Course Sequence and Descriptions

First Year Curriculum

Summer Semester I    12 weeks

Fall Semester I    16 weeks

Spring Semester 1    16 weeks

Summer Semester II    12 weeks

Second Year Curriculum

Fall Semester II    16 weeks

 
Spring Semester II    16 weeks

 
Summer Semester III    12 weeks

Course Descriptions

PA 501   The Physician Assistant Profession (2 credits)
Introduction to the PA Profession, including information about the history of the profession, AAPA Code of Ethics, credentialing and recertification requirements of the PA profession, the PA professional's role in healthcare delivery and reimbursement systems, relationship with the supervising physician and other healthcare professionals; information about legislation and governing bodies that affect the profession. Use of appropriate referral sources when patient management is outside scope of PA practice; introduction to principle of intellectual honesty.

PA 502   Clinical Anatomy (4 credits)
In-depth study of clinical anatomy of the human body. Emphasis on important anatomical landmarks required in physical evaluation of patient, anatomical relationships of structures to each other, anatomical components of body systems, and blood and nerve supply to organs and body regions; includes common pathological processes and topical landmarks related to common surgical procedures. Students analyze, synthesize and apply clinically relevant anatomical information for physical examination, proper diagnosis, appropriate therapy, accurate prognosis in patient care and other clinical procedures.Students will have the opportunity to apply anatomical knowledge through the use of case studies and cadaver laboratory experiences.

PA 510   History and Physical Exam I (3 credits)
Introduction to obtaining and recording the complete medical history; course will provide an overview of the medical record as well as development of writing and organizational skills for medical record keeping and oral presentation skills. Introduction to lifelong learning skills and cultural diversity influences on all aspects of medical practice. Patient counseling and/or patient education theory and techniques discussed; skills will be developed through structured laboratory exercises.

PA 503   Human Physiology (4 credits)
A comprehensive study of the physiology of the human.  Emphasis will be directed toward advanced instruction in membrane physiology, control of cellular activity, neuromuscular physiology, renal physiology, endocrinology, cardiovascular, respiratory and central nervous system.

PA 505   Molecular Mechanisms of Health and Disease (3 credits)
Principles of clinical genetics and the use of traditional and molecular methods for the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of genetic disorders; includes genetic counseling concepts for disease prevention.

PA 506   EKG (1 credit)
Technique of 12-lead EKG recording and interpretation presented; designed to allow students to recognize and interpret electrocardiography (EKG) tracings and their clinical significance

PA 504   Human Pathophysiology (4 credits)
Course covers basic pathologic and pathophysiologic concepts of diseases per organ system commonly encountered in primary care practice.

PA 507   Patient Diagnostics (2 credits)
Introduction to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures utilized to evaluate body systems, including laboratory, radiography, and respiratory methods and techniques, their indications and general principles of interpretation. Simulated cases will be included to further develop clinical decision-making skills.

PA 511   History and Physical Exam II (4 credits)
Instruction, study, and practice of skills required for conduction of a complete physical examination using appropriate equipment, techniques and accurate medical terminology to document findings. Includes instruction to identify and discuss normal and abnormal anatomical structures, body system physiology, pathological conditions, common symptoms of disorders, clinical findings and provide appropriate patient education.

PA 512   Clinical Medicine I (6 credits)
An intensive study of human diseases and disorders in the broad scope of clinical medicine including the perspectives of epidemiology, etiology, historical data, clinical manifestations, progression, therapeutic management, pertinent preventative medicine, laboratory medicine perspectives, and prognosis.  In addition, an overview of physiological and pathologic processes that influence the human organism at the cellular, organ and systemic levels.  Emphasis will be on disease processes common to primary care practices, and the development of differential diagnoses and plan based upon the patient's clinical presentation.

PA 515   Pharmacology I (4 credits)
Preparation for appropriate administration/prescription of medicines is accomplished through a study of drug classifications, pharmacodynamic actions, and rationale for therapeutic use of prescription and non-prescription medications.

PA 513   Clinical Medicine II (6 credits)
Part II of an intensive study of human diseases and disorders in the broad scope of clinical medicine including the perspectives of epidemiology, etiology, historical data, clinical manifestations, progression, therapeutic management, pertinent preventative medicine, laboratory medicine perspectives, and prognosis.  In addition, an overview of physiological and pathologic processes that influence the human organism at the cellular, organ and systemic levels.  Emphasis will be on disease processes common to primary care practices, and the development of differential diagnoses and plan based upon the patient's clinical presentation.

PA 516   Pharmacology II (4 credits)
Continuation of a two-part course. Preparation for appropriate administration/prescription of medicines is accomplished through a study of drug classifications, pharmacodynamic actions, and rationale for therapeutic use of prescription and non-prescription medications.

PA 517   Medical Ethics (2 credits)
The course will focus on moral problems which arise in the day-to-day practice of healthcare professionals, administrators, and researchers within the framework of existing institutions, social policies, and laws. It will include readings on controversial moral issues in clinical ethics and apply forms and strategies of moral reasoning to selected cases.

PA 518   Clinical Skills (2 credits)
Bedside and surgical procedures including aseptic technique, air and blood-borne pathogen transmission prevention, foley catheter insertion, injections, surgical techniques and casting. 

PA 519   PA Research Methods and Evidence-Based Medicine (3 credits)
Course is intended to enable the students to evaluate the findings in current literature in light of current clinical practice.  Students will become proficient in database search techniques, the interpretation of published research, and in determining the quality of published research to guide clinical practice decisions.

PA 520   Behavioral Medicine and Preventive Measures (2 credits)
Instruction focused on the detection and application of preventive measures and treatment of health risk behaviors including stress, abuse and violence, substance abuse and psychological symptoms and syndromes through basic counseling, patient education and/or appropriate referrals that are sensitive to culture and ethnicity. Introduction to strategies to identify and ease patient reaction to illness and end of life issues and application of those strategies to overcome resistance, encourage therapeutic cooperation, and assist in changing patient risky behaviors.  Cultural diversity and its relationship to health, disease, and death will be addressed.  Other topics include sexuality and health. 

PA 521   Healthcare Policy and Delivery (2 credits)
Explores trends in healthcare delivery, related public policy, and funding issues, as well as theoretical and ethical considerations in delivering care.   Topics include healthcare disparities, the medically underserved, and managed care.

PA 522   Leadership and Preparation for Practice (2 credits)
Course reviews leadership roles in healthcare.  Students explore and evaluate their personal strengths, weakness, and leadership styles.

PA 523   Emergency Medicine (4 credits)
Provides an overview of potentially life-threatening illnesses and injuries encountered in emergency situations or in the critically ill patient. Discusses the essentials of assessment and management for the initial evaluation, stabilization, assessment, management and treatment, patient education, disposition and follow-up of an acutely ill patient requiring expeditious medical, surgical, or psychiatric attention.

PA 514   Clinical Medicine III (6 credits)
Presentation of medical problems and diseases encountered in primary care practice, emphasizing obstetrics, gynecology, and pediatrics. Etiology, signs, symptoms, diagnostic data interpretation, clinical course, methods of management and potential complications provide framework for lecture and discussion. Differential diagnosis of related and similar diseases included.

PA 524   Integrative Patient Care Management (3 credits)
Using Problem-based learning methodologies, students work through patient case scenarios, to develop appropriate differential diagnoses and management plans.

Clinical Practicum I-X (2 credits each):

PA 610   Family Medicine
Four-week rotation in clinical healthcare settings designed to emphasize the role of the Physician Assistant to the primary care physician.

PA 620   Internal Medicine
Four week rotation designed to provide the Physician Assistant student with the opportunity to develop proficiency in the addressing common medical issues via patient encounters in a clinical setting.

PA 630   Women’s Health
This four-week obstetrics/gynecology rotation is designed to provide the Physician Assistant student with an opportunity to develop proficiency in the unique medical history, physical examination and treatment of the prenatal/gynecology patient.  The student will also become familiar with tests and procedures unique to this patient population.

PA 635 Professional Development Seminar III (1 credit)
Integrates concepts and knowledge gained from field experience rotations into the total learning process. Focus on patient and professional communication, various professional practice issues and topics, and lifelong learning. Discussions on current clinical issues and student presentations on patient casework included.

PA 640   Geriatrics
This four-week geriatric rotation is designed to provide the Physician Assistant student with an opportunity to develop proficiency in the unique medical history, physical examination and treatment of the geriatric patient.  The student will also become familiar with tests and procedures unique to this patient population.

PA 611   Pediatrics
This four-week pediatric rotation is designed to provide the Physician Assistant student with an intense exposure of primary care pediatric problems with the objectives of developing skills in well-child preventative care, the care of common pediatric illnesses and the care of the newborn and children.

PA 621   General Surgery
This four-week rotation is designed to provide the Physician Assistant student with opportunities to become proficient in pre-operative, intraoperative, and post-operative patient care.  Student expected to become able to first-assist a surgeon in a surgical setting.

PA 631   Psychiatry/Behavioral Medicine
This four-week psychiatric rotation is designed to provide the Physician Assistant student with a behavioral medicine experience in caring for ambulatory and hospitalized patients with psychiatric disorders.  The student will be able to perform basic psychiatric evaluations, monitor medications, and support the clinical management plan for patients after psychiatric evaluation and treatment.  The student will also be able to refer to psychiatrists and psychiatric facilities as needed.

PA 641   Emergency Medicine
This four-week emergency medicine rotation is designed to provide the Physician Assistant student with exposure to and development of skills in managing patients in the emergency room setting.  Learned skills will include those necessary for appropriate triage, stabilization, diagnosis and management of patients with traumatic injuries and illnesses as well as the management of less life-threatening problems that present to the emergency room.  Physician Assistant student will develop skills in working with the pre-hospital emergency medical team and secondary referral systems.

PA 650/ PA 651   Clinical Practicum Electives I and II (2 credits each)
Four-week clinical rotation designed to provide the Physician Assistant student with an elective opportunity in any of the following disciplines:  dermatology, gastroenterology, plastic surgery, cardiology, radiology, ENT, subspecialties in surgery, urology, gerontology, pulmonology, ophthalmology, and oncology or another area of interest to the student or to extend any of the required rotations.  The student will be able to recognize conditions treatable by these specialties, so they can refer patients appropriately and/or work in a supportive role for such specialists.

PA 660  Introduction to the Master’s Capstone Project (1 credit)
Designed to allow PA students to conceptualize Master’s project to be completed in Summer Semester III.

PA 615   Professional Development Seminar I (1 credit)
Integrates concepts and knowledge gained from field experience rotations into the total learning process. Focus on patient and professional communication, various professional practice issues and topics, and lifelong learning. Other discussions on current issues included.

PA 625   Professional Development Seminar II (1 credit)
Integrates concepts and knowledge gained from field experience rotations into the total learning process. Focus on patient and professional communication, various professional practice issues and topics, and lifelong learning. Discussions on current clinical issues and student presentations on patient casework included.

PA 670   Capstone Master’s Project (3 credits)
Designed to allow PA students to complete a Master's degree project while under the guidance of a faculty advisor.  Students will identify a healthcare topic/issue, conduct appropriate library research, develop a research paper, and make an oral presentation on their topic at the conclusion of their Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies curriculum.  Students will be responsible for developing appropriate audiovisual, handouts, etc. for the oral presentation.

PA 671 Summative Evaluation (1 credit)
Assessment of cumulative knowledge gained from both didactic and clinical aspects of the Physician Assistant Studies Program to verify student preparation to enter clinical practice.