Policies Concerning Medical Students

Go To: Health and Technical Standards | Immunizations | Hospitalization Insurance | Participation in Special Environments | Student Rights While Assuring Patient Care | Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act | Student Conduct | Fiscal Policies |Nondiscrimination and Harassment Policies

General Administrative Policies

Each student enrolled in the UNT Health Science Center is individually responsible for knowing current academic policies and scholastic regulations, the general and specific requirements, and the operational policies that apply to registration and instruction.

The health science center reserves the right to amend or add to the academic policies and scholastic regulations at any time during the enrollment period provided that such changes or additions are intended to improve the quality of education, and are introduced in a fair and deliberate manner with appropriate notice provided to all students affected by the changes.

Health and Technical Standards
All candidates must meet health and technical standards to be admitted and participate in the medical education programs of TCOM. Because the doctor of osteopathic medicine (D.O.) degree signifies that the holder is a physician prepared for entry into the practice of medicine within postgraduate training programs, it follows that the graduates must have the knowledge and skills to function in a broad variety of clinical situations and be able to provide a wide spectrum of patient care.

A candidate for the D.O. degree must have abilities and skills in five areas: observation; communication; motor; conceptual, integrative and quantitative; and behavioral and social. Reasonable accommodations will be made as required by law. However, the candidate must be able to meet all technical standards either with or without reasonable accommodation. The use of a trained intermediary means that a candidate's judgement must be mediated by someone else's power of selection and observation and is not a permissible accommodation.

1. Observation. The candidate must be able to observe demonstrations and experiments in the basic sciences including, but not limited to, physiologic and pharmacologic demonstrations in animals, microbiologic cultures and microscopic studies of microorganisms and tissues in normal and pathologic states. A candidate must be able to observe a patient accurately at a distance and close at hand. Observation requires the functional use of the sense of vision and somatic sensations. It is enhanced by the functional use of the sense of smell.
2. Communication. A candidate should be able to speak, hear and observe the patients in order to elicit information; describe changes in mood, activity and posture; and perceive nonverbal communications. A candidate must be able to communicate effectively and sensitively with patients. Communication includes not only speech but also reading and writing. The candidate must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in oral and written form with all members of the health care team.
3. Motor. Candidates should have sufficient motor function to elicit information from patients by palpation, auscultation, percussion and other diagnostic and therapeutic maneuvers. A candidate should be able to do basic laboratory tests (urinalysis, CBC, etc.), carry out diagnostic procedures (protoscopy, paracentesis, etc.), and read EKGs and X-rays. A candidate should be able to execute motor movements reasonably required to provide general care, osteopathic manipulation and emergency treatment to patients. Examples of emergency treatment reasonably required of physicians are cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the administration of intravenous medication, the application of pressure to stop bleeding, the opening of obstructed airways, the suturing of simple wounds and the performance of simple obstetrical maneuvers. Such actions require coordination of both gross and fine muscular movements, equilibrium and functional use of the senses of touch and vision.
4. Intellectual: Conceptual, Integrative and Quantitative Abilities. These abilities include measurement, calculations, reasoning, analysis and synthesis. Problem solving, the critical skill demanded of physicians, requires all of these intellectual abilities. In addition, candidates should be able to comprehend three-dimensional relationships and to understand the spatial relationships of structures.
5. Behavior and Social Attributes. Candidates must have the emotional health required for full use 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, display flexibility and learn to function in the face of uncertainties inherent in the clinical problems of many patients. Compassion, integrity, concern for others, interpersonal skills, interest and motivation are all personal qualities that will be assessed during the admission and education processes.

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Immunizations
The Texas Department of Health requires that all students in higher education institutions must show proof of immunizations before registration. Any validated document of immunization presented by a student is acceptable provided it shows the day, month and year when each immunization was received. Proof of required immunizations must be submitted before matriculation.

Proof of immunization is not required for an individual who submits an affidavit or certificate signed by a physician licensed to practice in the United States stating that, in the physician's opinion, the required immunization would be injurious to the health and well-being of the student or any member of his or her family or household. Unless a lifelong condition is specified, the affidavit or certificate is valid for one year from the date signed by the physician and must be renewed every year for the exclusion to remain in effect.

The Texas Department of Health requires the following immunization conditions be met. All students born after January 1, 1957, who are enrolled in health-related courses that involve direct patient contact in medical care facilities must show proof of two doses of measles vaccine, one dose of mumps vaccine or proof of immunity to these diseases; and two doses of chicken pox vaccine. Students who have had chicken pox may provide a written statement from their physician or a parent. This is the only disease where a written statement from a parent can be considered proof of immunity. All students enrolled in health-related courses must show proof of one dose of tetanus/diphtheria vaccine within the past 10 years. All students enrolled in health-related courses must show proof of either one dose of rubella vaccine administered on or after the first birthday or serologic proof of rubella immunity. All students, residents and interns shall receive a complete series of hepatitis B vaccine or show proof of serologic immunity. All students will be skin tested for tuberculosis using the two-step testing procedure in accordance with Section X of the Tuberculosis Control Plan Policy 96.001.26 of the UNT Health Science Center. This will be done during the first month of classes.

Prospective students may be given provisional enrollment of up to one semester to attend classes while getting the required immunizations or documentation as long as no direct patient care is involved.

Student health care providers cannot be provisionally enrolled without the receipt of at least one dose of the MMR vaccine if direct patient contact will occur during the provisional enrollment period.

For additional information regarding student health issues (meningitis, needle stick, etc.) please visit http://www.hsc.unt.edu/education/studenthealth/default.cfm.

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Hospitalization Insurance
All students are required to provide for their own health insurance while attending the UNT Health Science Center. Each student enrolled is required to show proof of health/hospitalization insurance at the time of registration. Recognized proof of coverage is a photocopy of the policy naming the student as insured or a letter from the insurance company stating that the student is insured for hospitalization care. Proof of coverage must be submitted to the Office of Student Affairs.

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Participation in Special Environments
Medical education occurs in a special environment in which all students participate in order to satisfactorily complete the course of instruction. Classrooms, laboratories and clinical facilities require physical, chemical, social and interpersonal environments in which each student must participate in order to accomplish the educational requirements established for all courses. Failure to participate in required academic classes will result in consideration for dismissal from the college.

It is recognized, however, that circumstances may arise concerning chemical exposures that require the student involved to make an informed decision concerning continued participation in the environment in question. For more information, consult the Special Circumstances section of the General Student Handbook or contact the Office of Student Affairs.

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Student Rights While Assuring Patient Care
The institution will consider the impact of a caregiver's personal cultural values, ethics and religious beliefs on the care provided. However, in no instance will the mission of the institution be compromised. In accordance with applicable law, treatment and care will be provided to persons in need without regard to disability, race, creed, color, age, gender, religion or national origin. For the complete policy as it pertains to students of the health science center, please see Human Resource Policy 5.13 under Policies and Procedures on the institution's homepage at www.hsc.unt.edu, or in the Human Resources policy manual located in each department.

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Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), 20 U.S.C. 1232G, grants students in institutions of higher education the right of access to their educational records with the exception of confidential letters and statements of recommendation that the student has waived the right to inspect.

Before disclosing any personally identifiable information, except directory information, the health science center must obtain written consent from the student unless disclosure is allowed by law.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act considers certain information to be "directory information," which is subject to disclosure without prior consent from the student. Directory information relating to students includes the following: the student's name, address, telephone listing, date and place of birth, hometown, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, classification, degrees and awards received, the most recent educational agency or institution attended by the student and the dates of attendance.

Students who do not want all or part of their directory information to be released must submit a written request to the Office of the Registrar during the first 12 days of the semester. Forms for submitting the written request to withhold directory information are available in the Office of the Registrar.

Students have a right to request amendment to their educational records to ensure their accuracy. Students also have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the health science center to comply with the requirements of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.

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Student Conduct
The health science center's primary concern is the student. It attempts to provide for all students an environment that is conducive to academic endeavor, social growth and individual self-discipline. Enrollment at the health science center is considered implicit acceptance of the rules, regulations, and guidelines governing student behavior promulgated by the institution, and the student is responsible for being aware of these requirements. In addition, all students are expected to know and obey the requirements of all federal, state, and local laws. Any student who violates a provision of those laws is subject to disciplinary action, including expulsion, notwithstanding any action taken by civil authorities on account of the violation. The health science center reaffirms to each student the privilege of exercising the student's rights of citizenship under the Constitution of the United States. Special care is taken to assure due process and to identify the defined routes of appeal when students feel their rights have been violated.

For complete policy information, consult the Student Code of Conduct in the Student Handbook.

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Fiscal Policies
The UNT Health Science Center is a state-supported institution subject to state laws. However, students have an option to pay tuition and fees by installment. All other financial obligations to the college must be paid in advance. Tuition and fees are subject to change by the Board of Regents, the Texas Legislature or legal rulings of the Texas attorney general.

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Tuition Refund
A tuition refund is based on the date of withdrawal. Upon official notification of withdrawal by the registrar, the Accounting Office will mail the appropriate refund to the student's forwarding address and/or to the applicable federal loan program.

Payment plan fees, late fees and ID card fees are not refundable. By action of the Board of Regents, no part of the fees or tuition can be refunded to students who withdraw, for any cause, after the 20th day of each semester, except for those students who receive financial aid. Those students will receive a pro-rated refund based on the number of weeks remaining in the semester, provided they leave before the 60-percent-completion point of the semester.

After the 60-percent-completion point, the schedule for refunds is 80 percent first week, 70 percent second week, 50 percent third week and 25 percent fourth week.

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Nondiscrimination & Harassment Policies

Respect for Diversity
The Nondiscrimination/Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action policy affirms the requirement for every member of the UNT Health Science Center community to comply with existing federal and state equal opportunity laws and regulations.

The UNT Health Science Center is committed to the philosophy of a multicultural environment. The institution prohibits harassment based on race, gender, disability, age, national origin, religion, veteran status or lifestyle.

The health science center has long been an open, tolerant and democratic institution, proud of its commitment to personal and academic excellence, but unpretentious in the atmosphere of its campus in its willingness to accept all members of the health science center community on their value as human beings.

The increasing diversity of the UNT Health Science Center community is one of the institution's greatest strengths. Differences of race, religion, age, gender, culture, physical ability, language, nationality and lifestyle make it a microcosm of the nation as a whole, reflecting the values of our pluralistic society.

As an educational institution, the UNT Health Science Center is committed to advancing the ideas of human worth and dignity by teaching respect for human beliefs and values and encouraging open discussions. Hatred or prejudice and harassment of any kind are inconsistent with the center's educational purpose.

The UNT Health Science Center is strongly committed to the ethical principle that every member of the community enjoys certain human and constitutional rights, including the right to free speech. As a community of scholars, the health science center also is dedicated to maintaining a learning environment that is nurturing, fosters respect, and encourages growth among cultures and individuals represented here. Individuals who work, study, live and teach within this community are expected to refrain from behaviors that threaten the freedom and respect every individual deserves.

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Sexual Harassment
A primary objective of the UNT Health Science Center is to provide an environment in which faculty, staff and students may pursue their careers and studies with a maximum of productivity and enjoyment.

Harassment of students on the basis of gender is a violation of Section 106.31 of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Harassment of health science center employees on the basis of gender is a violation of Section 703 of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Texas Commission on Human Rights Act. Sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and/or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitutes sexual harassment.

It is the policy of the health science center to maintain a workplace and a learning environment free of sexual harassment and intimidation. Behavior or conduct that interferes with this goal is not condoned or tolerated.

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Americans with Disabilities Act
The UNT Health Science Center does not discriminate on the basis of an individual's disability and complies with Section 504 and Public Law 101-336 (Americans with Disabilities Act) in its admissions, accessibility, treatment and employment of individuals in its programs and activities.

The UNT Health Science Center provides academic adjustments and auxiliary aids to individuals with disabilities, as defined under the law, who are otherwise qualified to meet the institution's academic and employment requirements. For assistance contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Office at the health science center, 817-735-2357.

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