Physician Assistant Program

Didactic Year Student Handbook

2012 – 2014 Cohort

Mission Statement

The Bethel University PA Program’s mission is to create opportunities for members of the learning community to develop to their highest potential as whole persons-intellectually, spiritually, socially, and physically, in a Christian environment. It isthe Physician Assistant Program’s mission to create opportunities for the members of the learning community interested in healthcare to ultimately graduate as competent, caring healthcare professionals who practice medicine within an ethical framework grounded in Christian principles.

Chapter One: General Information Pages4 - 8

Introduction Page4

AccreditationPage 4 Definition of a PA Page 4

History of PAPage 5 Program Overview Page 5

Educational PhilosophyPage 6

Office HoursPage 6 Faculty and Staff Contact Information Page 7

Organizational ChartPage 9

Chapter Two: Safety and SecurityPages10-12

Safety IssuesPage 10

Occupational Health and Safety Page 10

Blood Borne Pathogen/Needle stick Injury/AccidentPage10

Personal SafetyPage 11

Preventative MeasuresPage 11

Sexual HarassmentPage 11 Classroom/Building Access Page 12

Chapter Three: Academic Policies and ProceduresPages 13-29

Program Sequence and Advanced StandingPage13

ProfessionalismPage 13

Student Conduct Page 14

Academic StandardsPage 14

Remediation and Academic ProbationPage14

Technical StandardsPage 15

American’s Disabilities Act StatementPage 16

PA Professional CompetenciesPage 16

Attendance/Tardy PolicyPage 19

Grade Appeal/Academic GrievancePage 19

Test Question ReviewPage20

Tuition, Fees, ExpensesPage 20

Withdrawal GradesPage 21

Refunds of Tuition and FeesPage 21

Delinquent AccountsPage 21

Progression/Graduation RequirementsPage 21

Course of StudyPage 22

Academic CalendarPage 22

Academic Computing HelpdeskPage 23

Electronic Communication/Media PolicyPage 23

Course PreparednessPage23

Course SchedulesPage23

Classroom ConductPage23

Interactions with Guest LecturersPage 23

Student Participation in Evaluation of ProgramPage 24

Academic IntegrityPage24

PlagiarismPage 25

Academic ResourcesPage25

Advisor Definition/RolePage 26

Faculty RolePage 26

Advising SchedulePage 26

Deceleration/Delayed ProgressionPage 27

DismissalPage 27

General Exam PoliciesPage 28

Academic Course OfferingPage 30

Chapter Four: Student Policies and ProceduresPages31 - 36

Non-Academic GrievancePage 31

Non-Academic ProbationPage 31

Personal PropertyPage31

Health Screenings, Immunizations, HealthcarePage31

Substance AbusePage32

Lines of Communication Page32

Student WebsitePage 32

Work PolicyPage 33

Student RecordsPage 33

Dress CodePage 34

Kitchen PolicyPage 34

Parking PolicyPage 34

Smoking PolicyPage 34

Weather Conditions PolicyPage 34

Fire, Bomb, Etc., Policies & ProceduresPage 34

Eating/Drinking in ClassroomPage 35

Restroom PolicyPage35

Drug Screen/Background ChecksPage 35

Printing/CopyingPage 35

Code of EthicsPage 35

Chapter Five:Scholarship OpportunitiesPages 37-39

Scholarship OpportunitiesPage 37

Physician Assistant OrganizationsPage 38

Oath for PA StudentsPage 39

Chapter One: General Information

Introduction

  • Students enrolled in the physician assistant program at Bethel University are governed by the policies and procedures dictated by the University. However, PA studentsmay face unique situations that are not addressed in the University catalog. Therefore, the Didactic Year Physician Assistant Program Handbook was created.
  • This is a comprehensive manual; however, it may not address every possible situation. When confronted with something not covered, seek guidance from your mentor/advisor. This first year manual supersedes any other campus publication.
  • Publications that students are reminded to review for policies that may impact you during your enrollment are: The Bethel University Physician Assistant Program (BUPAP) Didactic and Clinical year student handbooks, individual course syllabi, the Bethel University Catalog, and on-line at You will be issued a username and password to access this site.
  • BUPAP students are issued theDidactic Year Student Handbook during orientation week. Students will be issued the BUPAP Clinical Year Student Handbookduring the Clinical Orientation week.
  • Bethel University ensures that all policies and procedures contained within the BUPAPhandbookshave been reviewed by institutional administrators, the University legal counsel,and the Bethel University Board of Trustees to assure that itscontent is consistent with federal and state statutes, rules and regulations prior to publication. Handbooksare reviewed annually for relevancy and application during the annual Faculty Retreat.
  • If you have questions or concerns regarding the application or meaning of any topics covered in this manual, contact your mentor/advisor or if unavailable, follow the “organizational chart” contained in this manual.

Accreditation Status and Implications of Accreditation

The current Bethel University Physician Assistant Program obtained provisional accreditation from ARC-PA effective March, 2008. Provisional accreditation is granted for a limited defined period of time to a new program that, at the time of the site visit, has demonstrated its preparedness to initiate a program in accordance with the Standards. Provisional accreditation does not ensure any subsequent accreditation status (ARC-PA, Standards,

page 8).

Graduation from an accredited PA program is the only way to be eligible to sit for the National Certifying Exam (PANCE). For more information regarding the implications of accreditation please visit:

Definition of a Physician Assistant

Physician assistants are health care professionals licensed to practice medicine with physician supervision. As part of their comprehensive responsibilities, PAs conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, counsel on preventive health care, assist in surgery, and write prescriptions. Within the physician/PA relationship, physician assistants exercise autonomy in medical decision making and provide a broad range of diagnostic and therapeutic services. A PA's practice may also include education, research, and administrative services. PAs are trained in intensive education programs accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). Because of the close working relationship that PAs have with physicians, PAs are educated in the medical model designed to compliment physician training. Upon graduation, physician assistants take a national certification examination developed by the National Commission on Certification of PAs in conjunction with the National Board of Medical Examiners. To maintain their national certification, PAs must log 100 hours of continuing medical education every two years and sit for a recertification exam every six years. Graduation from an accredited physician assistant program and passage of the national certifying exam are required for state licensure (Source:

History of the Physician Assistant Profession

In the mid-1960s, Physicians and educators recognized there was a shortage and uneven distribution of primary care physicians. To expand the delivery of quality medical care, Dr. Eugene Stead of the Duke University Medical Center in North Carolina put together the first class of PAs in 1965. He selected Navy corpsmen who received considerable medical training during their military service and during the war in Vietnam but who had no comparable civilian employment. He based the curriculum of the PA program in part on his knowledge of the fast-track training of doctors during World War II.

Implementation Period (1966 to 1972) - Development and establishment of first formal PA educational programs and PA professional organizations; enactment of model legislation; establishment of accreditation and certification procedures; endorsement and support of professional, private and Federal organizations; and performance of first acceptance, productivity and role definitions studies on PAs.

Evaluation and Standardization Period (1973 to 1980) - First AAPA conference held in Texas; first national certifying examination administered; continuing medical education (CME) and re-certifying examination requirements established; rapid expansion of baccalaureate PA educational programs stimulated by Federal training contracts; initial workforce studies conducted on PAs; establishment of AAPA House of Delegates; and enactment of PA enabling legislation by most states.

Incorporation Period (1981 to 1990) - PA role expansion and increased specialization; positive recognition of PA contributions to the workforce; approval of reimbursement of PA services in certain settings under Medicare Part B; awarding PAs commissioned officer status in uniformed services; passage and revision of legislation including prescriptive privileges in most states.

Maturation and Consolidation Period (1991 to 2000) - Health care reform provides new opportunities and risk for PAs; states continue to revise legislation, rules and regulations to reduce barriers to use PAs effectively in variety of health care settings; Veterans Administration Medical Centers, military and other Federal sponsored health care institutions rely heavily on PAs to bolster medical staffs; HMOs recognize vital roles of PAs and NPs in reducing costs; steps are taken to foster and maintain close working relationships with organized medicine; rapid expansion of physician assistant programs and trend towards master's level education.

Expansion and Integration Period (2001 to Present) - The number of accredited PA educational programs surpasses 140; the profession celebrates its 35th anniversary; international interest in the PA model of health care delivery grows; record numbers of new PA graduates take the PANCE; and reduced MD resident hours spurs employment and postgraduate learning opportunities for PAs in hospital inpatient settings. (Source:

Program Overview

  • Bethel University is related to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and is supported by the denomination. In turn, the University provides leadership to the denomination through its graduates. Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) is the regional accrediting body for the colleges and universities in this geographic region. Bethel University is, and has been accredited by SACS continuously since 1953.The Bethel University Board of Trustees, and the University President, authorized the development of the physician assistant program and requested provisional accreditation through the ARC-PA, which was granted in March, 2008.
  • The Bethel University Physician Assistant Program will confer a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies degree upon completion of the 27 month educational program.
  • The program’s curriculum will follow the medical education model with instructional modules to include: problem based learning, traditional lectures, lab practicum, and clinical practice emphasizing evidence based medicine.
  • Integration of computer technology occurs throughout the program.
  • Exposure to patient problems using case studies will begin early in the training to facilitate the development of critical thinking skills.
  • Educational presentations will correlate information from various parts of the curriculum so as to prepare the future PA to think and evaluate a patient in a systematic fashion.
  • The didactic year curriculum follows the NCCPA blueprint in regard to organ systems and task areas.
  • Following the didactic year, the student will spend 15 months in clinical rotations with qualified preceptors learning “hands-on” medicine.
  • The summative review, completed at the end of the clinical year, will evaluate the students’ readiness to graduate by comprehensive knowledge and skills testing.
  • Finally, the student will have the unique opportunity to learn from experts about the “business” of medicine.

Educational Philosophy

The BUPAP faculty understands that the field of medicine is constantly evolving.Therefore, we strive to train students to become life-long learners adept at critical thinking. The role of the teacher is to guide and objectively evaluate students, select and present important material, and model professionalbehavior. The teacher will likewise be a life-long learner who will be objectivelyevaluated on a regular basis by students and peers.

Office Hours

Faculty and staff are available during office hours which are posted on the bulletin boards. Students can also schedule appointments outside of office hours if needed. To avoid disruption of work or class, e-mail should be used for communication. Students are not allowed in offices on the second floor or Program Director’s conference room or office without being announced by the program Administrative Assistant or other staff. YOU MUST BE ANNOUNCED REGARDLESS OF SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT TIMES.

Staff office hours are:

8:30-12:00pm and 1:00-4:30 pm M-F

Faculty:

Principal faculty: Will be available during office hours

Adjunct faculty:

Adjunct faculty will not have pre-established office hours. Anyone wanting to talk with an adjunct faculty member needs to do so immediately after class or set up an appointment.

Faculty and Staff Contact Information

President

Rev. R. Prosser, DL

Vice President

Steve

Chief Academic Officer

Phyllis Campbell

Program Director

Johnna Tanner, PA-C731-352-4247ext.

Medical Director

Joseph Hames, MD731-352-4247 ext.

Academic Director

Daphne Foust, PA-C731-352-4247 ext.

Clinical Director

Pat Cafferty, PA-C731-352-4247 ext.

Full Time Faculty

Laura Cozzitorto, PA-C731-352-4247

Brad Dirks, PA-C, M.Ed.731-352-4247 ext.

Gwen Ferdinand-Jacob, PA-C 731-352-4247 ext.

Kerri Smith, PA-C731-352-4247 ext.

Joe Opie,

Director of Admissions

Kim Hammonds731-352-4247 ext.

Program Administrative Assistant

Janet Peeler731-352-4247 ext.

Clinical Coordinator

Michelle Lamb731-352-4247 ext.

Clinical Faculty

Laura

Clinical Recruiter

Sandy

Academic Coordinator

Stephanie Watkins731-352-4247 ext.

Other Faculty

JC Carey, PA-C731-352-4247

J. Turner, PhD 731-352-4247

P. Brinkman,

Jill Whitfill,

JR Allison,

Mickie Carter,

Rina Prosser, FNP,

Anita Baker –Ross,

Julie Miller, M.Ed, ATC,

Thomas Braxton,

Heather Gladwell,

•The emergency contact number for the program is (731) 352-5708. If you cannot reach someone at this number, dial (731) 352-4247 or (731) 352-7753.

•The phone number for the computer help desk is (731) 352-4040.

•For emergencies dial (731) 352-7599 for Bethel University Security.

Organizational Charts

The principal PA faculty and administrative support staff provide a full range of academic and administrative services. Refer to this chart to follow the proper chain of command.

Chapter Two:Safety and Security

Safety Issues

In the event of any safety, harassment, conflict or other threatening situations, students are advised to use the following procedures.

  • First and foremost, if you feel imminent danger in any situation: clearly communicate your distress/situation via any means possible; remove yourself from the situation and call 9-1-1
  • Any incident of emergent need must be reported immediately to any staff or faculty personnel present, who will then take appropriate safety measures. If faculty or staff is not present, call 9-1-1.
  • Any incident concerning criminal or suspicious activities must be reported to campus security at 731-415-7599.BUPAP should be made aware as soon as possible of all incidents regardless of whom it was reported.Our Physical Address is: 647 Stonewall St. N, McKenzie, TN 38201

Occupational Health and Safety

Occupational health and safety is addressed on an annual basis: first, during orientation week of the matriculating class, and again, during introduction to the clinical year. Instruction will be given in a group environment concerning HIPPA, OSHA, and blood-borne pathogens/universal precautions. In cases where students miss these lectures, individual orientation will be provided. In no case will a student be admitted to the next step in their education until these classes have been completed.

Blood Borne Pathogen and Accident Policy

Reporting Procedures: Should you sustain a needle stick or exposure to a potentially infectious and/or hazardous substance during a lab or suffer any other injury:

If you are in a lab class and receive a needle stick, other exposure, or accident please proceed as follows: contact the course instructor to report the incident. Complete an incident report form and submit it to your advisor. If necessary, you will be taken to the local emergency department or medical clinic for immediate care and subsequent follow-up.

An incident report/accidental exposure form must be completed for any accident or incident that occurs. This form is available in the Academic and Clinical office and on our website.

You have access to the building and lab resources after hours to practice skills; however, you absolutely are not to practice any skill that would involve sharps and therefore, should not sustain a needle stick injury afterhours. However, if you choose to disregard this policy and receive a needle stick injury, you should immediately call the Program Director to receive instructions.

NOTE: All students are required to have health and accident insurance. Students should notify the Program Director if the insurance company does not cover the entire cost. We will inquire about possible reimbursement on your behalf; however, this request may be denied.

Personal Safety

Security is very important on the Bethel University campus. The City of McKenzie has a very low incidence of crime. The rural setting lends itself to a secure environment the community and students enjoy. A well-lit campus, campus security, proximity of college personnel and good communications with local law enforcement officials create a comfortable and safe environment. Copies of the University’s annual security report are available in the office of student development.

Please refer to theBethel University Catalog, and on-line at for instruction while on campus. Students’ security while at the physical location of BUPAP is addressed by:

  1. If imminent danger is present, call 9-1-1.
  2. If a non-imminent security issue is identified, notify your immediate supervisor (academic or clinical) or if unavailable, any faculty or staff that is available or contact security at 731-415-7599.
  3. The BUPAP building is accessible via security doors 24-7.
  4. Emergency evacuation information is posted throughout the department.
  5. BUPAP assumes no responsibility for personal property lost or damages during enrollment.

Campus Security phone numbers are 352-4200 or 4222.

Campus Security cell phone numbers are 415-7598 or 4599.

Preventive Measures

Bethel University encourages members of the campus community to take responsibility for their actions in order to enhance the safety and security of all. Preventive measures may be taken which will increase personal security, as well as security of their vehicle and personal property. These preventive measures include, but are not limited to the following:

  1. Exercise, travel, jog, etc., with a friend or partner. Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. Stay in well-lit areas, and do not walk alone at night. Remember there is safety in numbers.
  2. Be aware of unusual or suspicious persons or conditions around you. Make it difficult for anyone to take you by surprise. Trust your intuition or “gut” instinct in your observations. It is better to be safe than sorry.
  3. Call Bethel Security to report crime or suspicious activity.
  4. Have in mind a plan of action in case your safety is threatened;waiting until a situation arises may be too late.
  5. Never open the door to strangers (maintenance and security personnel, or employees of the BUPAP, have access to the building and would not have to ask you to let them in). Ask to see their identification. If you are unsure, call Security.
  6. Know the evacuation route in case of fire or other emergency.

Sexual harassmentin education is defined as: any unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature that interferes with a student’s ability to learn, study, work or participate in school activities. Sexual harassment can be peer/peer, by teachers/preceptors or other school employees. While sexual harassment is legally defined as “unwanted” behavior, many experts agree that even consensual sexual interaction between students and teachers constitutes harassment because the power differential creates a dynamic in which “mutual consent” is impossible. (Dzeich et al, 1990) Therefore it is BUPAP’s policy that students are not to enter into an intimate relationship with faculty, staff, or preceptors. Incidents will be investigated and immediate action taken; up to and including dismissal from the program.