Physician Assistant

Diagnostic skills build critical thinking and decision-making competencies in physician assistants managing patients across the life span. Students learn patient communication skills, interview techniques, and physical diagnostic techniques to complete a comprehensive physical examination of the relevant regions and systems of the body. Through discussion and case-based analysis, students master the skills required to complete a comprehensive physical examination. A separate laboratory course (PAS5200 Physical Diagnosis I Lab) provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate the skills needed to perform a complete physical examination of the body systems covered in this course.

Medical communication skills are essential in health care. Students identify the components of a complete and focused medical history utilizing effective interviewing skills. Documentation of patient encounters in a variety of settings will be explored.

This course provides a broad overview to familiarize Physician Assistant students with the basic concepts of public health and preventative medicine. Epidemiological concepts include the distribution, prevalence, causation, mode of transmission, dissemination, control, and preventative countermeasures of infectious and non-communicable diseases; and environmental occupational, behavioral, and chronic disabling conditions. Students are introduced to approaches to evaluate the validity of research data and the content of articles that appear in the medical literature

Diagnostic skills build critical thinking and decision-making competencies in physician assistants managing patients across the life span. Students continue learning patient communication skills, techniques of interviewing, and physical diagnostic techniques to complete the comprehensive physical examination. Through discussion and case-based analysis, students further master the skills required to complete a comprehensive physical examination. A separate laboratory course (PAS5215 Physical Diagnosis II Lab) allows the student an opportunity to demonstrate the skills needed to perform a complete physical examination of the body systems covered in this course.

Evaluation and management of patients with behavioral and mental health conditions influence physician assistants in all disciplines of medicine. Students examine effective interviewing methods, physical examination techniques, and pharmacological principles to treat psychiatric and behavioral conditions across the life span. Students also examine areas in the social and behavioral sciences with application to clinical practice, including human sexuality; response to illness, injury, and stress; the detection and treatment of substance abuse; and the identification and prevention of violence and neglect.

Medical anatomy and physiology is the foundation of providing medical care to patients as a physician assistant. Students correlate anatomic and physiologic variations across the lifespan from fetal development to geriatrics.

Medical anatomy and physiology is the foundation of providing medical care to patients as a physician assistant. Students continue correlating anatomic and physiologic variations across the lifespan from fetal development to geriatrics.

Interpretation of electrocardiography and radiologic imaging is essential in the diagnosis and treatment of patients across the life span. Students recognize medical disease processes using a systematic approach to electrocardiogram (EKG) analysis and selection of imaging modalities. Students also interpret EKGs and radiologic diagnostic testing through case-based methodology.

This course demonstrates new changes in clinical geriatric medicine and the ways in which care for the elderly is being organized. Instruction provides the Physician Assistant student, as a future healthcare practitioner, an excellent understanding of the expanding area of geriatrics and prepares the Physician Assistant student to appropriately evaluate, diagnose, monitor, treat, counsel, and refer elderly patients. Students are given formal instruction on process of death and dying. The interpretation and evaluation of medical literature is also emphasized.

Choosing diagnostics appropriately ensures patients receive high-value care. Students correlate clinical principles with selection of diagnostic tests and subsequent interpretation. Emphasis is placed on clinical reasoning, critical thinking, and formulation of a final diagnosis.

This course is designed to provide the physician assistant with an early introduction to the evaluation and management of various surgical conditions. Students will initially focus on pre/postoperative evaluation, wound care, assessment and management of trauma patients, and fluid and blood replacement. In the second portion, a systematic approach to surgical diseases, conditions and procedures is used. The course will also reinforce knowledge and instruction on knot tying, suturing and surgical instrumentation.

Managing medical diseases and disorders across the life span with attention to the diversity and vulnerability of the patient population allows students to apply the medical knowledge gained in the classroom. Social determinants of health and cultural competency are factors related to patient compliance and outcomes. Through discussion, analysis, and case-based scenarios, students evaluate differing beliefs, values, and expectations which impact methods of patient education, counseling, and decision-making.

Managing medical diseases and disorders across the life span with attention to the diversity and vulnerability of the patient population allows students to apply the medical knowledge gained in the classroom. Social determinants of health and cultural competency are factors related to patient compliance and outcomes. Through discussion, analysis, and case-based scenarios, students continue to evaluate differing beliefs, values, and expectations which impact methods of patient education, counseling, and decision-making.

The purpose of this course is to provide students fundamental concepts and skills required to perform common clinical procedures based on current practice standards. Students will receive knowledge of key indications, contraindications, risks, and benefits of basic procedural skills often performed in various practice settings. A basic review of the appropriate anatomy and physiology will be included. The laboratory environment will provide students an opportunity to perform and practice these procedures.

Public health and disease surveillance are integral in preventative medical care incorporating evidence-based medicine. Students research population health concepts derived from the medical literature as they relate to the treatment of their patients. Through research, analysis, and discussion, students incorporate evidence-based medicine into preventative care management of patients.

The Physician Assistant (PA) profession has evolved throughout its development in the medical community. Students explore the history and modernization of clinical PA practice with local and national laws, regulations, and policies. Activities will examine leadership and professionalism through accountability. An introduction to patient equity and healthcare systems will be provided. This is a pass/fail course.

The Physician Assistant (PA) profession has evolved throughout its development in the medical community. Students explore the professional development required in clinical PA practice with preparation for clinical rotations to include licensure, hospital credentials, liability, malpractice, safety, and building an individual portfolio. Activities will examine leadership and professionalism through accountability. This is a pass/fail course.

Clinical medicine is the core foundation of managing acute, chronic, and emergent medical disease progression across the life span. Through lectures and clinical scenarios, students explore the system-based epidemiology, etiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic approach, and therapeutic management of diseases common to primary care practice. Preventative medical care with a focus on patient education is examined.

Clinical medicine is the core foundation of managing acute, chronic, and emergent medical disease progression across the life span. Through lectures and clinical scenarios, students continue to explore the system-based epidemiology, etiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic approach, and therapeutic management of diseases common to primary care practice. Preventative medical care with a focus on patient education is examined.

Clinical medicine is the core foundation of managing acute, chronic, and emergent medical disease progression across the life span. Through lectures and clinical scenarios, students continue to explore the system-based epidemiology, etiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic approach, and therapeutic management of diseases common to primary care practice. Preventative medical care with a focus on patient education is examined.

Clinical medicine is the core foundation of managing acute, chronic, and emergent medical disease progression across the life span. Through lectures and clinical scenarios, students continue to explore the system-based epidemiology, etiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic approach, and therapeutic management of diseases common to primary care practice. Preventative medical care with a focus on patient education is examined.

Evaluation and management of patients with emergent and urgent health conditions influence physician assistants in all disciplines of medicine. Students examine effective interviewing methods, physical examination techniques, and pharmacological principles to treat emergent and urgent conditions across the life span. Through discussion and case-based analysis, students integrate evaluation techniques and management of patients in the emergent setting.

Diagnostic skills build critical thinking and decision-making competencies in physician assistants managing patients across the life span. Students demonstrate techniques of physical diagnosis to complete a comprehensive physical examination of the relevant regions and systems of the body. Through group practice, students master techniques necessary to complete a comprehensive physical examination.

Diagnostic skills build critical thinking and decision-making competencies in physician assistants managing patients across the life span. Students demonstrate techniques of interviewing, physical diagnosis, and documentation to complete the comprehensive physical examination of the relevant regions and systems of the body. Through group practice, students further master techniques necessary to complete a comprehensive physical examination.

Medical Anatomy and Physiology is the foundation of providing medical care to patients as a physician assistant. Through the laboratory setting, students correlate anatomic and physiologic variations across the lifespan from fetal development to geriatrics.

Medical Anatomy and Physiology is the foundation of providing medical care to patients as a physician assistant. Through the laboratory setting, students continue to correlate anatomic and physiologic variations across the lifespan from fetal development to geriatrics.

Clinical experiences build interpersonal communication skills and clinical reasoning competencies in physician assistants managing patients across the life span. Students practice techniques of interviewing, physical diagnosis, and documentation in a variety of community clinical sites. This is a pass/fail course.

Clinical experiences build interpersonal communication skills and clinical reasoning competencies physician assistants managing patients across the life span. Students continue practicing techniques of interviewing, physical diagnosis, and documentation in a variety of community clinical sites with a focus on preventative medicine. This is a pass/fail course.

Clinical experiences build interpersonal communication skills and clinical reasoning competencies in physician assistants managing patients across the life span. Students continue practicing techniques of interviewing, physical diagnosis, and documentation in a variety of community clinical sites. This is a pass/fail course.

Clinical experiences build interpersonal communication skills and clinical reasoning competencies in physician assistants managing patients across the life span. Students continue practicing techniques of interviewing, physical diagnosis, and documentation in a variety of community clinical sites. This is a pass/fail course.

Surgical and clinical procedural competencies are essential for physician assistant practice. Students examine the indications and risks associated with clinical procedures performed in various practice settings. Through lectures and labs, students focus on clinical and technical skills.

Surgical and clinical procedural competencies are essential for PA practice. Students examine the indications and risks associated with clinical procedures performed in various practice settings. Through lectures and labs, students continue to apply clinical and technical skills.

The integration of law and ethics within the practice of medicine impacts patient management. Students examine their professional responsibility, duty to treat, and patient advocacy through ethical problem-solving skills. Through discussion, analysis, and case-based scenarios, students examine dilemmas faced by those in clinical practice.

Small groups are specifically useful for developing higher order cognitive skills such as evaluation, problem solving, interpretation of complex concepts, and application of principles and basic information to practical problems. The small group is coordinated with the Clinical Medicine and Pharmacotherapeutics 3 lecture course in order to coordinate the skills learned in the classroom as well as to incorporate OSCE cases related to the classroom discussion. Pass/Fail

As a supplement to the lecture sequences, students will meet weekly for case-based laboratories. These will be small group labs, facilitated by faculty group facilitators. The facilitator will have students work through case studies that correspond to current lecture sequences. The students will be given introductory information and must elicit the necessary information from a facilitator to lead to the formulation of an appropriate differential diagnosis, diagnosis and management plan. This lab will require that students incorporate patient history, physical assessment, scientific concepts, and diagnostic studies to ultimately come to a logical differential diagnosis and final diagnosis. Students will then be required to utilize their knowledge of clinical therapeutics and diseases to develop a rational plan of management. Medical decision making and logic will be a key focus in lab sessions. Pass/Fail

The application of clinical medicine through clinical and technical skills, clinical reasoning and problem-solving abilities, interpersonal skills, and professional behaviors required for PA practice. Managing medical diseases and disorders across the lifespan in a systems-based approach allows students to apply the didactic knowledge gained in the classroom. Through small group instruction, students rotate through patient evaluation and management skills stations, clinical case scenarios, simulation and debriefing culminating in an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) skills assessment in the laboratory.

The application of clinical medicine through clinical and technical skills, clinical reasoning and problem-solving abilities, interpersonal skills, and professional behaviors required for PA practice. Managing medical diseases and disorders across the lifespan in a systems-based approach allows students to apply the didactic knowledge gained in the classroom. Through small group instruction, students continue to rotate through patient evaluation and management skills stations, clinical case scenarios, simulation and debriefing culminating in an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) skills assessment in the laboratory.

The application of clinical medicine through clinical and technical skills, clinical reasoning and problem-solving abilities, interpersonal skills, and professional behaviors are required for PA practice. Managing medical diseases and disorders across the lifespan in a systems-based approach allows students to apply the didactic knowledge gained in the classroom. Through small group instruction, students continue to rotate through patient evaluation and management skills stations, clinical case scenarios, simulation and debriefing culminating in an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) skills assessment in the laboratory.

The application of clinical medicine through clinical and technical skills, clinical reasoning and problem-solving abilities, interpersonal skills, and professional behaviors are required for PA practice. Managing medical diseases and disorders across the lifespan in a systems-based approach allows students to apply the didactic knowledge gained in the classroom. Through small group instruction, students continue to rotate through patient evaluation and management skills stations, clinical case scenarios, simulation and debriefing culminating in an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) skills assessment in the laboratory.

Permits students to enroll for review under the direction of a faculty member and area of emphasis in medicine in which the student is having difficulty.

Permits students to enroll for review under the direction of a faculty member and area of emphasis in medicine in which the student is having difficulty.

The purpose of this course is to teach students how to access and interpret medical literature. As life-long learners, Physician Assistants must be able to locate, understand, and apply concepts derived from the medical literature as they relate to the treatment of their patients. This course will focus on an evidence-based medicine approach to interpreting the medical literature. The University librarian will also teach students to search medical databases to efficiently locate appropriate material. The course will use definitions and concepts taught in the PAS5105 Epidemiology and Biostatistics course.

Clinical Rotations I-VIII are designed to provide the student with supervised clinical practice experiences (SCPEs) that will reinforce medical knowledge, interpersonal skills, clinical and technical skills, clinical reasoning and problem-solving integration, and professionalism behaviors required for PA practice. This rotation may be conducted in one of the required disciplines (i.e. Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Women’s Health, Pediatrics, Surgery, or Behavioral Medicine) or other various disciplines as a Clinical Elective. Based upon the assigned medical discipline, students will participate in the care of patients across the lifespan (e.g. infants, children, adolescents, adults, and/or elderly), through a variety of different encounters (e.g. acute, chronic, emergent, and/or preventative), and in various clinical settings (e.g. outpatient, inpatient, operating room, and/or emergency department).

Clinical Rotations I-VIII are designed to provide the student with supervised clinical practice experiences (SCPEs) that will reinforce medical knowledge, interpersonal skills, clinical and technical skills, clinical reasoning and problem-solving integration, and professionalism behaviors required for PA practice. This rotation may be conducted in one of the required disciplines (i.e. Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Women’s Health, Pediatrics, Surgery, or Behavioral Medicine) or other various disciplines as a Clinical Elective. Based upon the assigned medical discipline, students will participate in the care of patients across the lifespan (e.g. infants, children, adolescents, adults, and/or elderly), through a variety of different encounters (e.g. acute, chronic, emergent, and/or preventative), and in various clinical settings (e.g. outpatient, inpatient, operating room, and/or emergency department).

Clinical Rotations I-VIII are designed to provide the student with supervised clinical practice experiences (SCPEs) that will reinforce medical knowledge, interpersonal skills, clinical and technical skills, clinical reasoning and problem-solving integration, and professionalism behaviors required for PA practice. This rotation may be conducted in one of the required disciplines (i.e. Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Women’s Health, Pediatrics, Surgery, or Behavioral Medicine) or other various disciplines as a Clinical Elective. Based upon the assigned medical discipline, students will participate in the care of patients across the lifespan (e.g. infants, children, adolescents, adults, and/or elderly), through a variety of different encounters (e.g. acute, chronic, emergent, and/or preventative), and in various clinical settings (e.g. outpatient, inpatient, operating room, and/or emergency department).

Clinical Rotations I-VIII are designed to provide the student with supervised clinical practice experiences (SCPEs) that will reinforce medical knowledge, interpersonal skills, clinical and technical skills, clinical reasoning and problem-solving integration, and professionalism behaviors required for PA practice. This rotation may be conducted in one of the required disciplines (i.e. Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Women’s Health, Pediatrics, Surgery, or Behavioral Medicine) or other various disciplines as a Clinical Elective. Based upon the assigned medical discipline, students will participate in the care of patients across the lifespan (e.g. infants, children, adolescents, adults, and/or elderly), through a variety of different encounters (e.g. acute, chronic, emergent, and/or preventative), and in various clinical settings (e.g. outpatient, inpatient, operating room, and/or emergency department).

Clinical Rotations I-VIII are designed to provide the student with supervised clinical practice experiences (SCPEs) that will reinforce medical knowledge, interpersonal skills, clinical and technical skills, clinical reasoning and problem-solving integration, and professionalism behaviors required for PA practice. This rotation may be conducted in one of the required disciplines (i.e. Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Women’s Health, Pediatrics, Surgery, or Behavioral Medicine) or other various disciplines as a Clinical Elective. Based upon the assigned medical discipline, students will participate in the care of patients across the lifespan (e.g. infants, children, adolescents, adults, and/or elderly), through a variety of different encounters (e.g. acute, chronic, emergent, and/or preventative), and in various clinical settings (e.g. outpatient, inpatient, operating room, and/or emergency department).

Clinical Rotations I-VIII are designed to provide the student with supervised clinical practice experiences (SCPEs) that will reinforce medical knowledge, interpersonal skills, clinical and technical skills, clinical reasoning and problem-solving integration, and professionalism behaviors required for PA practice. This rotation may be conducted in one of the required disciplines (i.e. Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Women’s Health, Pediatrics, Surgery, or Behavioral Medicine) or other various disciplines as a Clinical Elective. Based upon the assigned medical discipline, students will participate in the care of patients across the lifespan (e.g. infants, children, adolescents, adults, and/or elderly), through a variety of different encounters (e.g. acute, chronic, emergent, and/or preventative), and in various clinical settings (e.g. outpatient, inpatient, operating room, and/or emergency department).

Clinical Rotations I-VIII are designed to provide the student with supervised clinical practice experiences (SCPEs) that will reinforce medical knowledge, interpersonal skills, clinical and technical skills, clinical reasoning and problem-solving integration, and professionalism behaviors required for PA practice. This rotation may be conducted in one of the required disciplines (i.e. Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Women’s Health, Pediatrics, Surgery, or Behavioral Medicine) or other various disciplines as a Clinical Elective. Based upon the assigned medical discipline, students will participate in the care of patients across the lifespan (e.g. infants, children, adolescents, adults, and/or elderly), through a variety of different encounters (e.g. acute, chronic, emergent, and/or preventative), and in various clinical settings (e.g. outpatient, inpatient, operating room, and/or emergency department).

Clinical Rotations I-VIII are designed to provide the student with supervised clinical practice experiences (SCPEs) that will reinforce medical knowledge, interpersonal skills, clinical and technical skills, clinical reasoning and problem-solving integration, and professionalism behaviors required for PA practice. This rotation may be conducted in one of the required disciplines (i.e. Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Women’s Health, Pediatrics, Surgery, or Behavioral Medicine) or other various disciplines as a Clinical Elective. Based upon the assigned medical discipline, students will participate in the care of patients across the lifespan (e.g. infants, children, adolescents, adults, and/or elderly), through a variety of different encounters (e.g. acute, chronic, emergent, and/or preventative), and in various clinical settings (e.g. outpatient, inpatient, operating room, and/or emergency department).

This is the first course in a three-course sequence designed to increase and enhance student learning during the clinical phase of the Physician Assistant Program. The course is designed to provide instruction on areas of clinical practice essential for the PA student to develop clinical skills and allows for formative and/or summative assessments of clinical competencies. While some professional topics are a regular part of the course on an annual basis, other clinical topics are inserted or removed as the knowledge and skills needs of each cohort are determined through various assessments, on areas of clinical practice essential for the PA student to develop clinical skills and allows for formative and/or summative assessments of clinical competencies. Other clinical topics are inserted or removed as the knowledge and skills needs of each cohort are determined through various assessments. This is a pass/fail course.

This is the second course in a three-course sequence designed to increase and enhance student learning during the clinical phase of the Physician Assistant Program. The course is designed to provide instruction on areas of clinical practice essential for the PA student to develop clinical skills and allows for formative and/or summative assessments of clinical competencies. While some professional topics are a regular part of the course on an annual basis, other clinical topics are inserted or removed as the knowledge and skills needs of each cohort are determined through various assessments, on areas of clinical practice essential for the PA student to develop clinical skills and allows for formative and/or summative assessments of clinical competencies. Other clinical topics are inserted or removed as the knowledge and skills needs of each cohort are determined through various assessments. This is a pass/fail course.

This is the final course in a three-course sequence designed to increase and enhance student learning during the clinical phase of the Physician Assistant Program. The course is designed to provide instruction on areas of clinical practice essential for the PA student to develop clinical skills and allows for formative and/or summative assessments of clinical competencies. While some professional topics are a regular part of the course on an annual basis, other clinical topics are inserted or removed as the knowledge and skills needs of each cohort are determined through various assessments, on areas of clinical practice essential for the PA student to develop competent clinical skills and allows for formative and/or summative assessments of clinical competencies. Other clinical topics are inserted or removed as the knowledge and skills needs of each cohort are determined through various assessments. This is a pass/fail course.

This course is designed to be a capstone course in the physician assistant curriculum. It is designed to review competency and evaluate knowledge and skills deemed essential for successful completion of the program and entry into the PA profession. The course includes an extensive didactic review of medical topics in a system-based approach. Evaluations are conducted to assess each student's knowledge, interpersonal skills, patient care skills, critical thinking, problem solving, and professionalism. This is a pass/fail course.