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Admission Process

Admission Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree in any science including (but not limited to) Pre-Professional Biology, Chemistry, Medical Technology, Forensic Sciences and Nursing is acceptable.

All students seeking admission to the Master of Science, Pathologists’ Assistant Program must meet the following admissions requirements:

A minimum GPA (cumulative and pre-requisite courses) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is preferred.
Completion of required pre-requisites as indicated below:

Requirements
College Prep	Baccalaureate Degree*
Pre-requisite Courses	8 SH Biology with laboratory 8 SH College Chemistry with lab 4 SH CHEM 231, Organic Chemistry: Brief Course or 4 SH Biochemistry with laboratory or equivalent 4 SH Microbiology with laboratory 3 SH College algebra
Grade Point Average	3.0 cumulative (preferred)
Recommendations**	Two letters of recommendation: 1 from faculty in the pre-requisite courses 1 from a laboratory professional with whom you’ve worked.
Interview	A personal interview with the Pathologists’ Assistant Program Admission Committee.
Shadowing or Work Experience	Applicant must complete a shadowing experience with a practicing Pathologists' Assistant or have applicable work experience in Surgical or Autopsy Pathology. A statement regarding this experience is required in the application packet.
GRE	We DO NOT require the GRE for admission or application.

A Medical Terminology course is preferred

Shadowing Rules for WVU students and potential WVU PA students:

At WVU, we believe that you should know what you’re getting into as a career, before you spend thousands of dollars and hours of effort in a rigorous program. We require job shadowing in Pathology prior to application. Please follow these directions: If you want to shadow at WVU:

Follow this link ( https://secure.hsc.wvu.edu/health/cadp/js-home.aspx ) and complete the steps. Indicate “Pathology for Pathologists’ Assistant Program” on the program application.

If you need to shadow at a location other than WVU:

Please call the program director, Cheryl Germain, at 304-293-0734 for assistance in arranging shadowing experiences. Shadowing cannot be guaranteed, but every effort will be made to try to connect you with one of the certified PAs in the network across the country to provide such an experience.

What is the objective of shadowing?

We want you to be able to tell us what a certified Pathologists’ Assistant does in a “normal” working day. Keep in mind: there is no “normal” working day for a certified PA- that is one of the good things about our career! No day is the same, it is always challenging, but when you shadow, discuss with your mentor what their regular duties are and what is expected of them on a daily basis. Be able to share that with us at your interview.

The Program has established the following admissions classifications:

Direct Admit.

A limited number of students completing the Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Laboratory Science Program or Hostotechnology Program who have a cumulative GPA of 3.25 may apply to the Master of Health Science, Pathologists’ Assistant Program at the end of their Junior Year. These students will be admitted into the Program after completing the Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science.

Direct admit students will be required to submit 2 references. Following review of all Direct Admit applications, a limited number will be offered an interview by the PA Admissions Committee.

Regular Decision.

A student applies in the admission cycle during their senior year. Typically, application will be submitted in June following Senior year. Admission is contingent upon satisfactory completion of the baccalaureate degree.

Performance Standards.

Students are required to maintain a semester GPA of 3.0 to progress in the first and second year of the professional program.

Criteria for graduation:

Maintenance of a 3.0 GPA
Demonstration of practical knowledge and skill in Surgical and Autopsy Pathology, based on evaluations by Clinical Faculty.

Admission to the Pathologists' Assistant Program

Admission Application Process Instructions:

READ CAREFULLY AND FOLLOW DIRECTIONS!

Gather all relevant documents before going to admissions link:
1. Personal/ Shadowing statement with 2 sections:
  - Section 1 explains:
    1. how and why you have decided to be a Pathologists’ Assistant
    2. why the WVU Pathologists Assistant program is the right choice for you.
  - Section 2 states:
    1. what you saw during your shadowing experience
    2. how this helped you make your decision to apply
    3. the contact information for the person(s) with whom you shadowed.
2. Photo (.pdf or .doc) of yourself
3. Signed Essential_Functions form
4. International Applicants: At this time, the WVU School of Medicine does not accept international transcripts; there must be a US transcript of pre-requisite coursework.
Go to https://grad.wvu.edu
Click on the “Apply for Grad School” button in the top right.
Read instructions on left click “create account” on right.
1. Complete requested information
2. Create user name and password (must be 8 characters or more). You will use this user name and password to access your application throughout the entire process- do not lose it!!
Click on “Application for Admission”
1. Click on “Application Instructions” (left menu) and read instructions.
2. All transcripts for the application to the Pathologists’ Assistant Program should be requested and sent directly from all schools attended to:
  1. Office of Admissions- Health Sciences Center
    PO Box 9815
    Morgantown, WV 26506-9815
  2. Transcripts submitted by the student will not be accepted!!! All transcripts must be sent directly from the school!
Under “Application for Admission” (left menu):
1. Personal Data:
  1. Complete requested fields
    1. For WVU ID: this is only if you are or were a WVU student. New applicants will not have a WVU ID yet.
    2. For Social Security Number: do not add dashes or spaces
2. Main Contact Information:
  1. . Enter home address and requested information
  2. For “Student’s Email Address” : hint: create an e-mail address used only for your graduate school application information. These are free from google or yahoo. The address should be professional and simple; avoid using cute or suggestive terms in your e-mail address.
3. Enrollment Information:
  1. Term for which you are applying: If you are applying during the application period January 1- May 31, 2012, you are applying for Spring 2013.
    
    Direct Admit - Select term Spring 2013 for class of 2015.
  2. Program Choice: Master’s
  3. Intended Major: Pathologists’ Assistant iv. Area of Emphasis: Leave Blank v. Primary delivery location: Main Campus
4. Emergency Contact Information:
  1. Complete requested fields
5. Academic Background
  1. List ALL colleges or universities attended -> MOST RECENT first!
  2. Complete all requested fields.
  3. WVU Pathologists’ Assistants program DOES NOT require GRE scores.
6. Residency Information:
  1. Follow instructions to determine residency and complete all requested fields.
7. International Applicant Information
  1. US citizens: Skip this section and submit the application if all sections are complete.
  2. International Applicants: At this time, the WVU School of Medicine does not accept international transcripts; there must be a US transcript of pre-requisite coursework. If you have US pre-requisite coursework, and maintain international status, please complete all required fields.
8. FERPA statement:
  1. READ THE PARAGRAPH!
  2. Create a 5 digit PIN
9. Additional Information
  1. Application Fee Waiver: Applies only to certain WVU employees.
    1. "Direct Admit" Indicate direct admit for 2014 in this box.
  2. In the “Additional Information” text box: add any other information that didn’t fit in other fields, e.g. additional names, colleges or universities you attended, etc.
10. Supplemental Materials: Please note: Only one document can be uploaded per field.
  1. Read the paragraph and check the box indicating you have read the specific application requirements for the Pathologists’ Assistant program.
  2. Supplemental Application:
    1. Upload the completed Essential Functions for the Pathologists’ Assistant program.
  3. Personal Statement and Shadowing Statement and Information:
    1. Upload your personal statement which should have 2 sections:
      1. Section 1 explains how and why you have decided to be a Pathologists’ Assistant and why the WVU Pathologists Assistant program is the right choice for you.
      2. Section 2 states what you saw during your shadowing experience, how this helped you make your decision to apply, and the contact information for the person(s) with whom you shadowed.
  4. Resume/Vitae:
    1. Upload a current resume or curriculum vitae.
  5. Other:
    1. Upload a photo (must be a .pdf or .doc).
  6. Web site:
    1. If you have other documents or supporting information on a web site, provide the URL so that we can view this information.
  7. Statement of Applicant: click on left menu
    1. READ the paragraph and click on box.
Recommendations:
1. Read the entire information on the page!
2. PLEASE NOTE: We only accept ON-LINE recommendation submissions!!! Do NOT send or submit paper recommendations!
3. Click on “Recommendation Provider List”.
  1. Complete the requested fields.
  2. Reminder: We ONLY accept on-line recommendations.
  3. You can add a note in the last text box to each person from whom you are requesting a recommendation, e.g. thank you, etc. iv. Remember to click “save”.
Downloadable forms:
1. The Pathologists’ Assistant program does not require any further documentation.

Admissions Standards:

Factors reviewed for each applicant are the following:

Overall GPA
Transcripts from all undergraduate institutions attended
Interview Score
References
Essential Functions Signature
Overall Application Review

Each application is reviewed by a selected committee including but not limited to the program director, medical director, PA clinical coordinator, professional programs director, and additional faculty members.

Admission Interview:

An interview will be granted to those deemed qualified to attend the program based on the Admissions Standards and review of the submitted Application packet.

Please review the “Essential Functions” form in the Application packet. In addition to technical skill and knowledge, the ability to interact professionally and compassionately with co-workers at all levels is of utmost importance. A brief interview (20-30 mins) will be conducted, and a computer-based essay question will be completed, intended to establish an applicant’s capability to communicate in writing. Applicants will have the opportunity to tour the facilities and ask questions in a relaxed forum.

After completion of the Application and Interview phases, the admissions committee reviews the admission packets and interview notes for each interviewed applicant. Recommendations are made to the program director and director of professional programs. Following selections, interviewed applicants will be notified in writing of their admissions status. Notifications should be complete by the end of October.

Student Handbook for the WVU School of Medicine Pathologists' Assistant Program

Please click on the link to view the 2012-2013 Student Handbook.

Financial Aid

For questions regarding Financial Aid for the Pathologists' Assistant Program, please go to: www.hsc.wvu.edu/fin

The contact information for the Office of Financial Aid for the HSC is as follows:

Office Location: Room G111 (north ground floor Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center)
Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8:15 am - 4:45 pm
Federal School Code: 003827
(FAFSA) Mailing Address:

Financial Aid Office
Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center
PO Box 9810
Morgantown, WV 26506-9810
Phone Number: (304) 293-3706
Fax Number: (304) 293-6861
Email Address: hscfinaid@mail.wvu.edu

Health Sciences Center Financial Aid Staff

Associate Director: Candi Frazier Sr.
Financial Aid Counselor: Barbara McGinnis Sr.
Financial Aid Counselor: Eric Meadows
Financial Aid Assistant: Debbie Anderson

ADMISSIONS ACCEPTANCE

Upon Admission and Acceptance of Admission

Please read the following information carefully and go to this link for the forms!

Immunization and Health Information

Student Health policy

The WVU School of Medicine has compiled a comprehensive health policy designed to address the multifaceted health needs of your career.

Disability Insurance

The School of Medicine provides a disability policy for all students. Shortly after school starts, each student will receive an individual insurance policy describing the disability insurance. Basically the policy covers any permanent disability as the result of an injury or illness. The policy pays $1,000.00 per month until age 65 or the disability is resolved.

Health Insurance

Health insurance is REQUIRED of all students who matriculate at West Virginia University, School of Medicine, Professional Programs (Exercise Physiology, Medical Laboratory Science (Clinical Laboratory Science, Histotechnology, and Pathologists’ Assistant programs), Occupational Therapy, and Physical Therapy) before starting clinical rotations. If you do not have health insurance through your parents, spouse or a personal policy, you may purchase health insurance through the University Student Health Services. This insurance is in addition to the University Student Health Services, which is available to all university students. The insurance covers 100% of billable service at the Ruby Memorial Hospital with School of Medicine physicians in attendance. Health services away from Morgantown in West Virginia or other states are covered at 80% of billable charges. All students must provide documentation of health insurance annually.

Physical Examination, Immunizations, and Titers

All students must complete a physical examination prior to the beginning of the professional program. All students must have the following immunizations. Immunizations must be documented PRIOR to beginning the professional program, unless otherwise noted.

Students are required to have
documented shots of measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), unless born before 1957. 2. Students must have a diphtheria/tetanus shot (dT) within the past 10 years.
Students must have completed the primary series and booster for polio.
All students must have a two-step Mantouix PPD (test for tuberculosis) within 6 months of starting the professional program. The student must have this repeated on an annual basis for the duration of the professional program. PLEASE NOTE: THE 2-STEP PPD IS REQUIRED!
Students must complete the Hepatitis B series of 3 shots. Students must have had at least the first shot in the series before beginning the professional program. The second and third shots, as well as the Hepatitis B Titer, must be completed and documented prior to the first year of the professional program. Pathologists’ Assistant Program– deadline is Dec. 1.
The University requires ALL students to have the meningococcal vaccine.

All students must have the following immune (IgG) antibody titers for proof of immunity. Results must be documented PRIOR to beginning the professional program, unless otherwise noted:

Measles (rubeola), mumps, rubella
Varicella
Hepatitis B (must be documented before December 1 of your Sophomore year.)

Some clinical sites may require additional immunizations or other health measures to protect special populations. The program faculty will alert you to these when appropriate Students who have not completed the listed immunizations and titers WILL NOT be permitted to participate in clinical rotations.

HIPAA Training

All students are required to complete training for awareness and compliance with the patient privacy regulations of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. This training will be available to all Health Sciences Center students, and must be completed within three months of starting classes, by students currently enrolled in the program. Students will receive the training during the spring semester for the first professional year, prior to embarking on clinical rotations. This training is located on SOLE. PATHOLOGISTS' ASSISTANT STUDENTS MUST COMPLETE HIPAA “YEARLY”.

OSHA Training

All students must be trained in standards for preventing transmission of bloodborne and other infectious agents. This training must occur before students enter the clinic, and annually thereafter. Initial training will be provided in class during the first semester. An annual retraining session will also be provided on SOLE. PATHOLOGISTS' ASSISTANT STUDENTS MUST COMPLETE OSHA “YEARLY”.

Drug Screening

Some clinical education sites may require periodic drug testing of students who are performing patient care activities. The expense of these drug tests, depending upon the site policies, may be the responsibility of the student. Any positive drug screening will result in removal from clinical sites with further disciplinary actions as deemed appropriate by the WVU Pathologists' Assistant Program’s Policy on Academic & Professional Standards (See Handbook), and/or the Dean/Associate Dean.

Documentation of Health Information

Prior to beginning the professional program, the student must submit a completed Health History, a completed Physical Examination, and a completed Immunization Form. In addition, the student must submit a copy of a current CPR card, health insurance information, and documentation of any immunizations and titers not recorded on the Immunization Form. It is the student's responsibility to provide updated information on immunizations, health insurance coverage, PPD results, and CPR certification. Students whose files are incomplete will not be allowed to participate in clinical rotations. In addition, registration for other courses may be restricted, or course grades may be affected, for students whose files are incomplete.

Communication of Health Information

Before a student begins a clinical rotation, the academic program must verify to the clinical site that the student has complied with the health requirements. Some sites may request additional documentation, such as copies of immunization cards, lab reports, etc. In this case, the student will be notified and will be required to furnish the clinic with the appropriate records.

Therefore, the student should keep a file of his/her own for copies of all the required documentation, with them while they are in school (not at home with parents or guardian)! THE STUDENT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR MAKING A COPY OF EVERYTHING THAT IS TURNED IN TO THE OFFICE FOR THEIR IMMUNIZATIONS. THE OFFICE IS NO LONGER MAKING COPIES OF STUDENTS FILES!

MAINTAIN COPIES OF YOUR PHYSICAL, IMMUNIZATIONS, TITER RESULTS, CPR CARDS, HEALTH INSURANCE, ETC., AS YOU WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN COPIES OF YOUR MATERIALS. KEEP THESE COPIES WITH YOU HERE IN MORGANTOWN!

THE DEPARTMENT “WILL NOT” BE MAKING COPIES OF YOUR RECORDS.

Background Investigations/Urine Drug Screenings

To meet State regulations and hospital accreditation requirements, hospital facilities are requiring students to complete criminal background checks prior to beginning clinical experiences. Some rotations may require a urine drug test as well. Because of this new regulation to assure patient safety, students admitted to the PA Program will be required to complete a criminal background check (including fingerprinting) at the beginning of the program. Certain convictions may prevent students from entering hospital facilities, which may hinder a student's ability to successfully complete the PA Program. If a criminal conviction or other relevant sanction is shown on the background check, the program administration and hospital facilities have discretion as to whether the individual may begin the program. Procedures for obtaining a background investigation, urine drug screenings, and costs to the students, will be disseminated by the Pathologists' Assistant Program Director.

Required Immunizations

As students will have some exposure to surgical specimens and autopsies during the first year, no students will be allowed to matriculate until they have supplied proof that they are current on the following immunizations and health screenings consistent with current CDC recommendations: MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) (proof of immunization or serologic titers showing immunity), Polio, tetanus/Diphtheria (within 10 years), Hepatitis B (proof of completion of 3 shot series or serologic titers showing immunity), P.P.D. (Purified Protein Derivative) (within the last six months) or chest x-ray (within last year), Varicella (chicken pox) proof of completion of the age appropriate immunizations series or positive serologic titers. A positive PPD or chest x-ray must be followed up with an appropriate health care provider. No student will be permitted to register or attend classes without having proof of completing required immunizations.

Working During the Pathologists' Assistant Program

It is strongly recommended that students do not work during the very intense Pathologists' Assistant curriculum, as it will interfere with the didactic and clinical education.

Social Justice Statement

For each course, the Pathologists’ Assistant Program faculty concurs with the following statement:

West Virginia University is committed to social justice. The faculty of the Pathologists’ Assistant Program concurs with West Virginia University's commitment and expect to foster a nurturing learning environment based upon open communication, mutual respect, and non-discrimination. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, disability, veteran status, religion, sexual orientation, color or national origin. Any suggestions as to how to further such a positive and open environment in this program will be appreciated and given serious consideration.

If you are a person with a disability and anticipate needing any type of accommodation in order to participate in this program, please advise the program director and make appropriate arrangements with Disability Services (293-6700).

Tuition and Fees

For current accurate tuition costs, call Admissions and Records at 1-800-344-WVU1 or visit the web site at: http://www.arc.wvu.edu/admissions/tuition_fees.html

Tuition and registration fees are the same for both semesters. The Pathologists' Assistant program requires summer sessions. Additional tuition and fees apply. 4.2 A non-resident student who becomes independent while a student at an institution of higher education in West Virginia does not, by reason of such independence alone, attain domicile in this state for admission or fee payment purposes.

Please see the Health Science Catalog (available on-line or by request from the Admissions Office) for policies and procedures regarding Financial Aid, Laboratory Fees, Special Fees, Refund of Fees, and Exceptions.