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Deceleration

This plan defines the conditions, process, and outcomes for deceleration within the Elon University PA Program in Charlotte. The intent is to provide clear guidance to students and faculty while ensuring compliance with ARC-PA standards and institutional policies. (A3.14d)

Definition and Scope

  1. ARC-PA Definition

  a. Deceleration is defined as “the loss of a student from the cohort, who remains matriculated in the physician assistant program.

  2. Program Application

  a. In the Elon University PA Program in Charlotte, deceleration refers to a student leaving their original cohort but remaining matriculated, with the opportunity to rejoin a subsequent cohort.

  3.Not a dismissal

  a, Deceleration does not constitute re-matriculation or a new admissions decision.

Program Delivery Model and Time-to-Degree

  1. Cohort-Based Curriculum

  a. The PA curriculum is designed as a full-time, lock-step sequence completed with a cohort.

  b. No part-time track or standing deceleration plan is offered.

  2. MaximumTimeframe for Completion

  a. All students must complete degree requirements within 36 months of the original matriculation date, inclusive of any deceleration or leave.

  b. Deceleration does not automatically extend the maximum timeframe.

Pathways to Deceleration and Process

1. Reasons for Deceleration

  a. Academic progression concerns, as determined under the Academic Progression and Dismissal Policy.

  b. Following an approved Leave of Absence (LOA) for remediation, wellness, or personal reasons, per the LOA Policy.

2. Status During Deceleration

  a. The student remains matriculated but is not actively progressing with their original cohort

3.Return to Curriculum

  1. Students may return only upon readiness and program approval.

  2. Re-entry is into the next available appropriate cohort as defined in deceleration plan

  3. All current curricular requirements apply at the time of return.

 

 

4. Administrative Requirements 

 

  1. Written notification of deceleration.

  2. Development of an individualized deceleration plan that identifies the point of re-entry.

  3. Confirmation of the 36-month completion deadline.

  4. Financial aid advising to review implications.

  5. Compliance updates (e.g., immunizations, background checks, certifications) as required for clinical education.

Curricular Repetition After Deceleration

  1. Coursework Requirement

  1. Didactic Year Decelerated students must repeat all prior coursework in sequence with the rejoining cohort, regardless of previously earned grades or pass/fail outcomes.

  2. This includes didactic courses, labs, simulations and assessments.

 

2. Current Standards Apply

 

  1. All requirements, competencies, exams, skills checks, and professionalism expectations in effect for the new cohort apply.

  2. Prior assessments do not carry forward.

3. Grading and Record

 

  1. Original grades remain on the official transcript per university policy.

  2. Repeated course grades are used to determine academic standing and progression

 

 

 

 

4.Timeline Constraint

 

  1. Completion must occur within the 36-month window from the original matriculation date.

  2. Deceleration and coursework repetition do not extend the maximum timeframe.

 

 

 

 

5. Financial and Operational Considerations

 

  1. Tuition, fees, aid eligibility, clinical placements, and space availability are governed by current program-year policies at the time of return.

Clinical Year Deceleration

1. Clinical Phase Delay (Non-Didactic Deceleration)

 

2. A clinical phase delay occurs when a student temporarily pauses progression during the supervised 

 

 

3. Clinical practice experience (SCPE) phase and returns to complete remaining clinical requirements with a subsequent cohort.

 

 

4. Important Distinction:

 

  1. Successfully completed didactic and clinical coursework does not require repetition.

  2. Upon return, the student must complete all remaining required SCPEs and meet all program competencies in effect at the time of re-entry.

 

5. Clinical Faculty will:

  1. Develop an individualized return-to-clinical plan.

  2. Ensure remaining SCPEs are scheduled and completed in accordance with program standard

  3. Confirm competency attainment prior to graduation.

 

6. Key Limits:

  1. Maximum program completion time remains36 months from original matriculation.

  2. A clinical delay does not extend this timeframe.

 

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