal, either for academic, professional, or disciplinary reasons. The student may appeal the chair's decision in writing to the Dean of the School of Health Professions, outlining the reason for the appeal. The appeal must be submitted to the dean, within five (5) business days of the chair's initial notification of dismissal.

The PA program honor code will be presented to each class at the beginning of the program, and students will be asked to sign the Student Honor Code Pledge (see Appendix B). The honor code is presented to the student at the beginning of each exam on Examplify. The word "exam/examination" refers to any type of assessment in any course; for example quizzes, midterms, finals, etc. In addition, refer to the directions under the Examinations section of this document.

The New York Tech PA Studies program is designed to provide students with the necessary academic and clinical skills resulting in competent, confident, compassionate, and efficient clinicians. New PA graduates will become skilled members of an integrated healthcare team, providing diagnostic and therapeutic patient care with physician collaboration.

Through a critical, continuous, and dynamic self-assessment, the program continuously identifies and implements changes necessary to meet the standards as outlined in the most updated edition of the ARC-PA's Accreditation Standards for Physician Assistant Education. Additionally, we are guided by the Core Competencies for New Physician Assistant Graduate developed by the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA). These competencies are intended to guide programs and answer the question, "What must new PA graduates know and be able to do on day one of clinical practice?" (See Appendix J)

The Competencies for the Physician Assistant Profession published by PAEA serves as a map for PAs in developing and maintaining professional competencies at various points in their clinical practice (see Appendix J).

National PA Organization Websites:

• aapa.org
• arc-pa.org
• paeaonline.org
• nccpa.net

The first two years (didactic phase) of the PA program are presented as an integrated curriculum over the course of four semesters, consisting of the following:

The courses offered in the didactic year include assessments such as quizzes and examinations, oral and written case presentations, and performance of lab and physical diagnostic skills. Syllabi will provide the students with the criteria that will evaluate their performance within each course. The faculty will review the syllabus on the first day of class and clarify any questions the students may have. It is the student's responsibility to ask for clarification of any points during this time or within the first week of the course. Grades are also impacted by attendance and lateness as detailed in course syllabi. Please view Appendix H for the grading scale.

Implicitly, program syllabi also include the following statements:

• Any student who does not understand and/or accept the contents and terms of this syllabus must notify the course professor in writing within one (1) week after receiving this syllabus.
• Any student in this course who, because of a disability, needs an accommodation in order to complete the course requirements should contact the staff at the Counseling and Wellness Center who will then determine if an accommodation can be made. Counseling and Wellness staff will notify, when appropriate, the program chair, academic coordinator, and course professor(s). It is up to the student to notify the center of any examination schedules.
• Attendance, examinations, tests, and assignments are all requirements for successful completion of this course.

The words examination and assessment are used interchangeably throughout this document and in the program.

Examinations will be administered as indicated by each course syllabus. Date changes may occur, and students will be notified of the change(s) as soon as possible. Quizzes may be announced or unannounced. The course instructor may administer one or more quizzes as listed in the course syllabus. Quizzes are used as a formative evaluation tool to provide both students and faculty with information regarding students' understanding of course material and cognitive knowledge to date. These results are used to provide guidance to students on areas of weakness in a particular topic and for them to adjust their study methods.

The course instructor will schedule the time allotted for each exam. New York Tech’s Office of Academic Affairs requires that all final examinations be offered in the last week of the semester, with the exception of courses consisting of multiple modules or sub-courses. The final examinations for multi-module courses will be held at the end of each module. Due to unforeseen circumstances, these policies and procedures may be changed by the institution and program at their discretion. Students will be given advance notice of these changes.

Information regarding the exam format will be made available to the students. All students who have been deemed to require extended time as per the Americans with Disabilities Act, on examinations and quizzes will take these assessments at the Counseling and Wellness Center located in the Student Activity Center. It is the student's responsibility to inform the Counseling and Wellness Center of their exam schedule and keep the course instructor apprised of this communication.

Assigned seating during tests is at the discretion of the proctor or instructor. Once an instructor has announced that the time allotted for an examination, quiz or practical exam is over, all students must cease any exam activities immediately. Failure to do so may result in the student receiving a grade of 0.

Students are responsible for installing the Examplify software on their laptops/iPad, and for ensuring that their computer is fully compatible, charged, and updated as needed. Training will be provided but students are responsible for understanding the exam-taking and exam-submitting procedures for both their own laptop and a department iPad. A practice quiz is available on Examplify at all times for the student to practice/refresh the steps required to login and submit the test. The password for the practice quiz will be emailed to the students.

Any irregularities during an examination will be noted and recorded on the Breaches of Professionalism Form (BOP) by the instructor, and brought to the attention of the student(s), faculty advisor, and chair. The student may be referred to the PA Academic Standing Committee (ASC) for possible dismissal and a professional conduct report describing the incident will be added to the student's file.

Procedure for In-Person Assessments

The following should be adhered to when taking an examination:

• The only items permitted on the table in front of you are the device you will use for Examplify and the provided mini-whiteboard/scrap paper.
• Put all personal belongings (including but not limited to: backpack/book bag; handbag; phones, water bottles, coffee mugs/cups) on the side or at the front of the classroom.
• All phones must be turned off (not merely placed on vibrate). Any sound or vibration from a phone will result in a zero score on the quiz or exam for the phone's owner.
• You may not wear any electronic/digital watches (e.g. Apple watch, Fitbit etc.)
• Other than religious headwear, you are not allowed to wear any hats, caps etc.
• Scrap paper is not permitted. You may only use the provided white board.
• During test-taking, please refrain from the habit of "mouthing" the words as you read. It will be considered suspicious behavior.

Students may not leave the room during an examination. If a student leaves the room he/she must hand in/log out of their examination before leaving and it will be considered completed. Whiteboards should be completely erased before returning to the cabinet.

Procedure for Assessments Given Remotely

Protocol for Assessments Proctored via Zoom

The following applies to all exams on the following platforms:

1. Examplify (Examsoft)
2. PAEA End of Rotation (EOR)

While taking the exam on your computer, if the proctor determines there has been ANY breach of protocol, the incident will be reviewed by the department. The exam may be voided, and in that case the student will be required to retake the exam and/or meet with the Academic Standing Committee.

Necessary Equipment:

1. Exam-taking device: Laptop, desktop computer or tablet which the student has tested to be fully compatible with the exam-taking platform
2. Observation device with camera: a separate tablet or smartphone with the Zoom application installed
3. High speed internet

Other Supplies (must all be shown to proctor prior to beginning exam):

• Small white board. You will have to show this before (blank) and after (erased) you complete the exam
• Dry erase pen and eraser
• Only foam earplugs may be used for blocking out noise. Earphones, headphones and noise cancelling headphones are not permissible

Launch Process:

1. A Zoom invitation will be provided by your proctor. Using the Zoom app on your observation device, join the meeting by entering the meeting ID provided in the invitation. Please join at least 10 minutes before the scheduled exam, to allow time for you to set up your workspace and have it approved by your proctor [prior to receiving the password to start the exam].
2. Observation device placement:
   • The device must have the Zoom app open and connected to the correct meeting ID.
   • Use the "selfie" camera so you can view the observation area on the screen.
   • The device must be properly set up so your eyes, hands, face, mouse, small white board (or laminated white paper) and dry erase pen are ALL visible to the proctor.
   • You will need to complete this setup prior to the exam.
   • The proctor will ask you to perform a 360-degree scan of the room, after which you will set the device back in the required position.
3. Video must always be enabled on the Zoom app, but please disable the audio. You must also prevent any calls from coming in by placing the device on a Do Not Disturb setting.

Protocol During Examination:

1. All exams must be taken while seated at a table and in a room where no other student or person is present.
2. The workspace must be clear of books, bags, papers, bottles, and food. The wall in front of you must also be cleared of any items including pictures and posters.
3. The testing space lighting must be of daylight quality. Overhead lighting is preferred, but if it is not available, the light source must not be directly behind you, as it will be difficult for the proctor to see you.
4. If we feel the workspace is not appropriate, we reserve the right to not allow you to take the exam.
5. It is your responsibility as the exam taker to make sure your environment is distraction-free. The program cannot be held accountable for any distractions that occur in your setting.
   • You can take the exam at home, in the library etc. It is imperative the space is quiet, with no distractions.
   • Allow for enough quiet time for the exam, plus at least 10 extra minutes to set up your exam space and get it approved.
6. There must be no drinking or eating during an exam.
7. Proctors will communicate via the chat function on Zoom after testing begins.
8. Proctors will be visible throughout the exam on the Zoom app. The proctor's audio will be disabled.
9. We will be observing your workspace through Zoom. We reserve the right to ask you to show us your space again at any time during the exam.
10. You may not wear any electronics/digital watches (e.g. Apple Watch, Fitbit etc.).
11. Other than religious headwear, you are not allowed to wear any hats, caps etc.
12. During test-taking, please refrain from the habit of "mouthing" the words as you read, or acting out the questions by moving your limbs and/or head. These actions will be considered suspicious behavior.
13. If you wish to communicate with the proctor, type it into the private chat box or write it on the whiteboard.
14. If you experience technical difficulties during an exam, the proctor will reach out to you via Zoom chat. If you are unable to re-connect or continue to experience technical difficulties that prevent you from completing an exam, text/email the proctor immediately.
15. If you have a medical condition that requires you to take a break, you will need to receive special accommodation approval from Student Affairs prior to the exam.
16. Once you have completed an exam on Examplify, show the green screen and erased whiteboard to the proctor and type into the private chat box that you have submitted the exam.
17. All exams will be recorded through Zoom.
18. You will be required to submit a Remote Assessment Agreement Form for each course, accepting the conditions mentioned above. If you do not wish to take your assessment via Zoom you have the option of declining. However, the program cannot be held responsible for when it would be possible to take assessments on campus. When grades are due for a course, any outstanding assessments will result in an Incomplete (I) grade.
19. A student may at any time email the course instructor to change their exam location preference (Zoom or on campus when in-person classes commence). The student is required to submit a new Remote Assessment Agreement Form for every change.

A general exam review with the class will not be held, to maintain the integrity of the question pool while providing a sound educational experience for students. The instructor who set the exam will contact any student who failed the exam. A one on one examination review will be scheduled and during this review, the Strengths and Improvement Opportunity Report (SIO report) will be made available to the student. These reports will provide information about the student's exam and topic/category/task area/rationale related to the questions that were incorrect. Please refer to the section Failure of Examinations and Remediation Process for further details on remediation.

All students who received a grade between 70 to 79 must also meet with the instructor to discuss this SIO report. Remediation and re-assessment is not required for these students. Both these groups of students must also meet with their faculty advisor, if different from the examiner.

Any attempts at unauthorized distributing or receiving of test questions, attempts to access the test or the exam review outside of the scheduled administration period, or any attempts to copy, photograph, or otherwise duplicate examination items, including distributing examination questions in any format, is considered cheating and a violation of the honor code.

Any student found to have violated the honor code, will be brought up to the ASC and maybe recommended for dismissal.

If a student is absent from an examination or on the day before an examination due to illness or personal event, an email or phone call must be sent/made to the program chair and course instructor within 24 hours, documenting the cause of the absence. If the absence is due to an illness, a note from the student's primary care provider is required. Allowing the student to take a missed exam or quiz is at the discretion of the course instructor. The student will be given sufficient written notice as to the date and time of the makeup.

An excused absence is granted only for one of the following reasons, or at the discretion of the program chair (acceptable written documentation should be provided):

• A personal illness requiring medical attention. A signed medical note from a healthcare provider is required.
• A significant illness of an immediate family member. A signed medical note from a healthcare provider is required.
• A death in the immediate family. A signed medical note or obituary notice may be required.
• Religious observance. Refer to the New York Tech policy regarding religious observances.

See Absences below for further details.

Should a student not have an appropriate reason for an absence the day before or the day of an examination, or has not documented the absence to the satisfaction of the instructor and program chair, the student may not be given the option to take the exam, and a grade of "0" (zero) will be averaged into the final grade for the course.

The course instructor will contact any student who receives a failing grade (grade less than 70) on a written exam, practical, or clinical encounter within five (5) days of releasing the grades to the class in order to set up an appointment to discuss the failure. The purpose of this meeting is to provide the student with a performance report (SIO report) on the written assessment or feedback on the practical or clinical encounter. In addition to the report, the student will receive supplementary resources to facilitate proficiency of the information. The student should contact the instructor for any additional clarification regarding the remediation plan, should they have questions. The student must remediate the material they missed on the assessment. In a course that has cumulative assessments, remediation must be completed before the next assessment is administered. Quizzes are exempt from remediation. The grade on the remediation assessment will not change the original assessment grade. See course syllabi for course specific details.

An academic contract that includes the remediation process and re-assessment will be conveyed to the student by the instructor via their nyit.edu email or in person and documented on the program's student advisement form. The form must be signed by the instructor. This document must also be shared with the student's faculty advisor and a copy placed in the students electronic and hard copy files. A score greater than or equal to 70 must be achieved to demonstrate proficiency and pass the assessment. The remediation must be completed and resolved within two (2) weeks of receiving the failing assessment grade. If the student does not demonstrate proficiency by receiving a passing grade of 70 or more, the student may be given additional opportunities to remediate the material.

An Academic Standing Committee meeting may be convened if such a situation should arise to determine the outcome and make recommendations to the chair of the program. It may be determined that the student should decelerate or be dismissed from the program.

Remediation of a Final Examination

Final course grades must be submitted to the registrar within five (5) days of completion of the course. In the event that a remediation is required of a final examination or assessment (i.e. patient write up, practical), the following process will be followed:

1. The student will receive the grade they have earned in the course. The remediation would not change the grade as noted above.
2. The remediation will take place, at the latest, the week before classes begin for the next semester. For a fall course remediation must be completed by the week before spring semester begins. For a spring course remediation must be completed by the week before the fall semester begins.
3. The student must meet with the instructor and verbally agree that they understand and accept that remediation must take place within the allotted time, even though a grade has been submitted to the registrar. The faculty will complete and submit a Remediation Report Form documenting this, and an electronic copy will be saved in the student's file.
4. If the student does not comply with this policy and breaks the contract, it will be considered a breach of professionalism. Please refer to the section on PA Department Procedure and Outcomes on Breaches of Professionalism

A student must resolve any incomplete grades from the didactic year before they can progress to their clinical year.

Remediation Policy for the Supervised Clinical Practice Experiences (Clinical Year)

Students who have failed a written or practical (e.g. OSCE, ICC encounter etc.) or other required assessment, during the clinical year will be contacted by the clinical coordinator within five (5) days of releasing the grades to the class to set up an appointment to discuss the failure. The purpose of this meeting is to provide the student with a performance report on the assessment. In addition to the report, the student will receive supplementary resources to facilitate proficiency of the information. The student should contact the clinical coordinator for any additional clarification regarding the remediation plan, should they have questions. The student must remediate the material they missed on the assessment.

Failure of two or more EOR exams (69 or below), repeated failure of any component of their final grade (including professional behavior), or poor performance on the PACKRAT exam, ICC encounters etc. may result in the student having to forfeit their elective rotation. The student may be required to complete a rotation in a discipline chosen by the program, to address these deficiencies and demonstrate proficiency, before completion of the requirements for graduation. If a student fails three EOR exams they must repeat a rotation chosen by the program to address these deficiencies. If the student fails four EORs they must meet with the ASC for possible deceleration or dismissal. Please note that this could result in a delay in graduation from the PA program and the student will be responsible for all financial responsibilities this may result in.

The clinical coordinator will meet with the student to discuss these outcomes and re-assessment. This will be documented on the program's student advisement form. This document will be shared with the student's faculty advisor and a copy placed in the students electronic and hard copy files. Further details will be in the Clinical Year Handbook.

Please refer to the policy on Professional Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures section for further details on breach of professionalism.

If a student fails a single course, the student will be given an instructor-led, student-performed remediation of the failed assessment, followed by the opportunity to take a cumulative comprehensive assessment (exceptions exist, see below). The exam will be developed and administered by the instructor of the course. Such exam arrangements will be made within two weeks after the student has been notified of the final grade for the course unless the college is closed. Suitable arrangements will be made for this comprehensive exam to be taken as soon as possible.

Remediation for failure of any course at the end of a semester will take place, at the latest, the week before classes begin for the next semester (for a fall course, remediation must be completed by the week before the following spring semester begins; for a spring course, remediation must be completed by the week before the next fall semester begins).

If the student passes the assessment, the minimum passing grade of a C will be awarded for the course, regardless of the actual numerical grade achieved on the assessment. The student may then continue to the next semester. Regardless of the student's GPA, the student will be placed on academic probation until the completion of the next semester. If the student fails another course, s/he will not have the opportunity to take a comprehensive assessment and will be automatically dismissed.

The student will receive a grade of Incomplete (I) for failures that occur in any course at the end of a semester. Once the student has successfully passed the comprehensive assessment, the grade will be changed to an IC.

Clinical Medicine I, II, and III consist of sub-courses/modules. A student that fails a sub-course (grade below a C) will be required to remediate the sub-course.

Remediation will consist of an instructor-directed and student-performed remediation. This will be followed by an assessment developed and administered by the sub-course instructor; however, the final exam grade will not be changed. If the student fails the re-assessment, s/he may be referred to the ASC with a recommendation for deceleration (if eligible) or dismissal.

To maintain satisfactory academic standing as a PA student, a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 must be maintained. The college identifies students that fall below a 3.0 GPA and places them on academic probation until the GPA reaches 3.0 or above. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required for graduation. Any student falling below a 3.0 GPA must meet with their faculty advisor and academic coordinator for counseling and the development of a plan for success, as needed.

• A student with a first semester GPA of less than 2.7 will be dismissed from the program.
• A student with less than a 3.0 semester GPA will be placed on academic probation.
• A student on probation for a semester GPA below 3.0 who receives 3.0 or higher in the subsequent semester will no longer be on probation as long as their cumulative GPA is equal to or greater than 3.0.
• A student receiving a semester GPA less than a 3.0 for two consecutive semesters, with a cumulative GPA of less than 3.0, will be dismissed from the program.
• Any student who has received a grade of C during a previous semester as a result of completing a cumulative comprehensive examination will be placed on academic probation regardless of cumulative GPA.
• A student on academic probation is not eligible for a comprehensive exam and is dismissed from the program if they fail a course in any subsequent semester.
• A student failing a second course at any point in the program will not be eligible to take the cumulative comprehensive exam in the second course/rotation s/he failed and is automatically dismissed from the program.
• A student failing two courses and/or Clinical Medicine sub-courses (and any combination thereof) in a single semester is not eligible to take a cumulative comprehensive exam and is automatically dismissed from the program.
• Students are required to achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.0 to progress to the clinical phase. If this is not achieved, they will be referred to the ASC to be considered for deceleration (if eligible) or dismissal.
• Students are required to maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 throughout the clinical year. If this is not maintained they will be referred to the ASC to be considered for dismissal. (See Clinical Year Manual for policies.)
• A student must achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 to graduate from New York Tech.
• Failure is deemed any grade less than a C.

Note: All courses must be passed before a student may continue in the program or progress to the next semester.

See the School of Health Profession's Grade Appeals Procedure.

For the program's grade scale refer to Appendix H. Change of grade requests must follow the Registrar's guidelines for disputing grades.

Attendance at all lectures, laboratories, medical facility assignments, and clinical clerkships is mandatory unless the student receives written permission from the course instructor or chair of the program (email is acceptable). Student attendance during the didactic and clinical years will be recorded. Please refer to each syllabus for specific details on attendance.

All scheduled classes will follow Eastern Standard Time (EST), whether on campus or virtual.

Upon being summoned, your first action must be to immediately contact the program administrative staff, who will provide an official letter requesting postponement. The program letter will include your term of study and curriculum in order to obtain a postponement until your graduation date. Failure to follow this procedure may seriously jeopardize your ability to avoid jury duty during your studies, which may then affect your graduation date.

Students who are current residents of New York are allowed to postpone jury duty until graduation. For further information, please refer to your current residence county's website, but do not request a postponement until you have received a letter from the program:

• Nassau County
• Suffolk County
• City of New York

If you are summoned to jury duty in your home state, it is your responsibility to inform them that you are currently residing in New York.

Vacations and time off are published in advance and students are expected to utilize this time for personal commitments. All absences for any other reason, regardless of length of time, must have the prior written approval of the course instructor(s) and program chair. Requests will be considered on an individual basis and the student must receive documentation from the course instructor(s) and chair for the absence to be considered excused.

An excused absence is granted only for one of the following reasons or at the discretion of the program chair (acceptable written documentation should be provided):

• A personal illness requiring medical attention. A signed medical note from a healthcare provider is required.
• Illness of an immediate family member. A signed medical note from a healthcare provider is required.
• Death of an immediate family member. A signed medical note or obituary notice may be required.
• Religious observance. Refer to the New York Tech policy regarding religious observances.

Any unreported absence or absence which does not fall into the above categories or is not otherwise excused at the chair's discretion, will be considered unexcused and will be recorded in the student's file.

Absences due to emergencies or illness must be reported within 24 hours in a detailed email to the instructor(s). The program chair and pas@nyit.edu must be copied on the email.

Absences on the first or last day of a clerkship, course, lecture series, or before a scheduled examination, break, vacation or weekend are considered unexcused unless prior written approval has been granted or fall into the categories listed above. Should such an absence occur as a result of a sudden unavoidable event, the program chair, course faculty, clinical coordinator, and the Manager of Clinical Education must be notified as soon as possible, and provided with an explanation for the absence.

A student whose absence is determined to be unexcused will be required to provide a written explanation documenting the reason(s) for the absence, as well as why s/he did not report the absence to the program. The written explanation must be given to the instructor of the course and the program chair, who will discuss the situation with the student. The instructor and chair will then determine if there is sufficient cause for the matter to be referred to the Academic Standing Committee (ASC). The ASC will deliberate on what action should be taken in this matter and if the student should be placed on probation. Any subsequent unexcused absence may be grounds for dismissal from the program.

Students are responsible for all materials covered during class regardless of the reason for their absence or lateness.

If a student anticipates a future period in which they may be late to class, the student is obligated to provide a written request or email to the program chair and instructor for the anticipated lateness. The anticipated lateness will not be considered excused unless the student receives written or emailed permission from the course instructor or program chair.

Lateness is both a disturbance to the class and discourteous to the instructor and classmates and should be avoided whenever possible. The Chair or his/her designee will be informed of the student's lateness, and a letter will be put in the student's file.

In all circumstances, it is the student's responsibility to make up any work that was covered during his/her absence. A student who is late more than eight times during the three years of the program will be subject to probation and subsequent lateness may be reason for dismissal from the program. Individual faculty will report students that are late to the program office. Please refer to each individual syllabus for more detailed information on the consequences of lateness.

Should a student be late or absent on the day of any examination, the course instructor will decide upon the timing of and make-up format for that examination, if the student is eligible to take it. The student must submit a written (email) explanation to the course instructor and chair within 24 hours whenever the student is absent from an examination.

Depending on the nature of the absence, it is at the discretion of the course instructor if the student will be allowed to take the examination. If a make-up examination is not administered, the student will receive a grade of "0" (zero) which will be averaged into the student's grade for that course. The instructor will include a note in the student's office file regarding this action.

If a student arrives late for a quiz or an examination, the ending time for the examination will not be extended and the student will not receive any additional time to complete the examination. The student will be required to stop all exam-taking activities at the same time as the rest of the class. This will also apply for quizzes or examinations on Examplify.

Absences resulting from an unanticipated illness, accident or death in the immediate family will be excused provided the student informs the program chair in writing or email as soon as possible after the event. It is the student's responsibility to inform the clinical coordinator and Manager of Clerkship Education as soon as possible, of his or her absence during the clinical year of the program. The student must also inform the clinical preceptor and clinical site of their absence. The chair will meet with the student's faculty advisor and other principal faculty of the department, as necessary, before a decision is made. Formal documentation will be required before a leave of absence (LOA) can be granted.

A student may miss no more than a cumulative total of two weeks during the program. A student requiring an absence in excess of two cumulative weeks must request a leave of absence. Students who need to be away from the program for longer than a two-week period (even if non-consecutive) during the didactic phase, must request a leave of absence. If eligible, they may be allowed to decelerate to the following academic year (see section below: Leave of Absence/Deceleration policy). This policy also applies to absences due to COVID-19 illnesses.

If the student leaves mid-semester in the didactic phase, on their return, they must repeat all coursework pertaining to that semester curriculum when they last attended (see below).

Should a student miss two or more weeks from a clinical clerkship, due to an excused absence, they will have to repeat that clerkship prior to graduation. See Clinical Year Handbook for further details.

In the event a leave of absence becomes necessary and is granted to the student, any tuition refund will be based on New York Tech's refund policy and the student providing all necessary paperwork and notifications in a timely manner.

A student may request deceleration to the following academic year, space permitting. The decision to grant the student's request is evaluated on a case-by-case basis and the student must be in good academic and professional standing at the time of the request. The chair will meet with the student's faculty advisor and other principal faculty of the department, as necessary, before a decision is made. Formal documentation will be required before a leave of absence (LOA) can be granted.

Deceleration may only occur for two consecutive semesters (i.e. fall and spring). Students who are failing one or more courses at the time of the withdrawal are not considered in good academic standing and will not be considered for deceleration. Nor will a student who is requesting deceleration be considered if they are on academic probation for any other reason or is in breach of professional conduct.

The program grants no more than one approved deceleration.

Prior to Return:

The student must notify and confirm to the program of their intent to return three months prior to the agreed start date/semester. This must be done via email and certified mail and addressed to the Chair of the Physician Assistant Studies Department. Failure to comply with this procedure will result in the student forfeiting their seat. The student will be responsible for all financial obligations and or penalties resulting from this forfeiture.

If the program does grant the student's request to decelerate the student must understand that returning to the program will be dependent on the following:

1. The student must pass a written comprehensive examination (with a score of 70 or above) developed by the New York Tech PA Program that will include material from all of the courses they have received a grade B or above for, prior to deceleration. If they do not receive a passing score, they must audit those courses but in either case, the previous grade will not change.
2. The student must audit any course where the student received a grade of C+ or C. The original grade will not change.
3. The student must pass a practical exam (with a score of 70 or above). This exam will require the student to successfully perform a history and physical examination based on the organ systems covered prior to when the student decelerated.
4. If the student left mid-semester in the didactic phase, on their return, they must repeat all coursework pertaining to that semester and any new courses that may have been added to the curriculum since they last attended.
5. The student may be required to demonstrate proficiency in clinical or procedural skills if their deceleration occurred prior to the start of the clinical year.
6. A background check will be required at the expense of the student.
7. All immunizations, vaccinations, healthcare forms must be updated as required by the PA program and New York Tech.
8. The student will be responsible for all financial obligations.
9. The student will be subject to the rules and regulations in effect as published in the Student Handbook at the time of their return to the program.

If a student misses four consecutive months during their clinical rotations, they are subject to the same stipulations above (Items 1–9), prior to rematriculating into the clinical year. Please refer to the Clinical Year Handbook for any additional requirements that may affect continuation in the clinical year.

A student may withdraw from the program for medical or personal reasons. It is strongly recommended for the student to consult with the Registrar, Financial Aid, and the Bursar's Office prior to initiating a withdrawal. Questions regarding financial liability should be explored before submitting paperwork to the PA program office. A student requesting a withdrawal from the program should notify the program chair in writing, stating the reason(s) for his/her request. Further information regarding withdrawing can be found in the instructions of the Request to Withdraw from All Courses form.

Students should not assume that filing a Leave of Absence or Withdrawal Form implies that the request has been granted. They must receive official notification of approval from the Registrar and the PA program.

The date of withdrawal is computed from the date that both signatures are affixed to the withdrawal form. Dependent upon the date of withdrawal, a student may be entitled to a refund of tuition. The refund policy is subject to change by the institution. Please see the New York Tech Academic Catalog for the current policy.

All students, including students in their clinical year, must check their email at least twice a day to make sure any urgent correspondence from faculty/instructors/staff or the institution are not missed. They should be checked by 8 a.m. and again at 8 p.m.

• Computers, tablets. and other electronic devices: Computers in the classroom environment should be used for exams, note taking or instructor approved activities only. Web surfing, instant messaging, shopping etc. are not allowed and will result in loss of computer and other electronic devices privileges for the student(s) involved and potentially the entire class.
• Breaks: Students should take advantage of formal breaks offered during lengthy classes. Only in rare instances should it be necessary for a student to leave and return to the classroom during a non-designated break time.
• Punctuality: Students should be on time for class and remain the entire session. If the student is going to be late or needs to leave early, arrangements should be made with the instructor prior to class. See absentee and lateness section for more information.
• Cell phones and other electronic devices: All electronic devices must either be switched off, or kept on vibrate or silent mode during class sessions. Text messaging or taking calls during class or clerkship assignment is prohibited. Certain apps are useful on clerkships but these should be used with the permission of the preceptor.
• Visitors: The program has a no guest policy. This is in keeping with the New York Tech policy that states that students who are not enrolled in the course may not audit or attend classes.
• Conversations: If students have questions, they should ask them at appropriate times, and should avoid talking and participating in other conversations during classes.
• Recording: Recording any class or lecture is an exceptional event and should not be undertaken without prior and written permission of the professor (see Appendix I, Permission to Record Lectures). Permission to record must be sought from the professor well in advance. Sufficient reason and documentation should be presented at the time of the request. Recording and transmission of classroom lectures and discussions by students is therefore not permitted unless written permission from the class instructor has been obtained. Recording of lectures or class presentations is solely authorized for the purposes of individual or group study with other students enrolled in the same class. Permission to allow the recording is not a transfer of any copyright in the recording. The recording may not be reproduced or uploaded to publicly accessible web environments. Recordings, course materials, and lecture notes may not be exchanged or distributed for commercial purposes, for compensation, or for any other purpose other than study by students enrolled in the class. Public distribution of such materials may constitute copyright infringement in violation of federal or state law. Violation of these laws may subject a student to disciplinary action under the university's standards of conduct.
  • Exceptions: It is not a violation of this policy for a student determined by the Office of Accessibility Services to be entitled to educational accommodations, to exercise any rights protected under section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, including needed recording or adaptations of classroom lectures or materials for personal research and study. If you have a disability that necessitates recording of a class, please contact the Office of Accessibility Services for further help and assistance. The restrictions on third party web and commercial distribution apply in such cases.

Etiquette for Attending Virtual Lectures

• You must log in with your New York Tech account. The faculty has the right to remove you from the lecture if you are not identified.
• Your video must be on at all times unless otherwise directed.
• Sit at a workspace/desk to attend virtual lectures. You should not be sitting in bed.
• Be decently dressed and groomed. We are naturally not following our usual dress code, but you must not be in pajamas or tank tops. Jeans, T-shirts etc. are acceptable.
• Do not eat during the lecture. Beverages are acceptable.
• Make sure there are no distractions around you that will disturb the faculty or the rest of the class.
• Wear headphones to avoid causing audio feedback interference.
• Mute your microphone unless speaking to the instructor/class.

The program utilizes Camtasia, Zoom, VoiceThread, Poll Everywhere, ExamSoft, Examplify, and other technologies for many of the courses. Posting of PowerPoint lectures and other resources are provided at the instructor's discretion and are for student use only. Unauthorized use of course materials is prohibited.

The institution has transitioned to Canvas as the new Learning Management System (LMS) in the summer of 2021.

ExamSoft's customer support line for the Examplify software provides assistance with their software platform for exam taking. Issues pertaining to their software should be referred to them first.

Academic Technology Services supports New York Tech students in all campus technology. You can visit the computing lab for assistance, or call the ITS Help Desk at 516.686.1188:

Long Island
Harry Schure Hall, 2nd Floor
516.686.1188

New York City
Edward Guiliano Global Center
1855 Broadway, Room 701C
212.261.1677

For Internet connection problems on campus, the ITS Help Desk must be called during the time and from the location that the problem is occurring. This will allow the technician to employ on-the-spot diagnostics in solving the issue.

Please refer to the department's Social Media Policy for guidelines.

The School of Health Professions believes in the importance of socializing the student into the role of a professional. As such, there is an expectation that students will participate in relevant extracurricular activities. The School requires all students enrolled in the graduate professional programs to participate in six (6) professional activities throughout the course of their three years of professional phase studies and undergraduate students in SHP to participate in one activity/year*. A list of appropriate activities will be available in each department and students will be notified as new activities arise.

* This statement applies to the undergraduate nursing and health sciences programs that are a part of SHP.

Rationale/Reason for Change(s):

There is a need for students to recognize that being a professional encompasses more than just becoming licensed and practicing as a healthcare worker. There is a need for well-rounded, informed practitioners who are aware of philanthropy, giving back to the community, having an increased awareness of, and participation in, their professional governing body, performing community outreach, and attending seminars and presentations outside their immediate profession. By requiring students to attend these activities, we hope to raise social awareness of, and activism in, their adjunctive professional activities.

What Qualifies as a PEP Credit?

Specifically, what qualifies for PEP credit will be determined by each department, as opportunities differ depending on discipline; however, general New York Tech activities such as Center for Sports Medicine presentations; attendance at Aletheia and/or SOURCE; presentations by Career Services; participation in Relay for Life; New York Tech and NYITCOM seminars and presentations etc. would all qualify. Specific to each discipline are activities such as continuing education, participation in professional association meetings, presentations at conferences, participation in fundraisers (MS Walk, etc.), and participation in community health fairs. There are more than enough activities available on campus and in the professions that a student can meet the 1–2 required PEP activities/year (see PA PEP credit requirements below). Lists of acceptable activities would be kept in each office or on Google Drive; students are also able to bring an event to the department chair, or his/her designee, for approval.

Certain activities may need more than one day of volunteering. For example, the NYITCOM Academic Health Center has a program for their Parkinson's patients, called Rock Steady Kick Boxing. This takes place three times a week in the Wellness Center at the deSeversky Mansion. Participation in this requires that you are trained (30 minutes session) and that you volunteer at least on two other occasions. This would count as one PEP credit.

Generally, events that are deemed mandatory by the department will not be accepted for PEP. There may be some rare exceptions, and this will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Which course will these PEP credits be applied to in the PA program?

You will be required to complete the PEP credits for your cohort as detailed below. This requirement will be included as part of your clinical elective rotation course (PHAS 710) requirement and will be listed in the syllabus. It will receive a Pass/Fail grade. You will NOT be able to complete the total number of PEP credits in one single semester. That is to say—if your cohort requires six (6) PEP credits for graduation, you cannot complete all of these in one semester.

Tracking in the PA Department

Regarding tracking, the mechanism will differ depending on activity. If it is a SHP on-campus event, a sign-in sheet is always available. If it is an off-campus event, it is expected that the burden of proof would be minimal, such as a copy of the program, a photo of the student at the event, a signed letter from the event sponsor, etc. Often, faculty in each discipline are also present at many of these events and can confirm student participation.

The Director of Student Activities and Community Outreach will be in charge of this requirement. Proof of participation as described above will be required. If the activity is not a New York Tech sponsored or campus event it will need to be pre-approved and sent electronically to the Director of Student Activities and Community Outreach via email. Students must log pre-approved activities on the Google Drive provided upon completion of the activity to be kept in the student's file. The student must also keep a copy of their participation for their own records.

Requirement for All Cohorts After Class of 2021

• A total of six (6) PEP credit activities must be completed over the three years of the program. A minimum of one must be completed each semester with two (2) being completed over the clinical year. A student can complete more than the minimum required credits if they wish.

The New York Tech PA program clinical clerkships are designed to provide students with educational and clinical training in the core areas of medicine. It is organized to permit the greatest degree of educational exposure in practical, clinical environments as a means to develop general knowledge and critical thinking processes in areas of patient diagnosis and management. Students receive supervised clinical practice experiences (SCPEs) in the following settings: inpatient, outpatient, emergency department, and the operating room. Supervised clinical practice experiences also provide students with patients seeking medical care across the life span to include, neonates, infants, children, adolescents, adults and the elderly; women's health to include prenatal and gynecologic care; care for conditions requiring surgical management, including preoperative, intraoperative, and post-operative care; and care for behavioral and mental health conditions and to implement appropriate preventative and acute care management for patients across the lifespan with collaboration of the preceptor.

The student learning outcomes (SLO's) are based on the Physician Assistant Competencies expected of the profession at a level for practice at entry-level proficiency.

The Clinical Year Team, directed by the Director of Clinical Education, and assisted by the Manager of Clerkship Education, and/or faculty will conduct one or more clinical clerkship orientation workshop(s) for students prior to the start of clinical clerkships.

The final year of the PA program consists of 48 weeks of clinical rotations. Students are assigned to designated preceptors at various clinical sites so that they may further their didactic knowledge with practical hands-on clinical exposure. Students must notify the Director of Clinical Education, Manager of Clerkship Education and preceptor of any absences as per the Clinical Year Handbook. The clinical component requires the student to complete their training in the following areas:

Clinical rotations for the final year commence shortly after completing the second year of the didactic phase of the program. Each student takes the same core eight- and four-week rotations at various program affiliated medical facilities, along with two, four-week electives. The choice of these electives will be determined by several criteria. These include, but are not limited to, availability of clerkship sites, and the student’s performance in the clinical year. The final decision will require approval of the Director of Clinical Education and Program Chair.

The final decision regarding all clinical placements and their sequencing, rests with the Director of Clinical Education and Program Chair. Placement changes are limited due to availability of sites. Any changes that may need to be made will be decided on a case-to-case basis. Changes could result in a delay in program completion. Students on probation may not be assigned to a distant site.

When a student requests to initiate a new site for a rotation, they must email the information including a contact person’s name (if the student has one) to the Manager of Clinical Education, Director of Clinical Education and Program Chair, in their 2nd didactic year and at least 4 months prior to the start of the clinical year. * Once the contact information has been given to the program, any future correspondence will be between the program and the site. The student is not to communicate with the site and direct contact will be only between the program and the site. Failure to adhere to these directions will be considered a breach of professionalism. Students are not permitted to set up their own rotations nor is it a student’s responsibility to find their own rotations. The final decision for all placement’s rests with the Director of Clinical Education and Program Chair.

In addition, on-campus/virtual education programs (callbacks) and evaluations occur monthly during the clerkship year, following the completion of each rotation. Attendance is required of all students. Exceptions will only be made on a case by case basis with written approval from the Director of Clinical Education. Unexcused absences will result in a reduction in the course grade. The clinical team will meet with students at clerkship sites periodically during the year. These meetings may occur in person or virtually.

Additional educational and professional activities may also be scheduled. If students are given the option of attending professional activities during clerkships, they may not miss clerkships unless they are attending and fully participating in the professional activity. Doing so may result in failing the clerkship for unprofessional behavior. The students must request permission from both the Director of Clinical Education and preceptor to attend these activities.

The New York Tech PA program Clinical Year Handbook will be provided to students entering the clinical phase. Please refer to the Clinical Year Handbook for other clerkship year policies.

The summative evaluation is an assessment of the PA student, conducted by the program to ensure that the student has the knowledge, interpersonal skills, patient care skills and professionalism required for entry into the profession. Summative evaluations are administered to eligible students within the last four months of program completion. These evaluations assess clinical knowledge, patient care skills, interpersonal skills, and professionalism in order to determine minimal competencies for clinical practice. The procedure for the summative examination is as follows:

1. An objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) is carried out for each student consisting of case scenarios using standardized patients in the ICC, simulation models, and multiple stations that will assess the student's clinical, communication, and professional competencies. If the program is unable to hold face to face OSCEs due to the restrictions of the pandemic, the program will conduct these virtually.
2. A comprehensive multiple choice examination is given to the students for the written component of the summative evaluation. The questions provided will reflect the courses completed during the didactic phase as well as the required clinical clerkships. Questions will be selected to reasonably represent the NCCPA blueprint exam content.

A student must receive a grade of 70% in each of these areas of assessment in order to pass the summative evaluation.

If a student receives a score below this passing grade, they will meet with the clinical coordinator and a remediation process will be put in place. The student will be given resources from which to study, and a remediation assessment will be administered. If a student fails a second time, they will be referred to the ASC for possible dismissal.

Tuition and fees are as listed on the Estimated Program Cost page on our program website. The following should be noted, when viewing the costs:

• New York Tech reserves the right to change tuition and fees at any time without notice.
• Professionalism and advocacy are key components to successful students and graduates. Students are required to become members of the American Academy of PAs (AAPA) and the New York State Society of PAs (NYSSPA), both for professional reasons as well as to allow opportunity for significant scholarships otherwise not available.
• While on clinical clerkship, students are covered under clinical site-specific professional liability insurance provided by the college, with minimums of $1,300,000/$3,900,000.
• Each student is required to have a cell phone for clinical clerkships.
• Students must enter the program with a valid AHA Basic Cardiac Life Support or American Red Cross for the Professional Rescuer card. Students will be required to successfully complete both Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification and Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) recertification during their second didactic year. The program will attempt to get a discounted fee charged to students for the certification and re-certification courses.

Refer to the Financial Aid section of the website for information about government sources of financial aid. Further advice may be obtained from counselors in the Financial Aid Office.

Information regarding various scholarships available to qualifying students can be found on the New York Tech website. Contact the Financial Aid Office for further information.

Also refer to these guidelines regarding other sources of scholarships.

New York Tech holds its commencement exercises in May of each academic year and PA students are scheduled to complete the program prior to commencement. Students who do not complete the program until after commencement will be eligible for a subsequent graduation date. Graduation is dependent upon the successful completion of all the program course work. It is the student's responsibility to review their degree audits each semester to ensure that all courses completed and the appropriate grades have been documented on the degree audit. Degree audits, also referred to as Student Advisement Reports (STAR), can be accessed online through each student's my.NYIT Student Center page. Students are required to meet with their faculty mentor each semester to review their STAR reports. Each student must keep a hardcopy of this report for each semester. Refer to these instructions for further guidance.

The program and the Registrar review all student records prior to notifying the State Education Department of the student's graduation. Any deficiencies must be reconciled with New York Tech before any student records are forwarded to the State Education Department. The Registrar will not process any licensing/certification documents or confirm your graduation if there are outstanding coursework, fees or bills in your bursar account.

In order to graduate, students must fulfill the following requirements:

• A cumulative minimum GPA of 3.0
• Successful completion of all didactic courses
• Successful completion of all clinical clerkships
• Completion and approval of master's project
• Satisfactory standard of professional conduct
• Successful completion of Summative Evaluation
• Successful completion of their PEP requirements
• An application for graduation must be completed on the Student Service HUB
• Bursar account clearance

The Registrar provides further information regarding graduation procedures and policies.

Students who successfully graduate from New York Institute of Technology's Physician Assistant Studies, M.S. program are eligible to take the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) for certification. After passing the PANCE, PAs are issued NCCPA certification and can use the PA-C designation until the certification expiration date (approximately two years).

This is an essential first step towards obtaining licensure to practice as a PA in one of the 50 United States and Territories. New York Tech PA program graduates who pass the PANCE meet the education requirements stipulated by New York State and are thus eligible to apply for New York State Licensure.

Each of the other 49 U.S. States and Territories may have specific educational requirements for a certified PA to be eligible for licensure in that location. Although many states have similar requirements, the New York Tech PA Department is unable to determine whether graduates are eligible for licensure in states other than New York. A student seeking to practice in a state other than New York should review the educational requirements set by the state's licensing board.

After students have successfully completed all course requirements of the program, the program will assist in completing the required state(s) licensing paperwork for the student's state(s) of choice. It is the student's responsibility to provide such licensing paperwork to the program, in a timely manner that takes into consideration the necessary processing time. It is also the student's responsibility to fully investigate their state licensing requirements (as outlined by that state's licensing board), and to complete such requirements.

To register for the PANCE, students must provide the following information to the program chair: the student's name (exactly as indicated on the picture ID the student will be using for the board exam) and birthdate. Students will be notified if additional information is needed. Using the information provided, an account will be created by NCCPA that will allow the student to register for the PANCE.

The program provides continuous and ongoing professional development. Prior to graduation and during the final year the PA program will provide information to the students on career development including items such as resume writing, job hunting, interviewing skills, contract negotiations, and other issues impacting successful employment as a PA. New York Tech Career Services office works closely with the department to offer their services

The PA program also maintains a job listing for PA student and graduate use, with postings received from employers and recruiters.

The following constitutes general guidelines for Letters of Recommendation:

• Commonly a total of two (2) letters including the program chairperson's letter are sufficient.
• Letters of recommendation are provided at the discretion and permission of the faculty and program chair.
• Letters from clinical site preceptors, section heads, and well-known attending physicians or PAs carry more weight. These should be pursued wherever possible.

All students of the PA program must understand and accept that the following:

• The healthcare facilities to which the student may be assigned for clinical rotations or other patient experiences have immunization requirements for their healthcare workers as a condition of employment. As a guest in their facilities, New York Institute of Technology Physician Assistant Studies program's student participants must comply with all healthcare screening and other requirements imposed as a condition of the healthcare affiliation agreement.
• If the student is unable to confirm immunization status or unable to obtain immunizations due to personal, religious, or medical* reasons, the New York Tech PA program cannot guarantee placement at a clinical site and this may limit the student's ability to successfully complete and graduate from the program as completion of all clinical rotations is required for successful completion of the program.

* In some situations the clinical site might accept certain medical reasons for not receiving a vaccination but this will be at the discretion of the site. The clinical site may require a waiver form to be signed by the student prior to starting the rotation.

Beginning in the fall of 2020, the Class of 2022, 2023, and beyond, will upload all required documents to CastleBranch. Students are responsible for their original documents and must keep digital copies of all lab reports and other documents that may be required by the program or a clerkship site.

Additionally, clinical affiliated sites require written health records, titers, and immunization documentation for a student to utilize that site. Some clinical affiliated sites may have additional requirements beyond those of New York Institute of Technology or the program. For both the students' and patients' health protection, students are required to provide adequate evidence of their current immunization status. Health records provided will be kept strictly confidential. However, clinical affiliated sites may require this information as a requirement for participation in clinical clerkships.

The students will use the updated forms in the following appendices:

1. Annual Health Assessment Form (Appendix C). This document must be updated annually.
2. Titers and Vaccination Form (Appendix D). This document must be submitted upon entering the program.
3. Non-Immune Status Form (Appendix D). Complete this if non-immunity is indicated on the Titers and Vaccination Form.
   
   • Titers providing proof of immunity against Hepatitis B, MMR, Varicella, Meningitis and others, will be required by clinical clerkships from time to time. If the necessary titers are below the acceptable threshold, the student will be required to consult with their primary care provider and receive a booster or the vaccine series (if applicable) once again.
   • Not demonstrating adequate immunization may prevent a student from being able to attend rotations at specific sites, depending on those sites' requirements.
   • The cost for these vaccines/boosters/titers are the sole responsibility of the student.
4. Annual Flu vaccination (Appendix E). It is strongly recommended that each student receive a flu vaccine annually, unless contraindicated. The student is to discuss this with their primary care provider. Students beginning their clinical clerkships are required by all institutions to show proof of vaccination on an annual basis. This may be waived if there are extenuating circumstances (e.g. contraindications, etc.) but it will be dependent on each institution.

Many sites require students to get the COVID-19 viral PCR screening test prior to the start of the rotation. Currently, this testing is free of charge. However, this may change in the future and the cost will be the sole responsibility of the student.

It is recommended that all students get a personal healthcare provider in the area to provide basic medical needs. The principal faculty, program chair and the medical director must not participate as healthcare providers for students in the program except in the case of emergencies.

Students must carry a health insurance policy for the full period of time that they are enrolled in the three years of the program. Verification of health insurance must be uploaded to the student's CastleBranch document tracker account annually.

Should a student be exposed to a blood-borne pathogen, students are responsible for any and all of the costs associated with exposure. Students should, of course, utilize their health insurance for this purpose. However, students may elect to purchase health insurance that would not necessarily cover any or all of these costs and would then be responsible for all costs personally.

All New York Tech School of Health Professions students must have health insurance beyond accidental coverage. The cost of the New York Tech insurance plan through Aetna will automatically be charged to your student account each academic year upon registering for Fall classes. If a domestic student has comparable health insurance coverage available, such as through a parent's plan, the student may be eligible to waive the coverage. For further information and the deadline for waiving, please view instructions on the Health Insurance webpage.

Questions regarding New York Tech insurance plans should be directed to the Office of Counseling and Wellness.

While on clinical clerkship, students are covered under clinical, site-specific professional liability insurance provided by New York Institute of Technology, with minimums of $1,300,000/$3,900,000.

Personal appearance is extremely important in facilitating acceptance by patients, their families, and other health professionals. A professional appearance is proven to aid in establishing patient confidence and trust, even for a clinician with limited experience. The poor appearance of one individual is often generalized to the entire group. Students are expected to appear well groomed at all times and observe customary standards of hygiene and professional attire. The program designates mandatory dress as follows for both the didactic and clinical years.

White Jackets and Identification Badges

• A clean, short, white consultation jacket.
• The New York Tech PA program arm patch will be affixed to the left sleeve of the jacket, centered, and 1½ inches below the shoulder/sleeve stitching seam. Two patches are initially supplied by the program, but additional patches can be provided at the student's expense.
• A New York Tech photo identification badge will be worn at all times while on New York Tech's campus and clinical clerkships. Some clerkship site policies may supersede these requirements and the student is expected to follow the sites policy.
• Facilities may require additional site- or facility-specific identification to be worn.
• A program name badges will be provided and must be worn while on campus and while on clinical clerkships. Additional or replacement name badges are provided at the student's expense. Students are to wear, prominently displayed, identification badges/cards in accordance with the program and facility rules.

Clothing

• Shoes must be clean and in good condition. Women's heels should be no higher than three inches. Open-toed shoes, Crocs™, sandals, or shoes that will slip off the feet pose a safety problem are not acceptable in any setting. Male students must wear dress socks with shoes. Athletic shoes and socks are prohibited, except on assigned dress-down days within strict guidelines.
• Prescription glasses, protective eyewear, reading glasses, and contact lenses are the only eyewear permitted while in class or on rotation. Novelty contacts and sunglasses are not permitted.
• Hats, scarves, or head coverings of any type are not permitted unless necessary for medical or religious reasons.
• Extremely brief or revealing clothing is not permitted and proper undergarments should be worn. Pants should be worn at the natural waistline, and undergarments should not be visible. Shirts, tops, blouses, and dresses should have sleeves and a collar (for male students), or a modest collar-line that does not show shoulders or cleavage (for female students). The length of skirts, dresses, etc. must not be shorter than three inches above the top of the knee. All shirts, tops, and blouses must either overlap the bottom garment or be tucked inside the bottom garment.
• Sweatpants, shorts, capris, leggings, and yoga pants are not permitted at any time. Jeans are only permitted on assigned dress-down days, within strict guidelines. Scrubs may be worn during lab or on clinical sites as permitted by course instructors or preceptor.
• Male students will wear ties with collared shirts.
• Female students may wear slacks or skirts. Modesty with regard to necklines and hemlines should be considered at all times and cleavage should not be shown.

General Items

• All students should consider the image projected to patients and others with regard to hairstyle and length. Beards and moustaches may be worn trimmed. Long hair must be tied back neatly during practical classes and on clerkships.
• Excessive or loose jewelry including piercings are a safety risk for students and the patient, and their use is discouraged during any clinical site participation.
• Fingernails should be kept clean and trimmed, and not exceed ¼ inch past the end of the finger, as appropriate for healthcare professionals. Artificial nails/wraps or acrylic overlays are not permitted. Polish may be worn if neat and not chipped unless otherwise noted on syllabi. Multicolored nail polish and designer paintings/decals are inappropriate.
• Tattoos of a nature that brings discredit upon the program are prohibited. Tattoos that are obscene, sexually explicit, or advocate discrimination based on sex, race, religion, ethnicity, or national origin are prohibited. In addition, tattoos that symbolize affiliation with gangs, supremacist, or extremist groups, or advocate illegal drug use are prohibited.
• Students should not wear excessive perfume, cologne, aftershave or powder.
• Hair longer than shoulder length (male and female) must be pulled back and contained in a suitable manner. Hair should be clean and always arranged so as not to interfere with patient care activities.
• Students should have good daily hygiene that includes clean teeth, hair, clothes, and body, including the use of deodorant. Clothing should be clean, pressed, and in good condition.

Dress-down days may be granted from time-to-time at the discretion of the program chair or assistant chair. Dress-down implies neat, clean, appropriate, business casual attire. This would include golf shirts and khaki slacks for men and women. Items such as T-shirts, sweatpants, yoga pants, etc. are not appropriate. Jeans are permissible only on dress-down days but they must not be cut off, distressed, ripped/patched, wrinkled, or sagging.

Students who do not comply with the dress code may face dismissal from the class or clerkship site. They will be expected to return the same day with proper attire. All missed time must be made up.

Enforcement of the dress code is at the sole discretion of the faculty and/or the chair.

NOTE: The faculty and clinical preceptors can dismiss students from clinic sites for failure to comply with this dress code.

Personal Professional Equipment (PPE)

Many sites require that students be fit tested for N95 masks, and that students must have other PPE (which may include but is not limited to: surgical masks, face shields, goggles, bouffant caps, shoe coverings, etc.) while on the rotation. The program is currently attempting to purchase these supplies.

The PA program faculty and staff have a vested interest in the success of each student's educational process. To ensure that all students reach their greatest professional and academic potential, the program personnel and students have the responsibility to communicate regularly with each other. Whenever a student has a concern, they should contact a staff or faculty member or the chairperson to resolve any problems as soon as possible. The faculty will refer the student to the professional counselors at New York Tech Counseling and Wellness Center as appropriate.

Each student will be assigned a faculty mentor, who will be available for guidance. Degree audits, also referred to as Student Advisement Reports (STAR), can be accessed online through each student's my.NYIT Student Center page. Students are required to meet with their faculty mentor each semester to submit and review their STAR reports. Each student must keep a hard copy of this report for each semester. Refer to these instructions for further guidance.

The student should meet with their faculty mentor periodically during each semester to discuss the student's progress, but especially when the student's progress is in question or in jeopardy. Students are strongly encouraged to speak with their faculty mentor should the student be encountering any academic or personal difficulties. The program chair is also available at all times for counsel.

Should a student fail an examination, test, or quiz, the instructor will contact the student within five (5) business days of the grades being sent out to the class. If the failure occurs in a final examination at the end of the semester, the instructor will contact the student, via email, immediately after the grade has been calculated and not more than one (1) day after completion of the exam. If the student has not been contacted in either of these situations, they may initiate this meeting. A student mentoring report will be completed and signed by the faculty mentor at the end of the counseling session. These reports will become part of the student's file (hard copy and electronic).

The New York Tech PA program has developed a proactive student mentoring process that requires students to meet at least once per semester with a faculty mentor to discuss students' strengths and weaknesses and overall progress in the program. Areas for student improvement will be identified, and a summary of suggested actions recorded on the Student Assessment by Faculty Mentor report.

In addition to educational counseling, the chairperson and faculty of the PA program have the ability to provide students with information on professional and career counseling. Faculty mentors who assess that a student is in need of professional or personal counseling or special services (such as testing for learning disabilities), will make this concern known to the program chair immediately. The faculty will refer the student to the Counseling and Wellness Center and the program chair may make recommendations and referrals to other appropriate institutional services.

Faculty members are usually available before and after classes, during office hours, and by appointment. Unless a course instructor provides his/her telephone number, it is inappropriate for a student to call them at home. If a student must reach an instructor on the instructor's personal phone, the department staff will serve as an intermediary.

Problems in a student's personal life can impinge upon studies and affect the student's ability to reach their professional and academic goals. The student, however, must confront their problems, and not ignore them. Students may, at times, have difficulty recognizing when professional counseling is in order. To that end, the following is a partial listing of behaviors students should recognize which may indicate the need for counseling:

• Becoming unusually demanding or dependent on others
• Unable to concentrate, study, sleep
• Becoming unnecessarily preoccupied with external affairs (money, housing, personal relationships)
• Resorting to inappropriate behaviors such as outbursts, continuous daydreaming, crying, and inappropriate speech
• Resorting to drug use and/or alcohol usage as coping strategies
• Developing speech impediments, or becoming disorganized
• Excessive lateness or absences from school
• Losing interest in personal grooming or personal hygiene
• Developing inconsistencies between classroom performance and test performance, showing a marked decline in performance
• Exhibiting limited participation in class, with marked inhibition and withdrawal from social circumstances

Students are advised to meet with their faculty mentor as soon as possible in the event they face any academic or personal problems. It is only when there is good communication between the faculty and student that problems can be swiftly and effectively resolved, enabling the student to reach their goal of becoming a successful PA.

You're always welcome at the Learning Center, located on both the Long Island and New York City campuses, for one-on-one or small group peer-tutoring in a variety of academic subjects. The center also offers skill-building workshops and test preparation sessions, as well as a lending library of calculators, tablets, and other equipment that help with your studies.

New York Tech Counseling and Wellness takes a holistic approach to helping you stay healthy. Contact the center for counseling, accessibility services, a schedule of workshops, lectures, outreach activities, and other programs open to the university community.

New York Tech Office of Career Success and Experiential Education is a resource for educational and employment services. Career counseling, vocational testing, and individual resume assistance is also available. Visit Career Success and Experiential Education for more information.

Long Island, Student Activity Center, 2nd Floor
career@nyit.edu
516.686.7527

New York City, 26 W. 61st St., Room 211
career@nyit.edu
212.261.1537

The PA program also maintains a listing of jobs forwarded by employers and recruiters.

No form of gender-based misconduct will be tolerated at New York Institute of Technology. Please refer to the Student Handbook: U.S. Edition for definitions and reporting procedures pertaining to gender-based misconduct, as well as contact information for Title IX coordinators.

Please refer to the university's Statement on Non-Discrimination. Any incidents of discrimination should be brought to the immediate attention of the program chair, who will initiate an investigation that may result in appropriate disciplinary actions.

On All New York Tech Campuses

New York Institute of Technology is committed to the safety of our entire campus community. Professional security teams are ready to protect you in any emergency. Visit Campus Safety and Security to familiarize yourself with the steps to take when encountering campus emergencies.

On Clinical Rotation Sites

Each clinical rotation site follows their protocol and policies of safety. This information is included in the orientation of students when they first report to the site. If the student should feel unsafe at any time while on their clinical site, they must notify the preceptor, the security at the site and the clinical coordinator and program immediately.

A college photo identification (ID) card must be obtained from Campus Security as soon as possible after registration and arrival on campus. The ID card must be worn at all times while on campus and at clinical sites and must be presented on demand to any college official. The card can be used to check out library materials, enables the holder to a discount or free entry to campus events, and is needed to gain entry to all computer laboratories, the program classroom, the anatomy laboratory, residence halls and some buildings after hours. Funds can be added to the card for food, copy services, and on-campus purchases. Visit OneCard Account Portal for more information.

Students are required to wear these ID badges conspicuously at all times while at clinical clerkship sites. Some clerkship site policies may supersede these requirements, and the student is expected to follow the site's policy. Loss of the identification badge is to be reported as soon as possible, so that a new one may be issued.

Our students' New York Tech ID should indicate that they are a PA student. Please contact the program administrative staff if this is not indicated.

The college provides notification of emergencies via cell phone text messaging. This is the preferred method for receiving important alerts, including on-campus emergencies. To receive access to the emergency notification service, please visit New York Tech Alerts.

The PA program highly recommends that students become involved in the PA Student Society (PASS) at New York Tech. Students are also encouraged to become actively involved in the Student Academy of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (SAAAPA), the New York State Society of Physician Assistants (NYSSPA), and the American Academy of Physician Assistants. (AAPA).

Students are the future of the profession, and it is through these organizations that students can remain currently apprised of the progress and current issues of their profession. Professional associations set standards for the profession and work for the practitioner in a number of ways: attendance at professional meetings, advocacy, lobby activities, continuing education, information, consultation, publications, product discounts, grants, loans, and scholarships and the opportunity for professional growth and recognition. Students also benefit from receiving the various professional publications such as the Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants as a result of their membership.

Scholarships are also available, on a competitive basis, through the New York State Society of Physician Assistants and the American Academy of Physician Assistants, as well as a myriad of other professional organizations.

The purpose of the Student Society is multifold. It exists to create a pre-professional organization to enhance professional growth. It serves to act as a forum for students to express their views and ideas. It supports active participation of PA students at both the state and national levels, the New State Society of Physician Assistants (NYSSPA) and the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA). Participation in the society provides an opportunity to develop solutions to problems that are broad based on a student level and motivate students to further promote their medical education and experience. It seeks to cultivate and promote leadership qualities in the PA community. It provides the opportunity to establish the beginnings of a network of contacts to be taken to the professional arena after graduation.

The society stresses the importance of giving back at the community level by improving healthcare in the local community. This takes on many forms such as fundraising, blood drives, and others. The society honors the academic traditions of medicine as well as affirms the sound and ethical responsibilities and practices of the PA profession.

STUDENT SOCIETY

• President: Natasha Berry
• Vice President: Erin Hughes
• Secretary / Treasurer: Kaitlyn Roeda
• AOR Representative: Janessa Vail
• NYSSPA Representative: Robert Soohoo (AOR Alternate)
• Director of External Affairs: Erika Ikizake
• Communications Representative: Michelle Stanczak

Class of 2022 Representatives:

• Stephanie Martello
• Danielle Ragno

Class of 2023 Representatives:

• Shannon Daino
• Erin Hughes

Founded in 1968, the American Academy of Physician Assistants is the national professional society for PAs. It represents all medical and surgical specialties in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the majority of the U.S. territories and within the uniformed services. AAPA advocates and educates on behalf of the profession and the patients PAs serve. It works to ensure the professional growth, personal excellence, and recognition of PAs, and to enhance their ability to improve the quality, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness of patient-centered healthcare. Visit AAPA to learn more about the profession.

AAPA maintains survival guides on their Student Resources page and, as a student member, you are encouraged to take advantage of the guides to assist you in your education (member login required):

• Didactic Phase Survival Guide
• Clinical Phase Survival Guide

AAPA's mission is to provide quality, cost-effective and accessible healthcare as well as to support the professional and personal development of PAs. The AAPA pursues these goals through government relations and public education programs, research and data collection efforts and continuing education activities.

The Academy's policies are set by the House of Delegates, which meets once a year, and implemented by the Board of Directors. The House of Delegates is made up of representatives from the chartered chapters, the Medical and Surgical Congresses, and the Association of PA programs.

For membership information or further information regarding the PA profession, contact:

Contact AAPA for membership information, or further information regarding the PA profession.

Student membership, and subsequently graduated membership, in The New York State Society of PAs (NYSSPA) is strongly recommended to keep you informed of New York State legislative issues regarding the PA profession.

For membership information and an application go to the NYSSPA web site.

Free parking is available on the New York Tech Long Island (Old Westbury, N.Y.) campus. A parking permit is required and must be obtained at the security office. When students are required to participate in activities at hospital or clinical sites, the parking policies of the individual facilities will prevail. It is the student's responsibility to ask about the facility parking policies prior to going to the site, so that they will be prepared and on time for their site rotation.

For important information regarding parking, refer to Parking and Vehicle Policies.

NYITCOM Medical Library and other campus library hours and policies are posted at the New York Tech Library.

While on rotation, students may have access to libraries located at the clinical sites. Students are personally financially responsible for all borrowed materials. Any outstanding library materials must be returned or reconciled with the library before a student is allowed to receive a grade for that clerkship or progress to the next semester or graduate.

Both online and in hard copy, the NYITCOM and Wisser Libraries contain numerous medical and healthcare professional books and journals that provide current, valuable medical information. Your valid New York Tech ID card is necessary for admittance. A list of texts for each course is provided in the course syllabi.

Required and recommended course books are listed in the course syllabi. The program provides the medical library with a listing of course books prior to the start of each semester.

Students are not required to work for the program and do not replace regular part-time or full-time employees of the college. PA students will not be coerced into doing staff or faculty work for the program. If a student feels that program faculty or staff is violating this policy, the student should contact the chairperson of the PA department or the dean of the School of Health Professions, as appropriate.

PA students must not substitute for or function as clinical preceptors (instructional faculty or clinical or administrative staff) during supervised clinical practical experiences. Students act under the supervision of clinical preceptors and are expected to gain experiential learning during their clerkships. A student who believes that he or she is being asked to do the work of a paid employee in violation of this policy should report this to the PA program's manager of clerkship education, director of clerkship education, and program chairperson immediately.

It is strongly recommended that PA students not engage in employment during any phase of the program. Because of the intense nature of studies during all phases of the program, there is a significant likelihood that those who work will find themselves in academic jeopardy. No allowances will be made in the academic or clinical schedules for students who are employed.

Student Tutoring Program

Each semester the principal faculty of the program identify students who have performed exceptionally well in the previous semester or year. They are offered an opportunity to tutor students in the following cohort. This is strictly on a voluntary basis and the tutors are strongly advised to discontinue their participation in this activity, at any time, without repercussions, if they feel their own progress in the program is in jeopardy or for any other reason. The number of hours and the subject areas they tutor in will be discussed with the academic coordinator and chair.

Please refer to the university's Accessibility Procedure. For further information regarding disability-related services, contact:

Office of Accessibility Services
Student Activity Center, Room 307
Phone: 516.686.4934
mholohan@nyit.edu

Please refer to the university's Alcohol and Other Drug Policy.

Please refer to the smoking policy on New York Tech campuses.

The classroom must be kept neat and clean at all times. Please make sure you clean up after yourselves and each other. Eating is strictly prohibited in the classroom. Beverages are allowed. The classroom is a "nut-free zone" as there are students with severe allergies in the class.

The laboratory courses provide a venue in which to practice clinical skills. Students are expected to practice with each other in a professional manner by providing comfort, dignity, and respect.

There will be faculty to supervise the lab practice times. Students are responsible for the equipment and materials in terms of safety, maintenance, and cost. Students may only use equipment that has been previously covered in the classroom lecture and lab. Students are responsible for reporting any program equipment in need of repair to either a faculty member or to the lab supervisor. No one other than New York Tech students are allowed in the classroom or lab. Students are responsible for putting equipment away after use and cleaning their work areas. The PA classroom/lab must be kept clean and orderly. No food, drinks, trash, or clothing should be left on desks, chairs, or counters. Storage areas must be periodically cleaned. These are all student responsibilities. Students are not permitted to take photos, videos or any recordings during lab practice times.

The gross anatomy lab experience creates a body of knowledge that permeates the basic foundation of education that is universal to all patient care. The faculty and staff of the Anatomy Lab are dedicated to serving the needs of authorized users within the PA program. The cadavers are under strict control of The State of New York. Cadavers are donated and the remains of cadavers are cremated. The remains are either returned to the family or scattered at sea, as requested. No cadaver is deemed acceptable for the anatomy laboratory if death was due to a major communicable disease. All cadavers are embalmed so there is no special risk of infectious disease.

The gross anatomy laboratory is available to authorized users only and strictly enforced. Access to the lab is through a magnetic lock, which your ID badge will be programmed to open. Guests are not allowed. The Anatomy Lab door and windows are never to be propped open.

Students are not permitted to take photos, videos, or any recordings of cadavers. Cadavers are to be treated with the utmost respect and dignity. Verbal or written communications, including social media posts of any kind that makes reference to a cadaver in an insensitive or dehumanizing manner will not be tolerated, and may be justification for automatic and immediate dismissal from the program.

You are given the opportunity to provide ongoing anonymous feedback regarding your coursework and the faculty. Near the end of each didactic semester, you will receive electronic notifications from the Office of Institutional Research, with instructions on how to complete end-of-semester anonymous faculty evaluations. During the clinical year, students are required to electronically complete a Student Evaluation of Clinical Site (SECS) at the end of each clinical rotation.

The Department of PA Studies suite is located in Room 352 on the third floor of the Riland Center.

Due to privacy concerns, it is requested that students wait in the hallway if a faculty member is not immediately available. Waiting in the suite is not permitted, as student records may be exposed and faculty discussions may be overheard concerning a fellow student.

Messages for the PA faculty, advisors, or members of the PA society should primarily be transmitted by email (preferred), phone, and voicemail. Contact information can be found on your course syllabi and in the faculty directory.

As an added measure, phone messages may be left with the PA department administrative assistant and emails may be copied to pas@nyit.edu. You may also call 516.686.3881 to leave a message or to schedule an appointment with the chair.

Non-urgent and non-confidential documents may be left in faculty and staff mail slots located in Room 334 on the third floor of Riland Center.

Student records are securely stored in the PA office and electronically in assigned drives on New York Tech servers. Only program faculty and staff with a legitimate educational interest to such records have access to these records. Students may request access to their personal records by sending an email to their faculty mentor and copying (cc.) the program chairperson or academic coordinator. Students are prohibited from access to academic records or other confidential information of other students or faculty.

The content of student files includes evidence that a student has met published admission criteria, institution and program health screening and immunization requirements, documents related to student performance while enrolled, remediation efforts and outcomes, summaries of any formal academic/behavioral disciplinary action taken, and documentation that the student has met requirements for program completion.

Students are prohibited from viewing letters of recommendation in their CASPA application and other sources in which they have previously signed a letter of release.

After graduation, student records are kept in the PA office for two additional years, after which the records will be forwarded to a secure offsite storage facility. In accordance with the university's Record Retention Policy, student files will be retained for a total of seven (7) years after graduation.

Student medical records, health and immunizations forms, and certificates are not kept by the program. All the above documents must be uploaded to each student's individual CastleBranch portal, and students are responsible for retaining their own physical and electronic copies.

Download the Guidelines for Ethical Conduct for the PA Profession.

Download the Student Honor Code Pledge.

Download the Annual Health Assessment Form.

Download the Titers/Vaccination Form.

Download the Non-Immune Status Documentation.

Download the Meningococcal Meningitis Immunization Response Form.

Download the Influenza Vaccination Form.

Refer to the program's Social Media Policy.

Download the Waiver of Mandatory Attendance Form.

Download the Permission to Record Lectures.

Download the Competencies for the PA Profession.

Download the Health Clearance Form (Didactic).

Download the Health Clearance Form (Clinical).