REMEDIATION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Full policy is located in the academic standards located here: https://www.lmunet.edu/school-of-medical-sciences/pa-chattanooga/selected-program-policies
The remediation policy for the LMU-SMS Chattanooga PA Program is designed to ensure early identification and correction of student deficiencies in academic, professional, and personal performance through structured, measurable interventions.
Remediation is a documented process used to address deficiencies in knowledge, skills, professionalism, or performance, with measurable outcomes required for successful completion. Students may be referred for remediation during either the didactic or clinical phase based on specific academic or behavioral triggers.
During the didactic phase, remediation is triggered by academic concerns such as failure of the orientation science exam, a running average below 74% in two or more courses, or four failed major assessments within a semester. Students may also be referred when multiple faculty or staff members identify concerns related to time management, marginal academic performance, professionalism, difficulty meeting expectations, or peer concerns.
In the clinical phase, remediation triggers include low scores on preceptor evaluations, failed end-of-rotation exams, professionalism concerns, or deficiencies identified through the Clinical Competency Gap Analysis Tracker.
Once a concern is identified, the student meets with program leadership within two business days to discuss the issue and determine next steps. Students may be referred to a Success Coach, placed on an Individualized Remediation Plan (IRP), or both. IRPs are documented plans with timelines and measurable outcomes, and may include tutoring, counseling referrals, educational testing, study-skills support, professionalism coaching, clarification labs, or life-skills development. Successful completion of the IRP is required for progression in the program.
Formal remediation through assessment retakes is an option. Select major assessments—including major exams, OSCEs, technical skills assessments, end-of-rotation exams, preceptor evaluations, and summative examinations—may be retaken if failed. Students generally receive one week to prepare for a retake, and successful remediation requires a score of 70% or higher. If successful, the original assessment score is raised to 70%; unsuccessful remediation results in referral to the Student Progress Committee (SPC), which may impose additional remediation, deceleration, or dismissal.
The program limits the number of allowable remediation attempts. During the didactic phase, students are limited to six remediation retakes. In the clinical phase, limits apply to end-of-rotation examinations and failed preceptor evaluations. Exceeding remediation limits results in referral to the SPC for consideration of deceleration or dismissal.
Students who experience significant academic difficulty may be offered delay or deceleration options at the SPC's discretion following a holistic review of the student’s performance. These options are not guaranteed and may require additional tuition and time to complete the program.