This is a test site. For the most accurate information, visit csumb.edu

College of Health Sciences and Human Services

Master of Science Physician Assistant

Policies and procedures

Program policies apply to all students, principal faculty, and the program director regardless of location. A signed memorandum of understanding may specify that certain program policies will be superseded by those at the clinical site [ARC-PA 5th A3.01]. Additional policies, standards, and procedures for the MSPA program are found in the MSPA Student Handbook.

CSUMB policies & procedures

Faculty grievance policy

MSPA program standards and procedures

MSPA Program Student Policies & Procedures

MSPA student employment

The CSUMB MSPA Program is a full-time academic program. It is strongly recommended that students not accept or continue outside employment while enrolled in the Program. Additionally, PA students are not permitted to work for the Program. They must not substitute for or function as instructional faculty and clinical or administrative staff. For this reason, schedules will not be adapted to the employment schedule of the student.

Required Academic Standards

To maintain satisfactory progress, an MSPA student must 

  • Demonstrate acceptable progress on all assessments and assignments (see individual course syllabi). 
  • Earn a grade of B or better in each course AND maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better (See ​https://csumb.edu/policy/academic-standing-policy​ ​Section 3.0). 
  • If a course is graded Credit/No Credit, each component of the assessment must meet the minimum described in the course syllabus. 
  • Demonstrate progress in meeting expectations in professional behaviors as outlined in the Student Handbook, Section 5-1 and attached links within the document. 

Requirements for progression in and completion in the program

Students are expected to complete assessments for each course as listed in the course syllabus by the end of each semester to progress in the program. Students who do not meet the required expectations will be referred to the Student Progress Committee. Prerequisites for each course are listed in the course catalog. During the clinical year, students will be provided with clinical sites. Students are not expected to solicit or provide clinical sites or preceptors.  Students must meet all program competencies for completion of the program.  The maximum amount of time that a student can take to complete the program is 46 months from the first day of class.

Remediation and deceleration standards

Remediation is a program-defined and applied process for addressing academic deficiencies or failures or professional misconduct. It offers the student the opportunity to correct unsatisfactory academic or professional performance and progress.

A remediation plan may be used to address academic or professional conduct failures. A remediation plan is not automatic and may not be offered. Recommendations regarding a remediation plan will be made by the Student Progress Committee on an individual basis after considering all pertinent circumstances in each case, including but not limited to the student’s demonstrated dedication to learning, active participation in the educational program, overall academic/clinical performance, regular attendance, individual initiative, and utilization of resources available to him/her. Students who fail to meet and/or complete a remediation plan may be placed on probation or dismissed from the Program. Details on the dismissal process can be found in the Student Handbook, Section 6 Student Progress.

Deceleration is a term used when a student is delayed in their progress and resumes their education as part of the subsequent cohort. A student will request a leave of absence during the didactic year to substantiate a deceleration. The leave of absence process is detailed in the Student Handbook, Section 6-9.

In all cases of deceleration, the SPC will meet with the student to develop a plan of action that will support the student’s re-entry into the program. Deceleration will often result in additional tuition expenses to the student.

Immunization standards

Students are required to receive the following vaccines:

  • Tdap Vaccine
  • Annual Flu Vaccine
  • Quantiferon <12 weeks and annually

*Medical, religious, or philosophical exemptions are not allowed.

Students are required to show evidence of immunity via the following titers:

  • Hep B
  • Measles (Rubeola)
  • Rubella
  • Mumps
  • Varicella

Additional clearances may be required by certain institutions used for clinical rotations.

COVID-19 Vaccinations are required for most clinical rotations. As of December 2021, the program cannot assure that unvaccinated students will be able to participate in all rotations and meet the requirements for graduation and licensure. For information on University Policies regarding students attending classes on campus, see: https://csumb.edu/health/coronavirus-information

Student referral and access to services

The Program offers timely access and referral of students to urgent medical and counseling services, financial services, and non-urgent student evaluation services such as those for learning disabilities, student health issues, and financial concerns.

The student’s faculty advisor is the primary point of contact for referrals. Faculty advisors are able to answer professional questions and provide counseling/advisement. Faculty advisors can provide students with appropriate referrals and resources (e.g., psychological counseling, evaluations for learning difficulties, time management counseling, financial aid).

Students who are identified through self-referral or through faculty observation as being at risk for not passing a course will be referred to their faculty advisor for further support and resources, including referral for tutoring and to the Personal Growth and Counseling Center. Students may address personal issues to their faculty advisors or request free and confidential counseling through the PGCC. Faculty advisors have regular office hours but will make themselves available by appointment to students upon request. It is imperative that students keep their advisor apprised of any situation that may jeopardize their successful academic or professional progression in the Program.