Policies for Prospective & Matriculated Students

Activity in the MSHS PA Program community for students is more than an academic commitment; it connotes a willingness by the student to act as a responsible medical professional. Participation in the MSHS PA Program community by faculty is more than instructing the next generation of medical professionals; it is a commitment to serve as mentor and role model of the standards of the medical profession. Inherent in the concept of a medical professional is an underlying integrity and ethical foundation that defines the tone and culture of the teacher-learner environment at the MSHS PA Program.

This section describes some key Program operational policies all program participants are expected to abide by while engaged in WCM PA Program sponsored activities.

The MSHS Physician Assistant Program curriculum represents the academic standards students are required to achieve. To obtain a certificate of program completion, a student must successfully complete all of the preclinical and clinical course work before a certificate of completion or degree will be granted.    

The curriculum of the MSHS PA Program is divided into three phases. The first phase consists of eleven months of classroom education (“preclinical”), which is comprised of three academic semesters. Each semester’s coursework builds upon the subject matter and experiences in the preceding semester. The second phase involves sixteen months of clinical training (“clinical”), which is comprised of 15 four-week clinical rotations over three academic semesters. A research project occurs during the clinical phase which is designed to prepare a student in writing and defending a thesis. 

A student is expected to exhibit mastery of course objectives set by the faculty, and to complete the required courses, rotations, and summative elements as determined by the faculty. A student’s progress is assessed and monitored on an on-going basis. If a student does not demonstrate an acceptable level of proficiency or has not made timely progress toward the satisfactory completion of the curricular requirements, the Committee on Promotion and Graduation will determine whether a student may continue in the MSHS PA Program. In the event the Committee on Promotion and Graduation determines a student does not satisfy these academic standards, including suitability to practice medicine the Committee may recommend that student be dismissed and may no longer participate in any educational activities of the MSHS PA Program. 

Upon the completion of each semester, a student's performance is evaluated and recorded by the Program faculty. The Committee on Promotion and Graduation will review the ongoing progress of each student at the conclusion of each semester of the curriculum. Meetings of the Committee on Promotions and Graduation will be scheduled as needed to address any academic or professional/ethical concerns. 

The purpose of the Guidelines for Promotion and Graduation is to detail as clearly as possible the requirements necessary to successfully complete the MSHS PA Program. Course work, attendance, and class participation are all considered when arriving at a final grade. In the event of a pattern of “at academic risk” performance or failure or if there is a breach in professionalism during the preclinical or clinical phases of the MSHS PA Program, the following general principles will be applicable: 

Any student who, in the judgment of the faculty, lacks suitability to enter the medical profession, may, pursuant to the Standards of Conduct and/or the Guidelines for Promotion and Graduation, be dismissed from the MSHS PA Program. 
A student who exhibits unsatisfactory performance during either the preclinical, clinical phase, or research phase  is subject to dismissal from the MSHS PA Program and the student’s performance will be reviewed by the Committee on Promotion and Graduation. The Committee will make a recommendation to the Program Director, which may include dismissal, academic probation, or deceleration to a subsequent cohort of the Program (with a leave of absence until the start date of the next offering of the relevant coursework) so that the student may demonstrate satisfactory performance in any previously failed course. In the case of deceleration, in addition to repeating failed courses, the Committee on Promotion and Graduation may require the student to audit any course in which they received a marginally passing grade.  
A student must successfully complete all of the course work of one semester before he or she can be approved by the Committee on Promotions and Graduation for promotion to the next semester or phase of the program. 
A student will have access to a process of appeal in cases where a denial of academic advancement or dismissal is in question (See Appeals Process).

Preclinical Phase

A student must successfully complete all components of every course in the preclinical phase of the MSHS PA Program before he or she can be approved for promotion to the clinical phase of the MSHS PA Program by the Committee on Promotion and Graduation. 
An academic risk improvement plan individualized for the student in need or re-examination may be offered, at the discretion of course leadership, to a student who fails a course. Further details are described in the syllabus of each individual course. 
A student cannot remediate more than two preclinical courses. If a student fails a course remediation, is grounds for dismissal from the MSHS PA Program. No remediation will be offered to students who fails a third course as this is grounds for dismissal from the MSHS PA Program. 
A student must pass each Fundamentals of Medicine module. A student may not remediate more than three modules. Failure of the fourth module is grounds for dismissal from the program. 
A student must pass the End of Preclinical Summative Evaluation multiple choice examination and the End of Preclinical Summative OSCE (OSCE 2). If the student fails either of these evaluations they will be offered a remediation exam. Failure of the remediation exam is grounds for dismissal from the MSHS PA program.

Clinical Phase

During the clinical phase of the MSHS PA Program, a student must successfully pass (or remediate, when applicable) all components of each rotation and all additional clinical-year coursework and requirements.  Successful completion of all rotations is necessary for graduation from the MSHS PA Program. 
If a student fails the preceptor evaluation, the student fails the rotation and may necessitate that the student repeat (remediate) the entire rotation. The determination of a failing grade in a rotation is delineated in the Clinical Year Guidelines and Syllabus. 
A failing grade in any rotation may necessitate that the student repeat (remediate) the entire rotation.  The determination of a failing grade in a rotation is delineated in the Clinical Year Guidelines and Syllabus. 
A student may not remediate more than three (3) EOR exams. Failure of the fourth EOR exam is grounds for dismissal from the MSHS PA Program. 
A student may not fail and repeat (remediate) more than two rotations during the clinical phase.  A failure of a repeated (remediated) rotation will be considered unsatisfactory overall performance and is grounds for dismissal from the MSHS PA Program. No remediation will be offered to students who fails a third rotation, as this is grounds for dismissal from the MSHS PA Program.

Research Phase

Successful completion of all the requirements for the master’s thesis research, including a successful oral defense and submission of a final thesis document in an acceptable format, is necessary for graduation from the MSHS PA Program.  
A failed remediation is considered unsatisfactory performance in the PAS 8000 Research Methodology and Application course and grounds for dismissal.

Summative Examination

Students must successfully pass all components of a Summative Evaluation within the last four (4) months of the program. This evaluation includes the following components: Medical Knowledge Exam, Final OSCE, Technical Skills Examination, and Master’s Thesis Defense. A score of 70% or higher is expected for each component.  Failure to pass a component will necessitate remediation, which could result in delayed graduation or further action by the Committee on Promotion and Graduation. Failed remediation of a portion of the Summative Evaluation is grounds for dismissal.

Students are referred to Committee on Promotions and Graduation and are subject to dismissal from the program for the following reasons: 

Three (3) Preclinical Course failures 
- A student may successfully remediate a maximum of two (2) failed Preclinical courses. If they fail a third (3rd) course, they may not remediate and are subject to dismissal. 
Three (3) Clinical Course (SCPE) failures  
- A student may successfully remediate a maximum of two (2) failed Clinical courses. If they fail a third (3rd) course, they may not remediate and are subject to dismissal. 
Four (4) EOR Exam Failures  
- A student may successfully remediate a maximum of three (3) End-of-Rotation Exams (EOR). If a student fails a fourth (4th) EOR exam, they may not remediate and are subject to dismissal. 
Four (4) Fundamentals of Medicine Module Failures OR two (2) Fundamentals of Medicine Module Failures in one semester  
- A student may successfully remediate a maximum of 3 Fundamentals of Medicine Modules during the Preclinical year. If a student fails a 4th module exam, they may not remediate and are subject to dismissal. 
- A student may successfully remediate two Fundamentals of Medicine Module exams per semester. If a student fails a third (3rd) module exam, they may not remediate and are subject to dismissal. 
Any Failed remediation 
- Summative Evaluation components (Medical Knowledge End of Curriculum Exam, Final OSCE, Technical Skills Testing, Thesis Defense) 
- Summative Preclinical Assessments (Multiple Choice exam or OSCE)  
- OSCE 
Breach in professionalism

Beginning with the class matriculating in August 2026, all students will be required to complete the program within 40 months of their start date, inclusive of any approved leaves of absence.

The program will not require any student at any time to provide or solicit clinical sites or preceptors.  (See the Program's Clinical Guidelines for additional information.)

Deceleration is defined as the loss of a student from their entering cohort who remains matriculated in the Physician Assistant program (see ARC-PA definition).  

Deceleration may result for the following reasons: 

If a student fails the remediation of a course (if approved or recommended by the Committee on Promotions and Graduation).
If the student takes a leave of absence for personal reasons (if approved by the Program Director), for example, medical, personal, financial reasons.

A student may be subject to dismissal for the reasons including but not limited to those listed below.  

Students are referred to Committee on Promotions and Graduation and are subject to dismissal from the program for the following reasons: 

Three (3) Preclinical Course failures  
- A student may successfully remediate a maximum of two (2) failed Preclinical courses. If they fail a third (3rd) course, they may not remediate and are subject to dismissal. 
Three (3) Clinical Course (SCPE) failures  
- A student may successfully remediate a maximum of two (2) failed Clinical courses. If they fail a third (3rd) course, they may not remediate and are subject to dismissal.  
Four (4) EOR Exam Failures  
- A student may successfully remediate a maximum of three (3) End-of-Rotation Exams (EOR). If a student fails a fourth (4th) EOR exam, they may not remediate and are subject to dismissal. 
Four (4) Fundamentals of Medicine Module Failures OR two (2) Fundamentals of Medicine Module Failures in one semester  
- A student may successfully remediate a maximum of 3 Fundamentals of Medicine Modules during the Preclinical year. If a student fails a 4th module exam, they may not remediate and are subject to dismissal.  
- A student may successfully remediate two Fundamentals of Medicine Module exams per semester. If a student fails a third (3rd) module exam, they may not remediate and are subject to dismissal.  
Any Failed remediation   
- Summative Evaluation components (Medical Knowledge End of Curriculum Exam, Final OSCE, Technical Skills Testing, Thesis Defense) 
- Summative Preclinical Assessments (Multiple Choice exam or OSCE)  
- Fundamentals of Medicine module exam 
- OSCE  
Breach in professionalism

Students must comply with the policy below on immunization and health screening based on current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations for health professionals and on New York State mandates. (A3.09a)

Students must obtain appropriate immunizations and follow CDC recommendations for international travel for programs related to elective curricular components. Students must submit additional paperwork and proof of separate travel insurance prior to the start of such rotations. Students are responsible for all costs incurred in the course of arranging and participating in international rotations. The PA Program reserves the right to mandate that a student return from an international site at any time during the rotation. (A3.09b)

Remediation in any of its forms (including at academic risk improvement plans, remedial assignments, re-examination, or course repetition) is an option which may be offered to an individual student at the discretion of the MSHS PA Program faculty, based on the student’s academic record and consideration of circumstances related to the completion of the course.  

Preclinical phase: 

During the preclinical phase, a student who fails a course or assessment will be offered the opportunity to remediate (unless this failure is the third course failure or fourth EOR or Fundamental module whereby the above Guidelines for Promotion and Graduation will apply). Remediation is coordinated in conjunction with the Director of Preclinical of Clinical Education and will consist of but is not limited to re-examination, remedial academic assignments, or other tasks. 
In the three Fundamentals of Primary Care and Clinical Medicine courses, failure to achieve a passing score in a module will require successful remediation of that module with a repeat assessment. Remediation of a failed module must be completed in 14 days of notification of the failed module. Instructions for remediation will be given at the time a student is notified of a failed module. The student will be required to pass (with a 70% or greater) a remediation assessment. Once the remediation assessment has been passed the grade will be adjusted to a 70%. Failure to successfully remediate the assessment with a score of 70% or greater will result in a failing grade for the module (the remediation grade will stand). This will necessitate a cumulative remediation of the course. If the student fails the remediation exam, this is grounds for dismissal and the student will be referred to Committee on Promotions and Graduation. A student cannot successfully remediate more than two (2) modules in one semester or more than three (3) modules in the preclinical year. Failure of the fourth module is grounds for prompt automatic dismissal and the student is referred to the Committee on Promotion and Graduation. 
At the end of the preclinical year, students must pass the Summative Preclinical multiple choice exam and Summative End of Preclinical OSCE (OSCE 2) in order to progress to the clinical year. If a student fails either of those assessments, they will be offered a remediation assessment. 
Remedial work, including re-examination, for courses in which a student has not received a passing grade will ordinarily be offered at times which do not conflict with regularly scheduled academic activities. 
Remedial work and any re-examination needed in preclinical phase courses will be scheduled within two weeks after the end of the semester and may require completion within the first week of the subsequent semester. A course failure in the third semester must be remediated prior to the beginning of the clinical rotations.
Students of the preclinical phase who successfully remediate a course will be given a maximum grade of Pass (70%). Students who do not successfully remediate will receive a grade of Fail for the course. A failing grade for a remediated course is considered unsatisfactory performance and grounds for dismissal and is referred to the Committee on Promotion and Graduation.
The Committee on Promotion and Graduation will determine whether a student may continue in the MSHS PA Program. In the event the Committee on Promotion and Graduation determines a student does not satisfy these academic standards, including suitability to practice medicine, the Committee may recommend that student be dismissed and may no longer participate in any educational activities of the MSHS PA Program.

Clinical phase: 

If a student fails a clinical course (rotation) the student must repeat the entire course (rotation) at the conclusion of the clinical phase (unless this failure is the third failure whereby the above Guidelines for Promotion and Graduation will apply). Successful completion of the repeated (remediated) rotation as defined in the Clinical Year Syllabus must be achieved before the student will receive a certificate of completion or degree. The student is responsible for the completion of all assignments related to the repeated rotation. 
If a student fails a preceptor evaluation, the student fails the rotation and must repeat/remediate the rotation. If a student fails an End of Rotation examination, they must take and pass a remediation exam to pass the rotation. If the student fails the remediation exam, they fail the rotation and must repeat the rotation. If a student fails 3 rotations, it is grounds for dismissal and is referred to the Committee on Promotion and Graduation. A student may not remediate more than 3 EOR exams. Failure of the fourth EOR exam is grounds for dismissal and the student is referred to the Committee on Promotion and Graduation. 
Students of the clinical phase who successfully repeat (remediate) a rotation will be given a grade of Pass.  Students who do not successfully repeat (remediate) a rotation will receive a failing grade for the course (rotation). A failing grade for a repeated (remediated) rotation is considered unsatisfactory performance and grounds for dismissal, and the policy above will apply.

Research phase: 

As part of the Master of Science in Health Sciences for Physician Assistant degree, students will participate in PAS8000 Research Methodology and Application. This course will take place throughout the clinical year, culminating with the successful defense of a Master’s thesis. 
All students must successfully complete and defend a Master’ thesis under the guidance of a Weill Cornell Medicine approved thesis committee and electronically submit an approved final draft of the thesis in advance of published deadlines. Students are required to complete all components of the Research Methodology and Application course as indicated by the course syllabus in order to be eligible for the certificate of completion and the MSHS degree. The thesis defense is the capstone event of the research phase of the program; students must earn a grade of Pass as determined by consensus of the Master’s Thesis Special Committee, and also must achieve a score of 70% or higher on the Master’s Thesis Defense Summative Evaluation as determined by a designated faculty member in attendance at the student’s thesis defense. Unsatisfactory performance will be remediated in one of the following ways, as determined by consensus of the Master’s Thesis Special Committee: 1) a repeat of the oral defense after a sufficient time to prepare and incorporate formative feedback, or 2) circulation among the Committee of a revised thesis document which must address each of the deficiencies identified in the oral defense. A failed remediation is considered unsatisfactory performance in the Research Methodology and Application course and grounds for dismissal, and the policy above will apply.

Students enrolled in the PA Program will not be asked to perform tasks involved in the standard operations of the program that are the responsibility of faculty and/or staff, and students will not be required to work for the program in any capacity.

Students will not substitute for instructional faculty, clinical or administrative staff at any point during their time in the program.

A student can appeal a decision of the Committee on Promotion and Graduation. During the appeals process the student’s status as determined by the Committee on Promotion and Graduation will remain in effect until finalization of the appeals process. This appeal must be made in writing by the student within ten (10) working days of the Program Director’s written notification to the student of the decision of the Committee on Promotion and Graduation. The Program Director will then appoint an ad hoc committee to consider the appeal (“Appeal Committee”) whose membership will not include any member of the Committee on Promotion and Graduation. The members of this committee will be made up of faculty from the Weill Cornell Medical College and Graduate School of Medical Sciences, including at least one core MSHS PA Program faculty member. The student shall receive at least seven (7) days advance written notice of the date, time and place of the appeal meeting with the Appeal Committee. Prior to the meeting, the student may submit a written response to the Appeal Committee regarding his/her performance. The student shall have access to his/her educational file and may appear before the Appeal Committee with an advisor or legal counsel if they so wish. Any such advisor or counsel shall be an observer of the proceeding but may not participate in or speak at the Committee meeting. After the Appeal Committee has rendered a final decision, it will notify the Program Director who will notify the Senior Associate Dean of Education. Prompt written notification to the student by the Program Director will follow. 

Based on the academic rigor and time commitment of the program, it is strongly recommended that students abstain from any form of employment while enrolled in the program. Any student who is working or considering working during their time in the program must discuss with their academic advisor how this employment may or may not impact their academic performance.

It is a principle of the MSHS PA Program that the materials outlined above will be maintained within the Program in order to foster academic excellence and professional integrity. To achieve this, the students must know the expectations and policies of the MSHS PA Program, understand how these will be applied and be familiar with the grievance process. The grievance process should be applied as follows: 

Informal Procedure: 

Class representatives will be elected at the start of the preclinical phase. It is the responsibility of these representatives to be the liaison between the Program administration and the entire student body. Students are encouraged to utilize their class representatives when a problem of general concern arises.
Any individual student may approach any member of the Program administration for individual guidance or for a personal concern. To encourage timely and confidential resolution of issues, email is not recommended. Face-to-face or phone communication is preferred.
Students may seek advice from the Program Director about unresolved matters or responses that the student considers unsatisfactory.

Formal Procedure: 

The Program will invoke formal procedures to address unresolved matters and, in those circumstances, where an informal process is not realistic. The formal process is as follows: 

The student should draft a letter describing in detail the student’s grievance addressed to the Program Director. The student should explain what occurred, when it occurred, and how it affected him/her. In the letter the student must provide as much information as possible with supporting documentation. Students should be sure to indicate what resolution they may be seeking as a remedy. 
In consultation with the faculty involved, the Program Director has discretion to request documents and relevant information that would be needed to conduct a full and fair assessment of the situation. 
 After investigating the complaint, the Program Director will respond to this letter with a formal written resolution in a timely manner.
Should the situation go unresolved, further advice may be sought by the student from the Senior Associate Dean of Education.

No set policies or procedures can anticipate every issue or situation and circumstances at times require alternations and/or adaptations. While maintaining a program commitment to these policies and applying them fairly, the Weill Cornell Medicine MSHS Program for Physician Assistants does, however, reserve the right to modify policies and/or procedures at times as it may deem necessary. 

All PA students are required to clearly identify themselves, at minimum, by use of Program supplied name tags, throughout the program and in the clinical setting to distinguish themselves from other health profession students and practitioners.

This document outlines transportation guidelines and policies for Weill Cornell Medicine PA students commuting to/from WCM Main Campus (1300 York Ave) or PA Program (570 Lexington Ave), Pennsylvania Station or Grand Central Station to required clinical sites. For commuting to/from off-campus housing and other transportation needs, please contact the Office of Financial Aid finaid@med.cornell.edu, and/or Student Affairs studentaffairs@med.cornell.edu. Any deviation from this policy requires special approval from the PA Program.  

Any student who chooses to withdraw from the MSHS PA Program must submit a letter to the Program Director requesting "withdrawal in good standing". A student may withdraw in good standing if the following conditions are met:

All financial obligations to Weill Cornell are met or approved arrangements have been made to satisfy any and all obligations. 
A student must write a formal detailed letter to the Program Director, outlining reasons for withdrawal. 
A formal exit interview has been conducted by a member of the Program Administrative staff. 
All preclinical or clinical coursework, up to the date of request of withdrawal, must be complete and/or in good standing. 
Upon presentation to the Committee for Promotion and Graduation a formal decision to grant a student a "withdrawal in good standing" will be made. The Committee for Promotion and Graduation reserves the right to deny a "withdrawal in good standing" if a student does not fulfill all of the conditions listed. A student who withdraws from the Program is subject to reapplication.

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