Student Identification Policy

Physician Assistant Studies

(ARC-PA Standard 5th A3.06)

Effective Date: 7/1/2017

All students attending the UNR Med PA Studies Program will represent themselves as students and not licensed practitioners. Despite any credentialing prior to coming into the program, students will clearly identify themselves as students. An example would be: "My name is _______, I am a PA student in the UNR Med PA Studies Program". Students must make an effort to immediately clarify their role as a PA student should anyone mistake them as a licensed medical provider.

Students will be instructed on proper language to introduce themselves to clinical professionals, patients, faculty, families and other staff or administrators in the following courses and activities:

  • PA 641 PA Role Development
  • PAS 680 Clinical Skills
  • Orientation to the Clinical Year
  • Documented in the Student and Preceptor Handbooks

Preceptors will be oriented to this policy during the initial site visit and using the Preceptor Handbook will emphasize that this policy must be maintained at all times in the clinical and/or professional setting. The Preceptor End of Clerkship Student Evaluation will capture student compliance.

Appearance: While on clinical clerkships or any other activity sanctioned by the program in a clinical setting, the PA student will wear a short white coat with the UNR Med PA Studies program name and logo and a nametag or badge with their status as "student" or "PA Student" clearly printed and in full view on the coat at all times. Violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action beginning with an appropriate adjustment to the professionalism assessment component of the course grade. Should a student lose his/her badge and/or nametag, they must notify the facility administrator and the Director of Clinical Education immediately. A new nametag will be ordered, and the student will need to create a new, professional looking nametag in the meantime.

Exception: If the preceptor deems it appropriate not to wear a white coat, the student must notify the Director of Clinical Education immediately. This will be documented in the student's record and will not count against the student in the professionalism assessment component of the grade. However, if there is no notification of this and the student is found in violation of this directive, the professionalism grade will be adjusted accordingly.   

Rev. 6/6/18