Student Progress
What is the minimum passing grade for any course in the UNM PA Program?
75% - C
What is the professional code that all PA students and faculty are expected to adhere to?
AAPA Guidelines for Ethical Conduct for the PA Profession
What does SCPE stand for, and how many SCPE rotations are there in the clinical curriculum?
Supervised Clinical Practice Experience - 9 SCPEs in the curriculum
Is smoking/vaping permitted anywhere on campus?
No, UNM is a Smoke- and Tobacco-Free campus
What is considered a late arrival? What are the consequences of late arrival?
> 5 minutes late during didactic (including arriving < 10 minutes prior to testing start)
> 15 minutes during clinicals/SCPEs
Multiple late arrivals will result in a referral to PA Curriculum Committee for professionalism
What are 3 criteria for being placed on probation?
Receiving ≥6 credits of course grades of C+ or less
Cumulative GPA <3.0
Professionalism violations
Discussion about exams with classmates or non-PA Program Faculty is a violation of what policy?
Academic Honesty
Name 4 components of the UNM PA Program Student Testing Procedure that you are responsible for as a student.
1. Download exam 1 business day in advance.
2. Keep your laptop updated.
3. Contact ExamSoft regarding any tech issues.
4. Arrive a minimum of 15 minutes prior to exam start time.
5. Use your own laptop (not tablet!).
6. Start the exam only when directed.
7. Contact IOR for further help with uploading issues; you will be asked to leave testing room.
8.Uploads must be completed by 11:59PM that day.
Who should you contact if you have concerns of discrimination, harassment, or violence?
UNM LoboRESPECT Advocacy Center or HSC Learning Environment Office (LEO)
What computer can I use for test taking?
You are required to use a laptop that meets the UNM PA Program tech guidelines.
Tablets can only be used as a backup device for exams and assessments.
What are the 2 committees that determine the promotion of students through the UNM PA Program?
PA Curriculum Committee
PA Committee for Student Promotion and Evaluation (PA-CSPE)
What are the hours that you are expected to be in class during the didactic portion of the curriculum?
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday
Who is the main contact for each phase of the PA school curriculum?
Phase 1: Academic Coordinator: Angie Deubel
Phase 2: Clinical Coordinator: Brian Malott
What is the text system that alerts students, faculty, and staff of safety and weather alerts?
LoboAlerts
How many seconds per question do you get on tests?
Year 1: 90 Seconds Per Question
2nd Fall Semester: 75 Seconds Per Question
Clinical Year: 60 Seconds Per Question
(The PANCE allows 60 seconds per question!)
What steps must be taken if a student fails a didactic assessment?
If a student scores below 75% on any didactic course assessment (exam, quiz, practical, clinical skills exam, assignment, etc.), the student is required to contact the PA Instructor of Record (IOR) within 72 hours of receiving the grade.
The student is highly encouraged to complete an error analysis form and set up an appointment to review the assessment with the IOR in person within two weeks of completing the assessment.
What policies should you review before posting anything on social media and with decisions to friend, like, link, follow, or accept requests on social media?
UNM, Health Sciences Center (HSC), and UNM School of Medicine (SOM) social media policies
Where can you find the topics that will be tested for the Physician Assistant board certification exam?
NCCPA Content Blueprint
What should you do in the case of inclement weather during the didactic and clinical phases of the program?
What should you do if you know of a potential clinical preceptor or site?
Forward the contact information to the Clinical Coordinator so the PA Clinical Team can explore the opportunity.
Students MUST NOT contact potential preceptors or clinical sites on their own. Any attempt to independently secure a clinical site or preceptor may be referred to the PA Curriculum Committee and/or PA-CSPE for review and possible adverse action.
Give 3 examples of why a student may be removed from a SCPE.
- Unapproved time off from a SCPE and fails to notify preceptor and Clinical Coordinator
- Student’s behavior reported as unprofessional by preceptor
- Clinical coordinator deems site unsafe or poor learning environment
How many hours per semester are you allowed to miss of PA specific classes during the didactic phase, and what do you need to do if you are absent from any class session?
10 hours
A PA Didactic Absence Form must be submitted if you are absent from class.
Where is all the information that you need to know about any given course located?
Course Syllabus
Are PA faculty able to serve as a healthcare provider or to provide medical advice for PA students while enrolled in the UNM PA Program?
No, except in emergency situations
What is the dress code upheld by the PA Program?
What is the dress code at a clinical site?
PA Program: Casual/business casual dress code
Clinical Site: Ask each site before starting; when in doubt, wear business casual to business professional attire