Student Protection Policies

The University of Texas at Tyler Physician Assistant Studies Program is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, equitable, and supportive learning environment that protects the rights, well-being, and educational interests of every student. The policies in this section establish the standards and procedures that promote due process, confidentiality, professional conduct, equal opportunity, and access to appropriate institutional resources while ensuring compliance with applicable federal and state laws, University of Texas System regulations, University policies, and ARC-PA Accreditation Standards.

Background Check

Background checks are required prior to matriculation into the program. Any event occurring after the initial background check that may affect a student’s standing in the program must be reported to the Department immediately. Students may be required to undergo additional background checks at any time during their course of study in order to meet clinical site or institutional requirements. Students are responsible for all costs associated with required background checks.

Drug Screening

Some clinical facilities require students to complete drug screening prior to being granted temporary clinical privileges. Students are responsible forcompleting any required drug screening in a timely manner so as not to interfere with scheduled rotations. Students are responsible for all costs associated with drug screening.

Students who are unable to participate in three (3) or more days of a scheduled clinical rotation due to incomplete or delayed drug screening will be required to reschedule the rotation. Rescheduled rotations will occur at the end of the Supervised Clinical Practice phase and may result in a delay in graduation.

Students who refuse drug screening or who are denied clinical privileges as a result of drug screening will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from the program.

 Immunizations and Health Requirements

Students are required to maintain current immunizations and health clearances in accordance with University policy and clinical site requirements.

Required immunizations may include, but are not limited to:

• Hepatitis B
• Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
• Varicella
• Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis (Tdap)
• Influenza (annual)
• COVID-19 (if required by site)
• Tuberculosis (TB) screening
• Other vaccinations or testing as required by clinical sites

Students are responsible for:

• Obtaining all required immunizations and screenings.
• Submitting documentation by established deadlines.
• Maintaining compliance throughout the program.

Failure to maintain required immunizations or health documentation may result in removal from clinical rotations, rescheduling of clinical experiences, and/or delay in program completion.

Emergency Notification & Response

1. Immediate Life-Safety Response
   
   In the event of a medical emergency, active threat, or immediate danger to person or property, the first action must always be to contact emergency services. Dial 911 is the most effective way to ensure a rapid response.
   
   
2. Emergency Contact Directory
   
   Students should save the following numbers in their mobile devices for immediate access:
   • Emergency Services: 911
     
     • When To Use: Immediate threat to life, health, or safety.
   • UT Tyler Police: (903)-566-7300
     • When To Use: Immediate emergency occurring on UT Tyler’s campus
   • Longview non-emergency: (903)-237-1199

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