91AV

The mission of the Master of Science in Applied Nutrition is to prepare individuals for leadership roles in the field of nutrition, to advance knowledge and expand skills that promote excellence and innovation in all areas of nutrition practice, and to emphasize evidence-based best practices to support the well-being and health outcomes of individuals, families, and communities through education, research, and service.

Goals of the Master of Science in Applied Nutrition Program:

1. Prepare competent Masters-level nutrition professionals who can interpret, evaluate, communicate and apply complex nutritional concepts to a wide variety of individuals, communities and organizations
2. Prepare competent Masters-level applied nutrition practitioners to use evidence-based knowledge to inform best practices in nutrition professions
3. Provide leadership and innovation to the nutrition profession, facilitating the growth and application of best practices in the field to our region and globally
4. Emphasize a strong background in theory of health behavior and the translation of theory into practice as a valuable tool in public health, community and clinical nutrition settings

Objectives in support of the goals of the Master of Science in Applied Nutrition Program:

Program Objectives:

Graduates of the program are able to

1. Develop and utilize nutrition concepts and best-practices for nutrition and health promotion initiatives
2. Apply core research principles to measure the nutrition status and environment of individuals and communities
3. Develop communications and collaboration strategies with representatives from government, non-profit, community, and business entities regarding nutrition initiatives
4. Interpret and modify explanations of complex nutrition concepts for various audiences
5. Research, develop and disseminate evidence-based and theory driven educational materials and work-products at an audience appropriate level for topics related to nutrition and health promotion

There are four degree focus areas that allow the Masters of Science, Applied Nutrition student to concentrate in growing areas of the nutrition industry and to pursue an educational pathway that best address their personal and professional needs. The specific degree focus objectives are based on the student’s chosen area of focus, and are listed below.

Degree Focus Area: Business, Social Media, & Entrepreneurship

Students selecting this focus area will develop skills in and an understanding of the business of nutrition and the supporting of entrepreneurial nutrition-related start-ups with social media and marketing.

Graduates of this focus demonstrate the following abilities/competencies:

1. Evaluate strategies for the ability to increase return on investment (ROI) in multimedia campaigns for health and wellness
2. Analyze and communicate the impact of social analytics and social media campaigns on nutrition-related business to a variety of audiences
3. Employ principles of ethics in social media as they apply to nutrition and wellness
4. Create Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) plans with a focus on nutritional branding and
5. Develop business assets for a competitive nutrition and wellness market

Degree Focus Area: Obesity and Health Promotion

Students selecting this focus area will develop skills in and an understanding of the cultural, environmental, psychosocial, physical, and economic factors associated with obesity and how to facilitate initiatives that lessen the impact of obesity in communities and individuals and promote positive health outcomes. 

Graduates of this focus demonstrate the following abilities/competencies:

1. Define overweight and obesity in children and adults and explain key concepts relating to overweight and obesity to a variety of audiences
2. Describe the prevalence and trends in child/adult obesity
3. Develop materials to combat the impacts of overweight and obesity
4. Analyze and communicate the medical, psychosocial, and economic costs associated with obesity in children and adults to a variety of audiences
5. Compare obesity prevention and treatment approaches to evaluate their efficacy at the individual and community levels and
6. Propose and communicate new approaches to combat the incidence of overweight and obesity for a variety of audiences based on analysis of existing policy and regulations

Degree Focus Area: Nutrition and Disease Prevention

Students selecting this focus area will develop skills in and an understanding of nutrition-related disease with a focus on disease prevention through evidence-based practice.

Graduates of this focus demonstrate the following abilities/competencies:

1. Analyze nutrition research literature to apply it to relevant and current nutrition situations
2. Analyze and communicate the most recent developments in the field of nutrition to a variety of audiences
3. Translate theories of health behaviors into applicable practice models
4. Analyze and communicate trends in nutrition behaviors and nutrition research in nutrition-related diseases prevention and progression to a wide variety of audiences and

5. Design and implement nutrition and wellness research to include identifying research hypotheses, analyzing data, interpreting research results, and writing publishable reports

Degree Focus Area: Generalist, Applied Nutrition

Students selecting this focus area will develop skills in and an understanding of multiple competency areas of nutrition study and practice, dependent on their individualized course of study. This option allows the student to take the requisite first year classes, and then diversify their educational plan of study to best meet their personal and professional needs.

Graduates of this focus demonstrate the following abilities/competencies:

1. Analyze and communicate the most recent literature, research and developments in the field of nutrition to a variety of audiences
2. Translate specialized concepts and theories of health behavior and education into applicable practice and education models
3. Analyze and communicate trends in nutrition behaviors and nutrition research to a wide variety of audiences and
4. Design and implement nutrition education interventions that promote healthful behaviors and sound nutrition practices

All programs at the 91AV are accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).

REQUIRED COURSES:

Degree Focus: Generalist

Degree Focus: Business, Social Media, and Entrepreneurship

Degree Focus: Obesity and Health Promotion

Degree Focus: Nutrition and Disease Prevention

Minimum Grade Point Average

Matriculated graduate students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B) or better. Failure to do so will result in academic probation and possible termination from the program. Any student receiving a grade below B- on any individual course has failed that course must re-enroll and repeat the course to achieve a grade of B- or better. Students receiving a grade of F in any course will be immediately placed on academic probation.  Any student who receives a grade of F in two or more courses is dismissed from the program.

Graduation

Candidates must fulfill all program requirements and are required to earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 to be eligible to graduate. All students must file an Application to Graduate with the registrar’s office via U-Online.  Please access the following link for complete instructions and the answers to frequently asked questions:

Adding, Dropping, and Withdrawing from Courses

The last day permissible for matriculating graduate students to add or drop a course without financial penalty is the second day of class.

Students who withdraw from a course must do so in writing and will receive a “W” on their transcript indicating withdrawal. Students will receive a partial refund if they withdraw from a course within the first or second week. Be aware that no portion of the tuition will be refunded after the second week of the course. Students who have not participated in the course by the end of the second week will be administratively withdrawn from the course and will not receive a tuition refund.

Email requests for withdrawals must be submitted from a student’s 91AV e-mail to be considered.

Matriculating students who withdraw after completing more than 2/3 of a course will receive a grade of “WF” (withdrawn failing) or “WP” (withdrawn passing), based on the instructor’s assessment of the student’s current standing in the course. A “WF” is calculated as an “F” in the student’s GPA. Upon successful completion of the course, the new grade will be used to calculate the GPA. Students will be dismissed from their program after two failing grades (including a “WF”).

University Withdrawal

All matriculated students who wish to withdraw from the University must complete notification documentation available from Registration Services. Documentation must be signed by designated academic and administrative authorities.

Leave of Absence

Matriculated students must enroll and successfully complete at least one course per term. A leave of absence (LOA) for a specified period of time, not to exceed one academic year, may be granted to a matriculated student with the authorization of the Dean and the Program Manager or designee. If not enrolled for one full term, students must contact their Student Support Specialist and complete the required Request for Leave of Absence form available from Registration Services. Application for readmission is not necessary if the student returns as planned. However, the student who does not return at the specified time will be administratively withdrawn and will be subject to readmission procedures.

The LOA period is considered as part of the time allotted to complete the academic program. Note: It is the responsibility of the student to contact the office of the Program Manager to indicate a change of plans.

Medical Leave of Absence

In the event that a leave of absence is taken due to medical reasons, a doctor’s note may be required in order to return to active standing within the program.

Audit Policy

A student may, with prior consent of the Program Manager or designee, enroll in a course for an audit grade (AU). This must be requested at the time of registration for the course and must be accompanied by signed approval of the instructor and Program Manager or designee. This applies to both matriculated and non-matriculated students. Reversal or change of an audit grade is not possible. Once enrolled for AU the grade becomes permanent on a student's academic record. The student who wishes later to be graded for such a course must re-enroll in and pay for graded credit. In auditing a course, the student is expected to complete all lectures and discussion boards, but is not permitted to submit course work for evaluation, take examinations, receive grades, or earn credit. Auditing a course does not count toward enrollment status (i.e. part-time, full-time, etc.) and therefore cannot be considered for financial aid purposes, veteran's benefits, etc.

Academic Integrity Policy

The 91AV values academic integrity in all aspects of the educational experience. Academic dishonesty in any form undermines this standard and devalues the original contributions of others. It is the responsibility of all members of the University community to actively uphold the integrity of the academy; failure to act, for any reason, is not acceptable.

Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to the following:

1.      Cheating, copying, or the offering or receiving of unauthorized assistance or information.

2.      Fabrication or falsification of data, results, or sources for papers or reports.

3.      Action which destroys or alters the work of another student.

4.      Multiple submission of the same paper or report for assignments in more than one course without permission of each instructor.

5.      Plagiarism, the appropriation of records, research, materials, ideas, or the language of other persons or writers and the submission of them as one's own.

Charges of academic dishonesty will be reviewed by the Program Manager. Penalties for students found responsible for violations may depend upon the seriousness and circumstances of the violation, the degree of premeditation involved, and/or the student’s previous record of violations.  Appeal of a decision may be made to the Dean whose decision will be final.  Student appeals will take place through the grievance process outlined in The College of Graduate and Professional Studies Student Handbook.

Office for Students with Disabilities

The Student Access Center works to ensure that the University promotes respect for individual differences and that no person who meets the academic and technical standards needed for admission and continued enrollment at 91AV is denied benefits or subjected to discrimination due to a disability.  Toward this end, and in conjunction with federal and state laws, the University provides reasonable accommodations for qualified students.

Experiential Learning

Experiential learning is highly valued by the College of Graduate and Professional Studies.  Many courses within the College feature experiential-learning components.  However, at this time, no credit will be awarded to students for purely experiential learning experiences undertaken in lieu of coursework.

Upon acceptance, students may apply to transfer up to three, 3-credit courses (maximum of nine credits) into the Master of Science in Applied Nutrition program.

To request consideration for transfer credit, a student must provide an official transcript and a course syllabus for each course. Transfer credit is awarded at the discretion of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies based on specific program details listed below. Requests for approval of transfer credit should be submitted to, and will be granted at the discretion of, the Program Manager.

Transfer courses must:

• Be classified as graduate level.
• Have been taken within five years of application.
• Have been completed with a grade of “B” or better. 
• Be equivalent to one of the required program courses or an elective course that meets the goals of the student’s education. 
• Not have been applied toward any other degree. 

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

• A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution or its equivalent. See  for details regarding evaluation of international degrees for grade and degree equivalency.
• Undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
• Computer with internet connection, including the hardware and software requirements described in our . Must also possess sufficient computer skills to navigate the internet as all classes are accessed 100% online.

Application Process

• Completed online application: http://go.une.edu/apply
• Submission of the non-refundable application fee
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Goal Statement
• Three professional references
• Official transcripts reflecting conferral of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.  All transcripts are to be submitted from the original institutions.

Note:  Transcripts for any coursework appearing as transfer credit on the transcript of the conferred degree can be waived if the coursework is unrelated to the degree being sought.  The program admissions committee defines all coursework not eligible for waiver.

PROCEDURES AND POLICIES

• Applications for admission are accepted through 91AV’s online application only. Detailed instructions are included in the online application.
• Official transcripts, as well as other documents to support the application, must be submitted to the College of Graduate and Professional Studies, 716 Stevens Ave, Portland, ME, 04103
• Students are admitted to the Applied Nutrition program three (3) times a year:  Summer A, Fall A, Spring A.
• Applications received and completed by the respective deadlines will be given full consideration.  Applications submitted and/or completed after the deadline will be reviewed for the next available term.
• Admissions are rolling and decisions are made by the program admissions committee throughout the cycle.
• International applicants and applicants with international degrees must have their transcripts evaluated for degree and grade equivalency to that of a regionally accredited US institution.  See 
• All applicants to 91AV must be able to understand and communicate in English to be admitted to the university.  91AV accepts several methods of English Proficiency, see
• If an applicant cannot prove English Proficiency in another way, scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language) are required and must be submitted as a part of the completed application. 

For additional information on the admissions process and requirements, please access the Master of Science Applied Nutrition Program website.

Policy Exceptions

The Master of Science in Applied Nutrition program and Admissions Committee in collaboration with the Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions reserve the right to make exceptions to the admissions criteria and to make changes or exceptions to policies and procedures, on a case by case basis, when it deems such a decision is necessary and appropriate.

TUITION AND FEES

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.

The mission of the Athletic Training Program at the 91AV is to provide a comprehensive curriculum designed for individuals who want to enhance the quality of health care for active persons and to advance the profession of athletic training through education and research in the prevention, evaluation, management, and rehabilitation of injuries.

This graduate degree program is offered in a 3+2 year format and designed for students who want to work to improve individual and team wellness and health. The curriculum in this program combines the study of anatomy and other health-related sciences with the art of preventing, managing, and rehabilitating athletic and orthopedic injuries. Students are provided with a thorough understanding of the effects of sport and sport-related injuries on the individual performer through a series of classroom (didactic) and field (clinical) experiences both on- and off-campus.

The 91AV Athletic Training Program is a graduate program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).

Students will be retained within the Athletic Training Program providing the following criteria are maintained throughout the undergraduate experience:

1. Minimum requirements for successful progression in years 1-3 as outlined in the 91AV undergraduate Catalog must be met.
2. Students must achieve a minimum grade of "C" in the following courses: MAT 120, BIO 105, BIO 106, BIO 208, BIO 209, IHS 220/NUTR 220, BIO 309, PUB 200, SPC 100, ATC 105, ATC 333, ATC 420, EXS 310, and EXS 320. Failure to achieve a "C" will result in program-level probation, and may affect academic progression. 
3. Students must achieve a minimum grade of "C-" in the following courses: CHE 110 and PHY 110.  Failure to achieve a "C-" will result in program-level probation, and may affect academic progression.
4. Students may enroll in any course in the WCHP Common Curriculum a maximum of two times.  Enrollment consists of achieving a "WP," "WF," or a letter grade.  Receiving a "W" in a course is not considered official enrollment and will not result in academic penalty.  Failure to achieve the required grade after a second attempt at a course will result in dismissal from the major. 
5. Students enrolled in the Professional (graduate) Phase of the AT Program must maintain a minimum cumulative semester GPA of 3.0.
6. Students enrolled in the Professional (graduate) Phase of the program must maintain a minimum grade of "B" in each required course (or a "P" in each Pass/Fail course). Students may enroll in required courses in the Professional Phase a maximum of two times regardless of the final grade, including "W", "WP" or "WF".  Please refer to the WCHP Graduate Program Progression Policies and Procedures for detailed description of academic standards.

The Athletic Training Program at the 91AV is a rigorous and intense program that places specific requirements and demands on the students enrolled in the program. An objective of this program is to prepare graduates to enter a variety of employment settings and to render care to a wide spectrum of individuals engaged in physical activity. The technical standards set forth by the Athletic Training Program establish the essential qualities considered necessary for students admitted to this program to achieve the knowledge, skills, and competencies of an entry-level athletic trainer, as well as meet the expectations of the program's accrediting agency (Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education [CAATE]). The following abilities and expectations must be met by all students admitted to the Athletic Training Program.

Compliance with the program's technical standards does not guarantee a student's eligibility for the Board of Certification (BOC) entry-level certification examination.

Candidates for selection to the Athletic Training Program must demonstrate:

1. The mental capacity to assimilate, analyze, synthesize, integrate concepts and problem solve to formulate assessment and therapeutic judgments and to be able to distinguish deviations from the norm.
2. Sufficient postural and neuromuscular control, sensory function, and coordination to perform appropriate physical examinations using accepted techniques; and accurately, safely and efficiently use equipment and materials during the assessment and treatment of patients.
3. The ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with patients and colleagues, including individuals from different cultural and social backgrounds; this includes, but is not limited to, the ability to establish rapport with patients and communicate judgments and treatment information effectively. Students must be able to understand and speak the English language at a level consistent with competent professional practice.
4. The ability to record the physical examination results and a treatment plan clearly and accurately.
5. The capacity to maintain composure and continue to function well during periods of high stress.
6. The perseverance, diligence and commitment to complete the athletic training education program as outlined and sequenced.
7. Flexibility and the ability to adjust to changing situations and uncertainty in clinical situation.
8. Affective skills and appropriate demeanor and rapport that relate to professional education and quality patient care.

Candidates for selection to the Athletic Training Program will be required to certify with the program director that they have read, understand and meet these technical standards or that they believe that, with certain accommodations, they can meet the standards. Please see the  for more information.

Every graduate from the 91AV Athletic Training Program will be able to:

1. Successfully challenge the athletic training entry-level Board of Certification (BOC) examination;
2. Demonstrate knowledge of and clinical proficiency in all five domains of athletic training: 1) injury/illness prevention and wellness protection, 2) clinical evaluation and diagnosis, 3) immediate and emergency care, 4) treatment and rehabilitation, and 5) organizational and professional health and well-being;  
3. Articulate the importance of interprofessional collaboration in the delivery of high-quality athletic health care;
4. Communicate effectively with peers and the general public about athletic training as a career and a discipline;
5. Provide evidence-based, clinically-relevant care to athletes and the physically active; and
6. Examine athletic training practice utilizing ethical, legal, and regulatory decision-making frameworks in accordance with the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Code of Ethics. 

Courses completed at another accredited college can be transferred to this degree program.  Transferred courses must be reasonably close in scope and content to the required courses offered at 91AV in order to count as exact equivalents.  Otherwise, they may transfer as general electives.  All courses completed must be no older than five years.  Other restrictions apply.  See Undergraduate Admissions also.

Admission to the Pre-Professional Phase of the program follows the general undergraduate admissions criteria.  See Undergraduate Admissions for details concerning these requirements.

The following criteria must be met for a student to be eligible for admission into the pre-professional phase of the athletic training program:

1. A high school diploma or the equivalent with a better-than-average achievement record in a college preparatory program including: chemistry (must include laboratory); biology (must include laboratory); mathematics (two mathematics courses - algebra required, geometry preferred); English (three years required - four years preferred).
2. Academic transcripts must reflect an overall high school grade point average (GPA) of 2.5, in addition to a GPA of 2.5 in all science and math courses.
3. Scholastic Achievement Test (SAT) scores must be submitted.
4. A health record must be submitted which indicates specific findings regarding applicant's complete physical exam.
5. Complete the Common Application.

The Athletic Training Program employs a competitive secondary admissions process at the end of the third year (pre-professional/undergraduate phase).   Athletic training accreditation standards mandate that admission to the professional/graduate phase of the program be criteria-based. Therefore, meeting the coursework requirements does not guarantee a student admission into the professional/graduate phase of the program. The number of students admitted to the professional phase of the program on an annual basis is dictated by the number of available field experience sites and may vary slightly from year to year.  Please contact the program director for additional information

The following criteria must be met for a student to be eligible for admission into the professional (graduate) phase of the athletic training program:

1. Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
2. Minimum classification of second-semester junior in good academic standing (internal candidates).
3. External candidates must demonstrate completion of the following courses with a C or better: Human Anatomy & Physiology w/lab (8 cr), Exercise Physiology (3 cr), Kinesiology/Biomechanics (3 cr), Pathophysiology (3 cr), General Chemistry w/lab (4 cr), and General Physics w/lab (4 cr).
4. Completion of a minimum of 40 observational hours under the supervision of an approved Clinical Preceptor (Athletic Trainer) in a traditional setting (i.e., high school or college).
5. Successful completion of yearly OSHA-required blood borne pathogens safety training.
6. Completion of the Professional Phase Application and formal interview with program faculty.
7. Proof of full compliance with Westbrook College of Health Professions' Immunization Requirements.
8. Proof of full compliance with the AT Program Technical Standards.
9. Proof of current certification in Emergency Cardiac Care* that includes a minimum of the following:
   • Adult & Pediatric CPR
   • AED
   • 2nd Rescuer CPR
   • Airways Obstruction
   • Barrier Devices (e.g., pocket mask, bag valve mask)
   • *Courses that meet the minimum requirement include, but are not limited to, American Heart Association ACLS, American Heart Association BLS Healthcare Provider, and American Red Cross CPR/AED for the professional rescuer.
10. Proof of current certification in Basic First Aid** that includes a minimum of the following:
    • Burns & Wounds
    • Splinting & Bone/Joint Injuries
    • Sudden Illness
    • Shock
    • Controlling Bleeding
    • Head/Neck/Back Injuries
    • Heat/Cold Emergencies
      ** Courses that meet the minimum requirement include, but are not limited to, American Red Cross First Aid Basics.
11. All students transferring into the AT Program must meet all admissions requirements and complete the entire professional phase of the program.

See Undergraduate Admissions for details concerning first year admissions requirements.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.

The mission of the Department of Biology at 91AV is to enable students to understand the real-world relevance of the biological sciences, foster scientific literacy and critical thinking skills, and lay the foundation for lifelong learning and meaningful, productive contributions to society. 

The mission of the Master of Science: Biological Sciences program is to prepare outstanding graduate students for careers or further training in science, technology, and education by providing an advanced knowledge base and a working knowledge of research methods in the biological sciences. 

The Master of Science: Biological Sciences program offers post-baccalaureate training to students interested in a wide variety of biological topics.  The classroom curriculum features a broad-based exposure to advanced topics in biological subjects that may include physiology, ecology, molecular biology and microbiology. The program also focuses on the research experience: students will conduct research and prepare a thesis on any of a variety of topics selected in consultation with our faculty.

Program Goals

• Provide a knowledge base in the biological sciences that is deeper than the typical undergraduate experience.
• Foster participation in the production of biological knowledge through excellence in research.
• Instill outstanding research skills and a working knowledge of the scientific method by participation in high-quality research.
• Develop outstanding scientific communication skills through writing and oral presentations.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

To remain in the MS: Biological Sciences program, the student's cumulative graduate GPA must be a minimum of 3.0.  A student whose GPA falls below 3.0 or who receives a grade below B- in any course taken for graduate credit will be placed on academic probation.

Program Completion Timeline

Students have a maximum of five years to complete the graduation requirements.  After two academic years (fall and spring terms), students who have completed their coursework but are still completing their theses are required to enroll in a minimum of three Thesis credit hours per semester to remain in the program.

Probation/Dismissal

A graduate student whose grade point average (GPA) for any semester falls below 3.0, or whose cumulative grade point average is below 3.0, or who receives a class grade below a B- for any class taken for graduate credit is automatically placed on probation. A student placed on academic probation will be granted one fall or spring semester to raise his/her cumulative GPA to 3.0 or above, will be required to achieve a minimum GPA of 3.0 for the semester, and cannot receive a second class grade below B-.  Any student who fails to meet these criteria will be considered for dismissal by the Department of Biological Sciences and the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Course Withdrawal

In normal length semesters, a matriculated student may withdraw from a course without academic penalty (a grade of W is assigned) at any time during the first two-thirds of the semester. If withdrawal occurs after that date, the grade of WP (withdrew passing) or WF (withdrew failing) will be entered, subject to determination by the instructor. The grade of WF is computed in the grade point average. 

Incomplete Grades

A student who believes she/he is unable to complete the work for a given course by the end of the term may apply for an extension by discussion with the instructor. At the time of this meeting, a plan must be agreed upon for completion of the course work, including a date of completion, not to exceed six weeks following the end date of the course. This agreement must be completed by the last day of class for the given course. Any student who does not follow the above guidelines will receive an F for the course. In exceptional circumstances (such as death in family, significant illness, accident), an additional extension may be requested. Any such request must be made in writing, reviewed and signed by the instructor and the student’s advisor.

Program Goals

1. Provide a knowledge base in the biological sciences that is deeper than the typical undergraduate experience.
2. Foster participation in the production of biological knowledge through high quality research.
3. Instill outstanding research skills and a working knowledge of the scientific method by participation in high-quality research.
4. Develop outstanding scientific communication skills through written and oral presentations.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Students will demonstrate expertise in their thesis research field
2. Students will increase their proficiency to publication level written and professional oral communication skills
3. Students will demonstrate mastery of the concepts and principals of the Biological Sciences
4. Students will demonstrate an understanding of research design and have the ability to carry out a research project

TRANSFER CREDIT

• Transfer credits are rarely awarded to students who transfer from another biological science program
• Transfer credits will be reviewed and awarded on a case-by-case basis

Advanced standing

No advanced standing available

Experiential Learning

No credit awarded for experiential learning

program admissions requirements

COURSEWORK PREREQUISITES

• There are no specific course prerequisites

ACADEMIC/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Completion of Bachelor’s Degree (BA or BS) in Biology or other related area from a U.S. regionally accredited institution, or international equivalent, prior to matriculation
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, required
• Successful completion of the General Graduate Record Exam  with competitive scores (official score must be submitted from ETS directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions at the 91AV  (code # 3751)
• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended must be submitted directly from the issuing institution to 91AV’s Office of Graduate Admissions
• Three (3) letters of reference from writers who know you and can speak to your academic and/or professional experience (letters from friends and family members will not be accepted)
• Prior to or early in the admissions process, candidates are advised to communicate with faculty with whom they would like to work
• Only those applicants who meet minimum requirements will be considered for admission

PROCEDURES AND POLICIES

• Applications for admission are accepted through the 91AV  (detailed instructions are included in the application portal)
  • 91AV application portal opens annually July 1
  • Applications must be electronically submitted by the posted deadline of February 1
    • Please Note: Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit and complete your application well before the deadline for earliest consideration
    • A complete application includes the following:
      • Electronically submitted application
      • Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
      • Official GRE score report sent directly from ETS to 91AV Office of Graduate Admissions
      • Three (3) letters of reference
    • All completed applications will be reviewed by the program admissions committee after the application deadline with decisions mailed beginning in mid-March
    • Applications completed after the posted deadline will be reviewed on a space available basis, only
  • Accepted candidates will be expected to pay a minimal non-refundable deposit to secure your place in the program
    • Deposit is applied to any fees not covered by the assistantship or grant received upon acceptance
    • Deposit will be forfeited should the candidate decide not to matriculate in the program
• International applicants and applicants with international degrees
  • Must have transcripts evaluated for degree and grade equivalency to that of a regionally accredited U.S. institution 
  • Must be able to understand and communicate in English to be admitted to the university
    • 91AV accepts several methods of           
    • If an applicant cannot prove English Proficiency in another way, scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language  or the International English Language Testing System  is required and must be submitted as a part of the completed application

POLICY EXCEPTIONS

• Policies have been established to ensure fair and consistent admissions practice for all applicants
• All criteria presented in this summary are subject to change per professional accreditation requirements, changes in curriculum or other institutional standards, and clinical affiliation requirements
• Exceptions to existing admission policies are rare and made on a case by case basis, only when it is deemed necessary and appropriate to maintain fair and consistent practice for all candidates

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.

Continued Enrollment

After two academic years, a student who has completed all coursework except his/her thesis will be required to pay for a minimum of three Thesis credit hours plus mandatory fees each semester to remain in the program. 

Other Expenses

Housing is arranged by and financed at the expense of the student.  Currently there is no on-campus housing available for graduate students.

Financial Aid

Detailed information and applications are available on request from the Financial Aid Office at the Biddeford Campus. Call 207-602-2342 or by visiting the Financial Aid website. Information on tuition remission, Research Assistantships and Teaching Assistantships can be found on the Department of Biology graduate programs website.

The goals of the Post-Masters Certificate and CAGS programs are to prepare students to:

• Lead schools, programs, and classrooms in a humanistic, caring manner.
• Demonstrate professional responsibility and ethical decision-making.
• Meet the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (formerly the ISLLC standards):
  • Standard 1. Mission, Vision, and Core Values
  • Standard 2. Ethics and Professional Norms
  • Standard 3. Equity and Cultural Responsiveness
  • Standard 4. Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
  • Standard 5. Community of Care and Support for Students
  • Standard 6. Professional Capacity of School Personnel
  • Standard 7. Professional Community for Teachers and Staff
  • Standard 8. Meaningful Engagement of Families and Community
  • Standard 9. Operations and Management
  • Standard 10. School Improvement

All programs at the 91AV are accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).

Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study - Administrator Track

For educators interested in pursuing an administrative certification, the 91AV offers a program track to equip teachers with the foundational knowledge and curriculum required and approved by the State of Maine.

The Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) in Advanced Educational Leadership is a post-master's program of study leading to an educational administrative credential in Maine and has been designed to offer high-quality, cost-effective, and innovative curricula delivered through an online format. This program requires completion of ten post-master's courses (30 credits). Emphasis is on developing the knowledge and skills needed by school administrators and other educators who wish to assume significant leadership roles in their schools, educational institutions, and communities. The program is aligned with the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (formerly the ISLLC standards).

Certificates of Advanced Graduate Study: Generalist Track

The 91AV offers 30 credit certificate programs that allow students to customize their program by choosing electives from different topic areas in education such as curriculum, literacy, educational leadership, and inclusion for teachers looking to advance their education careers. 

30 Credit Certificate in Advanced Graduate Study: Generalist - Choose any ten (10) of the electives listed below. You also have the option to add EDU 791/792 Internship I & II to your curriculum. Note that the CAGS: Generalist is not an approved program for administrative certification in Maine.  For 91AV's approved administrator preparation program see CAGS: Advanced Educational Leadership. Please contact your state’s Department of Education for specific certification requirements.

Electives:

• EDU 701 Educational Leadership
• EDU 702 School Law
• EDU 703 Educational Change/ School Reform
• EDU 704 Supervision and Evaluation of Instructional Personnel
• EDU 706 School-Community Relations & Communications
• EDU 707 Instructional Leadership
• EDU 709 School Finance
• EDU 715 Organizational Theory and Strategic Planning
• EDU 720 Special Education Law 
• EDU 721 Using Technology within Inclusion Education
• EDU 722 Special Education Assessment in Inclusion Settings
• EDU 723 Teaching and Learning in Inclusion Settings
• EDU 724 Collaboration in Inclusion Settings
• EDU 740 Supporting Literacy Development for All Learners
• EDU 741 Literacy Assessments as Teaching Tools
• EDU 742 Study Skills & Content Literacy Instruction for All
• EDU 743 Connecting Reading with Writing for Success
• EDU 744 Meeting Student Literacy Challenges
• EDU 746 Professional Learning and Literacy Leadership
• EDU 747 Literacy for English Language Learners
• EDU 748 Literacy for Inclusion Settings
• EDU 749 Reading Diagnosis: Clinical Practice I
• EDU 750 Instruction Intervention: Clinical Practice II
• EDU 751 The Application Model of Learning – Curriculum Development
• EDU 753 Working with Special Needs Students
• EDU 755 Utilizing Literacy Strategies in CTE Learning Environments
• EDU 757 Health and Safety Implementation for CTE
• EDU 759 Preparing Students for College, Careers, & Citizenship 

Post-Masters Graduate Certificate

The 91AV offers 15 credit certificate programs that allow students to customize their program by choosing electives from different topic areas in education such as curriculum, literacy, educational leadership, and inclusion for teachers looking to advance their education career. Please contact your state’s Department of Education for specific certification requirements.

Post-Masters Certificate · Reading Specialist/Literacy Coach Track

For educators with prior Literacy coursework interested in pursuing a Reading Specialist/Literacy Coach certification, The 91AV offers a program track to equip teachers with the foundational knowledge and curriculum required by the State of Maine.

Post-Masters Certificate: Generalist Track - Choose any five (5) of the electives listed below.  Please contact your state’s Department of Education for specific certification requirements

Electives:

• EDU 701 Educational Leadership & Ethics
• EDU 702 School Law
• EDU 703 Educational Change/ School Reform
• EDU 704 Supervision and Evaluation of Instructional Personnel
• EDU 706 School-Community Relations & Communications
• EDU 707 Instructional Leadership
• EDU 709 School Finance
• EDU 715 Organizational Theory and Strategic Planning
• EDU 720 Special Education Law for the Classroom
• EDU 721 Using Technology within Inclusion Education
• EDU 722 Special Education Assessment in Inclusion Settings
• EDU 723 Teaching and Learning in Inclusion Settings
• EDU 724 Collaboration in Inclusion Settings
• EDU 740 Supporting Literacy Development for All Learners
• EDU 741 Literacy Assessments as Teaching Tools
• EDU 742 Study Skills & Content Literacy Instruction for All
• EDU 743 Connecting Reading with Writing for Success
• EDU 744 Meeting Student Literacy Challenges
• EDU 746 Professional Learning and Literacy Leadership
• EDU 747 Literacy for English Language Learners
• EDU 748 Literacy for Inclusion Settings
• EDU 749 Reading Diagnosis: Clinical Practice I
• EDU 750 Instruction Intervention: Clinical Practice II
• EDU 751 The Application Model of Learning – Curriculum Development
• EDU 753 Working with Special Needs Students
• EDU 755 Utilizing Literacy Strategies in CTE Learning Environments
• EDU 757 Health and Safety Implementation for CTE
• EDU 759 Preparing Students for College, Careers, & Citizenship 

Course Drop and Withdrawal Policy

The last date to drop a course with no record is the first day of course. Students who withdraw from a course must do so in writing (e-mail is acceptable) by the end of the fourth week of the course.  Students will receive a “W” on their transcripts indicating withdrawal.  Beyond the fourth week, at the faculty’s discretion, a “WP” or “WF” may be assigned if extenuating circumstances do not allow the student to complete his/her work. Be aware that no portion of the tuition will be refunded after the second week of the course.

Minimal Grade Standard and Academic Progress

Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (“B”). Failure to do so may result in academic probation and possible termination from the program. Students receiving a grade of “F” in any course will be immediately placed on academic probation.

Dismissal from the Program

Termination from the Program may occur when the Education Program Manager becomes aware of one of the following:

• Surrender of a teacher license in any jurisdiction for disciplinary reasons.
• Documented academic dishonesty (Note this also includes course on-line postings and email communications with faculty and staff. Students are advised that their behavior while participating in the Program should exemplify the ethical behavior of a professional educator with respect to all communications.)

Graduation Requirements

To complete the program and receive a Post-Masters Certificate or Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study, a student must:

• Complete all program requirements.
• Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Pay all tuition and fees.

Timeline for Completion/Leave of Absence

A student who has not completed the Post-Masters Certificate or CAGS Program within three (3) years will be administratively withdrawn from the program and be required to apply for readmission. Students are required to take a course every term, otherwise they must request a Leave of Absence, or be withdrawn from the program. These arrangements are the responsibility of the student and must be communicated to the Student Support Specialist along with a completed Leave of Absence Form.

The required Request for Leave of Absence form must be filed with the College of Graduate and Professional Studies.  Application for readmission is not necessary if the student returns as planned; however, the student who does not return at the specified time will be administratively withdrawn and may be subject to readmission procedures. Note: It is the responsibility of the student to contact the College of Graduate and Professional Studies to indicate change of plans.

Re-admission

Students who have withdrawn from the program for a period of one year, either self-initiated or administrative withdrawal, must reapply to the program if they wish to continue their studies. The application procedures, academic policies, and program requirements that are in effect at the time of readmission will apply.

Students who re-enroll following withdrawal will have their previous coursework evaluated for applicability to the existing academic requirements. Coursework that is more than five years old will not be accepted for credit in the program.

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After completing a CAGS program, students should be able to

• Apply research results to leadership decisions
• Describe the requirements of the PSEL standards
• Demonstrate a high degree of specialized knowledge and skills about school administration
• Exhibit leadership skills in an actual school administrative settings

ADVANCED STANDING/TRANSFER CREDIT/ EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

Transfer credit will not be accepted into the Post-Masters Graduate Certificate program.

CERTIFICATE OF ADVANCED GRADUATE STUDY (CAGS)

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

• A master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution or its equivalent. See  for details regarding evaluation of international degrees for grade and degree equivalency.
• Graduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better
• Employed in an educational setting or ability to regularly access an environment in which you can apply course concepts and strategies.
• Computer with internet connection, including the hardware and software requirements described in our . Must also possess sufficient computer skills to navigate the internet as all classes are accessed 100% online.

APPLICATION PROCESS

• Completed online application:
• Submission of the non-refundable application fee
• Current Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Goal Statement
• Supervisor Endorsement
• Official transcripts reflecting conferral of a master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.  All transcripts are to be submitted from the original institutions.

Note:  Transcripts for any coursework appearing as transfer credit on the transcript of the conferred degree can be waived if the coursework is unrelated to the degree being sought.  The program admissions committee defines all coursework not eligible for waiver.

PROCEDURES AND POLICIES

• Applications for admission are accepted through 91AV’s online application only. Detailed instructions are included in the online application.
• Official transcripts, as well as other documents to support the application, must be submitted to the College of Graduate and Professional Studies, 716 Stevens Ave, Portland, ME, 04103
• Students are admitted to the CAGS program six (6) times a year:  Summer A & B, Fall A & B, Spring A & B.
• Applications received and completed by the respective deadlines will be given full consideration.  Applications submitted and/or completed after the deadline will be reviewed for the next available term.
• Admissions are rolling and decisions are made by the program admissions committee throughout the cycle.
• International applicants and applicants with international degrees must have their transcripts evaluated for degree and grade equivalency to that of a regionally accredited US institution.  See .
• All applicants to 91AV must be able to understand and communicate in English to be admitted to the university.  91AV accepts several methods of English Proficiency, see  If applicable, the  requirement must be completed and score received by the application deadline.

For additional information on the admissions process and requirements, please access the  website.

POLICY EXCEPTIONS

The Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study program and the CAGS Admissions Committee in collaboration with the Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions reserve the right to make exceptions to the admissions criteria and to make changes or exceptions to policies and procedures, on a case by case basis, when it deems such a decision is necessary and appropriate.

POST-MASTERS GRADUATE CERTIFICATE

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

• A master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution or its equivalent. See  for details regarding evaluation of international degrees for grade and degree equivalency.
• Graduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better
• Employed in an educational setting or ability to regularly access an environment in which you can apply course concepts and strategies.
• Sufficient computer skills to navigate the worldwide web and effectively participate in an on-line program.
• Own or have regular access to a computer with internet connection and with appropriate hardware and software requirements.
   

Application Process

• Completed online application:
• Submission of the non-refundable application fee
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Goal Statement
• Official transcripts reflecting conferral of a master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.  All transcripts are to be submitted from the original institutions.

Note:  Transcripts for any coursework appearing as transfer credit on the transcript of the conferred degree can be waived if the coursework is unrelated to the degree being sought.  The program admissions committee defines all coursework not eligible for waiver.

PROCEDURES AND POLICIES

• Applications for admission are accepted through 91AV’s online application only. Detailed instructions are included in the online application.
• Official transcripts, as well as other documents to support the application, must be submitted to the College of Graduate and Professional Studies, 716 Stevens Ave, Portland, ME, 04103
• Students are admitted to the PMC program six (6) times a year:  Summer A & B, Fall A & B, Spring A & B.
• Applications received and completed by the respective deadlines will be given full consideration.  Applications submitted and/or completed after the deadline will be reviewed for the next available term.
• Admissions are rolling and decisions are made by the program admissions committee throughout the cycle.
• International applicants and applicants with international degrees must have their transcripts evaluated for degree and grade equivalency to that of a regionally accredited US institution.  See 
• All applicants to 91AV must be able to understand and communicate in English to be admitted to the university.  91AV accepts several methods of English Proficiency, see  
• If an applicant cannot prove English Proficiency in another way, scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language () are required and must be submitted as a part of the completed application. 

For additional information on the admissions process and requirements, please access the Post Masters Certificate program website.

POLICY EXCEPTIONS

The Post-Masters Graduate Certificate program and the PMC Admissions Committee in collaboration with the Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions reserve the right to make exceptions to the admissions criteria and to make changes or exceptions to policies and procedures, on a case by case basis, when it deems such a decision is necessary and appropriate.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.

Financial Aid

Detailed information and applications are available on request from the Financial Aid Office. Call 207-602-2342 or visit the Financial Aid website.

The Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership, with a focus on Transformative Leadership, admits cohorts on a semi-annual basis.

This program provides current and aspiring administrative and instructional leaders in diverse settings (e.g., education, health, non-profits, NGOs, public and private organizations and agencies, etc.) with the attitudes, knowledge, experience, and skills needed to transform organizations through the effective use of human and technological resources.

This three-year program requiring completion of thirteen 8 week, 3 credit courses and a 12 credit dissertation representing a total of 51 credits (a maximum of 6 credits can be transferred from another post-Master’s program). The program (including dissertation) will be completed entirely online with no residency requirement.

Program Goals

• Prepare leaders who are future-focused and capable of fostering innovation and change.
• Promote a continuing cadre of educators who maintain active connections and collaboration with one another, with schools, communities and professional groups.
• Establish a higher education program that is technologically sophisticated, educationally effective and academically rigorous.
• Build a national reputation based upon transformative action research.
• Provide each candidate with a carefully selected faculty mentoring team contributing actively to the candidate’s progress with their program of study, their research, and their dissertation, beyond what is usually available with a single advisor. 

Minimal Grade Standard and Academic Progress

Candidates may proceed to subsequent courses in the curriculum with one Low Pass grade.  A second Low Pass (or below) course grade may result in termination from the doctoral program. For those needing to report course completion status to employers, a Pass equates a B or better.

Dismissal from the Program

Termination from the Program may occur when the Education Program Manager becomes aware of one of the following:

• Surrender of a teacher license in any jurisdiction for disciplinary reasons.
• Documented academic dishonesty (Note this also includes course on-line postings and email communications with faculty and staff. Students are advised that their behavior while participating in the Program should exemplify the ethical behavior of a professional educator with respect to all communications.)
• Academic failure (see “Minimal Grade Standard and Academic Progress”.)

Timeline for Completion

A student who has not completed the Doctoral Program within five (5) years will be administratively withdrawn from the program and be required to apply for readmission.

Leave of Absence

Students may take one 8 week term leave of absence per academic year (3 terms) but must enroll for the subsequent term to remain on track for program completion. The course must be made up the next time it is offered. Students may take no more than two course-long leaves of absence within the five-year limit in the Doctoral Program.

The required Request for Leave of Absence form must be filed with the College of Graduate and Professional Studies.  Application for readmission is not necessary if the student returns as planned; however, the student who does not return at the specified time will be administratively withdrawn and may be subject to readmission procedures. Note: It is the responsibility of the student to contact the College of Graduate and Professional Studies to indicate change of plans.

Re-admission

Students who have withdrawn from the program must reapply if they wish to continue their studies. The application procedures, academic policies, and program requirements that are in effect at the time of readmission will apply.  Students who re-enroll following withdrawal will have their previous coursework evaluated for applicability to the existing academic requirements. Coursework that is more than three years old will not be accepted for credit in the program.  Older courses that have been revised or eliminated from the program offerings will not be accepted upon re-admission.

Students who have been administratively withdrawn from the program may petition for re-admission after a full semester has elapsed. The petition letter must provide a justification for re-admission that addresses how past issues have been resolved and will not re-occur. In addition, a letter of recommendation is required from the student's work supervisor that attests to their ability to successfully complete a graduate program. Both letters should be sent electronically to the Education Program Manager prior to applying for re-admission.

Learning Outcomes

• Participate fully and responsibly in supportive and action based learning environments of authentic value for colleagues in K-12 education, community college, health, business, and other sectors.
• Develop and utilize transformative institutional processes to foster, assess the results, and respond to the reported analysis for continued systemic change.   
• Use technology for research collaboration and dissertation development among colleagues and faculty (e.g., web/videoconferencing).
• Fully utilize an integrated curriculum that fuses discreet elements of each candidate’s program of study into a coherent whole.
• Fully utilize online search tools and databases to identify research studies and other relevant resources.
• Participate in virtual seminars and conferences building a professional learning community.
• Employ problem and case-based learning strategies extensively in courses and dissertation. 
• Write and successfully defend a field-based dissertation. 

Transfer Credit

Upon acceptance, students may apply to transfer up to two, 3-credit courses (maximum of six credits) into the Doctor of Education program.

To request consideration for transfer credit, a student must provide an official transcript and a course syllabus for each course. Transfer credit is awarded at the discretion of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies based on specific program details listed below. Requests for approval of transfer credit should be submitted to, and will be granted at the discretion of, the Program Manager.

Transfer courses must:

• Be classified as graduate, post-Master’s level.
• Be worth 3 credits.
• Have been taken within five years of application.
• Have been completed with a grade of “B” or better.
• Be equivalent to one of the required program courses or an elective course that meets the goals of the student’s education.
• Not have been applied toward any other degree. 

Admissions Requirements

• A Master's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university, or its equivalent.
• Graduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better
• Computer with internet connection, including the hardware and software requirements described in our . Must also possess sufficient computer skills to navigate the internet as all classes are accessed 100% online.

Application Process

• Completed online application: 
• Submission of the non-refundable application fee
• Current Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Application Essay
• Two (2) letters of recommendation
• Official transcripts reflecting conferral of a master's degree from a regionally accredited institution.  All transcripts are to be submitted from the original institutions.

Note: Transcripts for any coursework appearing as transfer credit on the transcript of the conferred degree can be waived if the coursework is unrelated to the degree being sought.  The program admissions committee defines all coursework not eligible for waiver.

PROCEDURES AND POLICIES

• Applications for admission are accepted through 91AV’s online application only.  Detailed instructions are included in the online application.
• Official transcripts, as well as other documents to support the application, must be submitted to the College of Graduate and Professional Studies, 716 Stevens Ave, Portland, ME, 04103
• Students are admitted to the EdD program three (3) times a year:  Summer A, Fall A, Spring A.
• Applications received and completed by the respective deadlines will be given full consideration.  Applications submitted and/or completed after the deadline will be reviewed for the next available term.
• Admissions are rolling and decisions are made by the program admissions committee throughout the cycle.
• Admissions are rolling and decisions are made by the program admissions committee as candidates are interviewed and will continue until the program starts or the class is full.
• International applicants and applicants with international degrees must have their transcripts evaluated for degree and grade equivalency to that of a regionally accredited US institution.  See 
• All applicants to 91AV must be able to understand and communicate in English to be admitted to the university.  91AV accepts several methods of English Proficiency, see  
• If an applicant cannot prove English Proficiency in another way, scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language () are required and must be submitted as a part of the completed application. 

For additional information on the admissions process and requirements, please access the 

POLICY EXCEPTIONS

The Doctor of Education program and the EdD Admissions Committee in collaboration with the Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions reserve the right to make exceptions to the admissions criteria and to make changes or exceptions to policies and procedures, on a case by case basis, when it deems such a decision is necessary and appropriate.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.

Detailed information and applications are available on request from the Financial Aid Office. Call 207-602-2342 or visit the Financial Aid website.

The Master of Science in Health Informatics program prepares future leaders in health informatics to leverage technology tools to improve health and healthcare outcomes through the execution of data-driven management techniques and strategies, to adapt to rapidly-changing landscapes, and to provide leadership and innovation to the health informatics profession.

The Graduate Programs in Health Informatics prepares students for a career in health informatics through the interdisciplinary study of the design, development, adoption, and application of technology-based innovations in healthcare services delivery, management, and planning. The courses provide a graduate education to individuals with varied backgrounds to learn skills in healthcare, technology, informatics, and leadership. The curriculum is delivered in an online format, with full- and part-time options, and is intentionally flexible and readily applicable to students regardless of where they live.

The Master of Science in Health Informatics is a 36 credit hour curriculum that develops and enhances skills in a variety of professional areas, including healthcare quality, information management, technology, innovation, and leadership. This degree culminates in a practicum, which includes a practical or project experience and capstone paper.

The Graduate Certificate in Health Informatics is an 18-credit hour program that provides students with the core health informatics courses they need to broaden and enhance their professional knowledge. All courses in the Graduate Certificate in Health Informatics are also transferable to the Master of Science in Health Informatics program.

The 91AV is Accredited by: NEASC

 Required Courses:

Electives – choose two courses from the following list:

Degree Plan for Graduate Certificate in Health Informatics:

Minimum Grade Point Average

Matriculated graduate students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B) or better. Failure to do so will result in academic probation and possible termination from the program. Any student receiving a grade below B- on any individual course has failed that course must re-enroll and repeat the course to achieve a grade of B- or better. Students receiving a grade of F in any course will be immediately placed on academic probation.  Any student who receives a grade of F in two or more courses is dismissed from the program.

Graduation

Candidates must fulfill all program requirements and are required to earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 to be eligible to graduate. All students must file an Application to Graduate with the registrar’s office via U-Online.  Please access the following link for complete instructions and the answers to frequently asked questions:

Adding, Dropping, and Withdrawing from Courses

The last day permissible for matriculating graduate students to add or drop a course without financial penalty is the second day of class.

Students who withdraw from a course must do so in writing and will receive a “W” on their transcript indicating withdrawal. Students will receive a partial refund if they withdraw from a course within the first or second week. Be aware that no portion of the tuition will be refunded after the second week of the course. Students who have not participated in the course by the end of the second week will be administratively withdrawn from the course and will not receive a tuition refund.

Email requests for withdrawals must be submitted from a student’s 91AV e-mail to be considered.

Matriculating students who withdraw after completing more than 2/3 of a course will receive a grade of “WF” (withdrawn failing) or “WP” (withdrawn passing), based on the instructor’s assessment of the student’s current standing in the course. A “WF” is calculated as an “F” in the student’s GPA. Upon successful completion of the course, the new grade will be used to calculate the GPA. Students will be dismissed from their program after two failing grades (including a “WF”).

University Withdrawal

All matriculated students who wish to withdraw from the University must complete notification documentation available from Registration Services. Documentation must be signed by designated academic and administrative authorities.

Leave of Absence

Matriculated students must enroll and successfully complete at least one course per term. A leave of absence (LOA) for a specified period of time, not to exceed one academic year, may be granted to a matriculated student with the authorization of the Dean and the Program Manager or designee. If not enrolled for one full term, students must contact their Student Support Specialist and complete the required Request for Leave of Absence form available from Registration Services. Application for readmission is not necessary if the student returns as planned. However, the student who does not return at the specified time will be administratively withdrawn and will be subject to readmission procedures.

The LOA period is considered as part of the time allotted to complete the academic program. Note: It is the responsibility of the student to contact the office of the Program Manager to indicate a change of plans.

Medical Leave of Absence

In the event that a leave of absence is taken due to medical reasons, a doctor’s note may be required in order to return to active standing within the program.

Audit Policy

A student may, with prior consent of the Program Manager or designee, enroll in a course for an audit grade (AU). This must be requested at the time of registration for the course and must be accompanied by signed approval of the instructor and Program Manager or designee. This applies to both matriculated and non-matriculated students. Reversal or change of an audit grade is not possible. Once enrolled for AU the grade becomes permanent on a student's academic record. The student who wishes later to be graded for such a course must re-enroll in and pay for graded credit. In auditing a course, the student is expected to complete all lectures and discussion boards, but is not permitted to submit course work for evaluation, take examinations, receive grades, or earn credit. Auditing a course does not count toward enrollment status (i.e. part-time, full-time, etc.) and therefore cannot be considered for financial aid purposes, veteran's benefits, etc.

Academic Integrity Policy

The 91AV values academic integrity in all aspects of the educational experience. Academic dishonesty in any form undermines this standard and devalues the original contributions of others. It is the responsibility of all members of the University community to actively uphold the integrity of the academy; failure to act, for any reason, is not acceptable.

Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to the following:

1.      Cheating, copying, or the offering or receiving of unauthorized assistance or information.

2.      Fabrication or falsification of data, results, or sources for papers or reports.

3.      Action which destroys or alters the work of another student.

4.      Multiple submission of the same paper or report for assignments in more than one course without permission of each instructor.

5.      Plagiarism, the appropriation of records, research, materials, ideas, or the language of other persons or writers and the submission of them as one's own.

Charges of academic dishonesty will be reviewed by the Program Manager. Penalties for students found responsible for violations may depend upon the seriousness and circumstances of the violation, the degree of premeditation involved, and/or the student’s previous record of violations.  Appeal of a decision may be made to the Dean whose decision will be final.  Student appeals will take place through the grievance process outlined in The College of Graduate and Professional Studies Student Handbook.

Office for Students with Disabilities

The Student Access Center works to ensure that the University promotes respect for individual differences and that no person who meets the academic and technical standards needed for admission and continued enrollment at 91AV is denied benefits or subjected to discrimination due to a disability.  Toward this end, and in conjunction with federal and state laws, the University provides reasonable accommodations for qualified students.

Experiential Learning

Experiential learning is highly valued by the College of Graduate and Professional Studies.  Many courses within the College feature experiential-learning components.  However, at this time, no credit will be awarded to students for purely experiential learning experiences undertaken in lieu of coursework.

Learning Outcomes

1. Graduates will understand the American healthcare system and the effects technology and data have had on it.
2. Understand the complex system of legal and regulatory compliance that governs the healthcare system.
3. Apply core concepts of database design to facilitate managing the large amounts of data produced and captured in the healthcare setting.
4. Understand foundational concepts and theories of leadership and management, especially with respect to data-driven business intelligence.
5. Apply technology and the healthcare quality framework to meet the goals of the triple aim of improving the patient experience of care, improving the health of populations, and reducing the per capita cost of health care.
6. Analyze, evaluate, and apply the range of tools needed to implement new technology, including identifying, evaluating, selecting, implementing, and upgrading technological systems.
7. Evaluate the ways new and developing healthcare technology trends influence world-wide health outcomes, and propose potential technology-based solutions for increasing world-wide health outcomes.
8. Understand and apply project management tools, concepts, and best practices to oversee the successful completion of complex projects.

TRANSFER CREDIT
Upon acceptance, students may apply to transfer up to three, 3-credit courses (maximum of nine credits) into the Master of Science in Health Informatics program or up to two, 3-credit courses (maximum of six credits) into the Graduate Certificate in Health Informatics program.

To request consideration for transfer credit, a student must provide an official transcript and a course syllabus for each course. Transfer credit is awarded at the discretion of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies based on specific program details listed below. Requests for approval of transfer credit should be submitted to, and will be granted at the discretion of, the Program Manager.

Transfer courses must 

• Be classified as graduate level
• Have been taken within five years of application
• Have been completed with a grade of “B” or better
• Be equivalent to one of the required program courses or an elective course that meets the goals of the student’s education
• Not have been applied toward any other degree. 

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

• A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution or its equivalent. See  for details regarding evaluation of international degrees for grade and degree equivalency.
• Undergraduate cumulative GPA of 2.75 or better.
• Computer with internet connection, including the hardware and software requirements described in our . Must also possess sufficient computer skills to navigate the internet as all classes are accessed 100% online.

Application Process

• Completed online application: http://go.une.edu/apply
• Submission of the non-refundable application fee 
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Goal Statement
• Three professional references
• Official transcripts reflecting conferral of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.  All transcripts are to be submitted from the original institutions.

Note:  Transcripts for any coursework appearing as transfer credit on the transcript of the conferred degree can be waived if the coursework is unrelated to the degree being sought.  The program admissions committee defines all coursework not eligible for waiver

PROCEDURES AND POLICIES

• Applications for admission are accepted through 91AV’s online application only.  Detailed instructions are included in the online application.
• Official transcripts, as well as other documents to support the application, must be submitted to the College of Graduate and Professional Studies, 716 Stevens Ave, Portland, ME, 04103
• Students are admitted to the Health Informatics program three (3) times a year:  Summer A, Fall A, Spring A.
• Applications received and completed by the respective deadlines will be given full consideration.  Applications submitted and/or completed after the deadline will be reviewed for the next available term.
• Admissions are rolling and decisions are made by the program admissions committee throughout the cycle.
• International applicants and applicants with international degrees must have their transcripts evaluated for degree and grade equivalency to that of a regionally accredited US institution.  See 
• All applicants to 91AV must be able to understand and communicate in English to be admitted to the university.  91AV accepts several methods of English Proficiency, see 
• If an applicant cannot prove English Proficiency in another way, scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language () are required and must be submitted as a part of the completed application. 

For additional information on the admissions process and requirements, please access the website.

POLICY EXCEPTIONS

The Graduate Health Informatics program and the Health Informatics Admissions Committee in collaboration with the Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions reserve the right to make exceptions to the admissions criteria and to make changes or exceptions to policies and procedures, on a case by case basis, when it deems such a decision is necessary and appropriate.

TUITION AND FEES

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.

The mission of the Department of Marine Sciences at 91AV is to enable students to understand the real-world relevance of the marine sciences, foster scientific literacy and critical thinking skills, and lay the foundation for lifelong learning and meaningful, productive contributions to society.

The Marine Sciences encompass a wide variety of disciplines that seek to understand the way the ocean functions, and how it is related to earth systems sciences, as well as to human interactions with the environment. Students will learn the theoretical underpinnings and applications of disciplines from biology, to chemistry, geology, and physics.  Students will be able to apply these disciplines to solving real problems, not only in ocean sciences, but in fields as far ranging as meteorology and space exploration, as well as aquaculture and marine policy.

The mission of the Master of Science: Marine Sciences program is to prepare outstanding graduate students for careers or further training in science, technology, and education by providing an advanced knowledge base and research skills in marine sciences.

The Master of Science: Marine Sciences program offers post-baccalaureate training to students interested in continuing their education in the marine sciences.  The classroom curriculum provides a strong background in all aspects of the marine sciences. The program focuses on a thesis research experience: students will conduct research and prepare a thesis on any of a variety of topics selected in consultation with our faculty.

Program Goals

• Provide a knowledge base in the marine sciences that is deeper than the typical undergraduate experience.
• Foster participation in the production of new knowledge through excellence in research.
• Instill outstanding research skills and a working knowledge of the scientific method by participation in high-quality research.
• Develop outstanding scientific communication skills through written and oral presentations.

Graduation Requirements

Students must successfully complete all required courses with a minimum graduate GPA of 3.0 and successfully pursue, complete and defend publicly an approved research thesis.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

To remain in the MS: Marine Sciences program, the student's cumulative graduate GPA must be a minimum of 3.0.   A student whose GPA falls below 3.0 or who receives a grade below B- in any course taken for graduate credit will be placed on academic probation.

Program Completion Timeline

Students have a maximum of five years to complete the graduation requirements.  After two academic years (fall and spring terms), students who have completed their coursework but are still completing their theses are required to enroll in a thesis continuation credit per semester to remain in the program.

Probation/Dismissal

A graduate student whose grade point average (GPA) for any semester falls below 3.0, or whose cumulative grade point average is below 3.0, or who receives a class grade below a B- for any class taken for graduate credit is automatically placed on probation. A student placed on academic probation will be granted one fall or spring semester to raise his/her cumulative GPA to 3.0 or above, will be required to achieve a minimum GPA of 3.0 for the semester, and cannot receive a second class grade below B-.  The Department of Marine Sciences and the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences will consider for dismissal any student who fails to meet these criteria.

Course Withdrawal

In normal length semesters, a matriculated student may withdraw from a course without academic penalty (a grade of W is assigned) at any time during the first two-thirds of the semester. If withdrawal occurs after that date, the grade of WP (withdrew passing) or WF (withdrew failing) will be entered, subject to determination by the instructor. The grade of WF is computed in the grade point average.

Incomplete Grades

A student who believes she/he is unable to complete the work for a given course by the end of the term may apply for an extension by discussion with the instructor.  At the time of this meeting, a plan must be agreed upon for completion of the course work, including a date of completion, not to exceed six weeks following the end date of the course. This agreement must be completed by the last day of class for the given course. Any student who does not follow the above guidelines will receive an F for the course. In exceptional circumstances (such as death in family, significant illness, accident), an additional extension may be requested. Any such request must be made in writing, reviewed and signed by the instructor and the student’s advisor.

1. Students will demonstrate expertise in their thesis research field
2. Students will increase their proficiency to publication level written and professional oral communication skills
3. Students will demonstrate mastery of the concepts and principles of the Marine Sciences
4. Students will demonstrate an understanding of research design and have the ability to carry out a research project

TRANSFER CREDIT

• Transfer credits are rarely awarded to students who transfer from another marine science program
• Transfer credits will be reviewed and awarded on a case-by-case basis

ADVANCED STANDING
No advanced standing available

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
No credit awarded for experiential learning

Program admissions requirements
 

coursework prerequisites

• Marine Science Track
  • Science (all with labs)
    • Biology, 16 credits
    • General Chemistry, 12 credits
    • Physics, 8 credits
  • Other
    • Calculus, 4 credits
• Oceanography Track
  • Science (all with labs)
    • General Chemistry, 8 credits
    • Physics, 8 credits
  • Other
    • Calculus, 4 credits
    • Additional 16 credits in Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Geology, or Biology
  • All prerequisite courses must be successfully completed with a grade of “C” or better (“C-“grades, not acceptable)
  • Prerequisite courses may be in-progress or planned at the time of application, but must be completed before enrollment before either
    • Summer term start
    • Fall term start

academic/experience requirements

• Completion of Bachelor’s Degree from a U.S.regionally accredited institution, or international equivalent, prior to matriculation
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and minimum cumulative pre-requisite GPA of 3.0, required
• Successful completion of the General Graduate Record Exam  with competitive scores (official score must be submitted from ETS directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions at the 91AV  (code # 3751)
• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended must be submitted directly from the issuing institution to 91AV’s Office of Graduate Admissions
• Three (3) letters of reference from writers who know you and can speak to your academic and/or professional experience (letters from friends and family members will not be accepted)
• Prior to or early in the admissions process, candidates are advised to communicate with faculty with whom they would like to work
• Only those applicants who meet minimum requirements will be considered for admission

procedures and policies

• Applications for admission are accepted through the 91AV (detailed instructions are included in the application portal)
  • 91AV application portal opens annually July 1
  • Applications must be electronically submitted by the posted deadline of February 1
    • Please Note: Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit and complete your application well before the deadline for earliest consideration
    • A complete application includes the following:
      • Electronically submitted application
      • Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
      • Official GRE score report sent directly from ETS to 91AV Office of Graduate Admissions
      • Three (3) letters of reference
    • All completed applications will be reviewed by the program admissions committee after the application deadline with decisions mailed beginning in mid-March
    • Applications completed after the posted deadline will be reviewed on a space available basis, only
  • Accepted candidates will be expected to pay a minimal non-refundable deposit to secure your place in the program
    • Deposit is applied to any fees not covered by the assistantship or grant received upon acceptance
    • Deposit will be forfeited should the candidate decide not to matriculate in the program
• International applicants and applicants with international degrees
  • Must have transcripts evaluated for degree and grade equivalency to that of a regionally accredited U.S. institution
  • Must be able to understand and communicate in English to be admitted to the university
    • 91AV accepts several methods of           
    • If an applicant cannot prove English Proficiency in another way, scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language or the International English Language Testing System is required and must be submitted as a part of the completed application

POLICY EXCEPTIONS

• Policies have been established to ensure fair and consistent admissions practice for all applicants
• All criteria presented in this summary are subject to change per professional accreditation requirements, changes in curriculum or other institutional standards, and clinical affiliation requirements
• Exceptions to existing admission policies are rare and made on a case by case basis, only when it is deemed necessary and appropriate to maintain fair and consistent practice for all candidates

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.

Continued Enrollment

After two academic years, a student who has completed all coursework except his/her thesis will be required to pay for a thesis continuation credit plus mandatory fees each semester to remain in the program.

Other Expenses

Housing is arranged by and financed at the expense of the student.  Currently there is no on-campus housing available for graduate students.

Financial Aid

Detailed information and applications are available on request from the Financial Aid Office on the Biddeford Campus. Call 207-602-2342, or by visiting the Financial Aid website. Information on Research Assistantships and Teaching Assistantships can be found on the

All programs at the 91AV are accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).

Master of Science in Education

The Master of Science in education from 91AV allows students to customize their program by choosing electives from different topic areas in education such as curriculum, literacy, educational leadership, and inclusion for teachers looking to advance their career in education. Contact your state’s Department of Education for specific certification requirements.

Program Requirements

Available Electives:

Master of Science in Education · Reading Specialist/Literacy Coach Track

For educators interested in pursuing a Reading Specialist/Literacy Coach certification, the 91AV offers a program track to equip teachers with the foundational knowledge and curriculum required by the State of Maine.

Master of Science in Education - Teaching Methodology

The Master of Science in Education - Teaching Methodology is available only to 91AV students who have successfully completed the Teacher Certification Program (TCP). The Teaching Methodology program is a 30 credit master’s degree encompassing 15 graduate credits from 91AV’s College of Arts and Sciences Teacher Certification Program and 15 core credits in The College of Graduate and Professional Studies (CGPS) Graduate Programs in Education.  The CGPS graduate education courses are delivered online with in depth study in the areas of professional learning communities, differentiation, motivation, and action research.

CAS Program Requirements

CGPS Program Requirements

Course Drop and Withdrawal Policy

The last date to drop a course with no record is the first day of course. Students who withdraw from a course must do so in writing (e-mail is acceptable) by the end of the fourth week of the course.  Students will receive a “W” on their transcripts indicating withdrawal.  Beyond the fourth week, at the faculty’s discretion, a “WP” or “WF” may be assigned if extenuating circumstances do not allow the student to complete his/her work. Be aware that no portion of the tuition will be refunded after the second week of the course.

Minimal Grade Standard and Academic Progress

Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (“B”). Failure to do so may result in academic probation and possible termination from the program. Students receiving a grade of “F” in any course will be immediately placed on academic probation.

Dismissal from the Program

Termination from the Program may occur when the Education Program Manager becomes aware of one of the following:

• Surrender of a teacher license in any jurisdiction for disciplinary reasons.
• Documented academic dishonesty (Note this also includes course on-line postings and email communications with faculty and staff. Students are advised that their behavior while participating in the Program should exemplify the ethical behavior of a professional educator with respect to all communications.)

Graduation Requirements

To complete the program and receive a Master of Science in Education, a student must:

• Complete all program requirements.
• Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Pay all tuition and fees.

Timeline for Completion/Leave of Absence

A student who has not completed the MSEd Program within three (3) years will be administratively withdrawn from the program and be required to apply for readmission. Students are required to take a course every semester, otherwise they must request a Leave of Absence, or be withdrawn from the program.  These arrangements are the responsibility of the student and must be communicated in writing to the Student Support Specialist.

The required Request for Leave of Absence form must be filed with the College of Graduate and Professional Studies.  Application for readmission is not necessary if the student returns as planned; however, the student who does not return at the specified time will be administratively withdrawn and may be subject to readmission procedures. Note: It is the responsibility of the student to contact the College of Graduate and Professional Studies to indicate change of plans.

Re-admission

Students who have withdrawn from the program for a period of one year, either self-initiated or administrative withdrawal, must reapply to the program if they wish to continue their studies. The application procedures, academic policies, and program requirements that are in effect at the time of readmission will apply.

Students who re-enroll following withdrawal will have their previous coursework evaluated for applicability to the existing academic requirements. Coursework that is more than five years old will not be accepted for credit in the program.

Learning Outcomes

After completing the MSE program, students should be able to: 

1. Address the full range of student motivation and differentiation issues encountered in today's school systems
2. Analyze and conduct research relevant to their teaching or administrative interests
3. Document professional development in the program via an electronic portfolio of course work
4. Demonstrate a high degree of specialized knowledge and skills about their chosen concentration area
5. Exhibit leadership in their classroom and/or school system
6. Develop online collaborative relationships with peers 

transfer credit

Upon acceptance, students may apply to transfer up to two, 3-credit courses (maximum of six credits) into the Master of Science in Education program.

To request consideration for transfer credit, a student must provide an official transcript and a course syllabus for each course. Transfer credit is awarded at the discretion of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies based on specific program details listed below. Requests for approval of transfer credit should be submitted to, and will be granted at the discretion of, the Program Manager.

• Be classified as graduate level.
• Be worth 3 credits.
• Have been taken within five years of application.
• Have been completed with a grade of “B” or better.
• Be equivalent to one of the required program courses or an elective course that meets the goals of the student’s education.
• Not have been applied toward any other degree.

NO transfer credit will be accepted into the Master of Science in Education – Reading Specialist/Literacy Coach Track or any other program leading to State of Maine certification.

Admissions requirements

• A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution or its equivalent. See  for details regarding evaluation of international degrees for grade and degree equivalency.
• Undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
• Employed in an educational setting or ability to regularly access an environment in which you can apply course concepts and strategies.
• Computer with internet connection, including the hardware and software requirements described in our . Must also possess sufficient computer skills to navigate the internet as all classes are accessed 100% online. 

Application Process

• Completed online application: http://go.une.edu/apply
• Submission of the non-refundable application fee
• Current Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Goal Statement
• Official transcripts reflecting conferral of a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution.  All transcripts are to be submitted from the original institutions.

Note: Transcripts for any coursework appearing as transfer credit on the transcript of the conferred degree can be waived if the coursework is unrelated to the degree being sought.  The program admissions committee defines all coursework not eligible for waiver.

PROCEDURES AND POLICIES

• Applications for admission are accepted through 91AV’s online application only. Detailed instructions are included in the online application.
• Official transcripts, as well as other documents to support the application, must be submitted to the College of Graduate and Professional Studies, 716 Stevens Ave, Portland, ME, 04103
• Students are admitted to the MSED program six (6) times a year: Summer A & B, Fall A & B, Spring A & B.
• Applications received and completed by the respective deadlines will be given full consideration.  Applications submitted and/or completed after the deadline will be reviewed for the next available term.
• Admissions are rolling and decisions are made by the program admissions committee throughout the cycle.
• International applicants and applicants with international degrees must have their transcripts evaluated for degree and grade equivalency to that of a regionally accredited US institution.  See .
• All applicants to 91AV must be able to understand and communicate in English to be admitted to the university.  91AV accepts several methods to demonstrate English Proficiency, see  
• If an applicant cannot prove English Proficiency in another way, scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language () are required and must be submitted as a part of the completed application. 

For additional information on the admissions process and requirements, please access the

exceptions

The Master of Science in Education program and the MSED Admissions Committee in collaboration with the Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions reserve the right to make exceptions to the admissions criteria and to make changes or exceptions to policies and procedures, on a case by case basis, when it deems such a decision is necessary and appropriate.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.

Financial Aid

Detailed information and applications are available on request from the Financial Aid Office. Call 207-602-2342 or visit the Financial Aid website.

The mission of the School of Nurse Anesthesia is to provide an academic environment which allows students to master the intellectual and technical skills necessary to become competent in the safe conduct of anesthesia. This is accomplished by providing a select group of experienced, graduate level acute care nurses with the highest level of didactic, simulation lab, and clinical site experiences. 91AV's graduate nurse anesthetists develop life-long scholarship, critical thinking skills, and professionalism needed to become compassionate, patient-centered Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA's) in solo practice or within a collaborative anesthesia environment.

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA's), as Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, have been providing anesthesia care in the United States of America for over 150 years. Currently, there are approximately 50,000 CRNA's in the country with more than 2,800 students graduating per year.

CRNA's are anesthesia specialists who safely administer approximately 43 million anesthetics to patients in the United States each year. As advanced practice nurses, they can serve in a variety of capacities in daily practice, such as a clinician, educator, administrator, manager, and researcher.

• CRNA's administer anesthesia for all types of surgical cases, using all anesthetic techniques and practice in every setting in which anesthesia is delivered, from university-based medical centers to free-standing surgical facilities and offices.
• CRNA's are the primary anesthesia providers in almost 100% of rural hospitals in the United States, affording access to anesthesia care where it would otherwise not be available.  CRNAs provide a significant amount of the anesthesia in inner cities as well.
• CRNAs are qualified and permitted by state law or regulations to practice in every state in the nation. They provide anesthesia in collaboration with surgeons, anesthesiologists, podiatrists, dentists, and other healthcare professionals.

The School of Nurse Anesthesia at the 91AV has been an involved in nurse anesthesia education since 1970, serving as an academic affiliate for hospital-based certificate nurse anesthesia programs. In 1988, we initiated a program leading to the Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia. In 1993, the 91AV MSNA program became the sole authority of the education of nurse anesthesia students and the last hospital-based program in Maine closed.

Two-Phase Program

At 91AV, we offer a 27-month two-phase program.

The first phase is conducted on our historic Westbrook College of Health Professions Campus, situated in the picturesque coastal city of Portland.  The first eight months of study consists primarily of didactic instruction in basic sciences and anesthesia taught by our CRNA and basic science faculty. Included within this 8 month didactic curriculum is instruction using state-of-the-art task trainers and simulation labs which prepare students for their clinical curriculum. In the summer of 2017, the Simulation Lab will be moving to its new home in Innovation Hall and increase simulation opportunities for our students.

The second phase of the curriculum entails clinical training based at our hospital affiliates for a period of 19 months.  Didactic instruction continues during the clinical phase through hybrid, web-based courses in advanced principles of anesthesia and research and on-campus courses involving business and leadership in anesthesia practice and anesthesia crisis resource management simulation. The School has contractual relationships with over 35 hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and offices located in New England and throughout the country, which offer our students a varied and diverse clinical education experience. MSNA academic and clinical faculty are proud that our students are trained in collaborative anesthesia environments as well as in non-medically directed, CRNA-only sites. Students will gain experience in all facets of anesthesia management, including ultrasound guided regional anesthesia, pain management, invasive monitoring, and pre- and post-op patient assessment.

With successful completion of the 27 month program, students are awarded a Master of Science degree in Nurse Anesthesia (MSNA). The graduate is then qualified to take the National Certifying Examination.  Upon successful completion of the exam, the graduate becomes a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist capable of practicing in all 50 states. To date, 100 percent of our students have passed the certifying examination in their first year post-graduation and 100 percent have successfully obtained employment.

Transition Plan to the Entry-Level Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program: The Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) requires that all students matriculating into a nurse anesthesia educational program on January 1, 2022 or thereafter be enrolled in a program approved by the COA to award a practice doctoral degree. The 91AV Nurse Anesthesia program plans to submit its application to the COA for approval to award the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree in January 2019. Pending approval by the COA, the program plans to enroll its first doctoral cohort of students in May 2020. Further information regarding this transition may be obtained by contacting the Program Director Maribeth Massie, Ph.D., MS, CRNA at 207-221-4519 or mmassie@une.edu.

The School of Nurse Anesthesia is accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA) of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs, a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council on Post-secondary Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education. The School of Nurse Anesthesia is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs through the spring of 2021.  The Program received the full 10-year accreditation length in June 2011.

The MSNA curriculum is designed so that students are based on 91AV's Portland campus for the first eight months (two semesters) of the program. The majority of the basic science and anesthesia didactic courses are offered during this period. The remaining 19 months of the program are clinically-based, with an emphasis on advanced coursework, clinical training, simulation lab experiences, and completion of a capstone project. All students are required to complete the entire curriculum with passing grades. 

Clinical Training

Upon completion of the didactic portion of the program, the students move on to the 19-month clinical portion of the curriculum. The primary focus is clinical anesthesia training. The clinical experience obtained will be of the width and breadth necessary for the student to achieve clinical competency in anesthesia. This is accomplished through affiliations at various clinical sites.

Each student is required to participate in a minimum number of cases and techniques but program and clinical faculty strive for our students to achieve well above the established standards. The Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs has set minimum standards for clinical experience that each student must achieve prior to graduation from the program in order to qualify for the National Certifying Examination.  All of the surgical specialties are included, including hands-on training in regional anesthesia techniques. Specialty experiences (i.e. neurosurgery, open-heart surgery, high-risk obstetrics) when not available at primary hospital affiliation sites, will be obtained from rotations at other medical facilities.

All types of anesthesia techniques and the latest agents are available for student learning. Students are able to obtain experience in general anesthetics, intravenous agents, invasive line placement, and regional anesthesia including spinal, epidural, and peripheral nerve blocks. Students are required to rotate to CRNA-only sites also and gain this valuable experience.

Clinical Affiliates

Please refer to the school website for a list of clinical sites currently utilized by the School of Nurse Anesthesia.

Graduation Requirements

In order for a student to graduate, the following criteria must be met:

1. Satisfactory completion of all didactic and clinical courses with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
2. Satisfactory completion of clinical experience as required by the School of Nurse Anesthesia and the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs.
3. Satisfactory completion and fulfillment of stated 91AV School of Nurse Anesthesia Student Learning Outcomes.
4. Completion of twenty-seven actual months in program, exclusive of probationary time.
5. All evaluations must be completed and signed, including University and Program evaluations.
6. All clinical records must be completed and submitted to the Anesthesia School Administrative staff.
7. Successful completion of the capstone project.
8. All fees must be paid in full.
9. All library books must be returned.
10. A current RN license and ACLS, PALS, BLS Certifications must be on file.
11. Successful completion of the Self-Evaluation Exam (SEE) from the NBCRNA. Students are required to obtain a SEE score of 425 or higher before they can complete the program. The program will pay for the first attempt and the student is responsible for subsequent SEE payments until the minimum score is obtained. This may delay graduation for the program

WCHP Academic Policy

The Department of Nurse Anesthesia, the Westbrook College of Health Professions, and the 91AV are committed to offering a quality Nurse Anesthesia education program that complies with the evaluative criteria of the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA). The program provides learning experiences to enable graduates to achieve the outcomes required for the practice of Nurse Anesthesia.  Please refer to the WCHP Graduate Program Progression Policies and Procedures for detailed description of academic standards.

PROGRAM COMPLETION TIMELINE

Students are expected to complete 27 actual months in the program.

RULES OF CONDUCT WHILE ON AFFILIATION AT CLINICAL SITES

Success in the Nurse Anesthesia profession requires certain behavioral attributes including but not limited to personal commitment and hardiness, self awareness, resilience, perseverance, empathy, discipline, honesty, integrity, personal regard for others, the ability to work effectively with others in a team environment, and the ability to address a crisis or emergency situation in a composed manner.  Adherence to these attributes requires a high level of maturity and self-control, even in highly stressful situations.  During the clinical phase, students must conduct themselves in a highly professional manner consistent with the patient care responsibilities with which they will be entrusted.  Failure to adhere to these standards, as noted below, or comply with the Clinical Rotation Policies will result in a disciplinary action ranging from a written warning to dismissal from the program (depending upon the violation and the circumstances surrounding the offense).

1. Creating or contributing to situations that jeopardize patient safety. 
2. Students are expected to follow all policies in the Student Code of Conduct section of the 91AV Handbook.  Unethical behavior such as academic dishonesty, falsifying case logs or medical records is considered a violation of the Program’s standards of conduct. 
3. Respect the confidentiality of patients and fellow students.  One is not permitted to discuss any patients by name outside the clinical encounter situation.  Students should not discuss other students with preceptors.  For academic presentations, all identifying data, including name, initials, date of birth and facility where seen will be omitted.
4. Unauthorized possession, use, copying, or distribution of hospital records or disclosure of information contained in such records to unauthorized persons.
5. Use, distribution, or unauthorized possession of intoxicating beverages or drugs on hospital premises or reporting to work under the influence of intoxicants.
6. Unauthorized absence from the Anesthesia Department during regularly scheduled clinical hours.
7. Failure or refusal to follow instructions of a duly assigned preceptor including refusal to accept clinical assignment.
8. Use of vile, intemperate or abusive language, or acting in a disrespectful manner to any employee, supervisor, patient, or visitor.
9. Any disorderly conduct on hospital premises.
10. Creating or contributing to unsanitary conditions.
11. Theft, fraud, or unauthorized use of property belonging to the hospital, patient, or visitor.

CLINICAL PRACTICUM COURSE EXPECTATIONS

To successfully complete each clinical practicum course, students must achieve a grade of A or B.    Details regarding clinical practicum expectations will be detailed in the Student Clinical Practicum Handbook and course syllabus.  Briefly speaking, clinical progression will be monitored during each clinical practicum.  If students are not meeting clinical objectives, they will be placed on Probation.   
  
If a student is placed on a 30- day Probationary Status, they will continue with the clinical objectives scheduled for that level.  The student will communicate with program faculty and clinical faculty to develop a plan based on their clinical evaluations, clinical faculty feedback and/or program faculty findings.  The plan will include strategies for improvement of clinical performance. 

At the end of the 30-day Probationary Status, the student’s performance will be re-evaluated by the clinical and program faculty. If they are successful, they will resume their clinical practicum at the same level their peers are at and return to good standing.  Being placed on probationary status will delay the student's graduation date accordingly. If progress continues to be unsatisfactory, the student will receive an 'F' for the course and be dismissed from the program.    

Students may be placed on a second 30-day probationary period for additional (unresolved or newly identified) performance issues.  The process described above would apply for this as well.  Students are granted a maximum of two (2) probationary periods not to exceed 60 days total.  If additional (newly identified) performance issues continue to occur after a student has been granted (2) probationary periods, the student would be immediately dismissed.

ESSENTIAL TECHNICAL STANDARDS

Principles:
Nurse anesthesia education requires that accumulation of scientific knowledge be accompanied by the simultaneous acquisition of specific skills and professional attitudes and behavior. Nurse Anesthesia faculty have a responsibility to society to matriculate and graduate the best prepared nurse anesthetists, and thus admission to this program has been offered to those who present the highest qualifications. The essential technical standards presented in this document are pre-requisite for matriculation, subsequent promotion from year to year, and ultimately graduation from the 91AV School of Nurse Anesthesia. These standards pertain to all matriculated students. All required courses in the curriculum are necessary in order to develop essential skills required to become a competent nurse anesthetist.

The faculty is committed to fostering relationships with its students that encourage human and professional growth. Its policies and procedures attempt to reflect this commitment to proactive and supportive communication.

It is imperative that all students recognize that the primary responsibility for a successful nurse anesthesia education, both in and outside the classroom, rests with the individual. Students, including students with disabilities, must have the capacity to manage their lives and anticipate their own needs. The School has incomplete influence in helping students achieve these personal adaptations. Situations can arise in which a student’s behavior and attitudes resulting from a disability or other personal circumstances represent a secondary problem which impairs the student’s ability to meet the School’s standards, even after implementation of all reasonable accommodations have been made by the School.

Recommendations:

1. No otherwise, qualified individual will be denied admission to the School of Nurse Anesthesia based solely upon a disabling condition.
2. Candidates with disabilities applying to the School of Nurse Anesthesia will be expected to have achieved the same requirements as their non-disabled peers.
3. Matriculation into the School of Nurse Anesthesia assumes certain levels of cognitive, emotional, and technical skills. Nurse anesthetist candidates with disabilities will be held to the same fundamental standards as their non-disabled peers. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to assist the candidates in learning, performing and satisfying the fundamental standards, so long as the candidate provides timely, comprehensive documentation establishing the candidate’s disability status and need for reasonable accommodation.
4. Reasonable accommodations that facilitate candidate progress will be provided but only to the extent that such accommodation does not significantly interfere with the essential functions of the School of Nurse Anesthesia, fundamentally alter the program, or significantly affect the rights of other candidates.
5. The School, under the law, is obligated to provide all reasonable accommodations that will eliminate or minimize the barriers disabled candidates may face in the process of successfully completing the requirements for graduation from the 91AV’s School of Nurse Anesthesia.

Abilities and Skills:
A candidate for this program must have abilities and skills of five varieties including observational skills; communication skills; fine and gross motor skills; intellectual skills: conceptual, integrative and quantitative abilities; and behavioral and social/emotional attributes.

I. Observational Skills
The candidate must be able to acquire a defined level of required information as presented through demonstration and experiences in the basic sciences and anesthesia courses including, but not limited to, information conveyed through labs and simulated anesthesia exercises. Furthermore, a candidate must be able to observe a patient accurately, at a distance, and close at hand, acquire information from written documents and visualize information as presented in radiographic images and patient monitors. The candidate must have visual and hearing acuity, including use of depth perception and peripheral vision; hearing normal and faint body sounds (blood pressure and heart sounds) and hearing auditory alarms on monitors and anesthesia delivery systems. Such observation and information acquisition necessitates the functional use of visual, auditory and somatic sensation while being enhanced by the functional use of other sensory modalities.

In any case where a candidate’s ability to observe or acquire information through these sensory modalities is compromised, the candidate must demonstrate alternative means and/or abilities to acquire and demonstrate the essential information without reliance upon another person’s interpretation of the information. The university will provide appropriate reasonable accommodations to foster the student’s ability to meet these standards, so long as the student registers with 91AV Disability Services.
 
II. Communication Skills
The candidate must be able to effectively and efficiently communicate using verbal, written, and reading skills, in a manner that demonstrates sensitivity to patients, their families and all members of the health care team.  A candidate must be able to accurately elicit information, describe a patient’s change in mood, thought, activity and status. He or she must also demonstrate established communication skills using traditional or alternative reasonable means that do not substantially modify the standard.

III. Fine and Gross Motor Skills
The candidate must be able to, with or without the use of assistive devices, but without reliance on another person, interpret x-ray and other graphic images and digital or analog representations of physiologic phenomenon (such as EKGs).

The ability to participate in basic diagnostic and therapeutic maneuvers and procedures (e.g. palpation, auscultation) is required. It is also essential for a candidate to possess the gross motor skills sufficient to provide a full range of safe and effective care to patients. These include the ability to move within confined spaces, reach above shoulders, bend, stoop, squat, stretch and to reach below the waist. Fine motor skills are necessary to perform psychomotor skills such as picking up objects, grasping, pinching with fingers (intubations, manipulating a syringe, starting IVs), twisting and squeezing.

Physical stamina sufficient to complete the rigorous course of didactic and clinical study is required. In addition, physical endurance and strength is a requirement in order to tolerate training during an entire shift (including overtime or call), standing for long periods of time and sustaining repetitive movements (performing CPR, positive pressure ventilation, etc). Candidates must be able to provide hands-on patient care such as lifting, pushing and pulling excessive weight to position patients, pick up and carry children, ambulate patients and transfer anesthetized patients from stretchers and beds. When transporting patients to patient recovery areas, the candidate is required to move not only the patient's weight but also the heavy bed.
The candidate is required to carry heavy equipment and supplies, sit for long periods of time on stools with and without any back support, twist and turn to visualize monitors and the surgical field and possess the strength and flexibility to assist in the restraint of combative patients. In addition, the candidate must be able to move quickly to respond to emergencies. At all times the ability to administer care to patients in a safe manner is paramount.
 
IV. Intellectual Skills - Conceptual, Integrative and Quantitative Abilities
The candidate must be able to measure, calculate, reason, analyze and synthesize information in a timely fashion. In addition, the candidate must be able to comprehend three-dimensional relationships and to understand the spatial relationships of structure. Problem-solving, the critical skill demanded of nurse anesthetists, requires all of these intellectual abilities. These problem-solving skills must be able to be performed in a precisely limited time demanded by a given clinical setting. In addition, the candidate must be able to adapt readily to changing environments and deal with unexpected activities.

V. Behavioral and Social/Emotional Attributes
Candidates must possess the emotional health required for full utilization of their intellectual abilities, the exercise of good judgment, the prompt completion of all responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis and care of patients, and the development of mature, sensitive and effective relationships with patients.
Candidates must be able to tolerate physically taxing workloads and to function effectively under stress. They must be able to adapt to changing environments, to display flexibility and to learn to function in the face of uncertainties inherent in the clinical problems of patients. They must be able to measure, calculate, reason, analyze and synthesize information effectively in a precisely limited time demanded by a given clinical setting, while under stress, and in an environment in which other distractions may be present.
Compassion, integrity, concern for others, interpersonal skills, self reflection, emotional intelligence, interest, and motivation are all personal qualities that will be assessed during the admissions and educational processes.

Upon completion of this educational program, the student shall demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the faculty, specific competencies expected of graduates.  These competencies identify the knowledge and skills necessary for competent entry-level practice of nurse anesthesia.  Upon completion of the program, the graduate will:

1. Demonstrate understanding of the perianesthetic management of patients based on theory and research evidence learned in the basic sciences and basic and advanced principles of anesthesia practice during the didactic phase of the program.

2. Apply theoretical and evidence-based knowledge learned during the didactic phase of the program and demonstrate mastery in the perianesthetic management of the patient in the clinical setting.

3. Effectively communicate with all health care professionals, patients, and families in the delivery of culturally competent perianesthetic care throughout the anesthesia experience.

4. Demonstrate vigilance and adherence to patient safety principles throughout the anesthetic experience.

5. Demonstrate professional responsibility, integrity, and accountability to their peers, interprofessional colleagues, and other health care stakeholders throughout the program and perianesthetic clinical experiences.

Transfer Credit

• Transfer credits are rarely awarded to students who transfer from another nurse anesthesia program 
• The program director will review and award transfer credits on a case-by-case basis

Advanced standing

No advanced standing placement available

Experiential Learning

No credit awarded for experiential learning

Program Admissions Requirements
 

Coursework Requirements

• Required Science Course
  • Biochemistry (3-4 semester credits)
    • Completed with a grade of “B” or better (“B-“ grade is not acceptable) no more than five years prior to enrollment into the Nurse Anesthesia program
    • Must be completed by December 20 prior to expected enrollment in summer term to meet admissions eligibility (documented completion with a "B" or better or evidence of enrollment in course to be completed by December 20, required at time of application)
    • will be accepted to fulfill the Biochemistry prerequisite, as well as many other courses
• Recommended Science Courses
  • Anatomy (with lab, 4 semester credits)
  • Physiology (with lab, 4 semester credits
  • Biology (with lab, 4 semester credits)
  • Chemistry (with lab, 4 semester credits)
  • Microbiology (with lab, 4 semester credits)
  • Organic Chemistry (with lab, 4 semester credits
  • Physics (with lab, 4 semester credits)
  • Pharmacology (3-4 semester credits)

academic/experience requirements

• Completion of baccalaureate or higher degree from a U.S. regionally accredited university in nursing OR Associate degree from a U.S. regionally accredited nursing program and completion of a baccalaureate degree from a U.S. regionally accredited school in another field 
• Minimum overall cumulative GPA of 3.0, specifically in the science and professional courses is highly recommended
• Submission of official transcripts from ALL colleges and universities attended as part of the completed application
• Proof of current licensure as a registered nurse in your own state at the time of application; licensure in the state where clinical experience occurs, is obtained after enrollment
• “Shadowing" a nurse anesthetist for at least a day in the operating room prior to application and "shadowing" a student registered nurse anesthetist for a day is highly recommended to more fully understand the commitment involved in studying to become a nurse anesthetist
• Minimum of one year, 2 or more recommended, of experience as a critical care registered nurse
  • Must be completed prior to application to the program
  • Acceptable areas: ICU, CCU, CVICU, SICU, MICU, NICU, PICU and Neuro ICU)   
  • Note: Emergency Room, Recovery Room or Post-Anesthetic Care Unit (PACU) will be considered on a case-by-case basis but generally not sufficient as the sole critical care experience  
• Three (3) letters of reference 
  • One letter must be from the immediate acute care nursing supervisor or manager attesting to the total length of time, in years and months, applicant has worked in the acute care setting as a registered nurse
  • All others should be of a clinical nature
  • Letters from friends or family members not acceptable
• Certifications
  • Current Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certification
  • Current Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Certification
  • CCRN and/or other specialty certification (i.e., CEN) highly recommended
    • Submit copy of certification
    • Submit score report
• Before or upon matriculation, accepted/deposited candidates will be expected to
  • Meet all health immunization requirements (
  • Obtain a physical examination with proof of up-to-date immunization status
• Accepted/deposited candidates will be subject to passing a criminal background check and drug screen prior to matriculation as well as periodically throughout the program as required by clinical affiliations

procedures and policies

• Applications for admissions to be submitted through the 91AV's  only
  • Applications submitted and completed by the posted deadline will receive full consideration
  • Applications submitted and/or completed after the deadline will be reviewed on a space available basis only
• On-campus interviews are granted to qualified applicants
  • Required for admission to the program and by invitation only
  • Interviews held in the fall term prior to the summer admit term
  • Admissions decisions are non-rolling and made by the program Admissions Committee after all interviews are completed
  • Decision letters will be sent to applicants from the Office of Graduate Admissions
    • Candidates required to deposit within two-four (2-4) weeks of receipt of decision letter to secure place in class
• International applicants and applicants with international degrees
  • Must have transcripts evaluated for degree and grade equivalency to that of a regionally accredited US institution
  • Must be able to understand and communicate in English to be admitted to the university
    • 91AV accepts several methods of
• If an applicant cannot prove English Proficiency in another way, scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language () or the International English Language Testing System is require

Policy exceptions

• Policies have been established to ensure fair and consistent admissions practice for all applicants
• All criteria presented in this summary are subject to change per professional accreditation requirements, changes in curriculum or other institutional standards, and clinical affiliation requirements
• Exceptions to existing admission policies are rare and made on a case by case basis, only when it is deemed necessary and appropriate to maintain fair and consistent practice for all candidates

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog. Miscellaneous fees that students should plan for in the program include but may not be limited to the following (approximate amounts):

Financial Aid

Detailed information and applications are available on request from the Financial Aid Office at the Biddeford Campus. Call 207-283-0170, extension 2342 or by visiting the Financial Aid website.

Mission

The mission of the Occupational Therapy Department is to develop competent, compassionate occupational therapy practitioners and scholars through a dynamic, student-centered, occupation-based educational program.

Vision

Our vision is to lead the profession in the meeting society’s occupational needs by fostering excellence in occupational therapy teaching, scholarship and service.

Occupational therapy is a health profession whose practitioners work with clients of all abilities across the lifespan.  The goal of occupational therapy intervention is to increase the ability of the person to participate in everyday occupations that include activities we need and want to participate in such as, mealtimes, dressing, bathing, leisure, work, education, and social participation. 

Occupational therapy practitioners work in a variety of settings some of which include hospitals, clinics, schools, rehabilitation centers, home care programs, community health centers, psychiatric facilities, and skilled nursing facilities.  With experience, practitioners might function in private practice, as a university faculty member, in administration, as a researcher, or as a consultant.

The graduate occupational therapy (OT) curriculum is designed to facilitate occupation-based, client-centered practice, critical thinking and clinical reasoning. Courses emphasize life-long learning and professional responsibilities and help students become competent and compassionate practitioners. Workshops, lectures, intervention labs, small group classes, and fieldwork experiences help students apply and integrate practice grounded in theory.

The graduate OT program within the Westbrook College of Health Professions emphasizes inter-professional education among nursing, nurse anesthesia, athletic training, applied exercise science, physical therapy, social work, dental hygiene, physician assistant, pharmacy, public health, nutrition, health wellness and occupational studies,  dental, and osteopathic medical students.

The Occupational Therapy Program was first awarded accreditation in January 1985. The OT Program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 4720 Montgomery Lane, Suite 200, Bethesda, MD 20824-3449. [(301) 652-AOTA].

Graduates of the program are eligible to take the National Certification Examination for the Occupational Therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR).  NBCOT, Inc. 12 South Summit Avenue, Suite 100 Gaithersburg, Maryland 20877 Phone: 301-990-7979 Email: Info@nbcot.org web:

National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT)
Most states require licensure to practice. (State licensure requires NBCOT Certification Examination results). Eligibility for the National Certification Examination requires:

• Master's degree, with a major in occupational therapy.
• Successful completion of an accredited occupational therapy curriculum; and
• Successful completion of a minimum of six months of supervised fieldwork (Level II).

Fieldwork Experiences

Level I Fieldwork Students complete Level I Fieldwork experiences as part of instructional courses in a variety of community and medical settings. This experience reinforces course concepts. Students are supervised by qualified personnel may include occupational therapists, teachers, social workers, public health nurses, and physical therapists.

Level II Fieldwork emphasizes the application of knowledge by providing the student with an in-depth experience in delivery of occupational therapy service to patients/clients. Students complete two full time level II fieldwork experiences, each is 3 months long.

The expenses incurred for room and board during these internships, and travel to and from the fieldwork sites, are the responsibility of each student. Students may complete fieldwork at any approved location.

The requirements for Level II fieldwork include:

• A minimum of six months (24 weeks, full time) of Level II Fieldwork experience, preferably with at least three months on a full-time sustained basis;
• Completion of all fieldwork experience no later than 18 months following completion of the didactic portion of the curriculum;
• Supervision provided by a licensed occupational therapist with at least one year of experience.

Graduation Requirements

Students must successfully complete all courses prior to graduation and fulfill all curriculum requirements.

WCHP Academic Policies

The Department of Occupational Therapy, the Westbrook College of Health Professions, and the 91AV are committed to offering a quality Occupational Therapy education program that complies with the evaluative criteria of the ACOTE (Accreditation Council of Occupational Therapy Education). The program provides learning experiences to enable graduates to achieve the outcomes required for the practice of Occupational Therapy.  Please refer to the WCHP Graduate Program Progression Policies and Procedures for detailed description of academic standards.

MSOT Technical Standards

Technical Standards for Occupational Therapy Program  

The following abilities and skills are necessary to engage in the Occupational Therapy Department at the 91AV: 

• Cognitive abilities to analyze, synthesize, and integrate information related to anatomy, physiology, human development, psychology, sociology, kinesiology, and occupational studies in order to make clinical judgments for planning and implementing effective occupation-based interventions.
• Critical thinking and judgment that promotes safety, optimal occupational performance, remediation and adaptation.
• Time management and organizational skills to meet demands of classroom and practice environment.
• Interpersonal skills that include participating in classroom discussion, conducting interviews, observing body language, listening, responding, collaborative goal setting, and developing intentional relationships.
• Evaluation of performance of self and others and making adjustments in behavior or promoting behavioral change in others to enhance occupational performance.
• Communication skills to develop positive client relationships, complete written documentation consistent with OT practice, and participate as a health care team member.
• Physical abilities to perform physical examinations, such as balance, range of motion, and strength, and to accurately, safely, and efficiently use assessment tools, equipment, and other materials during occupational therapy intervention.
• Emotional stability to handle the demands of a practice environment.  This includes acting in a professional manner, being dependable, meeting commitments, and being forthcoming about one’s own needs.
• Ability to maintain personal appearance and hygiene conducive to working in clinical and community settings.

The OT Department’s goal is to develop competent, compassionate practitioners and scholars.

Upon completion of the Occupational Therapy curriculum, the student will be able to:

Foundations in Occupation

Recognize & value the essential contribution/composition of everyday occupations for health promotion, & well-being

Integrate knowledge from the liberal arts and sciences into occupational therapy practice.

Demonstrate understanding, awareness & appreciation of social, global, & cultural issues to meet the occupational needs of individuals, communities, & populations.

Critical Thinking in the Occupational Therapy Process

Select interventions for facilitating a client-centered plan throughout the OT process across the lifespan for individuals with a range of abilities

Utilize multi-modal types of clinical reasoning to implement interventions for client-centered service provision.

Integrate innovative, technological & creative resources and strategies into assessment, intervention, & outcomes across populations and contexts.

Occupation Across the Lifespan

Articulate and apply evidence that supports entry-level competence in person-centered and occupation-based practice for people of all ages.

Utilize assessments and intervention strategies that prioritize client-centered participation in occupations.

Communication, Advocacy, and Leadership

Perform as a competent and compassionate inter-professional practitioner and as an advocate and leader in OT for individuals, communities, & populations.

Advocate for occupational therapy services for/with recipients of those services.

Demonstrate leadership that upholds the Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics, OT standards of practice, & relevant policies.

Scholarship and Research

Formulate & implement a lifelong learning plan through the development of professional goals and aspirations.

Prioritize the utilization & promotion of evidence-based practice to promote professional and/or inter-professional growth.

Demonstrate an investment in and ability to utilize research to guide assessment, intervention, and outcomes across populations and contexts.

Synthesize & assimilate information from all levels of evidence to support practice.

Transfer Credit

• Transfer credits are rarely awarded to students who transfer from another occupational therapy program
• Transfer credits will be reviewed and awarded on a case-by-case basis

Advanced STANDING

No advanced standing available

Experiential Learning

No credit awarded for experiential learning

Coursework requirements

• Science​�ċ
  • Human Anatomy & Physiology I & II (with labs, 8 semester or 12 quarter credits) OR
    • Human Anatomy, 4 semester or 6 quarter credits, and
    • Physiology, 4 semester or 6 quarter credits (Animal or Exercise Physiology not acceptable)
  • Neuroscience (3-4 semester or 5-6 quarter credits); lab component not required but is highly recommended​
• Other (3 semester credits or 5 quarter credits)
  • Statistics (Bio, Math, Psych)
  • Intro to Psychology
  • Abnormal Psychology
  • Human Development (lifespan)
  • Social Science (Sociology/Anthropology)
  • English Composition
  • Courses in Medical Terminology, college Chemistry or Physics, and Introduction to Occupational Therapy are highly recommended​
• Maximum of 3 AP credits may be applied toward the English prerequisite only
• All prerequisite courses must be successfully completed with a grade of “C” or better (“C-“grades, not acceptable) and completed at a U.S. regionally accredited college or university
• Prerequisite courses may be in-progress or planned at the time of application, but completed before enrollment in May; include any in-progress or planned coursework in your OTCAS application
  • Transcripts for coursework and/or degrees completed in the Fall term prior to the MSOT program start to be submitted to OTCAS for verification during the Academic Update period
  • Transcripts for coursework and/or degrees completed in the Spring term to be submitted directly to 91AV's Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions as soon as available
• MSOT program will also accept courses offered through , other online, and community college coursework to satisfy prerequisites, if successfully completed at any U.S. regionally accredited institution with approval of program

ACADEMIC/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Completion of Bachelor’s Degree from a U.S. regionally accredited institution, or international equivalent, prior to matriculation
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, as calculated by OTCAS (inclusive of all coursework taken with no forgiveness for retakes)
• Minimum cumulative prerequisite GPA of 3.0 as calculated by 91AV using the best grade received for repeated course
• Completion of volunteer or work experience in a health or human service related setting is highly recommended
• Two (2) letters of reference from writers who know you and can speak to your ability to be successful academically and to practice professionally (letters from friends or family members are not acceptable)
• Only those applicants who meet minimum requirements will be considered for admission
  • Just meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee an interview or acceptance
  • Average GPAs for students accepted into the program are well above published minimums
• Before or upon matriculation, accepted/deposited students will be expected to
  • Meet all health immunization requirements (
  • Obtain a physical examination with proof of up-to-date immunization status 
• Accepted/deposited students will be subject to passing a criminal  background check and/or drug screening periodically throughout the program as required by clinical affiliations
• All candidates must be able to meet all of the profession

PROCEDURES AND POLICIES

• Applications for admission are accepted through the Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service (
  • Applications must be electronically submitted to OTCAS by the posted deadline
  • It is highly recommended that students apply as early as possible in the admissions cycle
  • OTCAS application portal opens annually in mid-July
    • Priority application deadline:
      • Applications electronically submitted to OTCAS on or before posted priority application deadline will be considered for invitation to campus interview session from October - December
      • Decisions for priority applicants will be made and letters will be mailed after all priority applicants have interviewed
    • General application deadline:
      • General applicants who electronically submit the OTCAS application after the priority deadline will be considered for invite to interview December-March based on space availability
      • Decisions for general applicants will be made after each interview session on a space available basis until the program starts
• On-campus interviews are required for admission and are by invitation only
• International applicants and applicants with international degrees
  • Must have transcripts evaluated for degree and grade equivalency to that of a regionally accredited US institution
  • Must be able to understand and communicate in English to be admitted to the university
    • 91AV accepts several methods of
    • If an applicant cannot prove English Proficiency in another way, scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (r the International English Language Testing System is required and must be submitted as a part of the completed application

Policy exceptions

• Policies have been established to ensure fair and consistent admissions practice for all applicants
• Exceptions to existing admission policies are rare and made on a case by case basis, only, when it is deemed necessary and appropriate to maintain fair and consistent practice for all can
• All academic (coursework and degree) and experience requirements presented in this summary are subject to change per accreditation mandates or clinical affiliation requirements

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.

The Department of Physical Therapy believes that optimal 21st century, person-centered health care is best delivered by well-educated, compassionate leaders who think critically, reason intelligently, collaborate inter-professionally, and who promote health and wellness.  In this spirit, the department is dedicated to preparing students for contemporary physical therapy and advances the profession through its steadfast commitment to excellence in academics, clinical education, scholarship, research, and service. 

Core Values

The Department of Physical Therapy values excellence in student-focused teaching and learning, evidence-based practice, service to the community and profession, interprofessional collaboration, scholarship, and clinical practice.

Student-Focused

•  Friendly, collegial atmosphere
•  Low student-to-faculty ratios
•  Supportive faculty and staff

Academic Excellence

•  Expert academic and clinical faculty
•  State-of-the-art equipment and technology
•  Experiential learning, critical thinking and problem solving
•  Quality clinical experiences
•  High standards and expectations of student admission and retention
•  Continuous quality improvement

Evidence-based Practice

•  Critical appraisal of evidence
•  Integrate evidence, expertise and patient values
•  Best practice

Community & Diversity

•  Professional and community service
•  Embrace and learn from diversity
•  Non-discriminatory
•  Academic-Community partnership

Professional Conduct

•  Respect for all individuals
•  Trustworthy and truthful
•  Confidentiality of patient-therapist relationship
•  Sound judgment
•  Competence and professional development
•  Pro bono service
•  Life-long learning

Collaboration

•  Interprofessional Grand Rounds, seminars and symposia
•  Research and scholarship
•  Teaching and learning

Scholarship

•  Student participation and choice
•  Collaborative, interprofessional and individual intellectual pursuits

Health and Wellness

•  Whole person wellness
•  Injury and disease prevention
•  Promotion of healthy environments

Program Goals

1. Core Attributes: Graduate compassionate, collaborative leaders who are critical thinkers and who promote health and wellness.
2. Academics: Develop academic excellence.
3. Clinical Practice: Promote faculty and student involvement in physical therapy practice across the continuum of care.
4. Research and Scholarship: Generate and disseminate new knowledge.
5. Service:  Identify, develop and promote opportunities for faculty and students to provide service to the institution, community, and profession.
6. Administration: Further develop efficient processes and resources to support the Department's operations.

The entry-level DPT Program is three calendar years (8 semesters) in length and includes a combination of classroom, laboratory, and clinical practicum experiences. The curriculum begins with the foundational sciences, through which the student explores and studies normal human structure and function, and fundamental physical therapy techniques. From this critical underpinning, the student engages in the evidence-based approach to the physical therapy management of impairments, functional limitations and disabilities related to movement, function and health across the life span. The curriculum sequence is generally organized according to key body systems (i.e., musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary, neuromuscular, integumentary). Coursework includes study of the functional and psychosocial impacts of health conditions, relevant medical and surgical interventions, and the physical therapy tests, measures, and interventions utilized within the patient/client management model.

The student is also introduced to the physical therapist's role in disease prevention and health promotion, education, consultation, legislation and policy-making, and administration. The student engages in scholarly inquiry, either by completing a case report or conducting research under the direction and mentorship of a faculty member. The student may also explore topics beyond those required in the professional curriculum through elective courses or workshops offered by the Department and College.

Students complete three full-time clinical practical, totaling 36 weeks of clinical experience. Nearly 600 clinical sites around the United States are available to provide a broad base of experiences in a variety of settings. The sites represent the continuum of health care practice settings including acute care hospitals, rehabilitation hospitals, outpatient private practices, ambulatory care centers, skilled nursing facilities, school/ preschool programs, and home health care. Full-time clinical practical experiences are integrated in the second and third professional years, enabling students to apply information learned in didactic courses to patients and clients.

The DPT program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). The Department, through its policies and procedures, is committed to assuring compliance with the evaluative criteria established by CAPTE.

Accreditation indicates that the institution and program have been carefully evaluated and found to meet standards agreed upon by qualified educators. To contact CAPTE:

1111 North Fairfax Street
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
Email: accreditation@apta.org
Phone: (703)-684-2782 or (703)-706-3245

The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program is eight semesters in length and includes a combination of classroom course work, laboratory coursework, and three, full-time clinical practical. In addition to the 106 required credits, students are invited to take up elective coursework offered by the department and by other graduate programs within the university.

Graduation Requirements

Conferring of the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree is contingent upon the successful completion of academic and clinical coursework to include a total of 106 academic credits.

Academic Standards

The Department of Physical Therapy, the Westbrook College of Health Professions, and the 91AV are committed to offering a quality physical therapist education program that complies with the evaluative criteria of the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. The program provides learning experiences to enable graduates to achieve the outcomes required for the practice of physical therapy.  Please refer to the WCHP Graduate Program Progression Policies and Procedures for detailed description of academic standards.

Essential Technical Standards

The essential technical standards are pre-requisites for successful completion of the DPT program at the 91AV. Guidelines for reasonable accommodation are discussed. Please read this document carefully to determine whether you possess the abilities and skills reflected in the technical standards below. The standards apply to program activities taking place in classroom, laboratory, and clinical settings.

Principles:

1. Physical Therapy is an intellectually, physically, and psychologically demanding profession.
2. The obligation and mission of the 91AV DPT program is to produce effective and competent physical therapists that are best able to serve the needs of society. Therefore, all applicants, regardless of disability, will be held to the same admission standards. Once accepted, all DPT degree candidates will be held to the same technical standards, with reasonable accommodations provided when necessary and appropriate.
3. Individuals with documented disabilities applying to the 91AV DPT Program will be expected to have completed the same academic prerequisites as their non-disabled peers. No applicant is required to disclose the details of a disability and no otherwise qualified individual will be denied admission to the DPT program based solely upon a disabling condition.
4. Upon acceptance, the Westbrook College of Health Professions, under the law, is obligated to provide reasonable accommodations to DPT candidates and students with documented disabilities who are registered with the University’s Student Access Center while completing the academic and clinical requirements for graduation from the program.

Reasonable accommodations:

• Are provided to help minimize the impact of the student’s disability, provide equal access to the University’s programs and services while upholding the academic, clinical, and technical standards of the DPT Program.
• Are provided to assist the student in learning, performing and satisfying the fundamental standards, so long as the student provides comprehensive documentation establishing his/her disability status prior to the need for reasonable accommodation
• Are provided only to the extent that such accommodation does not fundamentally alter the academic and/or technical standards of the Department of Physical Therapy or interfering with the rights of other students
• Do not exempt DPT candidates from completing certain tasks deemed essential
• Do not include reliance on peers-when a candidate’s ability to function is compromised (with or without accommodation) the candidate must demonstrate alternative means and/or abilities to acquire essential information and demonstrate essential tasks without reliance upon another person to help perform that essential task.
• Are determined by the  in consultation with DPT faculty.

In addition, DPT faculty are available to work with candidates with disabilities to help identify strategies that might assist them in performing technical standards.

Candidate Declaration of abilities and skills:

1. Prior to the start of DPT classes, matriculating students must indicate that they possess the abilities reflected in the technical standards described below, either with or without reasonable accommodation.
2. A DPT candidate with a disability who wishes reasonable accommodation must contact the Student Access Center, Portland Campus, Lower Level, Ginn Hall, Phone: (207) 221-4418, Fax: (207) 523-1919. An offer of admission may be withdrawn or a DPT candidate may be withdrawn from the program if it becomes apparent at any time (1) that he or she cannot complete the technical standards even with accommodations, (2) that the accommodations needed are not reasonable, or (3) that fulfilling the functions would create a significant risk of harm to the health or safety of the student or others.

Technical Standards: Abilities and Skills

Matriculation into the DPT Program assumes certain essential cognitive, emotional, and technical skills. Reflected in the standards that follow are those abilities and skills that degree candidates must possess to engage safely and competently in required learning activities. The abilities and skills are described in five domains, including observation skills; communication skills; motor skills (fine and gross); intellectual-conceptual, integrative and quantitative abilities; and behavioral and social/emotional attributes.

I. Observation
Observation requires the functional use of vision, hearing, touch, and the use of common sense. Candidates must have visual perception, which includes depth and acuity. A candidate must be able to observe lectures, laboratory dissection of cadavers, and lecture and laboratory demonstrations. The candidate must be able to observe a patient accurately and obtain an appropriate medical history directly from the patient or guardian. Examples in which these observational skills are required include: observation of skin color; breathing regularity; temperature of skin; muscle tone; facial expressions; palpation of peripheral pulses, bony prominences and ligaments; visual and tactile evaluation for areas of inflammation; and visual and tactile assessment of the presence and degree of swelling. A candidate must be able to observe a patient accurately at a distance and close at hand, noting nonverbal as well as verbal signals. The candidate must have sufficient vision, hearing, and touch to detect patient/client needs in a busy clinical environment. The candidate must be able to read and interpret equipment, patient charts, and diagnostic tests. The candidate must also be able to accurately monitor dials, displays, and equipment used in treatment of patients including exercise equipment and electrical modalities.

II. Communication
Communication includes: speech, language, reading, writing and computer literacy. Students must be able to communicate effectively, sensitively, and convey a sense of compassion and empathy with patients and their families, as well as perceive non-verbal communications, and to deal effectively with cultural and ethnic diversity. Physical therapy education presents exceptional challenges in the volume and breadth of required reading and the necessity to impart information to others. Candidates must be able to communicate quickly, effectively and efficiently in oral and written English with all members of the health care team. Candidates must be able to complete forms according to directions in a complete and timely fashion. The candidate must be able to demonstrate the ability to deliver and receive complex information in one-on-one and group settings, respond to questions from a variety of sources and respond appropriately to verbal and non-verbal communication, as well as explain complex information according to the listener’s needs and abilities, both formally and informally. A candidate must be able to complete paper and/or on-line forms and documentation according to directions in a timely fashion, accurately elicit information and describe a patient’s change in mood, thought, activity and posture. Candidates must be able to demonstrate sufficient communication skills to effectively train other DPT candidates, patients, family and support personnel.

III. Motor
The candidate must have sufficient strength, endurance and motor skills to effectuate the coordination of both gross and fine muscular movement, equilibrium, and the integrated use of touch and vision. Sufficient physical stamina is required to complete the rigorous course of didactic and clinical study. The candidate must be able to access and negotiate laboratories, classrooms and workstations, attend clinical internships, and accomplish required tasks in the clinic and academic settings. The candidate must be able to perform emergency procedures such as: cardiopulmonary resuscitation; safely lift, transfer and position patients; safely assist and guard patients during gait training; safely and effectively administer exercise and examination procedures that require resistance or facilitation; perform non-surgical wound debridement, and manually adjust exercise equipment and assistive devices. Long periods of sitting, standing, and moving are required in classroom, laboratory and clinical experiences. The candidate must demonstrate: sufficient balance, coordination and ability to accompany and detect loss of balance in patients who are walking; the ability to support and guard patients who lose their balance during walking on level surfaces, as well as on stairs and uneven terrains/ramps; sufficient freedom of movement to be able to participate in all classroom and clinical activities; and the ability to lift and carry heavy objects. Required movements may include: pushing; pulling; standing; sitting for long periods of time with and without back support; twisting; kneeling; stooping and bending. The candidate must be able to use motor skills to accurately assess changes in: muscle tone, tissue and skin temperature, joint position, chest sounds and peripheral pulses, joint play and other examination tests. The candidate must also be able to: effectively apply compression, traction, resistance, and percussion; and demonstrate sufficient fine motor skills to be able to manipulate small objects and write legibly. The candidate must be able to respond to bells and alarms related to emergencies. At all times the ability to administer care to patients in a safe manner is paramount.

IV. Intellectual-Conceptual, Integrative and Quantitative Abilities
To effectively solve problems, the candidate must be able to: measure, calculate, reason, analyze, comprehend, integrate and synthesize information from the clinical, natural, and social sciences in a timely fashion. For example, the candidate must be able to synthesize knowledge and integrate the relevant aspects of a patient’s history, physical examination, and laboratory data. The candidate must be able to: provide a reasoned explanation for likely therapy, recalling and retaining information in an efficient and timely manner. The ability to incorporate new information from peers, teachers, and the medical literature in formulating treatment plans is essential. In addition, the candidate must be able to comprehend three-dimensional relationships and to understand spatial relationships of structures. The candidate must have the ability to use computers for searching, recording, storing, and retrieving information. The candidate must be able to understand theory, research literature, and principles that apply to physical therapy practice, and analyze and solve complex patient problems. The candidate must be able to utilize knowledge of natural, clinical, and social sciences to develop appropriate interventions in a clinical setting. The ability to use critical analysis to understand theory, research literature, and principles that apply to physical therapy practice and to apply inductive and deductive clinical reasoning to solve complex patient problems is necessary. The candidate must be able to effectively engage in self-assessment of performance, as well as provide objective and constructive assessments of peers and faculty. The candidate must be able to identify significant findings based upon history and physical examination and interpret laboratory and diagnostic imaging data. The candidate must utilize sufficient judgment to ensure safe encounters with peers and patients and to effectively delegate to support personnel.

V. Behavioral and Social/Emotional Attributes
The candidate must be: dependable, punctual, ethical, and reliable; maintain professional demeanor in all situations; recognize stressors and be able to seek assistance as needed. Candidates must possess the emotional health required for full utilization of their intellectual abilities. They must: exercise good judgment, promptly complete all responsibilities attendant to the care of patients, and develop mature, sensitive and effective relationships with patients. The candidate must also demonstrate a commitment to learning by seeking new knowledge and understanding, formulating their own thoughts and ideas, and taking ownership of their educational advancement. Candidates must be able to tolerate physically taxing workloads and to function effectively under stress. They must be able to: adapt to changing environments, display flexibility and function in the face of uncertainties inherent in clinical practice. They must be able to measure, calculate, reason, analyze and synthesize information effectively in the limited time demanded by a given clinical setting, while under stress, and in an environment in which other distractions may be present. The candidate must be able to abide by the APTA Code of Ethics, the Standards of Physical Therapy Practice and the Core Values, which can be found on the American Physical Therapy Association website at www.apta.org. Candidates must also be able to establish professional and empathetic relationships with individuals across the lifespan and from various cultures. Candidates must demonstrate integrity and honesty in the academic and clinical environment, as well as being able to engage in respectful interactions with individuals from various lifestyles, cultures, races, socioeconomic classes and abilities. They must be able to develop and maintain respectful working relationships with peers, faculty, professional colleagues, patients, family members and the general public and to recognize the psychosocial impact of movement dysfunction and disability on clients and families. The candidate must be able to accept constructive feedback and respond with suitable action.

Specific Examples of Technical Skills (Essential Functions) and Abilities:
Specifically, candidates must be able to:

1. Attend and participate in classes for 30 or more hours per week during each academic semester. Classes consist of a combination of lecture, discussion, laboratory, and clinical activities.
2. Use auditory, tactile, and visual senses to receive classroom instruction and to evaluate and treat patients.
3. Read, write, speak, and understand English at a level consistent with successful course completion and development of positive patient-therapist relationships.
4. Complete readings, assignments, and other activities outside of class hours.
5. Apply critical thinking processes to their work in the classroom and the clinic.
6. Exercise sound judgment in class and in the clinic.
7. Participate in clinical experiences, which typically require students to be present 40 or more hours per week on a schedule that corresponds to the operating hours of the clinic.
8. Gather decision-making pieces of information during patient assessment activities in class or in the clinical setting without the use of an intermediary (classmate, aide, etc).
9. Perform treatment activities in class or in the clinical setting by direct performance.
10. Sit for two to 10 hours at a time, stand for at least one to two hours at a time, and walk or travel for at least two hours at a time
11. Frequently lift weights less than 10 pounds and occasionally lift weights between 10 and 100 pounds.
12. Occasionally carry up to 25 pounds while walking up to 50 feet.
13. Frequently exert 75 pounds of push/pull forces up to 50 feet and occasionally exert 150 pounds of push/pull forces for this distance.
14. Frequently twist, bend and stoop.
15. Occasionally squat, crawl, reach above shoulder level, and kneel.
16. Frequently move from place to place and position to position at a speed that permits safe handling of classmates and patients.
17. Frequently stand and walk while providing support to a classmate simulating a disability or while supporting a patient with a disability.
18. Occasionally climb stairs and negotiate uneven terrain.
19. Frequently use hands repetitively with a simple grasp and frequently with a firm grasp.
20. Frequently perform tasks requiring manual dexterity skills.
21. Frequently coordinate activities with gross motor and communication skills.

*Information and design from The Essential Standards and Technical Standards documents from the Graduate Program in Physical Therapy at Central Michigan and Sacramento State, and University of Buffalo’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, as well as the generic abilities developed by the physical therapy program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Students are expected to abide by the academic policies and procedures and conduct code outlined in the 91AV (91AV) Student Handbook, the Department of Physical Therapy Student Handbook and the WCHP Graduate Program Progression Policies and Procedures. Failure to abide by these policies, procedures or codes may result in disciplinary action.  

The Department of Physical Therapy, the Westbrook College of Health Professions, and the 91AV are committed to offering a quality physical therapist education program that complies with the 2016 standards of the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

After completing the physical therapy curriculum, students will:

1. Integrate concepts from the biological, physical, behavioral, and clinical sciences into physical therapy services
2. Exhibit professional conduct and behaviors that are consistent with the legal and ethical practice of physical therapy
3. Demonstrate compassion, caring, integrity, and respect for differences, values, and  preferences in all interactions with patients/clients, family members, health care providers, students, other consumers, and payers 
4. Demonstrate culturally sensitive verbal, nonverbal, and written communications that are effective, accurate, and timely
5. Collect and critically evaluate data and published literature to apply in the delivery of care, practice management, and to examine the theoretical and scientific basis for physical therapy
6. Screen patients/clients to determine if they are candidates for physical therapy services or if referral to, or consultation with, another health care professional or agency is warranted
7. Complete a patient/client examination/reexamination and evaluate and interpret the examination data to determine a physical therapy diagnosis and prognosis
8. Employ critical thinking, self-reflection, and evidence-based practice to make clinical decisions about physical therapy services 
9. Collaborate with patients/clients, caregivers, and other health care providers to develop and implement an evidence-based plan of care that coordinates human and financial resources 
10. Provide services and information related to health promotion, fitness, wellness, health risks, and disease prevention within the scope of physical therapy practice
11. Advocate for patient/client and profession
12. Provide consultative services and education to patients/clients, caregivers, health care workers, and the public using culturally sensitive methods that are adapted to the learning needs, content, and context
13. Employ effective leadership skills in the context of supervising, delegating and mentoring within the profession

TRANSFER CREDIT

• Transfer credits are rarely awarded to students who transfer from another physical therapy program.
• ​The program director will review and award transfer credits on a case-by-case basis.

ADVANCED STANDING

No advanced standing placement available

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

No credit awarded for experiential learning

Coursework requirementS

• Science (all with labs, 8 semester credits or 12 quarter credits)
  • Biology I & II (no Botany, Anatomy, or Physiology)
  • General Chemistry I & II
  • Anatomy and Physiology I & II OR
  • Human Anatomy, 4 semester or 6 quarter credits, and
    ​Physiology, 4 semester or 6 quarter credits (no Invertebrate or Exercise Physiology)
  • Physics I & II (algebra or calculus based)
• Other (3 semester credits or 5 quarter credits)
  • Statistics
  • Introduction to Psychology 
• All science prerequisites must have been completed within seven (7) years prior to the PTCAS application deadline
• All prerequisite courses must be successfully completed with a grade of “C” or better (“C-“grades, not acceptable)
• Prerequisite courses may be in-progress or planned at the time of application, but must be completed prior to enrollment
  • Planned or in progress coursework must be listed on the PTCAS application at time of submission; not doing so will result in the applicant not meeting minimum requirements
  • Upper level coursework (with labs) acceptable to fulfill general science requirements
  • Online courses offered through as well as online courses from other U.S. regionally accredited colleges or universities are acceptable with approval of program
  • Transcripts for coursework and/or degrees completed in the fall term prior to the DPT program start must be submitted to PTCAS to be verified during the Fall academic update period
  • Transcripts for coursework and/or degrees completed in the spring or summer terms and not verified by PTCAS must be submitted directly to 91AV’s Office of Graduate Admissions as soon as they are available

Academic/experience requirements

• Completion of Bachelor’s Degree from a U.S. regionally accredited institution, or international equivalent, prior to matriculation
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 calculated by PTCAS (inclusive of all coursework taken with no forgiveness for retakes)
• Minimum math/science prerequisite GPA of 3.0 calculated by 91AV using the best grade received with multiple repeats (excludes Introduction to Psychology course) 
• Completed the General Graduate Record Exam 
  • Within 2 years of application to the DPT program
  • Official GRE scores submitted to PTCAS (use PTCAS code 7797)
• Completed minimum of 40 hours of observation in PT practice at the time of application
  • Applicants are evaluated on their knowledge of the breadth and depth of PT practice; observation in a variety of practice settings and patient populations recommended
  • Observation hours to be completed with, and verified by, a licensed PT (hours with a PTA are not acceptable)
• Three (3) letters of reference (require 3 and will review only the first 3 received); no additional letters will be used in the review process
  • One from a PT with whom you have worked or observed
  • One academic reference from a professor, research advisor, or academic advisor
  • One from person of your choice who can speak to your ability to be successful academically and to practice  professionally (letters from friends or family member are not acceptable)
• Only those applicants who meet minimum requirements will be considered for admission
  • Just meeting minimum requirements, however, does not guarantee an interview
  • Average GPAs for students accepted into the program are well   above published minimums
• Before or upon matriculation, accepted candidates will be expected to
  • Meet all health immunization requirements
  • Obtain a physical examination with proof of up-to-date immunization status 
• Before or upon matriculation, accepted candidates will be required to pass a criminal background check and/or drug screening, as well as periodically throughout the program as required by clinical affiliations
• All candidates must meet of the Physical Therapy profession

Procedures and Policies

• Applications for admission are accepted through the Physical Therapy Centralized Application Service ( only
  • PTCAS application portal opens annually in early July
  • Applications must be electronically submitted to PTCAS by the posted deadline
  • For more information and detailed instructions for completion of the application, visit
  • Candidates are strongly encouraged to submit and complete applications as early as possible in the cycle to ensure consideration for an invitation to interview
  • Early Decision Option offered through  (91AV does participate and applicants must meet all course, academic, experiential, and application requirements, in addition to the following)
    • Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.4 as calculated by PTCAS
    • Minimum prerequisite math/science GPA of 3.4 as calculated by 91AV Graduate Admissions, based on the best grade for each course if repeated
    • Official GRE Scores taken within 2 years of your application date
• On-campus interviews are required for admission and are granted to qualified applicants by invitation only
• Offers of admission will be made on a rolling basis
  • Decisions are made following each interview session, and continue until the program starts
  • In accordance with the traffic rules for , the first deposit to secure seat deadline is January 15 for all applicants accepted prior to January 1
    • Early Decision candidates and 91AV Early Assurance pre-designates are excluded from ACAPT traffic rules
    • Early Decision and Early Assurance candidates will be required to deposit within 2 weeks of receipt of official decision letter
• International applicants and applicants with international coursework or degrees
  • Must have transcripts evaluated for degree and grade equivalency to that of a U.S. regionally accredited institution
  • Must be able to understand and communicate in English to be admitted to the university
    • 91AV accepts several methods of
    • If an applicant cannot prove English Proficiency in another way, scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language or the International English Language Testing System is required and must be submitted as a part of the completed application

Policy exceptions

• Policies have been established to ensure fair and consistent admissions practice for all applicants
• All criteria presented in this summary are subject to change per professional accreditation requirements, changes in curriculum or other institutional standards, and clinical affiliation requirements
• Exceptions to existing admission policies are rare and made on a case by case basis, only when it is deemed necessary and appropriate to maintain fair and consistent practice for all candidates

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.

Other Expenses

Other expenses will include textbooks and lab fees in some courses. Students should also anticipate transportation, housing and living expenses during clinical practical.

Equipment

All students are required to have access to high-speed internet service and a laptop computer with the capability of utilizing Blackboard or similar on-line education format.

Financial Aid

Detailed information and applications are available on request from the Financial Aid Office on the Biddeford Campus. Call 207-602-2342 or visit the Financial Aid website.

The Department of Physical Therapy believes that optimal 21st century, person-centered health care is best delivered by well-educated, compassionate leaders who think critically, reason intelligently, collaborate inter-professionally, and who promote health and wellness. In this spirit, the department is dedicated to preparing students for contemporary physical therapy and advances the profession through its steadfast commitment to excellence in academics, clinical education, scholarship, research, and service. 

The transitional DPT (tDPT) program culminates in the DPT degree and is “conferred upon completion of a structured transitional educational experience that results in the augmentation of knowledge, skills, and behaviors to a level consistent with the current professional (entry-level) DPT standards. The transitional DPT program enables the US-licensed physical therapist to attain degree parity with therapists who hold the professional DPT by 'filling in' any gaps between their professional baccalaureate or master's degree PT education and the current professional DPT degree education.”* The tDPT program is a logical extension of curricular offerings from the Department serving the needs of our program graduates as well as graduates from other accredited baccalaureate or master’s degree programs

Program Goals

The tDPT program at the 91AV is designed to:

• Offer physical therapists with a previously obtained baccalaureate or master’s degree the opportunity to update their knowledge base in areas within the profession that have been augmented over the past 10-15 years as reflected in the current DPT degree curriculum.
• Enhance the student's current knowledge base in a variety of areas, including evidence-based practice, clinical decision-making, management sciences, pharmacology, prevention and wellness, and health care policy.
• Provide an interactive and flexible distance education environment to meet the learning needs of today’s busy clinician.

The 91AV is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

The tDPT program is an on-line educational experience, requiring the successful completion of six courses totaling 18 credit hours. [Note: A minimum of 15 credits must be completed at the 91AV.] Courses may be completed in any sequence with the exception of the Capstone course, which must be taken after successful completion of all other courses.

Curriculum subject areas and credit hours are listed below:

Graduation Requirements

Conferring of the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree is contingent upon successful completion of the 18 credits of academic coursework in the tDPT curriculum.

Essential Technical Standards

The essential technical standards are pre-requisites for successful completion of the tDPT program at the 91AV. Guidelines for reasonable accommodation are discussed. Please read this document carefully to determine whether you possess the abilities and skills reflected in the technical standards below.

Principles:

1.      Physical Therapy is an intellectually, physically, and psychologically demanding profession.

2.      The obligation and mission of the 91AV tDPT program is to produce effective and competent physical therapists that are best able to serve the needs of society. Therefore, all applicants, regardless of disability, will be held to the same admission standards. Once accepted, all tDPT degree candidates will be held to the same technical standards, with reasonable accommodations provided when necessary and appropriate.

3.      Individuals with documented disabilities applying to the 91AV tDPT Program will be expected to have completed the same academic prerequisites as their non-disabled peers. No applicant is required to disclose the details of a disability and no otherwise qualified individual will be denied admission to the tDPT program based solely upon a disabling condition.

4.      Upon acceptance, the Westbrook College of Health Professions, under the law, is obligated to provide reasonable accommodations to tDPT candidates and students with documented disabilities who are registered with the University’s Disability Services while completing the academic and technical requirements for graduation from the program.

Reasonable accommodations:
Are provided to help offset the impact of the student’s disability, provide equal access to the University’s programs and services while upholding the academic and technical standards of the tDPT Program.

Are provided to assist the student in learning, performing and satisfying the fundamental standards, so long as the student provides comprehensive documentation establishing his/her disability status prior to the need for reasonable accommodation

Are provided only to the extent that such accommodation does not result in lowering the technical standards of the Department of Physical Therapy or interfering with the rights of other students

Do not exempt tDPT candidates from completing certain tasks deemed essential

Do not include reliance on an intermediary - When a candidate’s ability to function is compromised (with or without accommodation) the candidate must demonstrate alternative means and/or abilities to acquire essential information and demonstrate essential tasks without reliance upon another person to help perform that essential task.

Are determined by the 91AV Student Access Center in consultation with tDPT faculty.

Candidate Declaration of abilities and skills*

Prior to the start of tDPT classes, matriculating students must indicate that they possess the abilities reflected in the technical standards described below, either with or without reasonable accommodation.

A tDPT candidate with a disability who wishes reasonable accommodation must contact:

Hahna Patterson, MA
Director of Disability Services
Phone: (207) 221-4418
Fax: (207) 523-1919
Email:hpatterson@une.edu

An offer of admission may be withdrawn or a tDPT candidate may be withdrawn from the program if it becomes apparent at any time that he or she cannot complete the technical standards even with accommodations, that the accommodations needed are not reasonable, or that fulfilling the functions would create a significant risk of harm to the health or safety of the student or others.

Technical Standards: Abilities and Skills

Matriculation into the DPT Program assumes certain essential cognitive, emotional, and technical skills. Reflected in the standards that follow are those abilities and skills that degree candidates must possess to engage safely and competently in required learning activities. The abilities and skills are described in five domains, including observation skills; communication skills; motor skills (fine and gross); intellectual-conceptual, integrative and quantitative abilities; and behavioral and social/emotional attributes.

I. Communication
Communication includes: speech, language, reading, writing and computer literacy. Candidates must be able to communicate quickly, effectively and efficiently in oral and written English. Candidates must be able to complete forms according to directions in a complete and timely fashion. The candidate must be able to demonstrate the ability to deliver and receive complex information in one-on-one and group settings, respond to questions from a variety of sources and respond appropriately to verbal and non-verbal communication, as well as explain complex information according to the listener’s needs and abilities, both formally and informally. A candidate must be able to complete paper and/or on-line forms and documentation according to directions in a timely fashion.

II. Intellectual-Conceptual, Integrative and Quantitative Abilities
To effectively solve problems, the candidate must be able to: measure, calculate, reason, analyze, comprehend, integrate and synthesize information.  The ability to incorporate new information from peers, teachers, and the medical literature is essential. The candidate must have the ability to use computers for searching, recording, storing, and retrieving information. The candidate must be able to understand theory, research literature, and principles that apply to physical therapy practice, and analyze and solve complex patient problems. The ability to use critical analysis to understand theory, research literature, and principles that apply to physical therapy practice and to apply inductive and deductive clinical reasoning to solve complex patient problems is necessary. The candidate must be able to effectively engage in self-assessment of performance, as well as provide objective and constructive assessments of peers and faculty.

III. Behavioral and Social/Emotional Attributes

The candidate must be: dependable, punctual, ethical, and reliable; maintain professional demeanor in all situations; recognize stressors and be able to seek assistance as needed. Candidates must possess the emotional health required for full utilization of their intellectual abilities. The candidate must demonstrate a commitment to learning by seeking new knowledge and understanding, formulating their own thoughts and ideas, and taking ownership of their educational advancement. Candidates must be able to tolerate taxing workloads and to function effectively under stress. They must be able to measure, calculate, reason, analyze and synthesize information effectively, while under stress, and in an environment in which other distractions may be present. The candidate must be able to abide by the APTA Code of Ethics, the Standards of Physical Therapy Practice and the Core Values, which can be found on the American Physical Therapy Association website at www.apta.org. Candidates must demonstrate integrity and honesty in the academic environment, as well as being able to engage in respectful interactions with individuals from various lifestyles, cultures, races, socioeconomic classes and abilities. They must be able to develop and maintain respectful working relationships with peers, faculty, and professional colleagues. The candidate must be able to accept constructive feedback and respond with suitable action.

*Information and design from The Essential Standards and Technical Standards documents from the Graduate Program in Physical Therapy at Central Michigan and Sacramento State, and University of Buffalo’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, as well as the generic abilities developed by the physical therapy program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.      

Students are expected to abide by the academic policies and procedures and conduct code outlined in the 91AV (91AV) Student Handbook, the Department of Physical Therapy Student Handbook and the WCHP Graduate Program Progression Policies and Procedures. Failure to abide by these policies, procedures or codes may result in disciplinary action.

Registration/Add/Drop

Registration for courses will be on a first-come, first-serve basis until maximum enrollment is met. Students will be able to register for classes only after matriculation into the program.

Completion

The tDPT curriculum must be completed within three years of starting the program.

See Student Handbook for the Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (tDPT) program.

Transfer Credit

Transfer credit for up to one course requirement may be granted by demonstration of course equivalency. The criteria for course equivalency include:

• Successful completion (B or higher grade) of an equivalent graduate level course taken within the past five years prior to enrollment into the tDPT program.
• Course completed must address the educational outcomes of the tDPT program course.
• Work or other educational experiences may also be considered in addition to graduate coursework in determining course equivalency.
• All requests for transfer credit will be reviewed ONLY at the time of matriculation to the program by the Department Admissions Committee.

Advanced Placement

No credit will be awarded for Advanced Placement.

Experiential Learning

No credit will be awarded to students for experiential learning.

We are no longer enrolling new students into the t-DPT program

ACADEMIC PREREQUISITES

All applicants to the tDPT program must meet the following criteria at the time of application:

• Have completed a baccalaureate (BPT) or master (MPT) level degree in physical therapy from a Physical Therapy program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy (CAPTE) or equivalent
• Have a current license to practice, and be employed as a physical therapist in the United States

PROCEDURES AND POLICIES

• Applications for admission are submitted through 91AV’s  
• Applications for new students will only be reviewed for fall and spring terms. (Program courses are, however, offered in the summer, fall, and spring terms.) 
• Admissions are rolling and applications are reviewed as they are received
• Official transcripts from all previous colleges and universities must be submitted to the Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions as documentation of all coursework and degrees completed 
• International applicants and applicants with international degrees must have transcripts evaluated for degree and grade equivalency to that of a regionally accredited US institution and CAPTE accredited Physical Therapy program.  See 
• All applicants to 91AV must be able to understand and communicate in English to be admitted to the university.  91AV accepts several methods of English Proficiency, see. English Proficiency requirement must be completed at the time of application.

For additional information on the admissions process and requirements, please access the tDPT website.

POLICY EXCEPTIONS

The tDPT Admissions Committee reserve the right to make exceptions to the admissions criteria and to make changes or exceptions to policies and procedures, on a case by case basis, when it deems such a decision is necessary and appropriate.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.

Equipment

All students are required to have access to high-speed internet service. It is recommended that students have their own computer with the capability of utilizing Blackboard or similar on-line education format.

Financial Aid

Detailed information and applications are available on request from the Financial Aid Office at the Biddeford Campus. Call 207-602-2342 or visit the Financial Aid website.

The mission of the 91AV Physician Assistant Program is to prepare master's level primary care Physician Assistants to be highly skilled members of interprofessional healthcare teams. The program is committed to developing clinicians who will provide compassionate, competent and evidence-based patient-centered healthcare to people of all backgrounds and cultures throughout their lifespan. The Program places special emphasis on training clinicians who are knowledgeable about the healthcare needs of our aging population and have the skills and passion to provide healthcare to people in underserved rural and urban communities. 

Graduate Professional Competencies

The mission of the Program is accomplished by having graduates who meet the goals of the educational process.  Graduates of the Physician Assistant Program will:

• Understand the basic sciences of anatomy, physiology and Pathophysiology and be able to utilize this knowledge in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
• Understand the principles of pharmacotherapeutics and to apply them in the treatment of patients.
• Elicit a detailed, accurate history and perform a thorough physical examination.
• Understand how to order and interpret appropriate diagnostic tests in a cost efficient manner.
• Present patient data and document it appropriately in the medical record.
• Provide quality acute and ongoing patient care by appropriately delineating patient problems and by formulating and implementing patient management plans, including referrals to other healthcare providers and agencies.
• Perform or assist in the performance of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and manage or assist in the management of medical and surgical conditions, particularly in life threatening situations.
• Understand the principles of public health and incorporate health promotion and disease prevention into a patient care practice.
• Use information technology in the provision of quality healthcare and clinical decision-making.
• Evaluate the medical literature critically and apply this knowledge and the principles of evidence-based medicine to clinical practice.
• Provide compassionate and competent healthcare to patients of all ages and backgrounds.
• Understand the medical and social issues that affect the geriatric patient and provide appropriate management of these problems.
• Counsel patients, their families and their caregivers regarding issues of health, illness and medical care.
• Understand the historical and contemporary role of the physician assistant in the healthcare system.
• Participate effectively as a member of an interdisciplinary healthcare team.
• Understand the principles of patient oriented healthcare and to communicate clearly with patients.
• Identify the special dynamics of providing healthcare to rural or underserved populations.
• Demonstrate appropriate professional behavior by following the American Academy of Physician Assistants' Guidelines for Ethical Conduct for the Physician Assistant Profession.

The Master of Science - Physician Assistant Program (MSPA) has been planned to effectively utilize faculty expertise from the University's five colleges. Some faculty hold joint appointments with responsibility for teaching medical and physician assistant students as well as other health profession matriculants. Similarly, physician assistant candidates will receive clinical supervision as part of an integrated team of health providers. It is our expectation that these collaborative strategies toward teaching and learning will ultimately result in high quality, cost-effective health care delivery, particularly in medically under- served regions of New England.

Upon successful completion of the Physician Assistant Program, the 91AV awards the master of science degree. The program operates on a twenty-four month full-time calendar, beginning in late May of each year with a new incoming class.

What is a PA?

Physician Assistants (PAs) are health professionals licensed to practice medicine with physician supervision. Physician Assistants are qualified by graduation from an accredited physician assistant educational program and/or certification by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. Within the physician/PA relationship, physician assistants exercise autonomy in medical decision-making and provide a broad range of diagnostic and therapeutic services under the general supervision of the physician.

Other

The 91AV's Master of Science - Physician Assistant Program was designed according to the Essentials and Guidelines for an Accredited Educational Program for the Physician Assistant. The 91AV Physician Assistant Program is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).

Note: The curricular requirements below apply to the class entering J91AV 2018 (Class of 2020). 

Phase I of the program of study consists of 56 credit hours in pre-clinical didactic course work. The summer, fall and spring terms include instruction in the fields of biomedical sciences, clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, clinical assessment, anatomy, physiology, evidence based medicine, ethics and professionalism, specialty disciplines, surgery, geriatrics and emergency medicine.

Twelve months of clinical rotations will take place upon successful completion of the didactic phase. The program ends with a final week on campus, which provides a forum for the presentation of students' research projects to peers and faculty; offers assistance in preparing the graduating students for certification; and gives physician assistant candidates an opportunity to integrate the didactic and clinical portions of their training in preparation for the Physician Assistant National Certification Exam.

Graduation Requirements

Students must complete all program requirements prior to the issuance of their Master of Science degree and the certificate of completion of the program. 

WCHP Academic Policies

The Department of Physician Assistant, the Westbrook College of Health Professions, and the 91AV are committed to offering a quality Physician Assistant education program that complies with the evaluative criteria of the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant. The program provides learning experiences to enable graduates to achieve the outcomes required for the practice of Physician Assistant.  Please refer to the WCHP Graduate Program Progression Policies and Procedures for detailed description of academic standards.

Technical Standards

All students must be able to meet the following 91AV Physician Assistant Program technical standards to successfully complete the Physician Assistant Program.  A candidate for the Physician Assistant Program must have abilities and skills in five categories: observation, communication, motor, intellectual, and behavioral/social. Reasonable accommodation for persons with documented disabilities will be considered on an individual basis, but a candidate must be able to perform in an independent manner. The following skills are required, with or without accommodation:

Observation:  Candidates must have sufficient sensory capacity to observe in the lecture hall, the laboratory, the outpatient setting, and the patient's bedside. Sensory skills adequate to perform a physical examination are required. Functional vision, hearing and tactile sensation must be adequate to observe a patient's condition and to elicit information through procedures regularly required in a physical examination, such as inspection, auscultation and palpation.

Communication:  Candidates must be able to communicate effectively in both academic and health care settings. Candidates must show evidence of effective written and verbal communication skills.

Motor:  The ability to participate in basic diagnostic and therapeutic maneuvers and procedures (e.g. palpation, auscultation) is required. Candidates must have sufficient motor function to execute movements required to provide care to patients. Candidates must be able to negotiate patient care environments and must be able to move between settings, such as clinic, classroom building, and hospital.

Physical stamina sufficient to complete the rigorous course of didactic and clinical study is required. Long periods of sitting, standing, or moving are required in classroom laboratory, and clinical experiences.

Intellectual:  Candidates must be able to measure, calculate, reason, analyze and synthesize. Problem- solving, one of the critical skills demanded of physician assistants, requires all of these intellectual abilities. In addition, candidates should be able to comprehend three-dimensional relationships and understand the spatial relationships of structures. Candidates must be able to read and understand medical literature. In order to complete the Physician Assistant Program degree, candidates must be able to demonstrate mastery of these skills and the ability to use them together in a timely fashion in medical problem-solving and patient care.

Behavioral and Social Attributes: Candidates must possess the emotional health required for full utilization of their intellectual abilities, the exercise of good judgment, and the prompt completion of all academic and patient care responsibilities. The development of mature, sensitive and effective relationships with patients and other members of the health care team is essential. Flexibility, compassion, integrity, motivation, interpersonal skills and the ability to function in the face of uncertainties inherent in clinical practice are all required.

For more information on disabilities and accommodation, please contact 91AV Student Access Center at (207) 602-2815.

Grading

Upon completion of a course of study, the faculty member in charge of that course submits the number of hours taught and a grade for each student to the academic coordinator. The MSPA program uses a standard letter grading system.

Course Add/Drop or Withdrawal Policy

Due to the standard curriculum sequence within the MSPA Program, students are not allowed to add or drop courses. Students may not withdraw from an individual  MSPA course; to do so indicates a complete withdrawal from the MSPA Program.

Repeat Course Policy

Courses in the MSPA Program are offered once per year. All courses within the program must be completed with a minimum final grade of at least 74%.  Students must successfully complete each course within a given semester to progress to the next semester. The Program Student Development Committee in association with the Program Director determines whether or not a course or part of it must be repeated. It may be necessary for the student to await the next time the course is offered in the MSPA Program schedule which may make it necessary for the student to apply for a leave of absence and if granted, return to the program when the course in next offered. 

Upon completion of a repeated course, a new listing and assigned grade are placed on the student's transcript. The original course listing and grade remain on the student's transcript. All courses are listed chronologically on the transcript by semester or academic period in which they are enrolled.

Please refer to the  Westbrook College of Health Professions Graduate Progression Policy and Procedures for further information regarding graduate program progression. 

The mission of the Program is accomplished by having graduates who meet the goals of the educational process.  Graduates of the Physician Assistant Program will:

• Understand the basic sciences of anatomy, physiology and Pathophysiology and be able to utilize this knowledge in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
• Understand the principles of pharmacotherapeutics and to apply them in the treatment of patients.
• Elicit a detailed, accurate history and perform a thorough physical examination.
• Understand how to order and interpret appropriate diagnostic tests in a cost efficient manner.
• Present patient data and document it appropriately in the medical record.
• Provide quality acute and ongoing patient care by appropriately delineating patient problems and by formulating and implementing patient management plans, including referrals to other healthcare providers and agencies.
• Perform or assist in the performance of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and manage or assist in the management of medical and surgical conditions, particularly in life threatening situations.
• Understand the principles of public health and incorporate health promotion and disease prevention into a patient care practice.
• Use information technology in the provision of quality healthcare and clinical decision-making.
• Evaluate the medical literature critically and apply this knowledge and the principles of evidence-based medicine to clinical practice.
• Provide compassionate and competent healthcare to patients of all ages and backgrounds.
• Understand the medical and social issues that affect the geriatric patient and provide appropriate management of these problems.
• Counsel patients, their families and their caregivers regarding issues of health, illness and medical care.
• Understand the historical and contemporary role of the physician assistant in the healthcare system.
• Participate effectively as a member of an interdisciplinary healthcare team.
• Understand the principles of patient oriented healthcare and to communicate clearly with patients.
• Identify the special dynamics of providing healthcare to rural or underserved populations.
• Demonstrate appropriate professional behavior by following the American Academy of Physician Assistants' Guidelines for Ethical Conduct for the Physician Assistant Profession.

Transfer Credit

• Transfer credits are rarely awarded to students who transfer from another physician assistant program
• Transfer credits will be reviewed and awarded on a case-by-case basis

Advanced standing

• No advanced standing available

Experiential Learning

• No credit will be awarded  for experiential learning

program admissions requirements
 

COURSEwork Requirements

• Science (all with labs, 8 semester credits or 12 quarter credits)
  • Biology
  • General Chemistry
  • Human Anatomy & Physiology
    • Completed within seven (7) years of matriculation
    • Must include all body systems and be a full-year, two-semester, sequence or the equivalent
    • Combination of courses must consist of both 4 credits of anatomy with lab and 4 credits of physiology with lab OR 8 credits of A&P I & II (both with lab)
    • Animal Physiology will not satisfy the physiology prerequisite
• Other
  • Psychology/Sociology or related behavioral science (6 semester, 10 quarter credits)
  • English (6 semester, 10 quarter credits)
  • Statistics (3 semester, 5 quarter credits)
  • Courses in Advanced Physiology, Pathophysiology, Microbiology, Physics, and Biochemistry are highly recommended
• Maximum of three (3) AP credits may be applied toward the English prerequisite only
• All prerequisite courses must be successfully completed with a grade of “C” or better (“C-“grades, not acceptable)  
• Prerequisites may be in-progress or planned at the time of application, but must be completed by December 31 of the application year
  • Planned or in progress coursework must be listed on the on the CASPA application at time of submission; not doing so will result in the applicant not meeting minimum requirements
  • Upper level coursework (with labs) acceptable to fulfill general science requirements
  • Online courses offered through as well as online courses from other U.S. regionally accredited colleges or universities are acceptable with approval of program
  • Transcripts for coursework and/or degrees completed in the Fall term prior to the PA program start to be submitted to CASPA for verification during the Fall Academic Update period
  • Transcripts for coursework and/or degrees completed in the Spring term to be submitted directly to 91AV's Office of Graduate  Admissions as soon as available

ACADEMIC/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum 90 undergraduate semester credits (135 quarter credits) from a U.S. regionally accredited institution(s) at time of application, and a Bachelor's Degree from a U.S. regionally accredited institution, or international equivalent, prior to matriculation 
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, as calculated by CASPA which includes  all coursework taken with no forgiveness for retakes (average for matriculated students has been 3.5 for the past few years)
• Minimum CASPA BCP GPA of 3.0 (average for matriculated students has been 3.5 for the past few years)
  • BCP is GPA calculated by CASPA for all biology, chemistry, and physics courses completed
  • Additional credit hours beyond the minimum pre-requisites, especially upper level coursework, in the Biology, Chemistry, and Physics areas, will enhance your application and make you a stronger candidate
• 91AV no longer requires GRE score report
• Minimum 500 hours of direct patient care required (average for matriculated students has typically been in the range of 2500 – 3500 hours over the past few years)
• PA shadowing, minimum 20 hours required 
  • “Shadowing” of PAs in more than one practice facility and practice area is very important for a clear understanding of the role of the PA on the medical team
  • Applicants will be required to show evidence of PA shadowing hours in a primary care, inpatient or outpatient setting and must record in the “Health Care Shadowing Experience” section of CASPA (“Shadowing” does not count toward direct patient care hours)​
• Proficiency with computer technology strongly recommended
• Three (3) letters of reference from writers who know you and can speak to your academic abilities and/or professional experience (letters from friends or family members are not acceptable)
• Only those applicants who meet minimum requirements will be considered for admission
  • Just meeting minimum requirements, however, does not guarantee an interview
  • Average GPAs for students accepted into the program are well above published minimums
• Before or upon matriculation, accepted candidates will be expected to
  • Meet all health immunization requirements
  • Obtain a physical examination with proof of up-to-date      immunization status
• Before or upon matriculation, accepted candidates will be required to pass criminal background checks and/or drug screenings, as well as periodically throughout the program as required by clinical affiliations
• Must have a current American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) course for the provider and must maintain current BLS throughout the program
• Must meet all of the Physician Assistant profession

PROCEDURES AND POLICIES

• Applications for admissions accepted through the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) only
  • CASPA application portal opens annually in late April
  • Applications must be electronically submitted to CASPA by the posted deadline
  • For more information and detailed instructions for completion of the application, visit
  • Given the normally heavy volume of applications, candidates are strongly encouraged to submit and complete applications as early as possible in the cycle to ensure consideration for an invitation to interview
• On-campus interviews are required for admission and are granted to qualified applicants by invitation only 
• Offers of admission will be made on a rolling basis
  • Decisions are made following each interview session and continue until the program starts
  • If accepted two (2) deposits will be required to secure your seat in the class
• International applicants and applicants with international degrees
  • Must have their transcripts evaluated for degree and grade equivalency to that of a regionally accredited US institution ()
  • Must be able to understand and communicate (in writing and with speech) in English to be admitted to the university
    • 91AV accepts several methods of
    • If an applicant cannot prove English Proficiency in another way, scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language or the International English Language Testing System is required and official score report must be submitted as a part of the completed application

policy exceptions

• Policies have been established to ensure fair and consistent admissions practice for all applicants
• All criteria presented in this summary are subject to change per professional accreditation requirements, changes in curriculum or other institutional standards, and clinical affiliation requirements
• Exceptions to existing admission policies are rare and made on a case by case basis, only when it is deemed necessary and appropriate to maintain fair and consistent practice for all candidates

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.

Lab Fees

A fee is charged to cover the expenses for specific science courses (e.g., anatomy), certain specific course or program component (Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs), evaluative testing, including the use of high-fidelity simulators, etc.) and an equipment fee for personal medical equipment.

Clinical Fee

The Clinical Fee is dispersed to clinical sites during the student's clinical year. It is an honorarium paid to the clinical site in appreciation for clinical training. While dispersed to clinical sites during the clinical year, to better equalize charges and award financial aid, a portion of the fee is billed to students during both the didactic and clinical year.

Tuition and fees are refunded per 91AV policy. The refund policy can be found in the University Catalog section on Financial Information for Graduate Programs.

Equipment

Students are required to have certain personal medical equipment. This equipment is group purchased (at a significant discount) for each entering Class and the equipment is delivered to students during the first week of the program.  Please do not purchase personal medical equipment from sources other than the Program's group purchase.

Books

Students in the didactic phase can plan on spending approximately $1,500 to $2,000 on required textbooks. Course syllabi and the program book list may also include recommended books which students are not required to purchase, but may wish to have as important reference materials.  Most of the texts used in the Program are available digitally via the 91AV Library's Portal and can be accessed without additional expense.

Other Expenses

Students are responsible for expenses involved with travel, parking, living expenses and meals.

Student Employment

The program discourages students from having outside employment while attending the PA Program. If a student feels that it is necessary to work while in the program, it is advisable that the student inform his/her academic advisor.

Financial Aid

Detailed information and applications are available on request from the Financial Aid Office on the Biddeford Campus. Call 207-602-2342 or visit the Financial Aid website.

The Teacher Certification Program (TCP) is for individuals who hold a baccalaureate degree and are interested in acquiring elementary/middle or secondary teacher certification. Through course work designed to satisfy department and state requirements, certification in elementary/middle education (K-8), secondary education (7-12 in either life science, physical science, English, history, mathematics), or art education (K-12) can be obtained.  All coursework must be completed at the graduate level (EDU 500 - 600).  After completion of this certification program, a student is eligible to enroll in the Master of Science in Education degree program with a concentration in Teaching Methodology.  This program builds on the Teacher Certification Program and, with the addition of 5 online core courses (15 credits), one may earn a Master of Science in Education degree. 

Prior to admittance into the Teacher Certification Program a student can take courses as a continuing education student. Continuing education (CE) students may enroll in two courses (6 credit hours).  To enroll in any more courses for subsequent semesters, CE students must be admitted into the TCP.

Recent 91AV graduates can enroll as Continuing Education students to complete student teaching in the Department of Education to achieve State of Maine’s Elementary or Secondary teacher certification.

In order to be admitted to student teaching through Continuing Education, students must:

• Have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 upon graduation from 91AV;
• Apply to student teach within 2 years of graduation;
• Be recommended by a 91AV advisor;
• Show evidence of passing PRAXIS I and PRAXIS II;
• Provide contact information for three references;
• Have completed the State of Maine recommended certification courses prior to student teaching.

Application deadlines for Student Teaching are October 1^st for the following Spring semester and April 1^st for the following Fall semester.

Once students are approved, the Chair of the Department of Education will forward the approval paperwork to the Continuing Education program. The student will be eligible to register for the 12-credit student teaching experience.

The Education Certification Programs are approved by the Maine Department of Education and meet documented state standards.  Please note that state requirements can change over time, which can affect curriculum and test requirements for students. Please check with your education advisor to obtain any updates. 

Field Experience

The faculty in the Department of Education is committed to providing students with ongoing and frequent observation and involvement in schools. The teacher education programs at 91AV have a specific, competency-based focus to meet the InTASC standards for teacher certification. All students engaged in the TCP will spend time in a field setting during each of the semesters for which they are registered for professional education courses. Involvement in the schools will be connected to specific, course-related tasks (e.g., conducting observations, teaching lessons, administering assessments, etc.).

Internship

Courses may not be taken during the internship semester. Therefore, all required coursework must be completed by the end of the semester prior to start of the internship.  Admission to the internship is not guaranteed (see section on “Admission Requirements and Successful Progression in the Program”). In addition, the student should have each of the following:

1. Sufficient knowledge regarding the components of effective instruction.
2. Sufficient knowledge of appropriate grade-level content and teaching methods.
3. Sufficient knowledge of the developmental needs of students.
4. Sufficient knowledge of how to establish and maintain effective cooperative relationships with school personnel, students, and parents.
5. Understanding of and empathy for working with students.

The selection of individual internship sites will be made by the Certification and Placement Officer. Geographical location relative to 91AV is a consideration. 91AV has a collaborative relationship with many districts and selects schools and teachers based on their interest in and ability to assist interns in demonstrating mastery of the InTASC  standards. Placement in an internship is not guaranteed. The Department of Education, through its Certification and Placement Officer, will make a good faith effort to negotiate an appropriate placement. Schools have the right to refuse placement requests. The University, at its discretion, will not place students in internship settings (1) where an intern's children or relatives are enrolled, or (2) where a spouse or relative of an intern is currently employed.

Professional Educator Review Board (PERB)

All students enrolled in the internship must demonstrate their teaching competence to the Professional Educator Review Board (PERB) with respect to the InTASC standards. This board is comprised of professional educators from area schools, as well as 91AV faculty. Students are required to develop a portfolio that attests to their proficiency in meeting the InTASC standards; they must present and defend their portfolio in front of the PERB. Receiving a passing evaluation from the PERB is a requirement for completion of all the certification programs and, subsequently, being recommended to the Maine State Department of Education for teacher licensure.

Students in the Teacher Certification Program must maintain a 3.0 grade point average in order to continue in the program.  If a student does not pass an education course with a C or better, they are eligible to retake the course only once.  Grade point averages will be calculated using only courses taken at 91AV (the cumulative grade point average) and using accepted transfer courses as meeting professional program requirements but will not be figured into the GPA. All TCP courses must be taken at graduate level.

No student will be able to student teach without showing evidence of passing PRAXIS II. All students must show evidence of passing Praxis II before the internship application deadline, which is February 1st for a Fall internship and October 1st for a Spring internship.

Students may obtain Praxis I registration information and Praxis II registration information from the Department of Education office or from the Educational Testing Service website: .

In addition to these achievement requirements, students admitted to 91AV's teacher certification programs are assessed periodically for the purpose of determining their professionalism and suitability for teaching.  If serious reservations arise, a committee will convene to determine a student's continuance in the program.  Finally, students must pass the Professional Education Review Board (referenced later in this section of the catalog) at which competency in the InTASC standards must be demonstrated.

Course Withdrawal Policy

In the fall, spring, and summer semesters, a student may withdraw from a course without academic penalty with a grade of W at any time during the first two-thirds of the semester as specified in the current academic calendar. If withdrawal occurs after that date, the grade of WP (withdrew passing) or WF (withdrew failing) will be entered. The grade of WF is computed in the grade point average.

Incomplete Policy

An Incomplete (I) grade may be given by the instructor to a student, who is doing passing work in a course, but who, for reasons beyond his/her control, is not able to complete the work on time. The Incomplete grade must be changed within the time limit determined by the instructor and may not extend beyond six weeks following the end of the semester or 30 days following the end of an eight-week session. Until changed, the Incomplete grade defers computation of credits and grade points for the course to which it is assigned. Failure to complete the work before the deadline date, or within the time imposed by the instructor, results in the assignment of an administrative F grade for the course. Once an Incomplete grade is removed, academic standing will be updated according to dean's list, good standing or probationary standards.

Completion Requirements

All coursework, including the internship, should be completed within a five-year timeframe.  A delay beyond the five years might warrant the retaking of course work.  Furthermore, if state certification requirements change prior to your completion even within the five-year timeframe, those changes must be incorporated into a revised program plan, in order to meet state certification regulations.

This program prepares candidates for teacher certification. The learning outcomes for this program are as follows:

• Students will analyze and apply research relevant to their teaching interest.
• Students will show competency in the Maine Department of Education InTASC Standards (see below).

Maine Department of Education InTASC Standards

Standard One: Learner Development

The teacher understands how students learn and develop, recognizing that patterns of learning and development vary individually within and across the cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical areas, and designs and implements developmentally appropriate and challenging learning experiences.

Standard Two: Learning Differences

The teacher uses understanding of individual differences and diverse cultures and communities to ensure inclusive learning environments that allow each learner to reach his/her full potential.

Standard Three: Learning Environments

The teacher works with learners to create environments that support individual and collaborative learning, encouraging positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self motivation.

Standard Four: Content Knowledge

The teacher understands the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the discipline(s) he or she teaches and creates learning experiences that make these aspects of the discipline accessible and meaningful for learners

Standard Five: Innovative Applications of Content

The teacher understands how to connect concepts and use differing perspectives to engage learners in critical/creative thinking and collaborative problem solving related to authentic local and global issues.

Standard Six: Assessment

The teacher understands and uses multiple methods of assessment to engage learners in their own growth, to document learner progress, and to guide the teacher’s on-going planning and instruction.

Standard Seven: Planning for Instruction

The teacher draws upon knowledge of content areas, cross-disciplinary skills, learners, the community, and pedagogy to plan instruction that supports every student in meeting rigorous learning goals.

Standard Eight: Instructional Strategies

The teacher understands and uses a variety of instructional strategies to encourage learners to develop deep understanding of content areas and their connections, and to build skills to access and appropriately apply information.

Standard Nine: Reflection and Continuous Growth

The teacher is a reflective practitioner who uses evidence to continually evaluate his/her practice, particularly the effects of his/her choices and actions on others (students,  families,  and  other  professionals  in  the  learning  community),  and adapts practice to meet the needs of each learner.

Standard Ten: Collaboration 

The teacher seeks appropriate leadership roles and opportunities to take responsibility for student learning, to collaborate with learners, families, colleagues, other school professionals, and community members to ensure learner growth, and to advance the profession.

Standard Eleven: Technology Standards for Teachers - (NETS.T)

Effective teachers model and apply the National Educational Technology Standards for Students (NETS.S) as they design, implement, and assess learning experiences to engage students and improve  learning; enrich professional practice; and provide positive models for students, colleagues, and the community. All teachers will meet the following standards and performance indicators. 

program admissions requirements

coursework prerequisites

• No specific prerequisite coursework

ACADEMIC/experience requirements

• Completed a baccalaureate degree from a U.S. regionally accredited institution or international equivalent
• Submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
• Submit official report of passing scores on all sections of the PRAXIS I.
• Submit approval credential or official copy of Education Tech III certification from the State of Maine (documentation of this security clearance must be submitted as a part of the application) 
• Transcript analysis from the  (Please note: Analysis may take up to 12 weeks to complete)
• Only those applicants who meet minimum requirements will be considered for admission
• Before or upon matriculation, accepted candidates will be expected to
  • Meet all health immunization requirements

PROCEDURES AND POLICIES

• Students may enroll in no more than two (2) TCP courses (maximum of 6 credits) through the Office of Continuing Education before application to the program
  • Applicants must understand that registering for courses as a non-matriculated student will prohibit the accepted candidate from enrolling in the same semester as a matriculated student
  • Students are not eligible for financial aid to cover the cost of coursework completed as a non-matriculated student
• Applications for admission are submitted through the 
  • Completion of the electronic application includes         
    • Professional statement/essay
    • Names and email addresses of three references
      • Reference letters should be from people who know you well and can speak to your academic skills and your professional experience
  • Applications for new students will be accepted for the summer, fall, and spring terms
    • Applications submitted and completed by the deadline will be considered by the Admissions Committee for the term of application
    • Applications submitted and/or completed after the deadline for one term will be reviewed on a space available basis or for admissions into the next available term
• International students and students with international degrees
  • Must have transcripts evaluated for degree and grade equivalency to that of a U.S. regionally accredited institution 
  • Must be able to understand and communicate in English to be admitted to the university
    • 91AV accepts several methods of ​
    • If an applicant cannot prove English Proficiency in another way, scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language () or the International English Language Testing System is required and must be submitted as a part of the completed application.

​�ċ​POLICY EXCEPTIONS

• Policies have been established to ensure fair and consistent admissions practice for all applicants
• All criteria presented in this summary are subject to change per professional accreditation requirements, changes in curriculum or other institutional standards, and clinical affiliation requirements
• Exceptions to existing admission policies are rare and made on a case by case basis, only when it is deemed necessary and appropriate to maintain fair and consistent practice for all candidate

​TRANSFER CREDIT

• Individuals who have full acceptance in the Teaching Certification Program can transfer up to, but no more than six (6) education credits from other universities
• In-service or workshop-type courses that do not carry college credit will not be accepted for transfer equivalency
• No courses of any kind will be accepted from other institutions after your acceptance into the program at 91AV without a course equivalency granted prior to the course being taken

TUITION AND FEES

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.

FINANCIAL AID

Detailed information and applications are available on request from the Financial Aid Office. Call 207-602-2342 or visit the Financial Aid website.

Overview

The Graduate Programs in Public Health are generalist track programs designed to provide foundational skills desirable for professionals engaging in the practice, education, and research of public health.  The MPH program competencies align with the competencies outlined by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) in 2016.  Required and elective courses in the MPH program help students attain these competencies that are at the center of knowledge, skills, and abilities needed by emerging leaders in public health.

Major Description

The College of Graduate and Professional Studies offers a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree and a Graduate Certificate in Public Health (GCPH). These programs provide a graduate education to individuals currently working in the public health field, allied health professionals, clinicians, and individuals in the beginning stages of a career in public health. The curriculum is delivered in an online format, with full- and part-time options, and is intentionally flexible and readily applicable to students regardless of where they live.

The Master of Public Health is a 46-credit hour curriculum that develops and enhances skills in a variety of professional areas, including social and behavioral health, program development and evaluation, and public health practice and management. This degree culminates in a practicum, which includes a public health practical experience and capstone research project.

The Graduate Certificate in Public Health is an 18-credit hour program that provides students with the core public health courses they need to broaden and enhance their professional knowledge. All courses in the Graduate Certificate in Public Health are also transferable to the MPH degree program.

Program Mission:

The Graduate Programs in Public Health are globally accessible programs committed to improving the health and well-being of communities through education, research, and service using a scholar-practitioner model.

Program Goals:

Education

1. Enroll and support qualified, diverse, and dedicated students who demonstrate a passion for improving public health.
2. Cultivate a learning environment that values communication, collaboration, and diversity.
3. Ensure all graduates possess the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to become successful public health practitioners.
4. Recruit, retain, and support qualified instructors.

Research

1. Sustain a dynamic research agenda driven by emerging public health priorities and identified needs of the workforce.
2. Encourage scientific inquiry among students and provide practical learning opportunities that allow the honing of research skills and generation of new knowledge.
3. Support a collaborative learning environment for students and faculty that allows engagement with public health practitioners, community partners, and each other to develop new endeavors.

Service

1. Encourage and facilitate meaningful community service activities with a public health focus by students and faculty.
2. Maintain a cadre of competent public health professionals with the mindset of activism who collaborate to improve the wellbeing of their local and global communities.

The Master of Public Health degree program is accredited by the Council of Education for Public Health (CEPH). All courses completed by June 1, 2019 are guaranteed CEPH-accredited; the program will host a site visit by CEPH in December 2018 to renew the accreditation status. The Master of Public Health and the Graduate Certificate in Public Health are programs approved by the Maine State Board of Education and accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

The Graduate Certificate in Public Health includes the following required courses (18 credits):

The Master of Public Health program includes the following courses (46 credits):

The following core and required courses (31 credits):

5 of the following 14 electives (15 credits):

Practicum

Competencies

The Graduate Programs in Public Health adopted programmatic competencies that align with the competencies outlined by the Council of Education for Public Health (CEPH) in 2016.  Relevant competencies are listed on each course syllabus. 

Graduation Requirements

To qualify for completion of and receive the Graduate Certificate in Public Health (GCPH) students must:

• Satisfactorily complete 18 credits of specified course work within three consecutive years.
• Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Have no outstanding financial obligations to the University.

To qualify for completion of and receive the Master of Public Health (MPH) students must:

• Satisfactorily complete 46 credits of specified course work within six consecutive years.
• Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Have no outstanding financial obligations to the University.

Minimum Grade Point Average

Matriculated graduate students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B) or better. Failure to do so will result in academic probation and possible termination from the program. Any student receiving a grade below B- on any individual course has failed that course and must re-enroll and repeat the course to achieve a grade of B- or better. Students receiving a grade of F in any course will be immediately placed on academic probation.  Any student who receives a grade of F in two courses is dismissed from the program.

Graduation

Candidates must fulfill all program requirements and are required to earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 to be eligible to graduate. All students must file an Application to Graduate with the registrar’s office via U-Online.  Please access the following link for complete instructions and the answers to frequently asked questions:

Adding, Dropping, and Withdrawing from Courses

The last day permissible for matriculating graduate students to add or drop a course without financial penalty is the second day of class.

Students who withdraw from a course must do so in writing and will receive a “W” on their transcript indicating withdrawal. Students will receive a partial refund if they withdraw from a course within the first or second week. Be aware that no portion of the tuition will be refunded after the second week of the course. Students who have not participated in the course by the end of the second week will be administratively withdrawn from the course and will not receive a tuition refund.

Email requests for withdrawals must be submitted from a student’s 91AV e-mail to be considered.

Matriculating students who withdraw after completing more than 2/3 of a course will receive a grade of “WF” (withdrawn failing) or “WP” (withdrawn passing), based on the instructor’s assessment of the student’s current standing in the course. A “WF” is calculated as an “F” in the student’s GPA. Upon successful completion of the course, the new grade will be used to calculate the GPA. Students will be dismissed from their program after two failing grades (including a “WF”).

University Withdrawal

All matriculated students who wish to withdraw from the University must complete notification documentation available from Registration Services. Documentation must be signed by designated academic and administrative authorities.

Leave of Absence

Matriculated students must enroll and successfully complete at least one course per term. A leave of absence (LOA) for a specified period of time, not to exceed one academic year, may be granted to a matriculated student with the authorization of the Dean and the Program Manager or designee. If not enrolled for one full term, students must contact their Student Support Specialist and complete the required Request for Leave of Absence form available from Registration Services. Application for readmission is not necessary if the student returns as planned. However, the student who does not return at the specified time will be administratively withdrawn and will be subject to readmission procedures.

The LOA period is considered as part of the time allotted to complete the academic program. Note: It is the responsibility of the student to contact the office of the Program Manager to indicate a change of plans.

Medical Leave of Absence

In the event that a leave of absence is taken due to medical reasons, a doctor’s note may be required in order to return to active standing within the program.

Audit Policy

A student may, with prior consent of the Program Manager or designee, enroll in a course for an audit grade (AU). This must be requested at the time of registration for the course and must be accompanied by signed approval of the instructor and Program Manager or designee. This applies to both matriculated and non-matriculated students. Reversal or change of an audit grade is not possible. Once enrolled for AU the grade becomes permanent on a student's academic record. The student who wishes later to be graded for such a course must re-enroll in and pay for graded credit. In auditing a course, the student is expected to complete all lectures and discussion boards, but is not permitted to submit course work for evaluation, take examinations, receive grades, or earn credit. Auditing a course does not count toward enrollment status (i.e. part-time, full-time, etc.) and therefore cannot be considered for financial aid purposes, veteran's benefits, etc.

Academic Integrity Policy

The 91AV values academic integrity in all aspects of the educational experience. Academic dishonesty in any form undermines this standard and devalues the original contributions of others. It is the responsibility of all members of the University community to actively uphold the integrity of the academy; failure to act, for any reason, is not acceptable.

Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to the following:

1.      Cheating, copying, or the offering or receiving of unauthorized assistance or information.

2.      Fabrication or falsification of data, results, or sources for papers or reports.

3.      Action which destroys or alters the work of another student.

4.      Multiple submission of the same paper or report for assignments in more than one course without permission of each instructor.

5.      Plagiarism, the appropriation of records, research, materials, ideas, or the language of other persons or writers and the submission of them as one's own.

Charges of academic dishonesty will be reviewed by the Program Manager. Penalties for students found responsible for violations may depend upon the seriousness and circumstances of the violation, the degree of premeditation involved, and/or the student’s previous record of violations.  Appeal of a decision may be made to the Dean whose decision will be final.  Student appeals will take place through the grievance process outlined in The College of Graduate and Professional Studies Student Handbook.

Office for Students with Disabilities

The Student Access Center works to ensure that the University promotes respect for individual differences and that no person who meets the academic and technical standards needed for admission and continued enrollment at 91AV is denied benefits or subjected to discrimination due to a disability.  Toward this end, and in conjunction with federal and state laws, the University provides reasonable accommodations for qualified students.

Experiential Learning

Experiential learning is highly valued by the College of Graduate and Professional Studies.  Many courses within the College feature experiential-learning components.  However, at this time, no credit will be awarded to students for purely experiential learning experiences undertaken in lieu of coursework.

Transfer Credit

Upon acceptance, students may apply to transfer up to three 3-credit courses (maximum of nine credits) into the Master of Public Health program or up to two 3-credit courses (maximum of six credits) into the Graduate Certificate of Public Health program.

To request consideration for transfer credit, a student must provide an official transcript and a course syllabus for each course. Transfer credit is awarded at the discretion of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies based on specific program details listed below. Requests for approval of transfer credit should be submitted to, and will be granted at the discretion of, the Program Manager.

Transfer courses must

• Be classified as graduate level
• Be from a CEPH accredited institution
• Have been taken within five years of application 
• Have been completed with a grade of “B” or better
• Be equivalent to one of the required program courses or an elective course that meets the goals of the student’s education
• Not have been applied toward any other degree. 

Individuals who earned a Graduate Certificate in Public Health from the 91AV within the last five years may apply for admission to the MPH program and request that all courses be accepted.  Current GCPH students, who are in good standing, may apply to the MPH program at any time during the certificate program by requesting a "change of major" with their Student Support Specialist.

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

• A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution or its equivalent. See  for details regarding evaluation of international degrees for grade and degree equivalency.
• Undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
• Demonstrated academic ability to succeed in graduate level work as evidenced by consistent academic performance in science and math courses.
  Please note: In lieu of college-level courses in either, students may submit GRE subject test scores in mathematics or science.
• Computer with internet connection, including the hardware and software requirements described in our . Must also possess sufficient computer skills to navigate the internet as all classes are accessed 100% online.

Application Process

• Completed online application: http://go.une.edu/apply
• Submission of the non-refundable application fee
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Goal Statements
• Two letters of recommendation
• Official transcripts reflecting conferral of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.  All transcripts are to be submitted from the original institutions.

Note:  Transcripts for any coursework appearing as transfer credit on the transcript of the conferred degree can be waived if the coursework is unrelated to the degree being sought.  The program admissions committee defines all coursework not eligible for waiver.​

PROCEDURES AND POLICIES

• Applications for admission are accepted through 91AV’s online application only. Detailed instructions are included in the online application.
• Official transcripts, as well as other documents to support the application, must be submitted to the College of Graduate and Professional Studies, 716 Stevens Ave, Portland, ME, 04103
• Students are admitted to the GPH program three (3) times a year:  Summer A, Fall A, Spring A.
• Applications received and completed by the respective deadlines will be given full consideration.  Applications submitted and/or completed after the deadline will be reviewed for the next available term.
• Admissions are rolling and decisions are made by the program admissions committee throughout the cycle.
• International applicants and applicants with international degrees must have their transcripts evaluated for degree and grade equivalency to that of a regionally accredited US institution.  See .
• All applicants to 91AV must be able to understand and communicate in English to be admitted to the university.  91AV accepts several methods of English Proficiency, see  
• If an applicant cannot prove English Proficiency in another way, scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language () are required and must be submitted as a part of the completed application. 

For additional information on the admissions process and requirements, please access the  website

POLICY EXCEPTIONS

The Graduate Programs in Public Health and the GPPH Admissions Committee reserve the right to make exceptions to the admissions criteria and to make changes or exceptions to policies and procedures, on a case by case basis, when it deems such a decision is necessary and appropriate.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include course textbooks. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.

Financial Aid

Detailed information and applications are available upon request from the Financial Aid Office. Call (207) 602-2342 or visit the Financial Aid website.

The University is committed to ensuring the success of all online students. The mission of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies reads, "CGPS educates and supports future leaders in industry and service via programs designed to catalyze meaningful career development."

The Science Prerequisites for the Health Professions (SPHP) program is for students who have completed a baccalaureate degree and wish to enter a health professions program, but lack the necessary prerequisite courses. Most students enrolled in these courses will be working professionals. Students may enroll in SPHP courses at any time and from anywhere in the world.  The courses are designed to be completed in 16 weeks, but they are self-paced, so students may complete the courses at an accelerated pace in order to meet their personal academic needs.

All of the courses are accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).

Many health professions programs accept these courses, but we encourage you to check with specific schools to verify that the courses are transferrable before you apply and/or register.

For more information on the courses offered within the SPHP program, including prerequisites, registration information, and a description of laboratory components, please call 855-325-0894 or e-mail prehealth@une.edu.

Course Length:

 1. Courses in the SPHP program are equivalent to one-semester courses, designed to be completed in 16 weeks.

2. Enrollment in the course begins the day your section opens, which is listed in the Academic Calendar found on the SPHP Webpage.

Upon completion of a course, the course instructor submits a grade for each student.   The instructor will notify students once their final grade has been calculated.

Technology requirements may differ by course. Please email prehealth@une.edu regarding technology requirements for a specific course.

Students take proctored exams online using Proctor U.  For instructions on taking online exams, please visit .

Withdrawal from the Course and Refunds

To withdraw from a course, please use go to http://www.une.edu/registrar/registration/registration-forms and complete the withdrawal form under "Science Prerequisite Course Forms."  All correspondence with the 91AV Registrar's office must be from your 91AV email address. Please complete all sections of the withdrawal form, including your PRN, the CRN, course subject and number (Example: ANAT 1005). This action will result in a W grade for the course.  For withdrawal deadlines, please refer to the academic calendar.

Refund POLICY

To learn about the refund policy, please refer to the College of Graduate and Professional Studies' . 

Students may enter the program at any time, as long as they meet the prerequisites for the individual courses.  They may take as many courses as needed to meet the prerequisite requirements for the health professions program to which they are applying, but they are encouraged to limit enrollment to a maximum of two courses simultaneously.  For students wishing to take more than two courses at a time, please email an Enrollment Counselor at prehealth@une.edu or call 855-325-0894. 

We do not accept any type of financial aid or payment plan at this time, with the exception of military assistance.  Students are expected to make payment in full at the time of checkout. 

Vision:

The 91AV School of Social Work envisions a world where social workers are at the forefront of advocating with individuals and communities for human dignity and social inclusion by mobilizing efforts to end inequities, exploitation, and violence. 

Mission:

The mission of the School of Social Work is to provide transformative and collaborative learning that embraces the values of social inclusion and promotes enhanced quality of life for individuals and communities. 

Values:

Our values promote social inclusion¹ conceptualized as actions taken to improve quality of life, access to equitable resources, enhancement of human bonds within the context of cultural diversity, and engagement of people, populations, and communities to fully participate in society. Towards this end:

• We promote culturally informed practice that is respectful of the complexity and diversity of people’s lives and circumstances.
• We recognize that social exclusion prevents people from full and just participation in their communities as a consequence of inequities, discrimination, and disadvantage arising from adversity in early life and continuing across the life course.
• We practice social responsibility by raising public awareness of social exclusion, challenging discrimination and acting with and on behalf of groups, populations, and communities.
• We support person-centered collaborative practices and partnerships that bring together diverse workers and community members to meet the best interests of individuals, families, and groups.

1. “The process of improving the ability, opportunity, and dignity of people, disadvantaged on the basis of their identity, to take part in society.” (2013, World Bank Publication)

References:

The School of Social Work prepares people for advanced professional practice and is accredited to offer the Master of Social Work (MSW) degree by the Council on Social Work Education. MSW graduates learn to understand the potential for individual and collective human development when people live with dignity and social justice; to identify people's strengths across diverse populations and how to build upon them; to understand the multiple social, cultural, political and economic factors influencing the design, development and evaluation of social policies and programs; to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to carry out multiple social work interventions consistent with the School's mission and the profession's ethics; and to develop intervention strategies that empower individuals, families, groups, or communities.

The MSW degree offers graduates the opportunity to play active roles in health and mental health, alcohol and substance abuse, poverty and public welfare, women's and children's services, domestic violence, homelessness, corrections, applied arts and social justice and other emerging areas of service delivery. The program prepares graduates to work with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities in an array of settings and with diverse populations. The values and commitments embedded in the School's Mission Statement permeate our work in every area.

Program Goals

Prepare competent Master-level professional social workers who at every system level provide leadership to:

• Promote social inclusion to enable people, populations and communities to fully participate in society.
• Create person-centered collaborative and sustainable relationships across diverse communities and practice settings.
• Develop and apply ethical reflection, critical consciousness and shared decision-making based in social work values and with consideration of the broader contexts of the world in which we live. 

These goals are integrated into the social work curriculum. Through their presence in courses, fieldwork internships, and internal School governance we bring our Mission Statement to life.

The School of Social Work at the 91AV is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education to offer the master's degree in social work.

Students in the campus-based program option can select from several progression plans. They may choose the 2-year, full-time program, a 3-4 year part-time program or complete their degree in as little as 16 months through the accelerated track. 

Students in the campus-based program option can earn certificates in Applied Arts and Social Justice, Trauma-Informed Practice, or Diversity in Aging. Certificates can be completed within the required 64 credit course structure.

Students who have graduated from an accredited BSW program can apply for advanced standing and complete their MSW in one year (See Advanced Standing). Advanced Standing status can completed full- or part-time students.

All traditional students are required to complete 64 credit hours of graduate study divided between classroom and fieldwork education. Field placements, or internships, consist of four semesters of supervised practice in approved social work settings; each semester includes 280 hours of practice experience. The curriculum is designed to provide an integrated foundation or knowledge base and advanced skills for social work practice within a concentration (Clinical Practice, Community Practice, or Integrated Practice).

Foundation Year courses emphasize an integrated social work perspective involving the social context and its impact on social policy, programs, and the social work profession. Courses include Human Behavior and the Social Environment I and II; Social Work Policy and Programs I and II; Social Work Practice I and II; Research I and II; and Field Integrating Seminars I and II. In addition, students spend 560 hours in a field setting, which permits students another learning mode through placements in social agencies and programs with structured on-site professional supervision.

Concentrations are offered in Clinical Practice, Community Practice, and Integrated Practice.  The Clinical Concentration prepares students with knowledge and skills for advanced practice primarily focused on individuals, families, and groups in multiple settings.   The Community Concentration provides students with knowledge and skills in an array of advanced practice roles in the areas of program and policy development, administration, supervision, political advocacy, community practice, and evaluation.  The Integrated Concentration combines the core curriculum of both the Clinical and Community Practice Concentrations. All concentrations prepare graduates for professional leadership positions within their communities, and all are enriched by a selection of electives.

Graduation Requirements

Students must successfully complete all courses with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 prior to graduation and fulfill all curriculum requirements.

Graduates of the 91AV SSW will demonstrate knowledge, skills, and leadership in the following:

1.   Practice social inclusion to enable people, populations, and communities to fully participate in society, enhance human bonds in the context of cultural diversity and ensure improved quality of life and equitable resource distribution.  

2.   Engage in culturally-informed relationship building respectful of the complexity and diversity of contexts and circumstances. 

3.   Utilize theories of human behavior, social systems and social inclusion when offering interventions with people and their environments. 

4.   Promote ethical reflection, critical consciousness and shared decision-making based in social work values and with consideration of the broader contexts of the world in which we live. 

5.   Balance the roles of helpers, activists, and advocates through collaboration with communities to build healthy and sustainable resources. 

6.   Engage as critical consumers and producers of research and evaluation applied to clinical and community practices. 

7.   Practice person-centered and collaborative community partnerships across diverse settings. 

• Petitions for transfer credits for graduate social work courses to be submitted at the time of acceptance to the School of Social Work
  • Up to nine (9) credits may be transferred for courses completed with a minimum grade of “B” and equivalent to 91AV SSW foundation courses
  • P/F courses will not be accepted for transfer credit 
  • No course electives nor courses from programs outside of social work will be considered for transfer credit
  • All courses to have been completed within seven (7) years of anticipated enrollment in the School
  • Applicants petitioning for transfer credits must include the following
    • Professional statement to include reasons for requesting transfer to the 91AV School of Social Work
    • A syllabus for each course being submitted for transfer credit

• Transfer students required to adhere to the degree-requirement progression plan in effect at the time of your admission (Note: Individualized provisions may, at times, increase the total credit hours required for graduation from the School of Social Work)
  • SSW reserves the right to require transfer students to enroll in SSW 526 Integrating Clinical\Community Frameworks as part of their progression plan
  • Consideration of transfer credit beyond nine (9) credits and/or any exception to the 7-year matriculation deadline will be on a case-by-case basis at the time of admission

• Qualified graduates of BSW programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education may be considered for Advanced Standing under the following conditions:
  • Graduation from a CSWE accredited BSW program within seven (7) years of enrollment in the School of Social Work (exceptions to this time frame may be made on a case-by-case basis depending on work experience and the quality of the application materials)
  • Advanced Standing applicants must have received a “B” or better in all BSW courses (if you do not meet this expectation you must address this in your professional statement)
  • Evidence of work or volunteer experience working with people in a human service environment
  • Two (2) letters of reference including:
    • A letter from a faculty member within the BSW program who can speak to your academic abilities
    • A second letter from someone of your choice who can speak to your professional qualifications for an MSW program (letters from friends and family members are not acceptable)
  • Submit field evaluations documenting grade and hours completed (if BSW program is not able to supply a copy of the original field evaluations, a letter must be provided confirming that student received a passing grade and documenting the number of field hours completed)
• Students admitted into advanced standing must enroll in the required SSW 526 – Integrating Clinical/Community Practice Frameworks 3-credit course

Experiential Credit

• No academic credit awarded for life experiences or previous work experience

PROGRAM ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

(Both Campus-based and Online Delivery Options)

• ACADEMIC/EXPERIENCE Requirements
  • Traditional Track

• Bachelor’s Degree from a US regionally accredited institution, or international equivalent, prior to enrollment
  • Cumulative Undergraduate GPA of 3.0
  • Evidence of work or volunteer experience working with people in a human service environment
  • Demonstration of graduate-level writing skills as evidenced in the required professional statement
    • With reference to 91AV’s School of Social Work Mission Statement and the definition of “social inclusion” provided therein
      • Please share your views on how you understand social inclusion and its connection to social justice, cultural diversity, and human dignity
      • Please share two examples that you have observed in society where social inclusion was absent. What are your recommendations for how to address these issues?
    • Why are you interested in the field of social work? What personal strengths and areas of development relate to you becoming a professional social worker?  In addition, if you are applying for the online delivery option, please assess your technological proficiencies from an online graduate program standpoint.
    • Please discuss a challenge or conflict you faced while working with people in a professional or volunteer setting and how you dealt with it.  Briefly describe the situation and share what, if anything, you would do differently.  Describe how this experience has affected you as a professional.
• Advanced Standing
• All requirements listed above for Traditional Track
• Additional requirements
  • Graduation from CSWE accredited BSW program [preferably within the last seven (7) years]
  • Equivalent coursework at the undergraduate level to 91AV’s Foundation courses completed with a “B” or better, strongly preferred
  • Evidence of significant experience in the human services field with MSW supervision

• PROCEDURES AND POLICIES
  • Applications for admission to the MSW program options
    • for campus options only        
      • Please follow detailed instructions on the application
    • for 100% online option only
      • Please follow detailed instructions on the application

• Only those applications completed by the application deadlines will be considered for admission; complete applications include
  • Traditional Track (Bachelor’s degree required)
  • Electronic application form to include
    • Professional statement
    • Current resume
    • Two (2) references from writers who can speak to your academic abilities and/or professional experience (letters from friends or family members are not acceptable)       
  • Official transcript/s reflecting conferral of Bachelor’s degree
    • Submitted directly to 91AV from the originating college or university
    • Additional transcripts MAY be required or requested (you may always submit additional transcripts if you feel they would strengthen your application)

• Advanced Standing (BSW required)
  • All items listed in Traditional Track
  • Additional requirements
    • Official transcript reflecting conferral of Bachelor of Social Work degree from CSWE accredited BSW program
    • Copies of field evaluations and verification of field hours completed

• International applicants and applicants with international degrees
  • Must have transcripts evaluated for degree and grade equivalency to that of a regionally accredited US institution
  • Must be able to understand and communicate in English to be admitted to the university
    • 91AV accepts several methods of  
    • If an applicant cannot prove English Proficiency in another way, scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language or the International English Language Testing System is required and must be submitted as a part of the completed application

POLICY EXCEPTIONS

• Policies have been established to ensure fair and consistent admissions practice for all applicants
• All criteria presented in this summary are subject to change per professional accreditation requirements, changes in curriculum or other institutional standards, and clinical affiliation requirements
• Exceptions to existing admission policies are rare and made on a case by case basis, only when it is deemed necessary and appropriate to maintain fair and consistent practice for all candidates

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.