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School of Health Professions - Student Handbook 2025-2026


PA Curriculum

Academic Calendar
Published academic calendar:
The Academic Calendar can be accessed at the following web link: https://www.ttuhsc.edu/health-professions/academic-calendar/default.aspx
Required classes and activities:
Students are expected to be available on the published academic calendar during defined times. Students should reserve travel plans or activities for defined breaks between terms and/or clerkship courses.
MPAS Curriculum Overview:
The MPAS program prepares graduates to provide exceptional patient care across the lifespan through a 15-month didactic phase followed by a year of clinical clerkships. The 125-semester-hour curriculum integrates foundational and clinical sciences, communication, behavioral sciences, healthcare delivery, and professional practice. Didactic coursework utilizes diverse teaching methods, including lectures, labs, case discussions, collaborative learning, and hybrid formats.
Clinical rotations offer hands-on experience in family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, OB/GYN, surgery, psychiatry, emergency medicine, and specialty areas. Students should be prepared for travel and temporary relocation, as clinical sites may be outside the Midland-Odessa area.
Required Courses:
The required courses and course descriptions for the MPAS curriculum are available in the TTUHSC SHP catalog.
Class Schedules
Class schedules are available on course syllabi and the “Class of-” Learning Management System site. Students should check daily for updates. Schedules may change, with flex times included to accommodate program needs. Required clinical site orientations may occur outside regular class hours.
Student Professional Development Evaluation
Purpose of Evaluation: PA students are expected to uphold high standards of professionalism and ethical behavior throughout all program phases, including in the classroom, clinics, hospitals, and at program or school-sponsored events. Professionalism and behavior must be maintained at all times throughout the program.
Course Syllabi
The program provides measurable learning outcomes, objectives, evaluations, and policies in course syllabi posted on the Learning Management System. Clerkship course syllabi are available on the “Class of-” site.
Appropriate behavior in sharing of course materials
Course materials, including but not limited to lecture slides, handouts, assignments, test materials, and other study materials, are intended solely for personal use by registered students in the current cohort. Sharing or distributing these materials to anyone outside the current class is strictly prohibited and will be considered unprofessional, violating academic conduct standards, and subject to disciplinary action.
Technical Standards:
A student admitted into the PA program must meet basic and essential requirements that are necessary for obtaining employment and performing as a Physician Assistant. The technical standards each student must master include cognitive, physical, and behavioral characteristics. These are outlined in the TTUHSC SHP Catalog.
Testing Policy and Procedures
All testing policies apply in both the didactic and clinical years. For additional information on the Clinical Year Assessment, refer to Section 4: End of Rotation Assessment Format.
Exam Time:
Examinations will be administered according to the course schedule published in the course syllabus. Students are expected to take exams at the scheduled times. Exceptions may only be made in the case of a valid excused absence.
Exam Location:
You may not log in to the test from another location unless instructed by the course instructor or exam proctor. You must discuss your absence with the instructor or advisor at the earliest opportunity.
Absences:
Students who miss an exam due to an excused absence must take it as soon as possible, with the instructor arranging the details. Unexcused absences require immediate reporting to an advisor or the Director of Didactic Education. In consultation with the Program Director, the instructor will determine if the student may take the exam or receive a zero (0), resulting in an “F.” If rescheduled, the same guidelines apply.
Students arriving late for a quiz or exam will not be allowed to enter to avoid disrupting the testing environment. Unexcused tardiness is treated the same as an unexcused absence. The exam proctor may decide if the student can take the test, and the instructor or advisor may consult the Student Progress Committee (SPC) or Program Director. Possible outcomes include receiving a zero or taking a makeup exam with a maximum score of 70%, at the instructor's discretion.
Testing Format:
Examinations will be conducted by computer unless otherwise specified. Students must bring a functioning computer; failure to do so may result in being unable to take the exam. The instructor will decide if a makeup exam is allowed or a zero will be given. Paper exams are provided at the instructor's discretion. Students are responsible for maintaining their computers and software to ensure optimal performance, including:
  • Keeping systems updated per program guidelines.
  • Using a power cable to prevent battery failure during exams.
  • Disabling automatic updates (e.g., Windows, Adobe, Java) to avoid disruptions. If an update causes exam interruption, only submitted answers will be credited.
  • Ensuring compatibility with exam platforms such as the Learning Management System, ExamSoft, and Exam Driver by maintaining updated software and browsers.
A privacy screen is required for all exams; failure to bring one may result in being unable to take the test.
Dress Code for Examinations:
During exams, the following dress code applies:
  • No hats, headbands, or large accessories
  • No watches or large jewelry
  • Clothing or accessories that may compromise academic integrity must be removed, or the student will be asked to leave.
Testing Environment:
Desks must be cleared of all items except the student’s computer, LAN cord, and mouse. This includes all drinks, food, or other items. All personal belongings MUST be put away in a locker before entering the room for an exam. You may use the provided earplugs and pencils. Scratch paper will be handed out after the exam password has been provided and students have logged into the exam.
  • Students must log in IMMEDIATELY after receiving the exam code from the proctor.
  • There will be no bathroom breaks during exams.
  • During the examination, the proctor may not answer questions related to the content of the examination.
  • No headphones, smart watches, smart pens, etc. are allowed.
  • Proctoring will be at the course director's discretion and may be administered by staff, faculty, or other proctoring services.
  • Upon completion of the examination, rise quietly, collect all testing materials, proceed to the proctor for collection as applicable, and depart the room. Re-entry is not allowed.
Instructors may have additional policies related to the testing environment posted in the course syllabus.
Timed Testing:
Tests are timed, with approximately one minute per question, following NCCPA PANCE guidelines. Once started, exams must be completed within the allotted time and will be graded. When time expires, the computerized testing program will automatically submit the exam, and the proctor will collect paper exams.
Exam Scores and Grading:
Unless otherwise communicated, grades will be released within three (3) business days after the exam. Students may address grading discrepancies with the course coordinator, who will review the exam upon request. Students are expected to act professionally during the review. The students are responsible for ensuring the accuracy of answers on both computer and paper answer sheets.
Challenges to exam questions must be submitted in writing within one week of grade release, with two written sources, at least one from recommended course readings.
Virtual Testing:
Remote proctoring services may be used during both the didactic and clinical years. All exams and review sessions (if offered) are closed-book. Misconduct during exams or reviews may result in disciplinary action. Please adhere to the following guidelines, along with the class syllabus and student handbook:
  • Ensure the camera captures your full face during the exam and review (not just your forehead or scalp), and do not block the camera.
  • Do not vocalize questions or responses.
  • No use of materials (e.g., notebooks, phones) or equipment other than the exam computer.
  • Headphones or earphones are prohibited; earplugs will be provided if needed.
  • Recording, writing, or taking pictures of exam content is prohibited.
  • Reviews are fully recorded and should be treated like an exam if offered.
  • These rules apply to all closed-book exams administered via ExamSoft and PAEA Assessment
  • 3rd party proctoring services may require using your phone for the exam duration.
  • Do not discuss the exam with anyone during the exam or review.
  • Exams are timed, generally with one minute per question, per NCCPA PANCE guidelines.
  • Immediate review, if allowed, will require a password.
  • Personal integrity is paramount at all times.
PAEA PACKRAT and End of Rotation Exams:
PAEA Assessments are used during the program. During and after examinations, students are responsible for the following:
  • Adhering to the PAEA Assessment academic integrity instructions, rules, and procedures as outlined.
  • Adhering to the PAEA Assessment content security instructions and procedures outlined.
  • Abiding by all institutional and program academic integrity policies, procedures, and proctor instructions.
Before beginning any exam through Secure Client, the student must agree to the terms and conditions posted on the exam. Information regarding the PAEA Student Terms of Service, Test-Taker Rules and Procedures, and student responsibilities are available here. All students should read and be familiar with these policies before all PAEA exams are administered.

Program Graduation
Upon completing the PA program’s professional curriculum, faculty and the Program Director will review each student’s record to ensure all academic and program requirements, including the summative evaluation, have been met. Students who fulfill all requirements are recommended for graduation. The Program Director submits the approved names to the Department Chair, who forwards them to the Dean of SHP and the TTUHSC Registrar for final approval and degree conferral.
Convocation and Commencement
The SHP commencement ceremony takes place in May on the Texas Tech University campus in Lubbock. Although PA students participate in this ceremony, their official graduation and diploma conferral occur in August. Attendance is strongly encouraged, and students are responsible for purchasing their graduation regalia. The MPAS Program White Coat Convocation Ceremony will be held in August of each year in Midland.
Certification. Licensure, and Credentialing
  • NCCPA Certification: Graduates meet the academic and clinical qualifications for NCCPA certification and state licensure. The Program Director verifies completion of coursework, clinical practicum, and competency requirements. The program submits eligibility to the NCCPA for the PANCE exam, which students may take seven days after their official diploma date per the SHP academic calendar.
  • State Licensure: Students are responsible for all state licensure processes. Upon request, the Program Director provides necessary documentation for state boards. Student records, including advising notes, professionalism evaluations, and academic performance, will be referenced as needed.
  • Credentialing: Requests should be directed to the Program Director and will be processed within 10 business days. Student records, including advising notes, professionalism evaluations, and academic performance, will be referenced as needed. Additional time may be required for verification of malpractice liability insurance coverage or claims.