Graduation Requirements
Student Progress
To remain in good programmatic standing in the PA Program, the student must:
- Maintain a current (most recently completed semester) and cumulative GPA of 3.0. A cumulative GPA less than 3.0 will result in College Academic Probation as outlined in the Graduate section of the Radford University Catalog.
- Earn a minimum grade of C in all courses and clinical rotations. Any grade below a C is considered failing.
- Exhibit satisfactory evidence of professional behaviors, technical standards, and interpersonal skills as outlined in the PA Student Handbook.
- Have a passing grade on all proficiency exams (OSCEs, check sheets) as determined by the faculty instructor.
Failure to achieve the above criteria shall be grounds for action by the Student Evaluation and Promotion Committee (SEPC), Actions can include probation, tutoring, remediation, or dismissal from the Program.
Programmatic Probation
A student will be placed on programmatic academic probation for either of the following:
- Having a cumulative GPA below 3.0 or a semester GPA below 3.0.
- Earning a failing course grade at any time regardless of overall GPA.
A student will be placed on programmatic professional probation for the following:
- Unsatisfactory evidence of professional behaviors, lack of attention to technical standards, failure to adhere to the attendance policy, and poor interprofessional skills as outlined by the PA Student Handbook.
- Professional probation does not expire at the end of a semester. A student placed on professional probation will remain on probation until graduation, as long as the student is compliant with his or her probationary contract. Failure to adhere to the contract may result in further disciplinary action up to dismissal from the program.
College Academic Probation
Any student with a cumulative GPA of less than 3.0 will be placed on Academic Probation for the length of time it takes the student to raise it above 3.0. The student must maintain a semester GPA of 3.0 while on probation or they will be dismissed from the program. Any student on probation must meet with their faculty advisor and be enrolled in the Pathways for Academic Success (PASS) program with Student Affairs.
Failing Course Grade
Any student who receives a course grade below a C will be placed on academic probation for the remainder of the program. A student cannot progress to the next semester without resolving a failing course grade. Students must enroll in and pay for PHA 575 Independent Study. Credit hours will vary, with objectives and evaluation determined by the faculty member responsible for the course. If the student successfully passes PHA 575 he/she will be allowed to progress to the next semester. If the student does not successfully pass PHA 575 it will be considered a second failing grade and it will result in dismissal from the program
Dismissal
A student will be dismissed from the program for any of the following:
- Failing more than one course.
- Earning a GPA below 3.0 in any semester while on probation.
- Failing a course while on probation, regardless of overall GPA.
- Exhibiting unprofessional behavior.
Students who are dismissed from the Program may reapply in the future. Applicants must follow the stated application procedures to be considered for readmission.
Summative Evaluation
When students are back on campus for the Masters Capstone course they will undergo a Comprehensive Summative Evaluation process. The purpose of this is to ensure that the learner has the knowledge, interpersonal skills, patient care skills, and professionalism to enter into clinical practice and has met the Student Learning Outcomes published by the Program.
Students may receive a graduate degree only after meeting all of their program requirements. A cumulative grade point average of 3.00 or better is required by all programs for completion of a graduate degree.
Return to: