UNIVERSITY OF THE SCIENCES IN PHILADELPHIA

PHILADELPHIA COLLEGE OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE

DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT STUDIES

Pre-Professional Academic Performance Agreement

The student understands that acceptance to PCOM is not guaranteed. To be eligible for progression, the pre-professional academic requirements are:

1. Successful completion of all required Physician Assistant Pre-Professional works at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia (USP), with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 at time of application to Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM). A minimum 3.00 GPA is required in all science courses. (and grades of “C-”or less will not transfer). All second & third year science courses must be taken at USP. (These are bolded on curriculum sheet)

2. Documented completion of an absolute minimum of 200 hours of volunteer or paid service that offers the student an awareness of the humanistic aspects of patient care, health care and/or human service exposing him/her to a profession that cares for the sick and injured.

3. The student must apply directly to CASPA (Central Application Service for Physician Assistants) for final review by PCOM. Application must be complete & submitted no later than September 15^th of the year prior to anticipated start at PCOM. This application includes: submitting all academic transcripts from all colleges & universities attended; Three letters of reference (one from a certified Physician Assistant or Physician; one from an employer/supervisor; and one form an instructor), which examine the applicant’s abilities, communication skills, motivation, interpersonal skills, and emotional maturity; A narrative limited to one (1) page, based on questions developed by the program that explore knowledge of the Physician Assistant profession, motivation, interpersonal skills, and emotional maturity.

4. Successful completion of the USP/PCOM Department of Physician Assistant Studies interview for the purpose of assessing the students’ maturity to work in a dependent role with a physician and active motivation for pursuing a career as a Physician Assistant. Performance in the interviews will be strongly considered by the Admissions committee for progression to the Professional Phase.

5. Demonstrate responsibility & accountability, maturity, professionalism at USP including promptness, appearance, ability to follow instructions, interest in medicine, positive team-spirited attitude, problem solving abilities and technical standards required by PCOM’s PA program.

6. Student must successfully complete the Writing Proficiency Exam by the end of Fall U3 and demonstrate computer proficiency at USP.

NOTE: A faculty advisor from the Department of Physician Assistant Studies will monitor the academic progress of all students in the Physician Assistant Program. Time has been allotted during the academic year for faculty advisors to meet with their students, to advise and mentor them in meeting the requirements necessary to be eligible for progression. Students can seek out a faculty advisor anytime he/she feels the need to discuss, review, or assess their academic standing in the Physician Assistant Program.

AGREEMENT: By signing this agreement, the student grants his/her permission for transcripts to be sent to PCOM for review, as well as the sharing of information regarding any academic probation or disciplinary actions and waiver of confidentiality for academic tracking (follow up assessment of USP students performance at PCOM) is given. The student acknowledges that he/she has been informed of all the administrative and academic details with respect to progression to the Professional Phase and that he or she understands and accepts all the details listed above.

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Student’s Signature/ Printed Name Date

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Faculty Member’s Signature Date