College of Nursing and Allied Health
Department of Physician Assistant Studies

Academic Standards for Promotion and Graduation

The USF Physician Assistant Program is designed to provide for the integration of classroom and clinical learning experiences considered necessary for competency as health care providers. To maintain good academic standing for progression in the program, the student must have a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or better.

A minimum cumulative grade point average of B (3.00 GPA) is required for progression from the didactic year to the clinical learning year and for graduation from the program. Therefore, the failure of more than one course with a grade below a C (70%), elective or required, may make the student liable for dismissal from the program. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or better in order to be awarded the Master of Science degree and to receive a certificate of program completion.

Requirements for Graduation from the Physician Assistant Program

The following requirements are required in order to qualify for graduation with the Master of Science degree, and a certificate of completion from the University of St. Francis Physician Assistant Program. Successful candidates for graduation must:

  1. Satisfactorily compete all the courses within the didactic and clinical learning phase of the PA program with a cumulative grade point average of 3.00;
  2. Complete all course work with a cumulative grade point average of 3.00, and with a maximum of no more than two final course grades below a 70%;
  3. Successfully complete the BLS & ACLS courses;
  4. Successfully complete the research capstone project with a grade above a 70%;
  5. Settle all financial accounts with the USF Business and Financial Aid Office.

Each candidate for the Master of Science degree must be free of indebtedness to the University. The graduate degree and the academic transcript or certification of completion will not be given until all financial obligations to USF have been met. Matriculation and attendance at the University are privileges granted to the student in consideration of performance of specified assignments and the maintenance of established standards of personal and professional conduct. The University reserves the right, and the student, by the act of matriculation, concedes to the University the right to require withdrawal at any time the University deems it necessary to safeguard the standards of scholarship, conduct, and compliance with regulations, or for such other reasons deemed appropriate by the University as set forth in this manual and/or the University of St. Francis Graduate Academic Catalog.