Continuous Enrollment Policy

Graduate students in the Master of Physician Assistant Studies program must maintain continuous enrollment. Students who need to take a leave of absence (LOA) from the Program must apply in writing and be approved by the program chair and director and by the Student Progress Committee. Due to the robust and lock-step integrated curriculum, a LOA will not be granted in the didactic year. Students with unexpected absences due to illness or injury who miss more than two consecutive weeks in the didactic year will be suspended from the program. Students may return to the program in the next matriculating class, which must be within 12 months from date of suspension. A student may request a LOA in the clinical phase of the program for extenuating personal reasons or illness for a minimum of five weeks to a maximum of one year (12 months). The student should be aware that taking a LOA may affect his/her financial aid. Students who take a LOA will be delayed in graduating from the program. Only one LOA will be granted during the student’s tenure in the PA Studies program. For updated program information, please visit our website at Sacred Heart Physician Assistant Program.