PA Student Handbook, Policies, and Procedures

The following documents must be taken by the student to the start of each rotation site and provided to preceptor when requested:

  • Student’s personal biographical sketch and resume
  • Letter of introduction, competency and good standing from the Program
  • Butler University Health Center documentation of physical, immunizations, and titers
  • Background check verification
  • Drug screen verification
  • Butler University certificate of liability insurance
    • Insurance certificate rolls over annually–the updated policy will be posted on Canvas every June

Introduction

The PA Student Handbook is published for the convenience of students enrolled in the Butler University PA Program, as well as those who may be interested in the program. Additionally, the Handbook helps meet accreditation Standards established by the Accreditation Review Commission on the Education of the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). (Accreditation Standards A3.02; A3.15).

Butler University is the sole sponsoring institution of the PA Program. (Accreditation Standard A1.01) The Higher Learning Commission accredits Butler University. Butler University, founded on ideals of equity and academic excellence, creates and fosters a collaborative, stimulating intellectual learning environment. We are inspired to boldly innovate and broadly educate, enriching communities and preparing all learners to lead meaningful lives. Butler University provides equality of opportunity in its educational programs for all persons. It is the policy of the University to provide equality regardless of age, gender, race, religion, color, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, national origin, or any other legally protected category. (Accreditation Standard A3.13)

This PA Program Student Handbook is an extension of the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Student Handbook. In cases of perceived conflict, the COPHS Student Handbook shall take precedence. The PA Program Student Handbook does not constitute a contract with the Butler University PA Program, either expressed or implied. The Butler University PA Program reserves the right at any time to change, delete, or add to any of the provisions at its sole discretion. Furthermore, the provisions of this document are designed by the Butler University PA Program to serve as firm guidelines rather than absolute rules, and exceptions may be made based on extenuating circumstances.

Physician Assistants

PAs (Physician Assistants) are well-recognized and highly sought-after members of the healthcare team. Working interdependently with physicians, PAs practice medicine and value team-based care in virtually all medical specialties and settings. In all fifty states, PAs have the authority to prescribe medications.

PAs practice in all specialty fields; 23.7% (NCCPA 2022) of all PAs provide primary care services, especially in family and general internal medicine. Their job descriptions are diverse, and they serve in both clinical and non-clinical roles. While these nonclinical positions do not involve patient care, they depend on a strong clinical knowledge base.

Table of Contents

You can navigate to the sections of this digital handbook using the links below: