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5.2. OSCE/ Competency Assessments and Practical Examinations

Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) are used to track student progress (formative assessment) and determine student readiness for progression in the program (summative assessment). At the program's discretion, students will engage in scheduled OSCEs to assess their progress. Students identified as having deficiencies in meeting the program-defined expectations will be issued a Notice of Concern (NOC) and required to participate in a remediation plan. Failure to complete the required remediation with competency will trigger a meeting with the Student Development Committee for consideration of probation, deceleration, or dismissal from the Program. No retakes of these assessments will be offered for the formative OSCEs.

In the third semester, prior to the start of clinical clerkships, students will be required to pass a pre-clerkship comprehensive written examination and practical examination to progress to the clinical clerkships. Students who fail either examination will be offered one retake. Failure to pass the retake will result in dismissal from the Program.

The summative evaluation will be administered in the final three months of the program. This summative written examination and practical examination will assess students’ acquisition of graduate competencies (learning outcomes) for the program. Students must pass both examinations as a requirement for graduation. The written test will be scored on a numerical basis. Students must earn a 70% or better to pass the written portion. The practical examination will be graded on a pass/fail basis.

Students who fail either portion of the summative evaluation will be referred to the Student Development Committee for consideration of retaking the failed examination, remediation activities, deceleration, or termination from the Program. Students recommended for remediation will be required to pass a similar written or practical examination after completion of the remedial activities. At least 30 days of remediation approved by the Student Development Committee must precede any retest attempt. Failure to pass any initial or retake of the summative evaluation may result in delay of graduation or dismissal from the Program.

When any practical examination is being given, students are prohibited from speaking with other students about the content or format of the exam until all students have been tested. Failure to comply with this policy will subject the student(s) to consequences as outlined in the Institute’s academic honesty policy and may result in termination from the Program.

In all OSCEs/practical examinations, students must demonstrate professional dress and behavior and appropriate patient/provider interactions.