Applies to: Semesters 3–9 (Clinical Phase)
Assessment Method: Clinical performance evaluations submitted by preceptors in case management software
Course Grade: Pass/Fail
1. Evaluation Performance Requirement
Students must achieve the minimum average clinical evaluation score each semester to pass.
|
Semester |
Minimum Evaluation Average Required |
|
3 |
75% |
|
4 |
77.5% |
|
5 |
80% |
|
6 |
82.5% |
|
7 |
85% |
|
8 |
87.5% |
|
9 |
90% |
Meeting the required average in one semester does not compensate for falling below the minimum in another semester. Semester performance requirements are not averaged or combined.
2. Evaluation Completion Requirement
Students must complete clinical evaluations for at least 75% of scheduled clinical days each semester.
|
Semester |
Expected Evaluations |
Minimum Required (75%) |
|
3 |
~16 |
≥ 12 |
|
4 |
~21 |
≥ 16 |
|
5 |
~21 |
≥ 16 |
|
6 |
~54 |
≥ 40 |
|
7 |
~54 |
≥ 40 |
|
8 |
~54 |
≥ 40 |
|
9 |
~32 |
≥ 24 |
Evaluation requirements are determined by scheduled clinical days. Documented excused absences reduce the clinical day denominator; unexcused absences do not.
Clinical absences beyond approved vacation, compensation, and emergency leave days must be made up to ensure required clinical time and competency attainment. Make‑up clinical experiences will be scheduled based on clinical site availability and program discretion.
3. Evaluation Shortfall Review
Any time a student completes fewer than the required number of evaluations in a semester (below 75%), a formal review meeting with Program Leadership is required.
-
- Verify clinical attendance and excused absences
-
- Determine whether evaluation volume was appropriate given rotation structure
-
- Identify whether additional evaluations or supplemental clinical activities are required
-
- Determine if remediation or progression actions are necessary
A review does not guarantee successful course completion. Failure to meet evaluation requirements without justified cause may result in course failure, remediation, and/or delayed program progression.
4. Incomplete Grade Due to Limited Clinical Participation
If a student is unable to complete at least 50% of scheduled clinical days in a semester due to documented illness, medical emergency, or other unexpected circumstances beyond the student’s control, the student may be assigned an Incomplete (I) for the course at the discretion of Program Leadership.
The student must provide appropriate documentation when applicable. A completion plan will be developed by Program Leadership and may include additional clinical days, supplemental evaluations, or return‑to‑practice clearance. Failure to complete requirements within the specified timeframe may result in a Fail and delayed program progression.
5. Professional Conduct Expectations
Students must demonstrate professionalism and safe clinical practice in accordance with MTSA standards and clinical site policies. Serious professionalism or safety concerns may result in removal from the clinical site, course failure, and/or referral to the Student Progress Committee.
6. Determination of Final Clinical Grade
A student will receive a Pass when both criteria below are met:
1. Semester evaluation average ≥ required minimum
2. Evaluations completed for ≥ 75% of scheduled clinical days
There is no rounding of evaluation averages or evaluation percentages.
Student Statement
Students are responsible for tracking their evaluation completion, clinical days, and evaluation scores in case management software and reviewing feedback regularly. Meeting evaluation requirements each semester is required for progression toward graduation.
Special Card System
MTSA has developed a “card system” to assist in the evaluation process of all students at all levels. Giving these cards is the prerogative of each instructor and can be accomplished by email, verbally, or formative clinical evaluation comments.
Green card
Green cards can be submitted by an academic or clinical instructor to acknowledge and commend outstanding performance in any area by a student. Green cards are discussed at NAP Council and Progressions Committee meetings.
Yellow card
Yellow cards can be submitted by an academic or clinical instructor to identify students who demonstrate behaviors which may cause elevated and unnecessary risk. This type of identification will result in activation of the MTSA Clinical Safety Concerns Protocol to ensure the concerns are communicated, addressed, and documented properly. Yellow cards are also discussed at NAP Council and Progressions Committee meetings.
Red card
Red cards can be submitted by an academic or clinical instructor to identify students who demonstrate behaviors which do cause elevated and unnecessary risk. This type of identification will result in activation of the MTSA Clinical Safety Concerns Protocol to ensure the concerns are communicated, addressed, and documented properly. Red cards are discussed at NAP Council and Progressions Committee meetings.
To receive a Red card is serious. Any student receiving a Red card will be required to complete a drug screen within 24 hours of the school receiving notice of the Red card. Red cards can lead to probation, suspension, removal from clinical site, failure of rotation, or termination from the program.
All cards will become part of the student’s permanent file. The Progressions Committee will consider clinical performance (formative and summative), and any cards received to make the final decision relative to any action regarding clinical performance. Should it be determined that there may be a negative decision by the Progressions Committee (eg, probation or termination), the student will be offered the opportunity to discuss his performance with the Progressions Committee, prior to any decision.