MPA - Master of Physician Assistant - Texas

Program Mission Statement

The West Coast University MPA Program prepares students to excel as clinicians and leaders by providing them with opportunities to learn and adopt practice-ready knowledge, skills, and behaviors that are patient-centered, innovative, and embracing cultural humility, adaptability, and agility within the evolving, challenging, and ambiguous context of contemporary healthcare. We prepare professionals who will contribute to the advancement of the physician assistant profession through exemplar practice, life-long learning, and service within and across their healthcare communities.

Program Vision Statement

The West Coast University MPA Program seeks to be an innovative leader in PA education by offering the medical community intelligent and talented clinical providers who are well-prepared for the rapidly evolving, challenging, and ambiguous nature of contemporary healthcare.

Tools for Today’s Students

At WCU, our goal is to help you build both the skills and the confidence required to be an effective physician assistant. That’s why our Physician Assistant program in Texas is designed to deliver a variety of innovative, hands-on learning experiences.

• Physician Assistant Center for Advanced Immersive Learning for comprehensive, collaborative, and clinical preparation exercises
• Immersive learning resources that include virtual dissection, augmented reality, and advanced 3D experiential platforms
• Simulation room equipped with high-fidelity manikins that mimic real-life physical functions
• Patient exam rooms for students to practice history taking, physical examination, and communication skills
• Real-world clinical experience with preceptors at our partner medical and hospital facilities

One-on-One Support

From the admissions process until beyond your last day of class, WCU aims to give you the support you need to earn your MPA degree. These are just some of the teams and resources available to you as a WCU student.

• Financial Aid – Financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify. Our dedicated financial aid advisors can help you find the funding option that’s right for you.
• Clinical Team – Completing your clinical hours is an important part of your education, which is why our clinical team is available to help you find clinical sites.
• NCCPA Board Preparation – Get help preparing for your licensure exam to become a physician assistant.

Support Beyond Graduation

West Coast University supports its MPA students beyond the last day of class. We are committed to helping our graduates throughout their careers. Through our Career Services Department, we provide ongoing assistance with professional and career development through workshops and guidance for our students and graduates of the MPA program in Texas.

WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment.

Program Learning Outcomes
(Competencies Required for Entry-Level Practice)

Upon successful completion of the WCU MPA program, a student acting in the capacity as an entry-level PA will be able to:

• Medical Knowledge: Demonstrate acquisition of core medical knowledge to provide person-centric care for patients across the lifespan and in various clinical settings
• Clinical Reasoning and Problem-Solving Abilities: Evaluate a patient effectively during a medical encounter through the proper selection and accurate interpretation of laboratory and diagnostic studies
• Formulate a differential diagnosis based upon historical information, physical exam, laboratory, and diagnostic study findings
• Design person-centric patient therapeutic management plans that consider cost, efficacy, possible adverse reactions, contraindications, monitoring, and referrals
• Apply an evidence-based medicine approach that also considers the social determinants of health in patient care decisions
• Clinical and Technical Skills: Elicit an accurate and pertinent medical history from patients
• Perform a comprehensive or problem-focused physical exam adapted to the patient’s age and care needs
• Perform medical and surgical procedures common to general medicine
• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrate interpersonal skills necessary to communicate clearly and effectively with patients/family members, and members of healthcare teams
• Communicate the findings of a clinical encounter in appropriate and effective written and oral forms
• Deliver evidence-based education and counseling to patients, and their family members regarding patient evaluation and care that includes principles of preventive care, public health, and health literacy
• Professional Behaviors: Demonstrate professionalism including principles of sensitivity, respect, collaboration, accountability, cultural humility, and commitment to excellence in all interactions with patients, families, and members of the healthcare teams

Admission Requirements

A student applying for admission to a graduate program at West Coast University must:

1. Submit a completed application to WCU through Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA).
2. Pay a non-refundable $75 application fee through WCU.
3. Submit original transcripts for all previous higher education through CASPA.
4. Participate in an admissions interview.
   1. Meet all requirements by the application deadline to be considered.
   2. Meet the program-specific admissions requirements.
   3. Complete the enrollment agreement if accepted to the program.

Program specific application requirements

1. 1. Obtain a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
   2. Complete all aspects of the CASPA application, including the personal statement and program-specific questions. Personal statements are scored. Preference is given based on quality of writing.
      1. List all college coursework taken (including foreign coursework and transcript evaluation from an approved agency on the CASPA application).
      2. Submit three letters of recommendation. These letters of recommendations must be able to provide feedback regarding your preparation for a profession in medicine, including professionalism, work ethic, ethics and character, and academic preparation. Letters of recommendation must come from the following: medical providers (MDs, DOs, PAs, etc.), professors, supervisors/employers, and/or mentors. Letters must not come from personal contacts such as family members, neighbors, personal medical providers, or religious leaders. Letters of recommendation are scored. Preference is given to candidates who have letters that provide clear evidence of likelihood of success in a healthcare-related field.
   3. Submit results of CASPer for non-academic attributes and/or people skills. acuityinsights.com. CASPer scores are scored. Preference is given to higher CASPer scores.
   4. Meet the technical standards for admission as follows:
      1. Candidates must be able to observe and participate in demonstrations and experiments in the basic sciences.
      2. Candidates must have sufficient use of the sensory, vision, hearing, motor, and somatic sensation necessary to perform a physical examination including point-of-care techniques.
      3. Candidates must be able to perform examination activities such as palpation, auscultation, percussion, the administration of intravenous medication, the application of pressure to stop bleeding, the opening of obstructed airways, and the movements, equilibrium, and functional use of the sense of touch and vision.
      4. Candidates must be able to learn to respond with precise, quick, and appropriate action in emergency situations.
      5. Candidates must have the interpersonal skills necessary to communicate with accuracy, clarity, efficiency, and sensitivity.
      6. Candidates must have the skills to be able to analyze and synthesize information, solve problems, and reach diagnostic and therapeutic judgments.
      7. Candidates must be able to acknowledge evaluation and respond appropriately.
      8. Candidates must possess the interpersonal skills to develop rapport and positive relationships with patients.
      9. Candidates must possess basic technology and digital literacy.
      10. Candidates are expected to possess the perseverance, diligence, and consistency to complete the PA program curriculum. Candidates, therefore, must be able to tolerate physically taxing workloads, to function effectively under stress, to adapt to changing environments, to display flexibility, and to function in the face of uncertainties inherent in the clinical problems of many patients.
   5. Pre-admission academic standards:
      1. Have obtained a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution recognized by the United States Department of Education with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher and a Biology/Chemistry/Physics (BCP) grade point average of 2.7 or better. Competitive candidates exceed the minimum GPA.
      2. A minimum number of healthcare experience hours are not required for admittance into the program. However, a point value for, paid healthcare experience, shadowing, and volunteerism is assigned during application review. It is to an applicant’s best interest to pursue 500 hours or more to be a competitive candidate. All completed healthcare experience must be listed in the “Health Related Experience” or “Patient Care Experience” sections of the CASPA application in order to be included within the application review.
      3. Must earn a “C” or better in all prerequisite courses and they must be completed within the last ten years.
      4. Baccalaureate degree and prerequisite courses must be completed by October 1 prior to matriculation.
      5. For prerequisite courses, advanced placement, transfer of credit, pass/no credit, CLEP or credit for experiential learning will not be accepted.
   6. Applicants for the Master of Physician Assistant- Texas program must have completed prerequisite coursework from a regionally accredited higher education institution in the United States. Online coursework is accepted.
   7. Required Prerequisite Courses:
      1. Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II with lab (6 semester credits or 8 quarter credits) OR Human Anatomy with lab (3 semester credits or 4 quarter credits) AND Human Physiology with lab (3 semester credits or 4 quarter credits)
      2. General Chemistry I and II with lab (6 semester credits or 8 quarter credits)
      3. Microbiology with lab (3 semester credits or 4 quarter credits)
      4. Genetics (3 semester credits or 4 quarter credits)
      5. Organic Chemistry with lab (3 semester credits or 4 quarter credits)
      6. Biochemistry (3 semester credits or 4 quarter credits)
      7. Statistics (3 semester credits or 4 quarter credits)

Applicant Selection Factors
While meeting minimum requirements makes you eligible for review, it does not guarantee an interview or offer for admission. We use a structured admissions process focused on readiness to thrive in a rigorous, team-based graduate-level PA program.

In addition to academic readiness, we prioritize applicants who demonstrate:

• Compelling understanding of the PA profession /li>
• Strong, graduate-level writing /li>
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills /li>
• Maturity & professionalism /li>
• Passion, commitment, and tenacity/resilience /li>
• A growth mindset and appetite for learning /li>
• Openness to feedback and teamwork /li>
• Technology fluency for a fast-paced, digitally enabled program /li>
• Proven success in a healthcare related setting/li>
• Reflection and self-awareness/li>
• Embodies the spirit of WCU–Texas values and culture

Your chances for admission may be lower if your application is incomplete, late, or not instruction-compliant (e.g., missing or outdated prerequisites); if academics are weak or less competitive; if letters of recommendation are not from acceptable sources or raise concerns; if writing is not skillfully written or error-prone; or if you show unprofessional behavior at any stage of the interview process. Limited understanding of the PA role or documented academic/professional misconduct or legal issues can also negatively affect your application.
Program Interview

Interview invitations are extended to the most competitive applicants for admission. Candidates who are invited to interview will be contacted by email. Declining an invitation or failing to appear for a scheduled interview will result in rejection of the application. Approximately 150-250 selected applicants will be invited for an interview annually. Interviews currently take place on campus from July to November, but interviews may end sooner if the class is filled.Exact dates will be communicated to candidates with an offer to interview.

Interviewees will be evaluated on their performance on the following interview activities: individual interview, group interview (activity), writing sample (essay), and video introduction.

Early submission of a candidate’s application can increase the chances of interview selection. Interview results are confidential.

Offers of Admission

The MPA program may make offers of admission within one month following the first interview date. Offers will be continuously made until the class is filled.

Candidates who interview fall into one of three categories based on a predefined interview scoring rubric:

• • Accept: Candidates are formally offered a seat in the WCU Texas MPA Program within one month of the completion of their interview.
  • Alternate List: Candidates are formally notified by email within one month of the completion of their interviews. Any remaining seats are offered to candidates on the alternate list after interviews have been completed for the current CASPA cycle.
  • No Accept: Candidates are notified of the decision within one month following their interview.

International Applicants

International applicants who are not U.S. citizens and who are living in the U.S. must be prepared to provide proof of legal U.S. residency during the application process. Applicants must provide proof of legal U.S. residency prior to any offer of acceptance.

International Applicants with a degree earned outside the U.S. must meet the following criteria:

• • 1. Submit your foreign degree coursework for a transcript evaluation by World Education Services (WES), submitted through CASPA.
    2. All required prerequisite courses must be taken at a regionally accredited U.S. higher education institution and be verifiable through official transcripts.
    3. Official TOEFL scores submitted to CASPA with a minimum score of 100 (Internet-based) AND at least 25 in each section (reading, listening, speaking, and writing). TOEFL scores are only valid for two years.

Transfer Policy

The Master of Physician Assistant- Texas program does not allow for transfer credit.

Advanced Placement Policy

Advanced placement is defined as a waiver of required professional coursework in the MPA program, and will not be granted under any circumstance. All students who enter the program must fulfill all program requirements. All courses within the curriculum are required. No transfer credit is accepted. No credit is granted for pre-admission experiential learning, prior coursework, degrees, certifications, or advanced training.

Candidate Seat Deposit

Applicants are conditionally accepted to the Master of Physician Assistant program until a non-refundable $1000.00 good faith payment for a Seat Deposit has been submitted. The Seat Deposit is not a separate charge but will be credited to the program costs should the student not cancel their enrollment. The University will retain the full amount of this deposit should the student cancel their enrollment at any time, for any reason. Seat Deposits may be paid by credit card, debit card, money order, or cashier’s check made payable to West Coast University. A Seat Deposit will be collected for each enrollment and cannot be applied to or carried over to enrollments for other programs or start terms. At their discretion, the Executive Director may refund the full Seat Deposit for unusual or unexpected circumstances that would warrant a full refund.

Master of Physician Assistant – Program Requirements

• • 1. Obtain background clearance.*
    2. Undergo one or more comprehensive drug screening tests.*
    3. Strict adherence to the Bloodborne Pathogens Policy and Exposure Control Plan.
    4. Submit documentation of immunizations, vaccinations, and tuberculosis clearance.*
    5. Provide and maintain a current Basic Life Support (BLS).*
    6. Expect the hours and days to vary depending on the trimester schedule.
    7. Expect the clinical year schedule to be variable, final, and non-negotiable. If a student refuses a clinical assignment, the student may be dismissed from the program.

*Information regarding these requirements is provided during the application process and at the program orientation.

MPA Curriculum

The Master of Physician Assistant Program – Texas is a full-time, on-ground, 24-month graduate program that consists of 117 semester credit hours completed over six consecutive trimesters. 

Physician Assistant Courses

Note: The order of PA 600, PA 603, PA 606, PA 615, PA 618, PA 621, PA 630, PA 633, and PA 636 are scheduled in 5-week blocks throughout trimesters 4, 5, and 6 and may differ in sequence for each student, but all must be completed to meet graduation requirements.

Program Goals Metrics and Benchmarks

Leadership

Develop student passion for leading in the delivery of team-based compassionate care evidenced by a commitment to learning, service, collaboration, and resiliency.

How: Audit of the student portfolio for participation in community service and leadership opportunities.  Annual faculty survey assessing the cohort’s demonstration of commitment to learning, collaboration, and resiliency.

The WCU MPA Program strives for 90% of students that have completed a community-service or leadership opportunity prior to graduation, and that 90% of faculty responses reflect that the cohort demonstrates commitment to learning, collaboration, and resiliency.

Data:

Class of 2023: 100% of the graduating class completed a community-service or leadership opportunity prior to graduation. 90% of faculty responses rated the cohort as demonstrating commitment to learning, collaboration, and resiliency.

Class of 2024: 100% of the graduating class completed a community-service or leadership opportunity prior to graduation. 100% of faculty responses rated the cohort as demonstrating commitment to learning, collaboration, and resiliency.

Collaboration and Accountability

Create physician assistant clinical leaders who are entry-level practice-ready and can serve as part of the healthcare team.

How: Graduate data from Career Services.

The WCU Master of Physician Assistant Program strives to have 90% of graduates employed as a Physician Assistant within one year of graduation.

Data:

Class of 2023: 97.5% placement rate

Class of 2024: Data available in 2026

Competency

Prepare graduates for the Physician Assistant National Certification Examination (PANCE), who demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary for excellent medical practice.

How: Physician Assistant National Certification Exam (PANCE) first-time taker pass rate.

The WCU MPA Program strives to have a PANCE first- time pass rate equal to or greater than the national average. The five-year first-time test taker summary report will be uploaded here upon completion of the PANCE by our first cohort.

Data: PANCE Exam Performance Summary

Innovation and Student Centricity

Provide an academic and clinical curriculum that utilizes innovative technologies and diverse opportunities to engage students’ full capacity as learners with student-centered instruction that leads to program completion.

How: Program Exit Survey data.

The WCU MPA Program strives for 90% of students graduating from the program and 90% of respondents on the program Exit Survey rate the program as innovative and student centric.

Data:

Class of 2023: 98% of students graduated from the program

96% of students rated the program as innovative
98% of students rated the program as student centric

Class of 2024: 92% of students graduated from the program

100% of students rated the program as innovative
100% of students rated the program as student centric

Master of Physician Assistant Program Clinical Requirements

1. Obtain background clearance.*
2. Undergo a drug screening.*
3. Strict adherence to the Bloodborne Pathogens Policy and Exposure Control Plan.
4. Submit documentation of immunizations, vaccinations, tuberculosis clearance.*
5. Provide and maintain a current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.*
6. Expect the hours and days to vary depending on the trimester schedule.
7. Expect the trimester schedule to be final and non-negotiable.  If a student refuses a clinical assignment, the student will be dismissed from the program.

*Information regarding these requirements is provided during the application process and at the program orientation.

Clinical Rotations

Students are not required to provide or solicit clinical sites or preceptors. Clinical site coordination is completed by the WCU clinical team, which is responsible for identifying, contacting, and evaluating sites and preceptors for suitability as a required or elective supervised clinical practice experience.

All required rotations are located in the United States. The program does not offer any international rotations.

Master of Physician Assistant Program Accreditation Disclosure

The ARC-PA has granted Accreditation-Provisional status to the West Coast University, Texas Physician Assistant Program sponsored by West Coast University.

Accreditation-Provisional is an accreditation status granted when the plans and resource allocation, if fully implemented as planned, of a proposed program that has not yet enrolled students appear to demonstrate the program’s ability to meet the ARC-PA Standards or when a program holding Accreditation-Provisional status appears to demonstrate continued progress in complying with the Standards as it prepares for the graduation of the first class (cohort) of students.

Accreditation-Provisional does not ensure any subsequent accreditation status. It is limited to no more than five years from matriculation of the first class.

The program’s accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website at https://www.arc-pa.org/accreditation-history-west-coast-university/.

Master of Physician Assistant Program Licensure Disclosure

To become a certified PA (PA-C), one must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE).  In addition, students must obtain state medical board registration/licensure.  The licensure requirements will vary from state to state.

A PA may not begin working as a Physician Assistant in most states until he/she has successfully passed the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) AND has been licensed/registered by the state in which they practice.  There may be exceptions for certain state licensures or for federal employment, such as the military and Veterans Administration.  Failure to complete all necessary steps may constitute practicing medicine without a medical license.  Upon graduation, students are responsible for ensuring they obtain all required and licenses and certifications.  West Coast University is not responsible for registration or licensing; the student is solely responsible for all such requirements and verifying proper authorizations to practice medicine have been obtained.

Health Insurance Requirement

Students enrolled in the MPA program will be required to provide evidence of health insurance prior to participation in clinical experiences.  Participation in all clinical experience courses is required to complete the program.

Exception to Academic Policy

For more information, please visit West Coast University catalog.

To submit a petition for an exception to policy, obtain the form from the Student Affairs Office in Texas (WCUDALStudentAffairsGeneral@westcoastuniversity.edu) and include documentation to support the request. A list of all other relevant forms can be found on the West Coast University Forms page.

Withdrawal, Dismissal, Appeal, and Reentry

The MPA program follows the University’s guidelines for dismissal, appeal, and reentry. Information and guidance regarding this section is found in the University’s online catalog.

Withdrawal Policy

Withdrawal from a Program
For more information, please visit the West Coast University catalog.

Dismissal from the Program Policy and Procedures

For more information, please visit the West Coast University catalog and see the section under MPA Students.
Graduate University Dismissal Appeal Policy
For more information, please visit the West Coast University catalog.

Reentry

Physician Assistant Program following Dismissal For more information, please visit the West Coast University catalog.

Reentry Following Withdrawal For more information, please visit the West Coast University catalog.

MPA Texas Program Remediation Policy

Remediation

Student progress is monitored and documented in a manner that promptly identifies deficiencies in knowledge or skills and establishes means for remediation. Remediation is the opportunity to correct a gap in knowledge and to address progress and/or professional conduct in the program. Early identification of student deficiencies on an exam or test is monitored by the Course Director and a student is notified with a Letter of Concern (LOC) to initiate a meeting and plan for support in knowledge gaps. If a course grade in progress at week 5 and/or Week 10 is less than a 76%, students are notified with a LOC and the Progress and Promotion (P&P) Committee meets to identify additional areas of need and a formal Academic Action Plan is created. Recommendations regarding remediation will be made by the Progress and Promotions Committee on an individual basis after considering all pertinent circumstances in each case. Any student placed on an Academic Action Plan or Progress Plan for academic or professional reasons and offered remediation must fulfill all the terms of the remediation contract within the designated time frame or face actions including, but not limited to, dismissal. The offer of remediation is not automatic or guaranteed. Remediation is to be regarded as a privilege that must be earned by a student through demonstrated dedication to learning, and active participation in the educational program to include, but not limited to, overall academic/clinical performance, regular attendance, individual initiative, and utilization of resources available to them.
Remediation, in the form of a formalized Academic Action Plan or Progress Plan may be required for:

• An in-progress course grade that falls below a 76%.
• A “Below Expectation” rating on a Professionalism Evaluation or professional concern brought to the P&P Committee by a course director or advisor.
• Regardless of the student’s calculated grade for a particular rotation if the preceptor or faculty has identified deficits or concerns in any area of the student’s performance, including professionalism or if the student’s evaluation grade of less than 76% during the clinical year.

The Progress and Promotions Committee may recommend a remediation plan that includes, but is not limited to the following:

1. Development of an Academic Action Plan that outlines and defines a remediation plan, outlines the successful remediation criteria, timeline to complete the plan, and the responsibilities of the student.
2. A remediation exam of failed subject material as constructed by the Course Director.
   1. The student must score at least 76% on the remediation of a Summative, End of Curriculum, Year One Exam, and module exams.
   2. The highest grade submitted for a successfully remediated exam is 76%
3. Additional supervised clinical practice experience including repeating the rotation(s) failed.
4. Reading and study assignments with follow-up discussion/oral assessment/written exam.
5. Case-based learning exercises focused on areas of deficiencies.
6. Written self-reflection exercises.
7. Written response to selected exam items with reference citations.
8. Individual skills training or faculty-led tutoring.
9. Additional supervised clinical practice experience including repeating an entire rotation.
10. Requiring corrective action for unprofessional behavior and/or misconduct. This may include but is not limited to direct apologies, letters of apology, professionalism assignments, additional clinical rotation(s), ongoing monitoring, and reports of professional behavior corrections by faculty, preceptors etc.

Failure to meet the requirements of an Academic Action Plan may result in:

• Referral to Progress & Promotions
• Referral to Program Director
• Referral to WCU Student Affairs
• Academic Dismissal

Benchmark Competencies for the MPA Program

The MPA program is focused on student success and thus allows for 76% as passing for courses throughout the program. However, it is important to note, this is the minimum passing or benchmark grade. As students progress in the program, it is expected that each Trimester they will meet the 3.0 on a 4.0 scale to progress in the program. It is for this reason, coupled with the MPA Program’s commitment toward excellence, that students must have a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or better, to graduate from the program.

Students At-Risk

West Coast University provides guidance around undergraduate and graduate program students at-risk. The Student Affairs department at each campus works with the MPA program leaders and faculty to intentionally identify, early and often, students that may be at-risk. Even though the MPA program will continually monitor and support all students, the Student Affairs Department will also intentionally focus and support our at-risk students.

Definition of At-Risk

Any student scoring < 76% during grades-in-progress, on exams and between 76-79% as the final grade in a course are considered at-risk. This designation is identified by the Course Director, or Academic Director and is brought to the Progress and Promotion Committee for review. The student’s faculty advisor is also notified and involved in planning for student success.

Remediation Support

Remediation support consists of several resources which include, but is not limited to:

1. 1. Course Directors: Each course has a Course Director who oversees in-class instruction and outside of class tutoring (content review) and metacognition (learning how to learn).
   2. Faculty Advisors: Each student is provided a MPA faculty advisor. Faculty advisors:
      • Provide support and guidance to navigate the program.
      • Provide advice in developing a program success plan for didactic courses, clinical experiences, PANCE preparation, and employment readiness.
      • Provide direction specific to time management.
      • Provide referrals to the co-curricular support services.
   3. Co-curricular Support Services: Student support services, such as working with the Student Advisor, complement the program remediation process, and are an extension of the learning experiences.

Remediation Documentation:

1. Letter of Concern (LOC): Faculty-generated letter, notifies the student of performance that is below the program’s academic standard (i.e., 76%) during grades-in-progress. For end-of-course, LOCs occur when student score between 76% – 79%. LOCs are part of the student record providing the student with an official concern about their academic progress.
2. Academic Action Plan (AAP): A document that provides the student and faculty with an outline for areas of needed improvement, personal issue(s) support, and the recommended remediation process. An AAP will be collaboratively created between the student and the Course Director to assist the student in their path of learning for the respective course.

Remediation During the Didactic Year

In-course

West Coast University proactively assesses students’ grades throughout the trimester. For the MPA Program, grades are submitted by Course Directors at week 5 and week 10. Such grade intervals are expected by the University but determined by each program to identify and assist students who are struggling with course content early and often in the term. At both week 5 and week 10, the student’s current course grade will determine if a student needs assistance. A student must have a grade of 76% or greater at the noted check points. If a student achieves less than 76% during “grades in progress” check points, they will receive an LOC and AAP.

End-of-course

Students in the Texas MPA program are expected to achieve and maintain a course GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Although the minimal grade for passing a course is 76%, or 2.3 on a 4.0 scale as noted above, continuing at this minimum will not support achieving the overall GPA expectation of the program needed for progression. As such, students that have a final grade between 76% and 79% for a course will receive an LOC and be required to enter the remediation process documented in an AAP during the trimester intermission.

Important to note that End-of-Course remediation and reassessment is intended to improve student learning and success and address knowledge gaps. We believe this approach allows a student who is at risk for performing below the minimum program GPA to achieve overall success in the program.

Remediation During the Clinical Year

The clinical year consists of a series of three 5-week rotations (courses) in each trimester. Each course requires a “grades-in-progress” in week 3 and a final grade after week 5. This approach requires that students at-risk engage in a successful remediation process with the Manager of Clinical Education and the Clinical Phase Committee within a given timeframe. In addition, clinical experience assessments also differ from the didactic year in the following ways:

1. Final clinical course grades are submitted at the end of the 5-week course.
2. Preceptors will evaluate and score students at the end of the rotation.
3. Course Directors will be responsible for submitting grades and coordinating remediation and assessment processes with the Progress and Promotion Committee if needed.
4. Remediation and reassessment during the clinical year could be performed during:
   1. The current or subsequent clinical rotation and/or online.
   2. A one-day early return to the campus during call back campus days.

   End-of-Clinical Experience Remediation

   A student who earns between 76% and 79% as the final grade for the clinical course will receive a Letter of Concern and will be required to meet with the Progress and Promotion Committee to create an Academic Action Plan and begin the remediation process.

MPA Texas Program Deceleration Policy

Deceleration

Deceleration is defined by the ARC-PA as “the loss of a student from the entering cohort, who remains matriculated in the physician assistant program.” Outside of a formally approved leave of absence, the WCU MPA Texas program does not offer deceleration. Students that are dismissed or

withdraw from the program may reapply to the program. The program must be completed on a full-time basis and students are not eligible to opt into deceleration.

MPA Texas Program Requirements and Deadlines for Completion of the Program

Graduation Requirements for Graduate Students For more information, please visit the West Coast University Catalog.

MPA Texas Program Graduation Requirements

• Achieve a grade of 76% or better for all courses in the program.
• Achieve a minimum overall GPA of 3.0
• Successfully pass the program’s Summative Evaluation
• Be recommended for graduation by the Program Director.
• Complete the Application for Graduation Form.

MPA Texas Program Academic Standards to Maintain Enrollment and Progress

Good Standing Policy

For more information, please visit the West Coast University catalog.

Academic Standards, Performance and Progression

A grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or above, trimester and cumulative, is required of all MPA students.

Additionally, in Readiness for Clinical Experiences:

Complete all didactic courses in good standing (course grades of >/= 76%, any remediation plans, and overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale).

Progress and Promotion Committee (P&P Committee)

Satisfactory academic progress must be evident and demonstrated by students in the Program in order to continue in the program. Any failure to progress academically up to and including the failure of a course may be cause for referral to the MPA Progress and Promotion Committee (P&P Committee). The committee will review the situation and recommend a plan, which may include an Academic Action Plan. The P&P Committee is charged with monitoring all MPA students both academically and professionally and ensuring academic progress for the entire program.

Progression in the Program

Students are expected to complete the MPA program curriculum in the sequence specified in the University Catalog. Each trimester’s course work is to be considered a pre-requisite to the next trimester. As such,

• Students may not enter the program with advanced standing.
• Students are required to complete, in sequence, all didactic course work.
• There is no opportunity to change the order of didactic course work.
• Clinical coursework will be full time in the sequence designated by the Clinical Team.
• Clinical experiences are assigned by the Clinical Team and all rotations must be completed as assigned.

Year 1 Examination (Y1E) – Entry into Clinical Experiences

This written exam comprises of information learned throughout the first year.

A student who earns less than a score of 76% on the Y1E must remediate and demonstrate competency in area(s) of deficiency. The student will have until the start of Term 4 to complete remediation and to score above 76% on reassessment. If the student Is unable to achieve the 76% on reassessment, they may be subject to academic dismissal.

Immunization/Health Screening Requirements

Before registration, all students are required to provide proof of immunization to the program’s third-party reviewer. All forms are reviewed, and no student health records, with the exception of immunizations, will be reviewed by the program faculty. Students are responsible for maintaining the immunizations required by WCU. Students who do not have an immunization completed and do not meet immunization deadlines may not be permitted to proceed in the program.

Specified immunizations and health screenings are required for all students unless medically contraindicated (health care provider documentation must be provided and based on CDC contraindication guidelines). West Coast University will not collect any student health records. The PA program utilizes the services of an external provider Exxat to maintain the immunization records for each PA student. The Exxat portal allows PA students to upload records directly. Further, it provides updates and communication to PA faculty and students when immunizations are expiring. The PA Program requires students to sign a release form allowing release of the information to WCU and for WCU PA program to provide preceptors with the status or result of immunizations, drug screening, certifications, and background checks. By submitting immunization records, the student authorizes WCU to release the information in the WCU records to affiliated hospitals or clinics where a student is engaged in the clinical learning experience.

Vaccines not specifically listed below are not required by the program (e.g., polio, meningococcal). Additional immunization and/or health screening requirements beyond those mandated by the program may be required by a clinical affiliate. If so, students will be made aware of additional requirements and will need to ensure compliance at their own cost, as necessary. Immunization and health screening requirements will be reviewed annually by the program to ensure they minimally meet the most recent CDC recommendations, state-specific mandates, and affiliate policies. Students will be notified of changes to the immunization policy and given direction on how to complete any additional requirements, as necessary.

All students will need to provide proof of adequate immunization/immunity for the following:

Note that photographs of documents (using a camera function) will not be accepted. The document upload must be in a pdf form.

• Measles, Mumps, Rubella:
  • 2 documented vaccinations OR positive titer for all 3 components required. (Lab report required).
  • Quantitative antibody titer must be within the past 1 year.
  • If the titer shows negative/low/equivocal result then you must repeat the series/ booster dose as recommended by PCP, then you will need to repeat the titer.
• Varicella –
  • 2 documented vaccination or positive titer are required. (Lab report required)
  • Quantitative antibody titer must be within the past 1 year.
  • If the titer shows negative/low/equivocal result then you must repeat the series/ booster dose as recommended by PCP, then you will need to repeat the titer.
  • Repeat titer is required 1-2 months after last vaccination.
  • History of disease is NOT acceptable.
  • Enter completion date as date of titer result.
• Hepatitis B
  • 2 documented vaccinations (Heplisav-B) OR 3 documented vaccinations (Recombivax HB or Engerix-B ) AND positive titer required. (Lab report required)
  • If the titer shows negative/low/equivocal result then you must repeat the series/ booster dose as recommended by PCP, then you will need to repeat the titer.
  • Quantitative antibody titer must be within the past 1 year.
  • History of disease is NOT acceptable.
  • If titer shows negative/low/equivocal, then you must repeat the series of 2 vaccination if Heplisav-B and 3 vaccinations if Engerix-B or Recombivax HB1 as recommended by PCP. A repeat titer will be required 1-2 months after the last vaccination.
  • If you are a non-converter, please upload documentation from your PCP stating that you are a non-converter
• Tuberculosis (TB) Screening
  • One of the following completed within 3 months prior to matriculation:
    • 1 step TB skin test OR
    • QuantiFERON Gold blood test (lab report required) OR
    • T-spot blood test (lab report required)
  • If you have a positive result, then you need to submit all of the following:
    • Documentation of positive testing.
    • Documentation of TB treatment.
    • Documentation of a normal 2 view chest x-ray within the last year (lab report required)
    • Texas Dept of State Health Services Symptoms questionnaire stating that you are symptom-free for the past 12 months. Please click on the ‘view template/sample’ to download the school form provided. You will complete the symptoms form annually after uploading all the above in the first year
  • Annually for students with negative results, 1 step TB skin test OR QuantiFERON Gold blood test (lab report required) OR T-spot blood test (lab report required) must be uploaded.
  • For PPD Skin test – Enter expiration date as 1 year from date read
  • For blood test and chest X-ray – Expiration date will be auto-filled as per school guidelines
• Tetanus, Diphtheria, & Pertussis (Tdap)
  • Tdap Booster within 10 years.
  • Td not accepted.
  • Expiration date will be auto-filled as per school guidelines.
• COVID 19 Vaccine (Ages 12 years and older)
  • Unvaccinated: 1 dose of an updated (2023-2024 Formula) mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (i.e., Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech) OR 2 doses of updated (2023-2024 Formula) Novavax vaccine.
  • Previously received 1 or more Original monovalent or bivalent mRNA vaccine doses: 1 dose of any updated (2023-2024 Formula) COVID-19 vaccine (i.e., Moderna, Novavax, Pfizer-BioNTech).
  • Previously received 1 or more doses of Original monovalent Novavax vaccine, alone or in combination with any Original monovalent or bivalent mRNA vaccine doses: 1 dose of any updated (2023-2024 Formula) COVID-19 vaccine (i.e., Moderna, Novavax, Pfizer-BioNTech).
  • Previously received 1 or more doses of Johnson & Johnson vaccine, alone or in combination with any Original monovalent or bivalent mRNA vaccine or Original monovalent Novavax doses: 1 dose of any updated (2023-2024 Formula) COVID-19 vaccine (i.e., Moderna, Novavax, Pfizer-BioNTech).
  • Documentation must include the manufacturer and the date vaccine was administered.
  • Enter completion date as the date of the last dose administered for the booster.
• Influenza
  • Documented flu vaccination or intranasal Flu Mist current flu season or completed and signed flu vaccine waiver of declination.
  • Documentation must indicate that the vaccination you received is from a batch for the current flu season.
  • Prescriptions/Receipts are NOT accepted.

Must include date of vaccine administration, facility/clinic name. Reference Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Adult Immunization Schedule: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/imz-schedules/adult-age.html?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/imz/adult.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended vaccines for Healthcare Workers:

Student Mistreatment, Grievances, and Appeals

Mistreatment of a Student

The PA program expects teachers and students to demonstrate respect and professionalism when interacting with one another. It is expected that all interactions will be free of abuse, humiliation or harassment of any kind and demonstrate the highest standards of ethical conduct in all settings.

Mistreatment arises when behavior shows disrespect for the dignity of others and unreasonably interferes with the learning process. Every student has the right to file a grievance. If a student believes a University official, faculty member, administrator or student has acted improperly or

inconsistently with WCU policies and/or procedures, the student may file a grievance (see policy outlined below).

Grievances and Appeals

Every student has the right to file a grievance. If a student believes a University official, faculty member, administrator or student has acted improperly or inconsistently with WCU policies and/or procedures, the student may file a grievance.

Complaint/Grievances Procedure

For more information, please visit the West Coast University catalog.

Student Employment Policy

Employment while Participating in the Program

Enrollment in the program is a full-time commitment, and employment during PA school is not recommended. If a student chooses to be employed while enrolled in the program, academic attendance, performance, and participation standards will not be altered in any way to accommodate employment. Students should be aware that the program will require evening or weekend classes, clinical experiences, and related activities.

Physician Assistant National Certifying Examinations

Five-year First-Time Test Taker Summary Report

View Report

WCU MPA TX Program Attrition Table

How Much Does The Master of Physician Assistant, Dallas MPA Program Cost?

We know school is a substantial commitment. At WCU, we want to equip you with all the information you need to make the right decision for your future.

Our goal is to give you a clear understanding of Master of Physician Assistant, Dallas MPA tuition costs so you can be well-informed as you navigate the application and enrollment process. To assist you in your decision, we provide a breakdown below of the MPA program costs in Master of Physician Assistant, Dallas at West Coast University.

We offer several financial aid options – including scholarships, grants, and loan access – to help support you through your studies.

For more information about your financial support options, visit our financial aid page.

The ARC-PA has granted Accreditation-Provisional status to the West Coast University, Texas Physician Assistant Program sponsored by West Coast University.

Accreditation-Provisional is an accreditation status granted when the plans and resource allocation, if fully implemented as planned, of a proposed program that has not yet enrolled students appear to demonstrate the program’s ability to meet the ARC-PA Standards or when a program holding Accreditation-Provisional status appears to demonstrate continued progress in complying with the Standards as it prepares for the graduation of the first class (cohort) of students.

Accreditation-Provisional does not ensure any subsequent accreditation status. It is limited to no more than five years from matriculation of the first class.

The program’s accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website at https://www.arc-pa.org/accreditation-history-west-coast-university/.

You can find a list of our program administrators and full-time faculty members on the online catalog.