PA Program Mission, Policies, and Procedures

Mission Statement

The mission of the Springfield College Physician Assistant Studies (PA) program is to educate students in spirit, mind, and body for leadership in clinical, community, and academic service to humanity by building upon its foundations of Humanics and academic excellence.

Values

1. Integrity and Professionalism
2. Diversity and Inclusion
3. Leadership and Service to the Community
4. Adaptability and Resilience
5. Teamwork and Interpersonal Communication

Program Policies and Procedures

The PA Program Professional Phase Handbook is an excellent guide to navigating your experience as a student at Springfield College. The Handbook is updated annually and as needed when new policies arise.

As an interested applicant, new matriculating student, or current student, there are a few policies about which you should be aware:

• Students are required to provide documentation proving a current health screening and an up-to-date immunization record based on 
        current CDC recommendations and Massachusetts state requirements for college students.
• Students are not required to work for the program.
• Students will not substitute or function as instructional faculty, clinical, or administrative staff members.
• Students are not required to provide or solicit clinical sites or preceptors.
  • No student will be required to complete any clinical rotation more than 90 miles from the program.
• Students are not encouraged to work while in the program.
• The program does not grant advanced placement to any applicant or enrolled student.
• The program has only one location, and all policies in the Handbook apply to all professional phase students both on campus and at clinical sites.
• Students are required to wear their program-issued identification badge identifying them as a PA student in all clinical settings.
• Principal faculty, the program director, and the medical director will not participate as health care providers for students in the program 
       (except in an emergency situation).
• Other important policies and procedures that should be reviewed are listed below and are explained in detail in the Handbook:
  • Remediation, deceleration, dismissal, and withdrawal
  • Student grievances and appeals
  • Harassment or mistreatment
  • Requirements and deadlines for progression and completion of the program
  • Exposure to Infectious and Environmental Hazards
  • Student Support Policy