Physician Assistant Program (MS)

Required Curricular Components (A3.12d&e)

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Handbooks

• Student Handbook
• Preceptor Orientation Handbook
• Clinical Year Handbook

Key Policies (A3.01)

Program policies apply to all students, principal faculty, and the program director in both the didactic and clinical phases of the program regardless of location. Some program policies may be superseded by clinical rotation site policies.

• Academic Appeals policy
• Academic Integrity policy
• Withdrawal policies:
  • Withdrawal policy regarding tuition and financial aid
  • Leave of Absence/Withdrawal for International Students policy
  • Involuntary Medical Withdrawal policy
  • Voluntary Medical Withdrawal policy

Soliciting Clinical Sites (A3.03)

Students are not required to solicit clinical sites or preceptors. Students may inquire about a clinical site and obtain contact information for the director of clinical education to follow up and confirm the rotation for the student.

Student Work Policy (A3.04)

A student enrolled in the IPAE is not required to work for the program in any capacity.

Students Substituting as Instructional, Clinical, or Staff Policy (A3.05).

Students will not substitute for the function of instructional, clinical, or administrative faculty or staff. If a student has prior experience or knowledge, they may share their knowledge in didactic and/or laboratory sessions; however, they shall not be the primary instructor or instructor of record for any component of the curriculum.

Student Identification Policy (A3.06)

Students must be clearly identified in all clinical settings to distinguish them from other health professions, students, and practitioners. The students will wear their standard issued university name tag in a place that is visible. The ID badge will contain the student’s name, institution, program of enrollment, and status as a student. In some clinical settings, the student may be required to wear their short white coat that signifies that they are a student.

Required Health Screening and Immunizations (A3.07a)

Students must provide proof of current immunizations in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for health care providers and health screening. The student should refer to EXXAT for a detailed list of CDC and program requirements and other compliance information. Clinical sites may have specific compliance requirements. Students may be required to obtain new or repeat immunizations or proof of immunity during the didactic and clinical phases.

• COVID-19 vaccine
• Chickenpox vaccine (varicella)
• Flu vaccine
• Hepatitis B vaccine
• Meningococcal vaccine – especially lab workers who work with Neisseria Meningitidis
• MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, and rubella)
• Tdap or Td

International Travel Health Policy (A3.07b)

Students traveling outside the continental United States for elective clinical rotations, they shall adhere to all standards required by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for international travel, including recommended immunizations and travel advisories.

Bloodborne Pathogens Methods of Prevention (A3.08a)

The principle of universal precautions recognizes that any patient may be infected with microorganisms that could be transmitted to other people. Of particular concern are the primarily bloodborne pathogens of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and HBV (hepatitis B virus).

However, body fluids other than blood, secretions, and excretions are included in universal precautions (See Standard Precaution Guidelines). Since infected patients may be asymptomatic, it becomes necessary to use standard precautions with every patient. Observance of universal precautions will help to provide better protection for every staff member. Students should also familiarize themselves with the hospital/clinical sites’ specific policies regarding universal precautions. (See Precautions Guidelines below).

Standard Precautions Guidelines:

• Proper hand hygiene before and after patient encounters.
• Wear gloves during contact with blood, body fluids, secretions, excretions, mucous membranes, non-intact skin, and lesions.
• Wear eye protection or face shield during procedures that may splash or spray.
• Wear a gown to protect exposed skin or clothing during procedures that may splash or spray.
• Do not break, bow, or directly manipulate used needles. Do not “re-cap” a needle.
• Dispose of all contaminated articles and materials in a safe manner prescribed by law
• Dispose of sharps promptly in the appropriate, puncture resistant containers.

Reference: NIH Universal Precautions

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that all health care workers understand the dangers of bloodborne pathogens and how to protect themselves and others. IPAE and many of our clinical facilities require that students have the same education. Students are required to complete an OSHA training module pre-matriculation which is then reviewed during orientation. This training is mandatory, and students receive a certificate of completion that is stored in their secure student file and EXXAT electronic clinical rotation management  system. A copy of the certificate will be provided to the student’s clinical site upon request.

Procedures for Care and Post Exposure Policy (A3.08b)

Exposure to bloodborne pathogens is a risk assumed by all healthcare providers. Injury and illness related to exposure to blood/or body fluids may occur at any time during the professional program. Any injury or illness related to exposure to bloodborne pathogens that occur during the didactic phase must be reported immediately to the program. This could include principal, adjunct, or instructional faculty. The incident must be immediately documented with the program by completing an incident report form and submitting it to the program director or designee. The faculty and program director will advise the student to further procedures for emergency or follow up care. Students can access the student's health center or seek care from their primary care provider or other healthcare resources and facilities.

During clinical experiences, students are required to follow facility policy regarding exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Exposure to bloodborne pathogens must be reported via the facility’s reporting mechanism with an additional report made to the clinical principal faculty. The student is also responsible for maintaining health insurance while enrolled in the physician assistant program (see Statement of Financial Responsibility Policy). Individual clinical sites may require additional bloodborne pathogen training as part of their compliance requirements.

In the case of exposure to blood and/or body fluids the student should:

• Wash needlestick and cuts with soap and water immediately.
• Flush splashes to the nose, mouth, or skin with water.
• Irrigate eyes with clean water, saline or sterile irrigation fluids.
• Report the incident to a supervisor
• Immediately seek medical treatment.
  
  Reference: Center of Disease Control (CDC)

Statement of Financial Responsibility (A3.08c)

In compliance with the university and Institute policies, all students are required to carry health insurance. In case of an emergency, exposure while on clinical rotations such as a needle stick or exposure to bloodborne pathogens, the student will assume full financial responsibility for all expenses incurred.

Students are required to carry a health insurance policy while enrolled in the program. Students may maintain their own policy or opt to accept the university's insurance policy. Students who do not take the university insurance policy must sign a waiver indicating they do not require the insurance. If the student does not sign the waiver by the due date, they will be automatically enrolled in the university-sponsored health insurance, and the policy premium will be added to their student account. Information about services available through the university insurance policy can be found at www.firststudent.com. 

Medical Treatment Policy (A3.09)

The Program Director, Medical Director, and principal faculty may not participate in the health care of a student except in an emergency. Student Health Services is available for routine, and sick visits Monday-Friday 9am-5 pm during the school year.

Referral to Student Services (A3.10)

If a student should require immediate referral for services due to personal issues that may impact their progress in the IPAE, campus safety will be contacted which will then initiate a consultation with counseling services. Counseling services will determine the course of action and will set up a meeting with the student for the next day unless immediate referral is determined. If immediate referral is determined, 911 will be contacted and the student will receive emergency treatment. Faculty can refer to the CAPS (Counseling and Psychological Services) Referral Guide for Faculty and staff for guidance on referral. Counseling services offices hours are 9am-5pm Monday-Friday.

*If you need help on campus, please call Campus Safety 610-499-4200. In case of emergency, please dial 911 or call 988 for immediate access to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

The CARE team consists of faculty across campus trained to identify students at risk who require specific referrals for such issues as, food insecurity, housing insecurity, and other mental health services. Faculty, staff, and students may contact the CARE team if they believe a student needs assistance in these areas. A member of the CARE team will reach out to the student to identify the need and take steps to assist the student. The CARE team works in collaboration with the Counseling and Psychological Services team to address the mental health needs of the students.

Practices for advanced placement (A3.13c)

Due to lock-step design of the curriculum, the program does not offer advanced placement or part-time options.

A3.15 The program must define, publish, consistently apply and make readily available to students upon admission:

a) any required academic standards

b) requirements and deadlines for progression in and completion of the program,

c) policies and procedures for remediation and deceleration,

d) policies and procedures for withdrawal and dismissal,

e) policy for student employment while enrolled in the program

f) policies and procedures for allegations of student mistreatment, and

g) policies and procedures for student grievances and appeals.

Academic Standards (A3.15a)

1. Students must complete all didactic courses with at least 75 (C) or higher or “Pass” in a “Pass/Fail” course. In the clinical phase, all course requirements must be completed, and you must have a “Pass” in each Supervised Clinical Practice Experience (SCPE) course.

2. A minimum cumulative program grade point average of at least 3.0 is required to progress to the clinical phase of the program. If a student does not meet the minimum GPA, they will be placed on academic probation (See Academic Probation Policy) and remediation (See Remediation Policy) of deficiencies will be initiated.

3. Students must pass the PAS 550 Summative Assessment I course to advance to the clinical phase and PAS 650 Summative Assessment II course to graduate from the program.

Requirements for progression in and completion of the program (A3.15b)

1. Students must complete all didactic courses with at least 75 (C) or higher or “Pass” in a “Pass/Fail” course to advance to the clinical phase of the program.
2. Students may not be on probation (See Academic Probation Policy) at the end of the didactic phase to advance to the clinical phase.
3. Students must pass the PAS 550 Summative Assessment I course to advance to the clinical phase.
4. Students are required to pass each individual assessment component for every SCPE to earn a passing grade in the SCPE course (See the clinical year handbook for details).
5. All required documentation requirements for each SCPE must be completed (See each SCPE Syllabi for details) to progress to the next rotation.
6. Students must pass the PAS 650 Summative Assessment II (clinical year) course to graduate from the program.
7. Students must complete a petition to graduate by November 1st (for May graduation).
8. Meet all financial obligations, including graduation fees.
9. Meet all other requirements set forth by the Institute, the College, and the University as noted in official publications.

Remediation (A3.15c)

If a student does not meet academic competencies or professionalism standards of the IPAE program, remediation strategies will be initiated. Remediation is individualized to address deficiencies in student progress in areas that are deemed essential for successful completion of the program. Therefore, remediation plans may address deficits in academic, clinical and/or technical skills, and deficits in professionalism, attitudes, and/or behaviors. The objective of the remediation process at Widener University is to work collaboratively with students to support their timely attainment of the competencies required to successfully complete the program. The process is meant to be a positive experience and enhance the student’s academic and professional preparedness for clinical practice.

The referral of students in need of additional help may occur in the following ways:

• Student Self-Referral: A student may self-refer and request extra help by meeting with the instructor of record, and/or their faculty advisor. This may result in additional referrals to University Resources.
• Faculty Referral: A faculty member, adjunct lecturer, medical director, program director, clinical instructor, or director of clinical education may recommend the student for academic advising and remediation plans. The instructor of record tracks student progress and identifies students at risk. If a faculty member identifies a student at risk, they will take immediate action and may refer to the student for additional services or remediation.

If a student is not meeting competencies in a didactic course, semester, or a SCPE clinical course they may be placed on an individualized remediation plan:

1. Didactic Course Remediation: The faculty instructor of record in each course tracks student progress. If a student is not meeting competencies (ie. failing an assessment), the student will meet with the course instructor to discuss potential interventions which may include a formal remediation plan. If a formal remediation plan is implemented, the faculty instructor of record will track the progress of the student under this plan. The instructor may reach out to the SRPC for more formal recommendations and student support. If a student is deemed to be failing at mid-term, the faculty instructor of record will refer the student to the SRPC for further evaluation and tracking of student progress as this student is now a “student at risk.”
2. Semester Progression: If a student’s semester GPA falls below a 3.0, they will be automatically referred to the Student Retention and Promotion Committee (SRPC) and place on Academic Probation (See the Academic Probation Policy). After meeting with the SRPC the student will be issued a formal remediation plan. The SRPC will track the remediation plan and student progress.
3. Clinical Course Remediation: 
   1. End of Rotation Exam: At the conclusion of the rotation, the student will return to school for Interim Education Week (IEW) to take the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) End of Rotation Exam (EORE). If the student fails to pass the EORE on the first attempt, the student will be granted one opportunity to retake the exam during the designated IEW after a period of remediation. Students are responsible for coordinating with the clinical education faculty to ensure timely completion of retake exams and any required remediation activities. If the student is unsuccessful in passing the retake exam it will result in failure of the clinical rotation. The student will be required to repeat the clinical rotation associated with that exam. The repeat clinical rotation will be scheduled at the end of the clinical year after the last rotation has been completed. This may result in a delay in graduation. (See Clinical Year Handbook pp 13 and SCPE Syllabi).
   2. Preceptor Evaluation: A score below three in the Professional Behaviors category on the PES, will result in automatic failure of the rotation; remediation will be initiated and the rotation must be repeated. If a student scores below a three in any other category on the PES or receives a “not observed” on any technical skill, remediation will be initiated. If the student successfully completes the remediation, the student will pass the rotation. If the student is unsuccessful in completing remediation, the student will fail the rotation, and the rotation will need to be repeated. The student may fail and repeat no more than two clinical rotations. Failure of a repeated clinical rotation for any reason will result in an evaluation and determination by the SRPC of whether the student may continue in the program or will be subject to dismissal. Please refer to the PA Program Handbook for details regarding SRPC procedures.
   3. Written Case Report: This assignment is due at the end of the rotation. Upload the completed Written Case Report to the EXXAT management system by Sunday 11:59 pm at the end of the rotation. To pass this assessment, the student must earn a score of 75% or higher. See grading rubric (Appendix A). If unsuccessful on the first attempt, the student will receive feedback from a designated faculty member on the report and must resubmit the assignment to achieve a grade of 75% or higher. Failure to meet a passing grade of 75% or higher on the second attempt will require the student to repeat the assignment using a new case.
4. Formal Referral to SRPC: If a student’s semester grade falls below 3.0, the student is automatically referred to the Student Retention and Promotion Committee (SRPC) for formal evaluation and a remediation plan. At this point the student is considered a student at risk and therefore, on academic probation for one semester. If the student is unable to bring their semester GPA up to a minimum of 3.0, they will be dismissed from the program (see policies for re-admission). A formal remediation plan will be developed and tracked by the SRPC committee.

SRPC Remediation Procedures

Once the need for a formal remediation plan has been established, the process will be as follows:

1. The student will be notified by their advisor via Widener University email that they are required to meet with the SRPC or a representative of the committee.
2.  Students will be encouraged to reflect on their preparation, study skills, and any factors that may have negatively affected their performance.
3. The SRPC will review the student’s self-reflection, academic record, disciplinary record (if applicable), and any other pertinent documentation. Either the SRPC or representative(s) will meet with the student.
4. The student’s progress will be tracked by ensuring follow up with the faculty advisor, SRPC representative(s), or SRPC committee.
5. A written remediation action plan will be created in collaboration with the student, documented in writing, signed by the SRPC chair or designee and the student, and placed in the student’s academic file

Deceleration (A3.15c)

Deceleration is defined by the ARC-PA as a loss of a student from the entering cohort, who remains matriculated in the physician assistant program. Deceleration can occur when a student encounters a need to take a leave of absence. Students taking a leave of absence may submit a

request to decelerate to the Program Director who will forward the request to the Student Retention and Promotion Committee (SRPC). If the student was in good standing at the time of the request, they may be granted permission to decelerate to the next matriculating class. The SRPC will compose a plan for deceleration which the student and the Chair of the SRPC, or the Chairs’ designee, will sign. The plan will be kept in the permanent student record.

Students who have not met academic standards (75 % or better in all courses) and face dismissal from the program may apply for deceleration and reinstatement. The deceleration and reinstatement request due to academic failure requires the student to submit a written request to the Program Director who will forward it to the Student Retention and Promotion Committee (SRPC) for review. The request should include a self-reflection detailing the reasons for past academic difficulties, lessons learned, and changes that will be made going forward. The request should also include a proposed plan, including classes to be repeated and specific strategies and resources to be utilized to ensure academic success.

The SRPC will render a decision on the deceleration and reinstatement request based on the submitted materials and any additional information gathered during the review process including academic records and course performance. The student will be notified promptly in writing of the committee's decision. If the student is granted deceleration and reinstatement, the SRPC will compose a plan for reinstatement, delineating the courses to be repeated, the benchmark for successful completion, and any other relevant conditions for success. The plan for reinstatement will be signed by the student and the Chair of the SRPC, or the Chair’s designee, and will be kept in the permanent student record and the student will matriculate with the next cohort. If the deceleration and reinstatement request is denied, the student may appeal the decision by following the appeals/grievance process stated in the IPAE handbook. A student may petition for deceleration and reinstatement only one time during their tenure in the physician assistant program. Deceleration and reinstatement will result in a delayed graduation.

Withdrawal or Dismissal (A3.15d)

If a student decides to withdraw, they must submit their intention to do so in a letter of intent to the program director.

• Matriculation is terminated if a student chooses to withdraw from the program. Written notification of withdrawal to the Director of Graduate Admissions and Enrollment is necessary. The Director will communicate withdrawal to Enrollment Management Services and ensure updating of student record.
• If, in the future, the student wishes to resume studies, the student must reapply to the program, with no guarantee of admission. At the time of the second matriculation, the Program Director will provide a recommendation to Graduate Admissions and Enrollment regarding applicability of previously earned credit.

Dismissal Policy (A3.15d)

The student's Program Director communicates to student dismissal/revocation of matriculated status after it has been established that there is evidence of: (1) serious unprofessional conduct on the part of the student; (2) academic dishonesty or plagiarism; or (3) academic performance that is below acceptable program standards.

Decision shall be communicated by IPAE Program Director to Dean’s Office of college/school and Dean of the Center for Graduate & Continuing Studies. Appeals will follow the academic appeals procedure outlined in the program handbook and the Graduate Catalog.

Any violation of the following behaviors may be grounds for dismissal from the program:

• Violation of student conduct policies
• Violation of the university student grievance policy
• Violation of academic or professionalism policies
• Failure to meet the academic expectations detailed in the academic retention section of the University and IPAE handbooks.
• Failure to meet the requirements for promotion to the clinical phase or graduation detailed in the academic retention section of the IPAE handbook

Student Employment Policy (A3.15e)

Due to the intensity and rigors of the IPAE curriculum, employment while enrolled in the program is strongly discouraged. If a student chooses to work while enrolled in the program, it is their responsibility to ensure that this employment does not interfere with scheduled program activities or hinder their learning. Program expectations, schedules, deadlines, assignments, or examinations will not be altered or adjusted to accommodate a working student.

Student Mistreatment and Nondiscrimination (A3.15f)

Student Mistreatment is defined as any unwelcome conduct based on actual or perceived status including sex, gender, race, age, creed, national or ethnic origin, physical or mental disability, veteran status, pregnancy status, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, genetic information, or other protected status. Any unwelcome conduct should be reported to campus officials, who will act to remedy and resolve reported incidents on behalf of the victim and community. See the EOHN Policy for further information. Students enrolled in the PA program should be familiar with the process for reporting violations of student conduct located in the Equal Opportunity, Harassment and Nondiscrimination Policies Handbook. In the clinical phase of the program, clinical preceptors, other health care providers, medical residents, and staff should treat PA students fairly and with respect. The PA Program does not condone the mistreatment of students in the didactic or clinical phase of the program. If a student believes they have been mistreated, the student should contact the clinical faculty and the Program Director immediately.

Reporting options:

• Formal, Non-confidential reporting option Report directly to the Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Title IX Coordinators
• Report to campus Safety at (610)499-4200
• Report online, using the ‘Report and Incident’ button at widener.edu/titleix 
• On-Campus Confidential Resources
• Report to the Health Center at (610)499-1183
• Report to the Counseling Center (610)499-1261
• Report to athletic trainers

Title IX

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 states: "No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance." Widener University is dedicated to upholding Title IX and committed to creating and sustaining a safe environment for all students and employees. The IPAE supports and upholds the Equal Opportunity, Harassment, and Nondiscrimination Policy and Widener University’s commitment to diversity and non-discrimination. Upon receiving a report of misconduct, Widener will address the matter as quickly and fairly as possible. Please see the Title IX website for campus resources.

Student Grievances and Appeals (A3.15g)

Students should be aware that policies and procedures relating to the handling of student grievances and issues of privacy and dignity are outlined in the Widener Graduate Catalog. 

If a student has a grievance concerning a class in which they are enrolled, the student will first try to resolve the problem with the instructor of the class. If a student has a grievance concerning an academic requirement of the program (e.g., comprehensive examination, final clinical oral examination, clinical placements), they will first try to resolve the problem with the director of the program. If it is impossible to resolve the matter at these initial levels, the student may put the grievance in writing and provide it to the IPAE Student Retention and Promotion Committee Chair. If the student’s grievance is not resolved to the student’s satisfaction and the IPAE Student Retention and Promotion Committee has made a disposition regarding the appeal, the student may appeal to the next higher level. To do so the student may submit a formal written appeal, within 10 business days following the disposition of the IPAE Student Retention and Promotion Committee, to the Office of the Dean, College of Health and Human Services. If the student’s grievance is not resolved to the student’s satisfaction upon appeal to the Dean, the student may appeal to the Academic Council of the College of Health and Human Services. The Academic Council consists of the Dean as its chairperson, the Vice Chair of the College Faculty, all of the Center and Institute Directors, and one faculty representative from each Center and Institute.

View Academic Grievance and Appeals Procedures

Program Mission

The Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) program at Widener University will graduate highly effective health care professionals trained to meet the growing need for access to medical care both locally and globally. MSPAS program graduates will be equipped to provide patient-centered medical care to diverse communities. These competent clinicians will be culturally sensitive, socially conscious healthcare providers working in collaboration with other members of the healthcare team to address patient needs.

Program Vision

The physician assistant program at Widener University will be the leader in physician assistant education by providing experiential and collaborative learning, and interprofessional experiences through community and civic engagement, developing leaders in health care, and ultimately improving the lives of the patients they serve.

Core Values

1. Excellence in teaching
2. Commitment to service
3. Diversity and inclusion
4. Professionalism
5. Scholarship
6. Collaboration
7. Kindness and compassion 

1. Accept students with strong academic and clinical experience. 
   1. Criteria 1 – Students with strong academic and clinical experience
   2. Measures/Benchmarks
      1. Undergraduate cum GPA/ > 3.0 average for the entering cohort
      2. Undergraduate science GPA/ > 3.0 average for the entering cohort
   3. Criteria 2 Direct Patient Care
      1. Measures/Benchmarks > 500 average for the entering cohort
   4. Success

      1. Measures	Cohort 2026	Cohort 2027	Cohort 2028
         Undergraduate cum GPA
         Undergraduate science GPA
         Direct Patient Care

2. Successfully prepare students for entry level practice. 
   1. Criteria 1 – Student Summative Exam performance
      1. Measures/Benchmarks
         1. End of Curriculum Exam: Score between at or above National Mean 
         2. Summative II OSCE >75% average by cohort 
      2. Success

         1. Measures	Cohort 2026	Cohort 2027	Cohort 2028
            Summative I Written Exam
            Summative I OSCE

   2. Criteria 2- Performance on End of Rotation Exam (EORE) 
   3. Measure/Benchmarks: Score at or above the National Mean by cohort. 
   4. Criteria 3 – Student PANCE performance
      1. Measures/Benchmarks
         1. Student First-time Taker PANCE pass rate at or above national Mean
3. Preparedness to Practice evidence-based medicine
   1. Measures/Benchmarks
      1. Preceptor Evaluation of Students (EBM)/ >3.0 ave for cohort
      2. Student Evaluation of Program Sufficiency and Effectiveness  (EBM Preparation): Minimum 4 (agree) on 5-point Likert Scale
   2. Success

      1. Measures	Cohort 2026	Cohort 2027	Cohort 2028
         Preceptor Evaluation of Students (EBM)
         Student Graduate Exit Survey (EBM Preparation)

4. Prepare students to practice patient-centered care. 
   1. Measures/Benchmarks
      1. Preceptor Evaluation of Students (Patient-centered care)/ >3.5 ave for cohort
      2. Student Evaluation of Program Sufficiency and Effectiveness  (EBM Preparation): Minimum 2 (agree) on 5-point Likert Scale
   2. Success

      1. Measures	Cohort 2026	Cohort 2027	Cohort 2028
         Preceptor Evaluation of Students (Patient-centered care)
         Student Graduate Exit Survey (Patient-centered care Preparation)

5. Prepare students for interprofessional collaboration in their practice
   1. Measures/Benchmarks
      1. Preceptor Evaluation of Students (Interprofessional Collaboration)/ >3.0 ave for cohort
      2. Student Exit Survey (Interprofessional Collaboration Preparation)/ >3.0 ave for cohort
   2. Success

      1. Measures	Cohort 2026	Cohort 2027	Cohort 2028
         Preceptor Evaluation of Students (IP Collaboration)
         Student Graduate Exit Survey (IP Collaboration Preparation)

Widener University PA Program Competencies

The Widener University Institute for Physician Assistant competencies represent the requisite medical knowledge, interpersonal skills, clinical and technical skills, professional behaviors, and clinical reasoning and problem-solving skills required for each student to satisfactory demonstrate in order to graduate from the Widener Physician Assistant Program.  

1. Medical Knowledge 

• a) Correlate patient signs and symptoms with disease mechanism in patient care.
• b) Incorporate evidence-based medicine into clinical decision making.
• c) Synthesize the history, physical examination, and results of diagnostic studies to formulate a patient’s diagnosis.
• d) Develop pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment plans for individual patients in clinical practice.
• e) Apply health promotion and preventative medicine in patient care
• f) Order and interpret laboratory and diagnostic tests according to a patient’s presenting illness. 
   

2. Interpersonal Communication Skills 

• a) Demonstrate patient-centered communication skills.
• b) Engage with patients in a culturally sensitive manner.
• c) Demonstrate professional communication skills with members of the health care team. 

3. Clinical Skills 

• a) Demonstrate history taking and physical examination skills based on clinical presentations.
• b) Document comprehensive and directed patient encounters

4. Technical Skills

• a) Perform procedural skills based on a clinical scenario. 

5. Professional Behaviors

• a) Demonstrate integrity, honesty, beneficence, and professionalism in the practice of patient care.
• b) Uphold the professional standards of care required of a Physician Assistant Student.

6. Clinical Reasoning and Problem Solving

• a) Apply current scientific evidence and practice guidelines to inform clinical reasoning and problem solving.
• b) Demonstrate clinical reasoning and critical thinking skills in the assessment and treatment of patients in clinical practice.

This section will capture the outcomes data of our graduates as students move through the master's of physician assistant studies (MPAS) program. 

PANCE Pass Rates (A3.12c)

Physician Assistant National Certification Examination
Exam Performance Summary Report 

Program Name: 
Program Number: 
Test Taker Status: All Test Takers 

PANCE Pass Rates To be Published Once Available

ARC-PA Student Attrition (A3.12j) 

Program Goal Measurements

1. Admit students who are underrepresented in the PA field.

2. Foster a student commitment to service-learning.

3. Successfully prepare student for entry level practice.

4. Emphasize a commitment to evidence-based medicine and life-long learning.

5. Prepare students to be patient-centered and practice interprofessional collaboration.

The Widener University physician assistant program is dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We, as a university, program, faculty, and staff, desire to embrace students of all different cultures, backgrounds, and identities. We are committed to the development and delivery of a curriculum that is anti-racist, anti-oppressive, and reflects and respects our professional values. We seek to create an intentionally diverse educational community in which students, staff, and faculty perspectives are valued and meaningfully incorporated into our daily experience.

• Review Widener's Equal Opportunity, Harassment, and Nondiscrimination Policy

Upon the program's receipt of accreditation from ARC-PA, all graduating PA students will be eligible to sit for the NCCPA (National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants) PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certification Examination) upon graduation. A passing score on this examination allows graduates to obtain licensure to practice medicine as a physician assistant in all states and territories. For more information, review PANCE eligibility.