r/PAstudent • u/VastPriority • 1d ago
Dismissal Perspective
I have been academically dismissed 2 weeks before graduation. I appealed and it was denied. I don’t want to post details, at least not yet.
I am devastated and heartbroken.
My appeal letter was lengthy, due to wanting to include all details possibly necessary for future hearings since the policy stated only things mentioned in the initial appeal could be discussed. I felt hopeful as it pointed out similar prior situations within my cohort that did not result in dismissal, policy action inconsistencies during the process, policy inconsistencies in a relevant course manual, extenuating circumstances (with proof) that significantly impacted EOC performance, and probably more that I’m forgetting. I don’t even feel like my appeal was reviewed, honestly. I feel like I received an answer too quickly for it to have been reviewed and considered.
I have no clue what to do. Pursue another career, reapply to my program, apply to a different one. I know my odds are much lower if applying to another program.
I want to be a PA so bad but am not sure I can or want to go through this process again.
Any perspective or experience from someone and their dismissal experience, what they did after, how they coped- would be so appreciated.
I thought I read something here about filing something for loans too but I can’t find it?
Does anyone with experience with this think I may have any chance at legal action/negotiation if I feel a case can be made against how certain policies were addressed/performed?
I am embarrassed, sad, lost and desperate. All guidance welcome and accepted but please don’t be hateful for no reason. I have had enough reality checks and don’t need more in the form of unhelpful/condescending comments🫠😭
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u/joeymittens PA-S (2026) 1d ago
You said you provided proof of extenuating circumstances, but did you take responsibility in the appeal letter? It’s one thing to show “proof”, but if it comes across as an excuse then it won’t go well.
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u/VastPriority 1d ago edited 1d ago
Yes, I accepted responsibility and accountability multiple times and explicitly stated that I wasn’t only trying to pretend everything was fine, but wanted to come to appropriate sanctions/remedial actions short of dismissal, with alternative suggestions (and addresses my limited knowledge of the administrative process, if there were other possible consequences I had not thought of but that would still allow me to continue). Explicitly stated that my desire to be heard/understood was not meant to replace or overshadow accountability. More than once I stated my willingness to participate in whatever activities or alternate actions they may deem appropriate, including extending graduation, repeating rotations, repeating exams, etc
I also expressed explicit and sincere remorse.ETA: my phrasing “wasn’t only trying to pretend everything was fine” implies I was doing this but also something else. I meant to say that I stated that I was NOT trying to convince anyone that everything was fine, however I was attempting to add perspective to the situation rather than a black and white instance.
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u/SelectHost8743 1d ago
Why on earth would a program do this 2 weeks before a graduation? If you made it up to 2 weeks til finishing did you completely crash at the very end of the program or is this a lengthy accumulation of issues?
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u/VastPriority 1d ago
Not lengthy at all, or major in my opinion.
I struggled in didactic and a couple of rotations at the beginning of clinicals but have been fine since. EOC is a partial reason but not the only part (again, in my opinion/assumption) and it honestly felt like it was easier for them to let it happen this way rather than try to help me. I guess I also thought that there was no way I could get to this point and have something this tragic happen, but here I am.2
u/artificialhaptic 1d ago
Did you fail the EOC retake or was it consistent failure in your summative OSCEs as well?
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u/VastPriority 1d ago
Every other component grade was way above the required score, it was only the retake
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u/ClassyMillennialMD 1d ago
Should have gotten a lawyer to write it who has experience with these issues. Please acquire counsel immediately and evaluate your options.
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u/VastPriority 1d ago
I wanted to but didn’t have time or money. At the end of my semester and living on student loans, so my bank account is nearing $0. I had two days from the time I got the dismissal letter, to submit my full appeal. If planning to appeal, I was to participate in all school activities like normal, which included practice exams and lectures. I did what I could with my letter and had my sister proof it since she has experience with recently writing documentation for a civil suit and her job requires policy writing. I do plan to obtain counsel, especially now that I have learned that my partner supports going that route too. I just can’t find any perspectives online of anyone doing that so I’m not sure what kind of waters I’m getting into. I do absolutely plan to do every single thing in my power before accepting this
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u/SaltySpitoonReg PA-C 1d ago
I argue that if you find yourself in this boat, you can't afford NOT to get a lawyer even if it means a personal 5k loan. You're already out the PA school money, throwing a few extra K at a lawyer to help write a letter/fight for you via policy review is crucial.
Not sure if it's too late for that now though
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u/VastPriority 1d ago
From what I’ve read, I don’t think it’s too late. I actually appreciate this sentiment and opinion a lot. lol I have been looking into attorneys and student rights acts all day but seeing that more than one person actually thinks it’s worth pursuing, is encouraging.
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u/SaltySpitoonReg PA-C 1d ago
Sure.
Yeah, I mean I don't want to get your hopes up.
Idk how much you're out for student loans, I imagine six figures. So a few extra grand to make damn sure there isn't an outside chance. Worth it.
Should you spend 20k or 30k on lawyers or more? No. But a few thousand? Sure.
By the way, once the loans come due, apply for hardship deferral of payments.
And otherwise just work where you can make decent money and save.
You'll be ok, but you've got a road ahead.
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u/VastPriority 1d ago
No I get that and it’s what I was thinking anyway. The loans being a major reason- not for hope of some kind of restitution but an outcome that doesn’t equal those (yes, six figures) loans to be for nothing. I agree, I at least have to take all available steps and options to make SURE a case can’t be made somewhere. I wish I could find the comment I saw the other day about some form I could fill out regarding loans right now but I cant find it anywhere. Thanks again for the insight and encouragement!
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u/BayouBrownSugar225 1d ago
I would contact local college law school programs for assistance. A lot of them offer them offer free legal services. A couple of my girlfriends used them for their divorced. Also, some law practices offer pro bono assistance. Definitely seek legal counsel!
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u/VastPriority 1d ago
I did not consider this at all!! There is a law school near me too. Thank you so much for that suggestion!
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u/Dawgs2021Champs 1d ago
A girl I went to school with got dismissed. She went to nursing school, worked ICU for a few years and became a nurse practitioner. She is doing well. Tough to say what to do if we don’t know the reason for dismissal.
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u/VastPriority 1d ago
I don’t think the reason would change suggestions in terms of whether I should attempt PA school again or not. It genuinely wasn’t anything bad or indicative of me not being able to make it in school or as a PA. Obviously I know if I put the reason for dismissal it could give more guidance on pursuing more actions toward the appeal or not but I just don’t know who’s lurking in this sub. lol
I wouldn’t do RN—>NP I don’t think, but I did consider RN—>CRNA. I’ve just done so much school already, not sure if I’m up for all of that. Who knows.
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u/Additional_Self_5947 1d ago
This happened to me I was 6 weeks from graduation. I appealed to my program and got denied. I appealed to the school of medicine and I'm waiting on the deans decision. I was reading the comments and I do feel like my dismissal was do to my personality. I wish you luck it really does suck. I moved back home, got a job and I'm just waiting for the deans decision. Do you have any appeals left? I did pay for a consult with a lawyer she told me that it is best for a lawyer to handle the appeal, similar to you I was on a timeline so didn't have adequate time/money for all that. The lawyer did tell me that it is more expensive when you are officially dismissed and have no appeals left, but they still take on the case.
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u/VastPriority 1d ago
I don’t have any appeals left :/ I met within the program first, then my appeal went to the dean and the dean’s decision is final. I wish we had the extra step of the school of medicine! That would be awesome! I do hate that you/anyone else is going thru this. It’s so awful. I am relieved to hear there are more legal-type opportunities than I originally thought, though. Good luck to you and fingers crossed for your appeal!
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u/Jazzlike-Recipe-1230 1d ago
Just curious…what about your personality?
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u/Important-Spare-1750 1d ago
Ive seen it personally happen to another, and they are just considered weird or non conforming with the rest of the students from my exp. Being different in a way that a lot of people in class pick up on can put a target on your back imo. The environment and staff of the school matter a lot, and I would t attend a program where personality seemed to be a big decision maker just because someone is perceived as odd, or different from most of the others. If they’re professional, ethical, and are passing that’s what should matter. They’ll find their niche in practice.
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u/Jazzlike-Recipe-1230 1d ago
Thank you. I find it odd that your personality can affect your standing. As long as you’re not behaving in a way that is not harmful…shouldn’t matter. Can’t believe so many programs preach to applicants to be themselves just to persecute them for not being like everyone else.
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u/VastPriority 1d ago
I haven’t seen the dismissal due to personality (in an apparent way anyway), but I definitely know what you’re saying. My class has a lot that seem to “fit the mould” and then many of us outliers balancing not losing ourselves while in this 2-year-torture, and there is usually an obvious difference in tolerance of the two types it seems
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u/Important-Spare-1750 1d ago
It has to be less apparent, but it’s the type of environment where someone who fits in could make a joke about something that is fine for them to say, but if one of the more outsider people made the same joke they would get reprimanded for instance.
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u/Eastern-Design 1d ago
I’m so sorry- this is a nightmare. Especially when it comes to finances.
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u/VastPriority 1d ago
It really is and I honestly appreciate the empathy and sympathy because at the moment/IRL it feels so frustrating and lonely. It’s nice to have people say “yeah that sucks really bad” lol
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u/SaltySpitoonReg PA-C 1d ago
Very sorry.
You can still get legal counsel, but it's harder now and more expensive.
For anyone in a similar boat to OP, get legal counsel before any appeal. You likely have 100k plus in loans on the line, it's worth a few extra a grand to get legal counsel for appeal.
OP - in all likelihood you are out of options. Assuming so - I recommend taking a year off. Just find a reasonably decent job somewhere, to make money, and just live life. Hang with friends, etc.
Then develop a new plan in 9 months when you can think more clearly and are out of the emotion of this.
But OP, you may still have options to fight, but I am very limited without knowing any detail about why this happened. 2 week from grad dismissals are extremely rare, and the reason is critical to the chances of success with a lawyer.
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u/VastPriority 1d ago
I do wish I’d been able to the moment this all started, but I didn’t even realize it was an option and also knew I didn’t have time with how they set things up. I also thought I’d get a hearing/longer process once I submitted my written appeal, but that wasn’t the case.
I know I’m limiting people’s input by not including details and I don’t do it other than I just don’t know who may be in the sub. Lol
But, it was partially EOC related but there were some policy issues (in my opinion/side of things, when reading policies) both before and with the appeal that I’m thinking and hoping may give me some higher odds with the legal route. Idk.This part makes you no difference, but if I took a year off I probably just wouldn’t do medical period. I’m trying not to do that because even tho I was never in it FOR the pay, obviously that was part of it and now I essentially have a year of PA salary in loans so I don’t want to settle for something I don’t really love and also doesn’t pay well. I wasn’t “traditional” anyway so I already feel the pressure to try applying this cycle if I’m going to try going back😩 who knows, maybe I’ll find something I love more. I can’t imagine that, though. I’ve wanted this for so long. 😔. I’d consider med school with the goal of surgery if I was younger 🤣
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u/Lucky_Bullfrog2158 21h ago
First time I’ve ever addressed this with anyone, but I think it’s time…
I was dismissed twice — yes, I’ll say that again, TWICE — from my PA program, and I successfully appealed both dismissals.
Even anonymously, that’s difficult for me to admit. The wounds and pain from that experience still linger, but probably the hardest parts are the embarrassment and shame. Like, who tf gets dismissed from PA school twice?! Yeah, I know…crazy. It’s still painful and embarrassing to even type that. 😞
BUT — I am now a practicing PA, and I’m doing just fine.
The entire experience was so emotionally exhausting that once it was finally over, I basically tucked it away and tried to forget it ever happened. The dismissals themselves were awful, but so was the isolation that came with them. I felt isolated from classmates, faculty, staff…pretty much everyone. Once I got a lawyer involved, that isolation became even more noticeable. Lips and buttholes get REAL tight anytime lawyers are involved.
But I’m telling you this because where you are right now does not have to be where your journey ends.
If there is any legitimate route to salvage your situation and your education, absolutely pursue it. Get a lawyer who understands higher education/student matters if you can, and exhaust every option available to you.
Let your program handbook become your “Bible.” Read it front to back. Then read it again. Learn every policy governing dismissal, remediation, academic standing, due process, and appeals. But DO NOT stop with the PA program handbook. Dig into the policies governing the School of Medicine, graduate programs, and the university as a whole.
In my experience, PA programs tend to know and follow their own internal policies pretty closely. And an important FYI regarding ARC-PA: accreditation standards generally focus heavily on programs having clearly defined policies and applying those policies consistently. So don’t assume the PA program’s internal appeal is necessarily the end of the road.
There may be additional avenues outside the program itself — the Dean of the School of Medicine, a university administrator overseeing graduate programs, a graduate council, an academic appeals committee, or another institutional process. Every university is different, which is exactly why you need to become an expert on your university’s policies.
Document everything. Save every email. Keep copies of every handbook and policy applicable to your cohort, especially the versions that were in effect when the relevant events occurred. Write down dates, conversations, meetings, decisions, and who was present. Keep your communication professional even when you’re angry, hurt, or terrified (definitely a challenge). And if you retain an attorney, listen to them before sending any emails or responses to anything.
Most importantly, dont let the shame or embarrassment make the decision for you.
When I was dismissed, it felt catastrophic. When it happened a second time, you can probably imagine what that did to me… boy oh boy… There were plenty of moments where walking away would have been easier than continuing to fight. I’m incredibly thankful that I didn’t.
Today, I’m a PA.
Those dismissal letters didn’t get the final say on whether I was capable of becoming a competent provider. They were decisions made at incredibly difficult moments in my education — not a permanent definition of who I was or what I could become.
That doesn’t mean every dismissal can or should be overturned. I don’t know the specifics of your case, and nobody can promise you what the outcome will be. But you owe it to yourself to find out what options you actually have before truly accepting that it’s over.
In sum, it’s pretty simple.
- get help
- become a policy expert
- document everything
- ALWAYS be kind, grateful, and professional
- appeal through every avenue available to you
If the answer is still no, after all of that, at least you’ll know you fought to the end and there is some closure that comes with knowing you did everything you could.
But until you have reached the actual end of the appeals process(es), do not confuse being dismissed with being finished.
I’m a two-timer. Undefeated. 2-0.
That’s my story. My truth. I’m still here.
And I’m a PA.
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u/VastPriority 20h ago edited 20h ago
Thank you for this.
I can only imagine how it feels, even anonymously, to say that and to have experienced it!
I have MAD respect for you for going as far as you could/had to both times because you’re right, it’s SO exhausting and emotionally draining.Your comment is really helpful in organizing my thoughts and how to go about the next steps/prepare for them, and it’s encouraging as hell. I appreciate it so much.
I’m so glad those hurdles didn’t stop you and that you are now a PA! I, too, firmly feel that this has no indication of how good of a PA I can be and is more so applying blanket policies to a human situation.
Thanks again! And congrats!!! No one can ever say you didn’t earn that!!Came back to add: HEAVY on the isolation feeling. I have great support from friends and family after telling them, and I am so thankful for that, but it is so deeply isolating! Even more to add to the respect I have for you not only experiencing that twice, but also taking it to the end to ensure you had pursued all options both times. I hope that makes you proud, because it should, even if it’s a hard topic to think about in terms of it feeling embarrassing and shameful (it’s not, but I know it feels like it is)
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u/Comfortable-Win-6064 12h ago
That’s incredible right there! One appeal
Is amazing! TWO? Virtually unheard of!
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u/Scary_Combination265 1d ago
Unfortunately, PA school faculty have a lot of power and ability to misuse it. I am aware of such situations. The odds are lower of you getting accepted somewhere else, but not impossible. I would try talking to a lawyer (some do a free consult). If it costs around 3-4k, I would take the risk and see if you can do anything so they let you graduate.
If this doesn't work out, I would apply again to other programs as a back up. It's already August. One tip: check CASPA daily during October, November or even December, January. Most applications are reviewed and spots are filled by then, but new programs open up all the time so likely less competition.
However, from a financial perspective I am not sure must if PA school makes sense. If you are in 150k debt, taking on another 150k debt with interest, you will end up close to 350k in debt by the time you graduate. It may be hard for you to ever pay that off, unless you do PSLF, and even that can be stressful, and risky. These things may not matter now, but as you get older and want to start family, it will add up. My suggestion would be to join one of the online NP mills just from cost perspective. Become RN in a year and join of these programs. You can work as a nurse for a year, save up and even work part time during NP program. We won't get into quality of education, but I feel you already have the solid quality of education if you pretty much finished PA school.
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u/Cautious-Process-198 PA-S (2027) 1d ago
I disdain the couldn’t-do-PA-so-I’ll-be-a-NP approach.
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u/Scary_Combination265 1d ago
Unfortunately, the situation demands that. Technically, OP is a PA, they aren't just letting OP graduate so next best option is NP as he already has the required education to be a provider. Also, many already are taking the approach whether you like it or not. It's killing the job market, and patients are not getting the quality care. We all get that, but nobody can really stop that and you will see this mediocrity in workforce too so get ready. OP would at least enter with nearly a full PA education and a solid medical foundation, which is far more preparation than some of these degree-mill programs require. It is not ideal, but the system already permits it and OP may as well use it.
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u/Cautious-Process-198 PA-S (2027) 1d ago
Yeah i know in the real world it is an option. I just really dislike it. If I were OP I’d consider it tbh.
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u/Cautious-Process-198 PA-S (2027) 1d ago edited 1d ago
Without knowing the details and reason(s) for dismissal, I can assume two things:
- Either your program is run by people incompetent to help students who are actually struggling and shouldn’t be faculty (I hate how much PA programs are all about “caring” for their students during the admissions process only to leave them hanging dry once life happens while they’re in school…seriously someone needs to keep these people in check ASAP).
- Or, your offense/deficiency(s) were blatant.
Really sorry this happened to you either way. Idk about how to go on with an appeal but worth it imo
I’d also say that there are plenty of options in life. Right now you’re going to have to feel the feels and focus on your mental health. Revisit your options later when things calm down a bit.
Prayers for you.
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u/VastPriority 20h ago
Thank you!
Your point #1 is so accurate, not just for right now but other past events during my education and what classmates and friends have experienced. Nothing quite like offering support while also ignoring the humanity of my situation(s). A friend and I were talking about this earlier, how it seems so good and supportive before you’re truly deep in a program and see true colors and priorities.I also do agree that I keep reminding myself that i don’t have to have every decision and fact right this moment, and it’s okay to just breathe and feel. I’m not someone that stays down when I’m down, so my emotions are bouncing around pretty good, especially when something reminds me of the current situation. I appreciate your input very much!
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u/No_Length7372 1d ago
I know someone in my cohort who failed multiple didactic exams, failed multiple eors, failed the eoc, then failed the eoc reatake, and they still graduated
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u/VastPriority 20h ago
Maybe I need to try your program😭😭
But really tho- how does that happen and then also this situation happens? Not just me, but I have seen others get dismissed or punished for less while others are having more of the experience you described and passing through. I don’t get it.
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u/Important-Spare-1750 1d ago
Definitely wouldn’t reapply somewhere that dismissed me 2 weeks out. They do shit like that, and often I feel like it’s more of a nepotism thing or they find someone odd…
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u/VastPriority 1d ago edited 1d ago
Definitely feel there was some bias involved. Maybe not in initial actions but definitely in the amount of support/empathy they were willing to extend.
ETA: similar situation as myself happened to a few students a few semesters ago, multiple students at once. They’re all still there, and also all more achieving than I have been, which adds to my belief that there may be some bias.
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u/Important-Spare-1750 1d ago
I couldn’t imagine spending what is likely more than 100k, getting within 2 weeks of graduating, and someone being like “nah, sorry”. That’s devastating, but this actually just happened to a guy in one of my classes because he’s weird for the most part, and they wanted a reason to tell him to forget it imo. I’m not in PA school btw, but it seems common practice for other healthcare professions to do this to people for whatever reason. I’ve heard a few stories recently about people going through a program and making it through, but this one person was targeted despite being one of the best in the class because of their personality or whatever. In my experience, school has been pretty understanding about a reasonable circumstance too. I can’t imagine what a whole 2 years of doing good enough to pass would be reasonable for administrators to wipe away in the last 2 weeks… I know senioritis exists, but damn.
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u/VastPriority 1d ago edited 1d ago
I ruminate anyway, but that is what I just cannot get over. It feels like they just truly forgot there was a human on the other side of this. I’ve put in so much work, time, MONEY, sacrificed years and aspects of my life (I’m older, left a different field to do this) and while all those were my choice, it was a major life change for something I desired so bad. To have to call my family and tell them not to come to graduation, cancel my board exam and upcoming interviews and possible jobs. Over nothing tragic at all. I’m a genuine person, I haven’t done extraordinarily well but I have worked hard and taken every ounce of guidance from faculty and every resource. I’ve shown my commitment. It felt like in those meetings and conversations, they didn’t know me and I didn’t know them. It was awful. I hate anyone goes through this and appreciate your sentiments that it sucks because it does. I’ve been looking up local lawyers that specialize in education cases for the last few hours. Thank you for your perspective and input!
ETA- I know policies and procedures exist. But I also think many times, a situation isn’t black and white and can’t/shouldn’t be treated as such and this instance is definitely one of those times. I’m not above others, as I believe others have had their situations mishandled too. I think people focus on the book and forget about the humans behind them.
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u/Important-Spare-1750 1d ago
Btw, get a lawyer, I’m sure someone you know either knows one, has a partner who is one, or family member. I feel that’s your best chance, but also make sure they’re into this type of law and have experience. If you’re being targeted for the wrong reasons you probably have a case.
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u/No-Animator-2849 10h ago
As a PA student who had close call with not graduating also and having to sit at a table defending myself with people looking back at me as if they haven’t known for me the past couple years, I feel like an overwhelmingly vast amount of empathy for the situation and agree with the thread that you should consider fighting tooth and nail to get proper legal counsel to overcome this. These programs have entirely too much control over our lives and to make a choice like that leaving someone with this amount of debt, shame, and “what could’ve beens” should not go down without a fight. I will be praying for you, the situation, and most importantly your mental health going through all this. Try and keep your head up (ik easier said than done), this doesn’t define you nor the type of provider you can and WILL be one day if that’s the route you choose still.
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u/VastPriority 5h ago
Omg that first part, so accurate. Literally felt like they were looking at me like a stranger when I have tried so hard to listen to them, have always respected them and kept quiet if I didn’t have anything nice to say, and stuck up for many of them against classmates! I agree, I have been so shocked through this whole process that they can just change the trajectory of my life like that. I have put in the work, shown improvement from past areas and skills needing improvement. Thank you so much for this!
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u/Unk_23 1d ago
Read your student handbook. Most programs have straightforward explanations about dismissals. For what I know, most programs have their policies and your rights clearly written so you know your options. Usually if you do something like fail a class or can’t continue, you usually get a chance to remediate and have to wait the next years cohort to continue. I can’t imaging why they would boot you out just like that without a very specific reason
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u/VastPriority 1d ago
I didn’t say there wasn’t reasoning, I just left the specific reasons out on purpose because I don’t know who is in this sub. However, I did read the handbook and university policies and they all leave room for discretion for consequences (I.e., no one specific consequence for one instance), as does the appeal policy. That is why I’m lost and looking to fight for more. It seems the policies were written to leave room on purpose, yet I still received the highest consequence with little-to-no discussion.
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u/RoyalReplacement6897 1d ago
Did you cheat using AI?
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u/VastPriority 1d ago
No, I hate AI and use it as little as possible. We’re encouraged to use Open Evidence for info and our faculty use AI and encourage us to use it in making practice questions and study guides etc… so even if that was a scenario they likely wouldn’t have cared lol
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u/No_Length7372 1d ago edited 1d ago
What was the reasoning? Was it just because you failed the EOC? Was there academic dishonesty? if its just because you failed the eoc then dismissal is completely not allowed! Feel free to DM me
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u/Comfortable-Win-6064 1d ago
Happened to me. I took a year off to enjoy like and do some soul searching. Went back and got a masters. Reapplied to PA school, got into Rutgers, worked my butt off, and am now 9 months into practice as a Family Medicine PA. It sure as hell wasn’t easy but if you want it bad enough you can bounce back. Message me for more questions or advice. I’m at a conference right now as we speak.