Enrollment Compliances
Health Insurance Policy
MSU healthcare students 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.
Health Screening
The PA Medicine program and MSUCOM do not require students to have a health screening physical examination by a provider prior to matriculation. The only program screening requirement is a urine drug screen.
Immunizations
Immunizations are extremely important to students during their tenure at Michigan State University PA Medicine Program and as future medical providers. The PA Medicine program uses Federal Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) guidelines, State of Michigan recommendations, MSU Office of the University Physician recommendations and CDC recommendations as a basis for the immunization policy. Additionally, clinical sites may have additional immunization recommendations and requirements that students must adhere to. Each MSUCOM PA student must meet the immunization requirements before matriculation into the program and ensure continued compliance throughout the program, which includes providing proof of immunization and/or immunity as requested per program policy.
While the program does not currently have international elective clinical experiences, in the case of an international elective rotation, students who rotate will need to follow the current CDC requirements for the country of travel they will embark to (International Travel Policy). Students would need to either consult the MSU Travel clinic or a personal provider for evaluation and provide documentation of compliance with CDC recommendations for international travel. Further details can be found at travelclinic.msu.edu.
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 and again prior to entering the clinical year. Please note that individual clinical sites can request spot check drug screens and background checks in which the site’s clinical policies supersede the MSU PA Medicine policies and students are expected to comply.
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 Promotion 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