Employment While Enrolled in the Program

EMPLOYMENT WHILE ENROLLED STRONGLY DISCOURAGED

Because of the pace and rigor of the program, students are strongly discouraged from working while in the program. Please keep in mind that PA education is well known to be among the most difficult of graduate education experiences. Experience has taught us that students holding employment during enrollment struggle significantly more than other students in regard to academic success.

The following guidelines are meant to help the student in deciding about work during their participation in the PA Program:

  • Again, employment while enrolled is strongly discouraged.
  • Students who work are encouraged to make this known to their academic advisor.
  • Students who are working and find themselves in academic difficulty will be advised to consider terminating that work.
  • Coursework and all required activity schedules will not be altered to conform to employment. Your education must remain your primary responsibility when balancing work and school.

POLICY PROHIBITING WORKING FOR THE MPAS PROGRAM OR CLINICAL SITES

While a student may be invited by a faculty member to share her/his experience in a specific area with the class, a student may not, at any time during enrollment, be employed by the program or serve for or function as instructional faculty. Additionally, students cannot, at any time during enrollment, substitute for clinical or administrative staff on Supervised Clinical Practice Experiences (SCPEs) or other clinical practice activities (e.g., when at the Mel Leaman Free Clinic).