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OBU—Oklahoma Baptist University

Program Polices

Program policies apply to all students, principal faculty and the program director regardless of location. A signed clinical affiliation agreement or memorandum of understanding may specify that certain program policies will be superseded by those at the clinical site.

Student Employment Policy

The physician associate curriculum is very demanding and is designed for full-time students. Various lectures and labs will be scheduled outside of normal business hours, and students will be expected to flexibly adjust their schedules to be available during these times. We encourage students to avoid any routine work schedules so they can commit themselves to this demanding, full-time course of study. Students are not required to work for the program.

Advanced Placement Policy

The program does not grant advanced placement to any applicants. All students in the program must complete all curricular requirements through Oklahoma Baptist University. Courses that are required as prerequisites to the PA program cannot be substituted for any content within the program.

Student Handbooks

OBU Graduate and Online Handbook 

This handbook contains policies that pertain to all graduate students at OBU.

OBU PA Student Handbook

The PA Student Handbook contains detailed information regarding academic standards to maintain enrollment and progress in the curriculum, requirements and deadlines for completion of program, and PA program specific policies and procedures, including:
  • Remediation
  • Deceleration
  • Withdrawal and dismissal
  • Student grievances and appeals

Health Screening and Immunizations

Technical Standards Screening: All students will be required to submit verification from a healthcare provider that they meet the program’s Technical Standards.

  • TB screening
    • All students are required to complete TB screening prior to matriculation and annually thereafter
    • Provide documentation of negative Interferon-Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) test (e.g., T-SPOT or QuantiFERON) or two-step tuberculin skin test (TST) obtained within the last 12 months.
    • If the student has a past or current positive test result, they must
      • Provide documentation of a Positive TB Skin Test or Positive IGRA, including the date of the positive test
      • Obtain a chest x-ray to rule out active tuberculosis
      • Consult with a primary care provider to determine appropriate clinical follow-up and/or treatment
      • Provide the program with documentation of
        • Chest x-ray report
        • Letter of medical clearance from healthcare provider
      • Participate in ongoing monitoring for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) and provide annual TB medical clearance documentation from healthcare provider (in lieu of repeating TST or IGRA)

Required Immunizations: Program requirements are based upon Oklahoma and CDC Recommendations for healthcare providers and students. 

  • COVID-19 and Influenza (fall prior to clinical year)
    • These vaccinations may be required by rotation sites and failure to comply may prevent a student from completing clinical year requirements. The program has no ability to waive this requirement on behalf of a clinical site and cannot guarantee that a student will be able to complete their degree without these and other vaccinations.
  • Tdap or Td
    • Provide evidence of vaccination within the past 10 years
    • Receive a Tdap now
  • MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella)
    • Provide documentation of MMR series
      • Separate measles and mumps vaccinations must include two-doses
      • Rubella immunization is one dose
    • Provide serologic evidence of immunity
    • Complete the 2-dose series now
  • Varicella (Chickenpox)
    • Provide documentation of completed two-dose varicella vaccination
    • Provide serologic evidence of immunity
    • Complete the 2-dose series now
  • Hepatitis B
    • Provide documentation of a complete HepB vaccine series
    • Provide serologic evidence of immunity
    • Complete the 3-dose series now (at least two must be completed before starting classes)
  • Meningitis
    • The OBU PA program does not require the meningococcal (meningitis) vaccine. However, it is required by the State of Oklahoma for students living in college-owned and operated residence halls. Any student living on campus must either provide written documentation of meningitis immunization or sign a waiver to indicate they have been informed about this disease and vaccine and have chosen not to be immunized.