North Central College physician assistant studies students.

MSPAS: Admitted Students

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Admitted Students Section Table of Contents

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Matriculation Process

The matriculation process begins after a student receives the notification of acceptance. If a student fails to satisfy the matriculation requirements or omits/falsifies information required on official admission documents, the student automatically forfeits his/her seat in the North Central Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) program.

Dual Enrollment Policy

Applicants should notify North Central College of any current or prior enrollment in another Physician Assistant Program. Enrollment in another PA program concurrent with enrollment, pre-matriculation activities, or matriculation in the North Central Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) program is strictly prohibited and will result in the enrollee automatically forfeiting his/her seat in the North Central MSPAS program, as well as any monetary deposits.   

Enrolled students are defined as those who have accepted admissions to another PA program and have engaged in one of the following activities within 6 months prior to the start of the North Central College MSPAS program: 

  • Completed more than 3 weeks of study at another PA program 
  • Engaged in pre-matriculation activities at another PA program 
  • Otherwise initiated attendance in another PA program 

These students may be admitted to Undergraduate or other (non-MSPAS) North Central College graduate programs and are eligible to reapply to the MSPAS program in the next admissions cycle. However, these students are ineligible for the MSPAS cohort in the year of acceptance based on their concurrent enrollment.

Deferral of Admissions 

The MSPAS program recognizes that life events and other emergent issues may impede a student’s ability to matriculate. The MSPAS program will support the decision to defer admission to the following cohort, provided all deferment of admission policies are followed. The process of deferring admission begins after official acceptance into the NC MSPAS program, and the transactional reservation of the seat for the following cohort.  

Students requesting a deferral of admission must contact the Director of Admissions for the MSPAS program for more instructions on how to complete a Deferral of Admissions Request Form.

Deposit

Accepted students must return a total deposit of $1,500 to hold a seat in the founding class. A first deposit of $1,000 is due on or before 7 business days from the date of the acceptance offer letter. The second final deposit of $500 is due at a later date prior to matriculation. Please note, the $1,500 is non-refundable. 

Health Insurance

Students are required to maintain health insurance, at their own expense, for the duration of the 24-month program. Students must upload proof of health insurance to EXXAT (student access to EXXAT is provided after November 2nd, 2022).

Information about the Affordable Care Act can be found here https://www.healthcare.gov/get-coverage/.

Criminal Background Check and Urine Drug Screen

A criminal background/sex offender (CBSO) check and 12-panel drug screen is required of each student prior to matriculation into the program. Students must upload/submit documentation to EXXAT.  

Results that limit the program’s ability to secure clinical experiences may prevent a student from being promoted to the clinical education phase or recommended for graduation. If ​any false information is given regarding drug use or criminal offenses in any documents relating to their admission or attendance, if findings of a grievous nature are revealed, ​or if a student declines to undergo a background check while enrolled in the program, this will be grounds for dismissal from the program. Acceptance into and successful completion of the North Central MSPAS program does not imply or guarantee that the student will be able to obtain state licensure upon graduation. The Program does not accept responsibility for any student being ineligible for coursework, continued enrollment in the program, or subsequent licensure as a physician assistant for any reason, including failure to pass a CBSO check.

Students are required to self-report involvement in any incident, which may appear as part of a criminal background within 48 hours of the incident to the Program Director. This includes any criminal offense, drug or alcohol related misdemeanor, felony or pending adjudications. Students failing to self-report may be subject to immediate dismissal. 

Immunizations

Prior to matriculation students must submit documentation to EXXAT and Dyson Wellness Center.

  • Hepatitis B - titer (antigen and antibody) demonstrating immunity
  • MMR - titer demonstrating immunity 
  • Varicella - titer demonstrating immunity 
  • Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis - documentation of the completed primary series to include boosters every 10 years.
  • If the student has not received Tdap previously, then, they must get a one-time dose of Tdap prior to the first day of class.
  • Influenza - flu vaccine will be required annually after October 1.
  • Proof of COVID-19 vaccination (recommended but not required)
  • Additional vaccines or serology testing may be needed based on clinical sites.

Tuberculosis (TB) Testing

Students must have a baseline screening for TB with a QuantiFERON-TB Gold or Interferon-Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) blood test prior to matriculation and before the start of the Clinical year. Testing must be done within one year before beginning the program and again before beginning clinical rotations. Students must submit documentation to EXXAT and Dyson Wellness Center.

Physical Exam

A physical exam is required for each student prior to matriculation.  Students must upload proof of a physical exam to EXXAT.

Record Keeping

Student health records are confidential. The MSPAS program office faculty/staff will not have access to student health records. The program will have access to results of TB testing, immunization and titer records, and proof of health insurance. These files will be retained by the MSPAS program office in a locked and protected form, separate from other educational records. Confidentiality will be maintained consistent with FERPA and any other appropriate guidelines. Access to this data will be available only to the MSPAS Program Director and PA Program Coordinator.

Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (P.A.) Program

The North Central College Master's Degree Physician Assistant program will prepare our diverse students to become competent medical providers who deliver humane, patient and relationship-centered primary care in collaboration with healthcare professionals while developing future leaders committed to community service, life-long learning and advancement of the PA profession. 

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