Enrollment Compliances
Health Insurance Policy
MSU healthcare students will will have the option to enroll in the student health insurance plan (SHIP). A waiver may be requested (see “Waiver Criteria for International, Medical and Veterinary Students” link on hyperlinked site).
MSU COM PA Medicine Program requires that all students have health insurance coverage for the duration of the program, starting from the first day of attendance through the final day of the program. The payment of medical fees incurred due to any injury or illness arising out of participation in the program is the responsibility of the student.
Failure to maintain health insurance at any time during the program will result in the student being unable to attend and progress through the program. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that the health coverage is maintained and documented.
Immunizations
Immunizations are extremely important to students during their tenure at Michigan State University PA Medicine Program and as future medical providers. Under federal Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) guidelines and the CDC Recommended Vaccines for Healthcare Workers, there are certain sets of immunizations that are required of all healthcare workers. Each MSUCOM PA student must meet these requirements before matriculation into the program, which includes providing proof of immunization or immunity.
Additionally, as per MSU policy, all students are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or have an approved exemption. Read more about the University’s COVID policies and directives.
Students who rotate at 35 clinical sites will need to follow the current CDC requirements for the country of travel they will embark upon and should consult MSU Travel clinic for evaluation. Further details can be found at travelclinic.msu.edu.
Health Screening
A comprehensive health screening/physical exam, by a medical professional, prior to matriculation, is not required of students by MSUCOM PA Medicine.
Background Check and Urine Drug Screen Requirements
As verification of identity, criminal history, ability to matriculate into the college, and to determine eligibility for future state licensure as a PA, each student is required to complete a background check and a urine drug screen before matriculation into the program.
If the criminal background check detects criminal convictions not already disclosed on the CASPA application by the student, he/she may not be allowed to enter the PA Medicine program, pending review by the MSU COM PA Medicine Admissions Committee. Complete disclosure of felony and misdemeanor convictions is necessary, as it can impact a student’s ability to participate at clinical sites and eligibility for state licensure after graduation.
Additionally, the admitted student must report to the program director any criminal misdemeanor or felony convictions that occur during the PA Medicine program, within one month of the conviction. Failure to do so will result in immediate referral to the Promotions Committee and may result in dismissal from the program.
Training Requirements
All admitted students will be required to complete the following online trainings via the Ability training system.
- HIPAA training
- Bloodborne Pathogens training
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion training
- Relationship violence and sexual misconduct training