Program Info
Educate physician assistants based on a foundation of evidence-based medicine, to competently practice patient-centered care, exercise cultural humility and cultivate a team approach. Graduates will be prepared for the changing landscape of medicine to serve individuals locally, nationally and globally. Physician assistants will be taught on the basis of the Dwight Schar College Nursing and Health Science’s guiding values: integrity, caring, accountability, respect and excellence (ICARE), interprofessional collaboration and lifelong learning.
| Measure | Benchmark |
|---|---|
| Cumulative GPA | Meet or exceed national average |
| Science GPA | Meet or exceed national average |
| Residing from a medically underserved area | 25% of matriculated students |
| Matriculated student admission interview performance | Matriculated student will attain average admission interview score of at least 85% of possible points |
* Data will be published in Fall 2024
| Measure | Benchmark |
|---|---|
| Graduate Survey | 90% of graduates agree or strongly agree that the PA program prepared them for clinical practice with an emphasis on patient-centered care |
| Summative Evaluations | 80% of students pass all components of the Program’s summative evaluation on the first attempt |
* Data will be published in Fall 2024
| Measure | Benchmark |
|---|---|
| Interprofessional Education assignments | 90% of students will achieve a score of 90% or higher |
| Preceptor Evaluations | 90% of students will achieve a score of 90% or higher |
* Data will be published in Fall 2024
| Measure | Benchmark |
|---|---|
| PANCE first time pass rate | Each cohort achieves a first time PACE Pass Rate at or above the 5 year running national pass rate average |
* Data will be published in Fall 2024
| Measure | Benchmark |
|---|---|
| PA Program faculty will volunteer service, serve on committees or hold leadership roles within the PA professional Organizations | Annually 80% involvement |
| PA Program faculty will participate in university level committee | Annually 100% involvement |
| PA Program faculty and student’s participation in service activities | Annually 100% involvement of both faculty and students |
* Data will be published in Fall 2024
Upon completion of the Ashland University PA Program, students will have acquired the knowledge, interpersonal skills, clinical reasoning and problem-solving abilities, clinical and technical skills, and professional behaviors to graduate practice-ready physician assistants:
Apply knowledge from basic, clinical, and social sciences to the diagnosis and management of specific diagnoses across all ages and patient populations.
Use interpersonal skills to communicate clearly and effectively in verbal, nonverbal, and written forms to patients across the lifespan, family, and members of healthcare teams.
Elicit an accurate and pertinent medical history across the patient lifespan.
Perform a comprehensive and problem-focused physical exam.
Integrate age-related factors, growth, and human development milestones into clinical reasoning and decision-making processes.
Order and interpret diagnostic studies to assist in the evaluation and treatment of the patient.
Formulate a differential diagnosis based upon historical information, physical exam, laboratory, and diagnostic study findings.
Design personalized patient therapeutic management plans that consider cost, efficacy, possible adverse reactions and contraindications that include pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments, monitoring, and referrals.
Communicate the findings of a clinical encounter in written and oral forms to all members of the health care team.
Deliver evidence-based education to patients, and their family on the health care plan and clinical therapies and results, preventative health and public health.
Use clinical reasoning and problem-solving skills to integrate up to date scientific evidence, patient preferences, and clinical judgment to make informed decisions about the care of the patient
Perform common medical and surgical procedures.
Demonstrate professionalism including principles of integrity and ethical decision making, sensitivity, and responsiveness in all interactions with patients, families and health care teams.
ARC-PA Student Attrition
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Graduated Classes |
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Class of 2023 |
Class of 2024 |
Class of 2025 |
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Maximum entering class size (as approved by ARC-PA) |
24 |
30 |
36 |
|
Entering class size |
24 |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Graduates |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
* Attrition rate |
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**Graduation rate |
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Additional information will be available in Fall 2023.
The ARC-PA has granted Accreditation-Provisional status to the Ashland University Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies Program sponsored by Ashland University.
Accreditation-Provisional is an accreditation status granted when the plans and resource allocation, if fully implemented as planned, of a proposed program that has not yet enrolled students appear to demonstrate the program’s ability to meet the ARC-PA Standards or when a program holding Accreditation Provisional status appears to demonstrate continued progress in complying with the Standards as it prepares for the graduation of the first class (cohort) of students.
Accreditation-Provisional does not ensure any subsequent accreditation status. It is limited to no more than five years from matriculation of the first class. The program’s accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website at http://www.arc-pa.org/accreditation-history-ashland-university/.
Admissions
The Master of Science in Physician Assistant studies at Ashland University accepts applications through the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA). Admission is limited to 24 students for the 2021 cohort, 30 students for the 2022 cohort and 36 students for subsequent cohorts. Students will be accepted on a rolling admission cycle. The applications are processed and interviews are arranged as applications are received, not after the application deadline has passed. It is to the applicant's benefit to apply early in the cycle. Those students who apply later in the process before the deadline of April 1st will still be considered, processed, and arranged for interviews if they meet the admissions requirements but may be placed on a waitlist. The program is looking for PA students who complete a competitive CASPA application, demonstrate professionalism, dedication, and commitment to patient care.
Admission Requirements for the 2023 cohort:
- Completion of a Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution by June 2023, degree can be from any area of study
- Official transcripts from all US institutions attended must be sent to the program through CASPA
- GPA- Minimum Requirements follow CASPA's GPA calculation and coursework reporting policies
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Science GPA 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Graduate Records Exam (GRE) - Ashland University Physician Assistant Program Code: 4781
- Required for all applicants- no other test will be accepted in place of the GRE
- Results must be within five years of admission
- Scores must be submitted directly through CASPA via ETS
- Prerequisites- Must have been completed within the last ten years from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants may apply with up to 2 “work in progress” prerequisites provided they complete each with a “C” 2.0 on a CASPA 4.0 GPA scale or higher by June 2023
| Prerequisite Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Upper Level Science - must have general biology or general chemistry as a prerequisite | 9 credit hours |
| Microbiology - must have general biology as a prerequisite | 4 credit hours |
| Human Anatomy & Physiology with lab | 7 credit hours |
| Organic Chemistry | 4 credit hours |
| Biochemistry - must have general chemistry as a prerequisite | 3 credit hours |
| Statistics | 3 credit hours |
| Medical Terminology | 1 credit hour |
- Direct Patient Care Health Care experience preferred
- Shadowing hours with a Certified Physician Assistant in clinical practice preferred
- Shadowing Hours must be documented and submitted via CASPA on the Ashland University Shadowing Log Hours Form
- 3 Letters of Recommendation
- 1 Must be from a Physician Assistant
- Upload a CV/Resume in the Documents section of CASPA
- Upload an individual headshot in the Documents section of CASPA
The Master of Science in Physician Assistant studies at Ashland University utilizes the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) for rolling application processing.
Applicants who have been selected for an interview will be notified via email and invited in for an interview session. Details of the date and schedule for the interview day will be sent via email.
Ashland University PA Program reserves the right to adjust the interview format based on local, regional, state, and national restrictions that may be implemented.
The Ashland University PA program uses a rolling admissions process. The PA Program Admissions Committee will evaluate CASPA verified applications that meet the minimum requirements for admissions and extend an invitation for on-campus interviews to highly rated applicants who meet the stated qualifications. Qualifications for admission interview invitation are based on admission committee scoring of each of the following admission requirements: Cumulative GPA, Science GPA, combined GRE verbal and quantitative score, reference letters, PA shadowing hours, direct patient care hours, service experience, and writing samples (CASPA personal statements and CASPA supplemental essay).
Preference points will be awarded for AU alumni, military veterans, those residing in a medically underserved area, and documentation of medical certifications or licensures uploaded to CASPA. Individuals who have not met the above criteria will be notified with information identifying missing components and instructions for completion or reapplication.
Admission interviews will be conducted to assess:
- Reliability and Dependability
- Ethical Responsibility to Self and Others
- Resilience and Adaptability
- Cultural Competence
- Career Development Capacity for Improvement
- Service Orientation
- Fit with Ashland University’s PA program
- Team-Work
- Insight into the Physician Assistants Role
- Social Skills
- Professionalism
- Written Communication
Applicants who have a negative display of interpersonal interaction or professionalism at any point during the on-campus interview will have points deducted from their overall scoring.
Interviewees will be notified of the admissions decisions within two weeks of their interview date. During each applicant review process, applicants will be placed in one of three categories: Accepted, Waitlisted, or Denied. All candidates on the waitlist will be reviewed during each subsequent interview session and if a change in status is made they will be notified. Once all seats in the cohort have been filled the waitlisted candidates will receive additional communication about their ranking and next steps.
Accepted applicants will be notified of acceptance into the PA program and detailed instructions on the next steps for Ashland University admission and completion of enrollment. Students who are accepted into Ashland University's Physician Assistant program are responsible for a nonrefundable deposit of $1000 to secure their seat. Based on rolling admission, $500 is required two weeks after an offer is extended, and the remaining $500 is due June 1st.
PANCE Results
The first time Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) rates for the five most recent graduating classes as provided by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) compared to the national average is published once information becomes available for each class year.
Data from our first graduating class will be available in Spring 2024
Cost & Financial Aid
Costs:
| COSTS * All costs are subject to annual adjustments. |
Fall 2023 Cohort |
| Total Program Tuition | $92,500 |
| Graduation Fee | $100 |
| Technology Fee | --- |
| Learning Technology Fee | $42/credit hour |
| Additional Cost: | |
| Health Insurance (Ashland University option) | $1,821/year |
| Background Check & Drug Screen | $250 |
| Textbooks | $1,500 |
| Laptop (Cost if purchased through Ashland University) | $1,100 |
| Professional Memberships | $125/2 year |
| Personal Medical Equipment | $1,000 |
| Estimated Living & Transportation Expenses | |
| University Housing (optional) | $9,720/year |
| Personal Living Expenses | $2,765/semester |
| Transportation (car insurance / car payment / gas) | $2,868/year |
| Vehicle Permit | $96/year |
| Eagle ID replacement card | $10 |
| Recreation Center fee (optional) | $92/semester |
Students who are accepted into Ashland University’s Physician Assistant program are responsible for a non-refundable deposit of $1000 to secure their seat. Based on rolling admission $500 is required two weeks after an offer is extended and the remaining $500 is due June 1st.
Financial Aid:
Ashland University has a number of policies that govern various aspects of the administration of Financial Aid, including but not limited to the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy, Refund Policy, and Outside Scholarship Policy. These policies may be reviewed at: https://www.ashland.edu/students/financial-aid.
The Financial Aid Office will begin packaging aid and generating offer letters for Physician Assistant students in April each year for students who submit a FAFSA and meet eligibility requirements. Students are encouraged to submit the FAFSA prior to April 1. Refer to the Financial Aid Office’s “Physician Assistant Fast Facts Sheet" and the “Graduate Financial Aid” website for more financial aid related details.
Student Resources & Policies
Student Employment Policy (A3.04)
Ashland University PA program does not allow students to work for the PA program in a paid or volunteer capacity under any circumstances.
The PA Program does not allow students to substitute for clinical or administrative staff regardless of their prior knowledge, education, or experiences. Students are not to be the primary instructor or instructor of record for any component of the curriculum under any circumstances.
Students will not be permitted to serve as an instructor during courses, labs, or Supervised Clinical Practice Experiences. Students cannot be used to substitute for regular or administrative staff under any circumstances during clinical rotations. If a student is asked to substitute for a staff person on a rotation, they must contact the Director of Clinical Education immediately.
Ashland University PA Program strongly discourages any form of employment during the duration of the program. The 24 months of the program is intensive and requires full-time attendance in both didactic and clinical components. Outside work obligations will not be considered an acceptable excuse for poor performance or absence from any program related activities.
Withdrawal Procedure:
Students who choose to withdraw from the University must go through the official withdrawal process which includes contacting their Graduate Advisor, and Registrar's Office to complete the Ashland University Withdrawal Request and Information Form: https://etcentral.ashland.edu/#/form/56
Refund Policy:
- Fees paid directly to the University are nonrefundable
- Ashland University Policies for “Withdrawal and Refund” of tuition can be found at: https://www.ashland.edu/administration/student-accounts/policy-statements
Financial Aid
Ashland University has a number of policies that govern various aspects of the administration of Financial Aid, including but not limited to the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy, Refund Policy, and Outside Scholarship Policy. These policies may be reviewed at: https://www.ashland.edu/students/financial-aid.
The Financial Aid Office will begin packaging aid and generating offer letters for Physician Assistant students in April each year for students who submit a FAFSA and meet eligibility requirements. Students are encouraged to submit the FAFSA prior to April 1. Refer to the Financial Aid Office’s “Physician Assistant Fast Facts Sheet” and the “Graduate Financial Aid” website for more financial aid related details.
Technical Standards
Students of the Ashland University Physician Assistant program must possess and demonstrate the capacity to complete the curriculum in its entirety to perform the essential functions required of practicing Physician Assistants upon graduation. Ashland University Physician Assistant program requires demonstration of the abilities in the categories of 1.) Observation, 2.) Communication, 3.) Motor, 4.) Intellectual, and 5.) Behavioral and Social Attributes. Students must be able to demonstrate competency in these categories with or without reasonable accommodations.
For additional questions, please contact Ashland University’s Students Accessibility Center https://www.ashland.edu/administration/campus-life/student-accessibility-center
1- Observation
- PA students must demonstrate the ability to acquire knowledge through a variety of observational methods, including classroom demonstrations, presentations in lectures, and laboratories.
- PA students must demonstrate the ability to observe a patient accurately at a distance and close at hand
- PA students are required to utilize their sense of sight, hearing, sensation, and smell as part of the observation process
2- Communication
- PA students must communicate sensitively and effectively with patients and families in a culturally competent manner
- PA students must communicate effectively and efficiently in oral and written forms with all members of the healthcare team
- PA students must demonstrate the ability to elicit information from patients, perceive nonverbal communications, and describe changes in mood, activity, and posture
- PA students must demonstrate effective use of speech, reading, writing, and computers as part of the communication process.
- PA students must demonstrate skills necessary to communicate effectively in small and large group discussions
3- Motor
- PA students must demonstrate the ability to execute the patient care necessary regarding diagnostic maneuvers including palpation, auscultation, percussion, and other diagnostic maneuvers
- PA students must demonstrate the ability to provide continuous general care and emergency treatment to patients
- PA students must demonstrate the ability to manipulate equipment and instruments without interruption necessary to perform basic laboratory tests and procedures required to attain curricular goals (needles, stethoscope, ophthalmoscope, tongue blades, intravenous equipment, gynecologic speculum, scalpel, etc.)
- PA students must demonstrate the ability to transport instruments and equipment from one location to another in a timely fashion to facilitate patient care responsibilities and receive educational training.
4- Intellectual
- PA students must demonstrate the ability to comprehend three-dimensional relationships and the spatial relationship of structures
- PA students must demonstrate the ability to collect, organize, prioritize, analyze, and assimilate large amounts of technically and complex information within a limited time frame and then present the information in a variety of educational settings, including lectures, small group discussions, and individual clinical settings
- PA students must demonstrate the ability to analyze, integrate, and apply information appropriately for problem-solving and decision making
- PA students must be alert and attentive at all times in clinical settings
5- Behavioral and Social Attributes
- PA students must demonstrate emotional health, maturity, sensitivity, intellectual ability, and good judgment needed to complete all responsibilities associated with the diagnosis and care of patients
- PA students must demonstrate tolerance towards physical, mental and emotional stress related to training and the profession
- PA students must demonstrate adaptability, flexibility and be able to function in the face of uncertainty
- PA students demonstrate a high level of compassion for others, motivation to serve, integrity, and a consciousness of social values
- PA students demonstrate sufficient interpersonal skills to interact positively and in a culturally competent manner with people from all levels of society, all ethnic backgrounds, and all belief systems
- PA students demonstrate the ability to accept criticism and respond by appropriate modification of behavior
The Ashland University PA Program believes that no person shall be denied admission to the program, or awarded the degree of Master of Science in Physician Assistant study on the basis of any disability, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, provided that the person demonstrates the ability to meet the minimum standards set forth herein. Ashland University Physician Assistant program will reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities, provided that the standards required by the program and the integrity of the curriculum are upheld. Mastery of essential skills is required of all students.
Ashland University Physician Assistant program does not offer experiential credit towards the PA program curriculum. Students who may have been in a previous Health Science or Medical Science program are not eligible for credit transfer towards the PA program curriculum and are required to take courses in sequence.
Physician Assistant students will not be required to provide or solicit preceptors or clinical sites, but they may submit a request for the development of a new clinical site to the Director of Clinical Education. PA students who are interested in developing a new clinical site must complete the “Student Request for Preceptor Form.” This form is not a guarantee for placement and will be at the discretion of the Director of Clinical Education. Based on the information provided by the student, the Director of Clinical Education will initiate the formal contact representing the Ashland University PA program with the clinical agency. The proposed site must meet all of the established educational goals for the clinical experience and agree to become legally affiliated with Ashland University College of Nursing and Health Science during the time that the student is on clinical rotation.
Students may request up to two new clinical sites. Forms must be submitted to the Director of Clinical Education six months before the proposed clinical rotation.
Curriculum
The Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies is a practice-focused degree that prepares Physician Assistants to function in diverse healthcare environments. Emphasis is placed on evidence-based medicine, to competently practice patient-centered care, exercise cultural humility, and cultivate a team approach that will produce practice-ready Physician Assistants upon graduation. In addition to providing the medical knowledge to graduate practice-ready physician assistants, the program is committed to providing training and certifications to enhance each student's portfolio and prepare them for employment upon successful first-time pass of their PANCE exam.
The Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies is a full-time, 24-month, year-round graduate program that consists of 103 semester credit hours completed over six consecutive semesters. The curriculum is separated into didactic and clinical academic work. The didactic curriculum will be completed face to face with early integration of the state of the art high fidelity simulation lab. The clinical year curriculum is delivered primarily through Supervised Clinical Practice Experiences (Clinical Rotations. Students will complete four-week rotations in the disciplines of Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Emergency Medicine, General Surgery, Women's Health, Pediatrics, and Behavioral Health. Additionally, students have the opportunity to select two elective rotations.
The majority of our clinical sites will be located in north, northeast, and central Ohio. However, students may be required to attend rotations at a site outside of the commutable area and will be responsible for all expenses related to such assignments. If a student wishes to establish a new clinical site for the program, he or she can request up to two new clinical sites. However, the student is not guaranteed to be placed at the requested sites, and it is the program's responsibility to evaluate and assign each Supervised Clinical Practice Experience.
Ashland University - Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies |
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Course # |
Course Name |
Credit Hrs |
|---|---|---|
Didactic Year |
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Fall Semester |
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PAS 500 |
Anatomy |
4 |
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This course provides in-depth instruction to students in order to build a comprehensive knowledge base of human gross anatomy. Emphasis is placed on normal and abnormal variants of anatomical structures; spatial relationships among structures; anatomical changes across the lifespan; and correlation to clinical practice. The course format includes classroom lectures and cadaver laboratory sessions. The knowledge gained in this course will be the foundation for the information presented throughout the duration of the didactic and clinical curriculum. |
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PAS 505 |
Basic Sciences I |
3 |
|
This is the first of a three-course series designed to run concurrently and complement the systems-based approach used in Clinical Medicine I and Pharmacology & Therapeutics I. The student will gain knowledge of the physiology and pathophysiology of diseases and conditions common to each organ system. A focus is also placed on clinical microbiology and the underlying genetic and molecular principles of health and disease throughout the human lifespan. This specific course will cover the dermatologic system; hematologic system; eyes, ears, nose and throat; pulmonary system; and endocrine system. |
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PAS 520 |
Clinical Medicine I |
6 |
|
This is the first of a three-course series that provides an intensive study of human disease and disorders across the lifespan in a systems-based approach. This course will provide in-depth instruction on human diseases and conditions, including their etiology, epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, differential diagnosis, therapeutic management, prevention, and prognosis. Students will be expected to build upon knowledge obtained from Anatomy, Basic Science I, Pharmacology I, and Clinical Skills I in order to construct a problem-focused evaluation, diagnosis, and patient-centered management plan pertinent to the disease process. The course will address clinical medical care across diverse patient populations (i.e. prenatal, infants, children, adolescents, adults and the elderly) and care settings (i.e. acute, chronic, emergent, preventative, rehabilitative, palliative and end-of-life). This specific course will cover the dermatologic system; hematologic system; eyes; ears, nose and throat; pulmonary system; and endocrine system. |
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PAS 535 |
Patient Assessment I |
3 |
|
This is the first of a three-course series designed to run concurrently with Clinical Medicine I to develop the clinical and technical skills required to assess patients across the lifespan. The course includes instruction on eliciting a complete medical history, performing a comprehensive physical exam, and presenting physical exam findings through both written and oral formats. A focus is also placed on acquiring the interpersonal skills, sensitivity, and professionalism necessary to communicate with a diverse patient population effectively. Physical exam knowledge and skills will be developed through lectures and laboratory exercises, while simulated case-based scenarios will be used to develop problem-solving and medical decision-making skills. This specific course will cover physical exams associated with the dermatologic system; eyes, ears, nose and throat; pulmonary system; and endocrine system. |
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PAS 550 |
Clinical Skills I |
2 |
|
This is the first of a three-course series designed to integrate the knowledge attained in Anatomy, Clinical Medicine I, and Patient Assessment I in order to evaluate and manage a patient using diagnostic studies and clinical procedures. The course will provide in-depth instruction on the indications, contraindications, and associated risk of various diagnostic tests (i.e. laboratory tests, imaging) and clinical procedures. Students will develop the ability to order and interpret laboratory tests and diagnostic studies, as well as efficiently relay the results to patients and their families in a professional manner. Through laboratory sessions, students will have hands-on instruction and practice in order to gain the clinical and technical skills required to perform various clinical procedures proficiently. A focus is also placed on informed consent, OSHA training, the practice of standard precautions, and sterile technique in order to prepare students for clinical rotations. This specific course will cover the dermatologic system; hematologic system; eyes, ears, nose and throat; pulmonary system; and endocrine system in alignment with Clinical Medicine I. |
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PAS 565 |
Pharmacology and Therapeutics I |
2 |
|
This is the first of a three-course series designed to run concurrently and complement the systems-based approach used in Basic Science I and Clinical Medicine I. This course discusses the concepts of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in order to develop the fundamental pharmacological knowledge required to treat patients across the lifespan. The course will also examine pharmacotherapeutic agents in extensive detail, including their mechanisms of action, indications, contraindications, adverse effects, toxicities, drug interactions, and cost of treatment. This specific course will cover the major drug classes for prescription and nonprescription medications associated with the dermatologic system; hematologic system; eyes, ears, nose and throat; pulmonary system; and endocrine system. |
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PAS 580 |
PA Practice and Professionalism I |
1 |
|
This is the first of a six-course series that extends throughout the didactic and clinical curriculum to cultivate a practice-ready physician assistant through the exploration of physician assistant practice, policies, and professionalism. In this course, the student will gain knowledge of the PA profession's history; academic and professional conduct; PA professional organizations; and strategies for the education and counseling of patients from diverse backgrounds. Students will also have an introduction to interprofessional teams and their role, which will be applied to case-based experiences in the second and third series of this course. |
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Total Semester Credit Hour: |
21 |
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Spring Semester |
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PAS 510 |
Basic Sciences II |
3 |
|
This is the second of a three-course series designed to run concurrently and complement the systems-based approach used in Clinical Medicine II and Pharmacology & Therapeutics II. The student will gain knowledge of the physiology and pathophysiology of diseases and conditions common to each organ system. A focus is also placed on clinical microbiology and the underlying genetic and molecular principles of health and disease throughout the human lifespan. This specific course will cover the cardiovascular system; renal system; gastrointestinal system/nutrition; musculoskeletal system; and neurologic system. |
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PAS 525 |
Clinical Medicine II |
6 |
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This is the second of a three-course series that provides an intensive study of human disease and disorders across the lifespan in a systems-based approach. This course will provide in-depth instruction on human diseases and conditions, including their etiology, epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, differential diagnosis, therapeutic management, prevention, and prognosis. Students will be expected to continue to integrate knowledge obtained in Anatomy, Basic Science II, Pharmacology II, and Clinical Skills II in order to construct a problem-focused evaluation, diagnosis, and patient-centered management plan pertinent to the disease process. The course will address clinical medical care across diverse patient populations (i.e. prenatal, infants, children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly) and care settings (i.e. acute, chronic, emergent, preventative, rehabilitative, palliative, and end-of-life). This specific course will cover the cardiovascular system, renal system, gastrointestinal system/nutrition, musculoskeletal system, neurologic system, and psychiatry/behavioral science. |
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PAS 540 |
Patient Assessment II |
3 |
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This is the second of a three-course series designed to run concurrently with Clinical Medicine II to develop the clinical and technical skills required to assess patients across the lifespan. The course includes instruction on eliciting a complete medical history, performing a comprehensive physical exam, and presenting physical exam findings through both written and oral formats. A focus is also placed on enhancing the interpersonal skills, sensitivity, and professionalism necessary to communicate with a diverse patient population effectively. Physical exam knowledge and skills will be developed through lectures and laboratory exercises, while simulated case-based scenarios will be used to develop problem-solving and medical decision-making skills. This specific course will cover physical exams associated with the cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal system/nutrition, musculoskeletal system, neurologic system, and lymphatic system. |
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PAS 555 |
Clinical Skills II |
3 |
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This is the second of a three-course series designed to integrate the knowledge attained in Anatomy, Clinical Medicine II, and Patient Assessment II in order to evaluate and manage a patient using diagnostic studies and clinical procedures. The course will provide in-depth instruction on the indications, contraindications, and associated risk of various diagnostic tests (i.e. laboratory tests, imaging) and clinical procedures. Students will develop the ability to order and interpret laboratory tests and diagnostic studies, as well as efficiently relay the results to patients and their families in a professional manner. Through laboratory sessions, students will have hands-on instruction and practice in order to gain the clinical and technical skills required to perform various clinical procedures proficiently. Instruction on quality improvement and prevention of medical errors will further prepare students for clinical rotations. This specific course will cover the cardiovascular system (including EKG), renal system, gastrointestinal system/nutrition, musculoskeletal system, and neurologic system in alignment with Clinical Medicine II. |
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PAS 570 |
Pharmacology and Therapeutics II |
3 |
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This is the second of a three-course series designed to run concurrently and complement the systems-based approach used in Basic Science II and Clinical Medicine II. This course continues to discuss the concepts of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in order to develop the enhanced pharmacological knowledge required to treat patients across the lifespan. The course will also examine pharmacotherapeutic agents in extensive detail, including their mechanisms of action, indications, contraindications, adverse effects, toxicities, drug interactions, and cost of treatment. This specific course will cover the major drug classes for prescription and nonprescription medications associated with the cardiovascular system, renal system, gastrointestinal system/nutrition, musculoskeletal system, neurologic system, and psychiatry/behavioral science. |
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PAS 581 |
PA Practice and Professionalism II |
1 |
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This is the second of a six-course series that extends throughout the didactic and clinical curriculum to cultivate a practice-ready physician assistant through the exploration of physician assistant practices, policies, and professionalism. In this course, the student will develop a fundamental knowledge of medical ethics and its implications on the healthcare professional's decision making. Students will also be introduced to important social topics, including abuse related to children, domestic, and substances; human sexuality; human responses to illness, injury, and stress; and end-of-life care. Interprofessional case-based learning experiences will also be integrated within the course based on AHRQ TeamSTEPPS™. |
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Total Semester Credit Hour: |
19 |
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Summer Semester |
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PAS 515 |
Basic Sciences III |
3 |
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This is the third of a three-course series designed to run concurrently and complement the systems-based approach used in Clinical Medicine III and Pharmacology & Therapeutics III. The student will gain knowledge of the physiology and pathophysiology of diseases and conditions common to each organ system. A focus is also placed on clinical microbiology and the underlying genetic and molecular principles of health and disease throughout the human lifespan. This specific course will cover the genitourinary system; reproductive system; microbiology; and clinical genetics. |
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PAS 530 |
Clinical Medicine III |
6 |
|
This is the final course of a three-course series that provides an intensive study of human disease and disorders across the lifespan in a systems-based approach. This course will provide in-depth instruction on human diseases and conditions, including their etiology, epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, differential diagnosis, therapeutic management, prevention, and prognosis. Students will be expected to synthesize knowledge obtained in Anatomy, Basic Science III, Pharmacology III, and Clinical Skills III in order to construct a problem-focused evaluation, diagnosis, and patient-centered management plan pertinent to the disease process. The course will address clinical medical care across diverse patient populations (i.e. prenatal, infants, children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly) and care settings (i.e. acute, chronic, emergent, preventative, rehabilitative, palliative, and end-of-life). This specific course will cover the genitourinary system, reproductive system, infectious diseases, pediatrics, geriatrics, surgery, and emergency medicine. |
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PAS 545 |
Patient Assessment III |
3 |
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This is the third of a three-course series designed to develop the clinical and technical skills required to assess patients across the lifespan. The course includes instruction on eliciting a complete medical history, performing a comprehensive physical exam, and presenting physical exam findings through both written and oral formats. A focus is also placed on solidifying the interpersonal skills, sensitivity, and professionalism necessary to communicate with a diverse patient population effectively. Physical exam knowledge and skills will be developed through lectures and laboratory exercises, while simulated case-based scenarios will be used to develop problem-solving and medical decision-making skills. This specific course will cover physical exams associated with the genitourinary system, reproductive system, pediatric practice, and geriatric practice. |
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PAS 560 |
Clinical Skills III |
3 |
|
This is the final course in a three-course series designed to integrate the knowledge attained in Anatomy, Clinical Medicine III, and Patient Assessment III in order to evaluate and manage a patient using diagnostic studies and clinical procedures. The course will provide in-depth instruction on the indications, contraindications, and associated risk of various diagnostic tests (i.e. laboratory tests, imaging) and clinical procedures. Students will develop the ability to order and interpret laboratory tests and diagnostic studies, as well as efficiently relay the results to patients and their families in a professional manner. Through laboratory sessions, students will have hands-on instruction and practice in order to gain the clinical and technical skills required to perform various clinical procedures proficiently. The course also includes Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Advanced Stroke Life Support (ASLS) training to prepare students to provide emergent care during clinical rotations and in clinical practice. This specific course will cover the genitourinary system, reproductive system, infectious diseases, pediatrics, geriatrics, surgery, and emergency medicine in alignment with Clinical Medicine III. |
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PAS 575 |
Pharmacology and Therapeutics III |
3 |
|
This is the third of a three-course series designed to run concurrently and complement the systems-based approach used in Basic Science III and Clinical Medicine III. This course further discusses the concepts of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in order to develop the advanced pharmacological knowledge required to treat patients across the lifespan. This course will also examine pharmacotherapeutic agents in extensive detail, including their mechanisms of action, indications, contraindications, adverse effects, toxicities, drug interactions, and cost of treatment. This specific course will cover the major drug classes for prescription and nonprescription medications associated with the genitourinary system, reproductive system, infectious diseases, pediatrics, geriatrics, surgery, and emergency medicine. |
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PAS 582 |
PA Practice and Professionalism III |
2 |
|
This is the third of a six-course series that extends throughout the didactic and clinical curriculum to cultivate a practice-ready physician assistant through the exploration of physician assistant practices, policies, and professionalism. This course will introduce students to public health topics of disease surveillance, reporting, and intervention. It will provide the foundations of evidence-based medicine and the contribution of theory and research into professional practice. In order to prepare students for the clinical phase of the program, a focus will also be placed on medical billing, coding, and reimbursement, as well as further interprofessional case-based learning experiences. |
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Total Semester Credit Hour: |
20 |
|
|
Total Didactic Year Credit Hours: |
60 |
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Clinical Year |
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*Students complete Rotations 1 through 9 chronologically but are placed in different discipline-specific sections – (Section A: Family Medicine / Section B: Internal Medicine / Section C: Surgery / Section D: Pediatrics / Section E: Women's Health / Section F: Behavioral Medicine / Section G: Emergency Medicine / Section H: Elective I / Section I: Elective II) each rotation block. The sequence of disciplines completed by individual students may vary from what is presented above. All students are required to complete rotations in the 7 specified disciplines and 2 electives. |
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Fall Semester |
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PAS 601 |
Rotation I |
4 |
Family Medicine:This course will provide students with a 4 week supervised clinical practice experience in the specialty of Family Medicine. The student will gain hands-on experience in the outpatient evaluation of preventative medicine, acute and chronic illness in the care of adolescent, adult, and elderly patients. Students will demonstrate the integration of medical knowledge, interpersonal skills, therapeutic management, professionalism, and program competencies required for practice-ready Physician Assistants. Internal MedicineThis course will provide students with a 4 week supervised clinical practice experience in the specialty of Internal Medicine. The student will gain hands-on experience in eliciting a medical history, performing a complete and focused physical exam, generating differential diagnoses ordering and interpreting studies and developing a treatment plan for a variety of medical problems within the inpatient and outpatient evaluation of patients. Students will demonstrate the integration of medical knowledge, interpersonal skills, therapeutic management, professionalism, and program competencies required for practice-ready Physician Assistants. SurgeryThis course will provide students with a 4 week supervised clinical practice experience in the specialty of Surgery. The student will gain hands-on experience in pre-operative, intra-operative and post-operative care of surgical patients. Students will demonstrate the integration of medical knowledge, interpersonal skills, therapeutic management, professionalism, and program competencies required for practice-ready Physician Assistants. PediatricsThis course will provide students with a 4 week supervised clinical practice experience in the specialty of Pediatric Medicine. The student will gain hands-on experience in outpatient and/or inpatient management of infants, children, and adolescents to perform well-child exams, problem-focused exams, and assessment of common pediatric illnesses. Women's HealthThis course will provide students with a 4 week supervised clinical practice experience in the specialty of Women's Health Medicine. The student will gain hands-on experience in the outpatient evaluation of gynecologic disorders in women as well as obstetric experiences in prenatal care, postpartum care, and labor and delivery. Students will demonstrate the integration of medical knowledge, interpersonal skills, therapeutic management, professionalism, and program competencies required for practice-ready Physician Assistants. Behavioral MedicineThis course will provide students with a 4 week supervised clinical practice experience in the specialty of Behavioral Medicine. The student will gain hands-on experience in the outpatient, and or inpatient setting in the evaluation of psychiatric and behavioral health disorders. Students will demonstrate the integration of medical knowledge, interpersonal skills, therapeutic management, professionalism, and program competencies required for practice-ready Physician Assistants. Emergency MedicineThis course will provide students with a 4 week supervised clinical practice experience in the specialty of Emergency Medicine. The student will gain hands-on experience in the appropriate triage, stabilization, diagnosis, and management of patients with traumatic injuries and acute illness as well as management of less life-threatening presentations across the lifespan. Students will demonstrate the integration of medical knowledge, interpersonal skills, therapeutic management, professionalism, and program competencies required for practice-ready Physician Assistants. Elective MedicineThis course will provide students with a 4 week supervised clinical practice experience in the specialty of Medicine of their choice. Students choose from a wide range of medical and surgical subspecialties from and already-established specialty rotation or through working with the Programs Director of Clinical Education to develop a specific area of interest in which they will gain hands on experience. Students will demonstrate the integration of medical knowledge, interpersonal skills, therapeutic management, professionalism, and program competencies required for practice-ready Physician Assistants.] |
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PAS 602 |
Rotation II |
4 |
Family Medicine:This course will provide students with a 4 week supervised clinical practice experience in the specialty of Family Medicine. The student will gain hands-on experience in the outpatient evaluation of preventative medicine, acute and chronic illness in the care of adolescent, adult, and elderly patients. Students will demonstrate the integration of medical knowledge, interpersonal skills, therapeutic management, professionalism, and program competencies required for practice-ready Physician Assistants. Internal MedicineThis course will provide students with a 4 week supervised clinical practice experience in the specialty of Internal Medicine. The student will gain hands-on experience in eliciting a medical history, performing a complete and focused physical exam, generating differential diagnoses ordering and interpreting studies and developing a treatment plan for a variety of medical problems within the inpatient and outpatient evaluation of patients. Students will demonstrate the integration of medical knowledge, interpersonal skills, therapeutic management, professionalism, and program competencies required for practice-ready Physician Assistants. SurgeryThis course will provide students with a 4 week supervised clinical practice experience in the specialty of Surgery. The student will gain hands-on experience in pre-operative, intra-operative and post-operative care of surgical patients. Students will demonstrate the integration of medical knowledge, interpersonal skills, therapeutic management, professionalism, and program competencies required for practice-ready Physician Assistants. PediatricsThis course will provide students with a 4 week supervised clinical practice experience in the specialty of Pediatric Medicine. The student will gain hands-on experience in outpatient and/or inpatient management of infants, children, and adolescents to perform well-child exams, problem-focused exams, and assessment of common pediatric illnesses. Women's HealthThis course will provide students with a 4 week supervised clinical practice experience in the specialty of Women's Health Medicine. The student will gain hands-on experience in the outpatient evaluation of gynecologic disorders in women as well as obstetric experiences in prenatal care, postpartum care, and labor and delivery. Students will demonstrate the integration of medical knowledge, interpersonal skills, therapeutic management, professionalism, and program competencies required for practice-ready Physician Assistants. Behavioral MedicineThis course will provide students with a 4 week supervised clinical practice experience in the specialty of Behavioral Medicine. The student will gain hands-on experience in the outpatient, and or inpatient setting in the evaluation of psychiatric and behavioral health disorders. Students will demonstrate the integration of medical knowledge, interpersonal skills, therapeutic management, professionalism, and program competencies required for practice-ready Physician Assistants. Emergency MedicineThis course will provide students with a 4 week supervised clinical practice experience in the specialty of Emergency Medicine. The student will gain hands-on experience in the appropriate triage, stabilization, diagnosis, and management of patients with traumatic injuries and acute illness as well as management of less life-threatening presentations across the lifespan. Students will demonstrate the integration of medical knowledge, interpersonal skills, therapeutic management, professionalism, and program competencies required for practice-ready Physician Assistants. Elective MedicineThis course will provide students with a 4 week supervised clinical practice experience in the specialty of Medicine of their choice. Students choose from a wide range of medical and surgical subspecialties from and already-established specialty rotation or through working with the Programs Director of Clinical Education to develop a specific area of interest in which they will gain hands on experience. Students will demonstrate the integration of medical knowledge, interpersonal skills, therapeutic management, professionalism, and program competencies required for practice-ready Physician Assistants.] |
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PAS 603 |
Rotation III |
4 |
Family Medicine:This course will provide students with a 4 week supervised clinical practice experience in the specialty of Family Medicine. The student will gain hands-on experience in the outpatient evaluation of preventative medicine, acute and chronic illness in the care of adolescent, adult, and elderly patients. Students will demonstrate the integration of medical knowledge, interpersonal skills, therapeutic management, professionalism, and program competencies required for practice-ready Physician Assistants. Internal MedicineThis course will provide students with a 4 week supervised clinical practice experience in the specialty of Internal Medicine. The student will gain hands-on experience in eliciting a medical history, performing a complete and focused physical exam, generating differential diagnoses ordering and interpreting studies and developing a treatment plan for a variety of medical problems within the inpatient and outpatient evaluation of patients. Students will demonstrate the integration of medical knowledge, interpersonal skills, therapeutic management, professionalism, and program competencies required for practice-ready Physician Assistants. SurgeryThis course will provide students with a 4 week supervised clinical practice experience in the specialty of Surgery. The student will gain hands-on experience in pre-operative, intra-operative and post-operative care of surgical patients. Students will demonstrate the integration of medical knowledge, interpersonal skills, therapeutic management, professionalism, and program competencies required for practice-ready Physician Assistants. PediatricsThis course will provide students with a 4 week supervised clinical practice experience in the specialty of Pediatric Medicine. The student will gain hands-on experience in outpatient and/or inpatient management of infants, children, and adolescents to perform well-child exams, problem-focused exams, and assessment of common pediatric illnesses. Women's HealthThis course will provide students with a 4 week supervised clinical practice experience in the specialty of Women's Health Medicine. The student will gain hands-on experience in the outpatient evaluation of gynecologic disorders in women as well as obstetric experiences in prenatal care, postpartum care, and labor and delivery. Students will demonstrate the integration of medical knowledge, interpersonal skills, therapeutic management, professionalism, and program competencies required for practice-ready Physician Assistants. Behavioral MedicineThis course will provide students with a 4 week supervised clinical practice experience in the specialty of Behavioral Medicine. The student will gain hands-on experience in the outpatient, and or inpatient setting in the evaluation of psychiatric and behavioral health disorders. Students will demonstrate the integration of medical knowledge, interpersonal skills, therapeutic management, professionalism, and program competencies required for practice-ready Physician Assistants. Emergency MedicineThis course will provide students with a 4 week supervised clinical practice experience in the specialty of Emergency Medicine. The student will gain hands-on experience in the appropriate triage, stabilization, diagnosis, and management of patients with traumatic injuries and acute illness as well as management of less life-threatening presentations across the lifespan. Students will demonstrate the integration of medical knowledge, interpersonal skills, therapeutic management, professionalism, and program competencies required for practice-ready Physician Assistants. Elective MedicineThis course will provide students with a 4 week supervised clinical practice experience in the specialty of Medicine of their choice. Students choose from a wide range of medical and surgical subspecialties from and already-established specialty rotation or through working with the Programs Director of Clinical Education to develop a specific area of interest in which they will gain hands on experience. Students will demonstrate the integration of medical knowledge, interpersonal skills, therapeutic management, professionalism, and program competencies required for practice-ready Physician Assistants.] |
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PAS 583 |
PA Practice and Professionalism IV |
1 |
|
This is the fourth of a six-course series that extends throughout the didactic and clinical curriculum to cultivate a practice-ready physician assistant through the exploration of physician assistant practices, policies, and professionalism. This course will prepare students for transition into clinical practice through the development of a curriculum vitae, interview preparation, and introduction to the PA licensure and credentialing process. The course also places a focus on the current laws, regulations, and policies affecting PA professional practice. |
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PAS 680 |
Capstone Experience I |
1 |
|
This is the first of a three-course series designed to guide students through the conception, development, and production of a paper of publishable quality. This course will build upon the basic concepts of evidence-based medicine learned in PA Practice and Professionalism III and help students to obtain the essential skills required to publish peer-reviewed, evidence-based medicine articles. Projects are individualized according to the student's areas of interest, specialty, or expertise and should demonstrate assimilation of knowledge at a master's level. Through direct faculty mentorship, students select a clinically relevant topic, develop efficient strategies to search medical literature, and perform an appraisal of the evidence. |
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Total Semester Credit Hour: |
14 |
|
Spring Semester |
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PAS 604 |
Rotation IV |
4 |
Family Medicine:This course will provide students with a 4 week supervised clinical practice experience in the specialty of Family Medicine. The student will gain hands-on experience in the outpatient evaluation of preventative medicine, acute and chronic illness in the care of adolescent, adult, and elderly patients. Students will demonstrate the integration of medical knowledge, interpersonal skills, therapeutic management, professionalism, and program competencies required for practice-ready Physician Assistants. Internal MedicineThis course will provide students with a 4 week supervised clinical practice experience in the specialty of Internal Medicine. The student will gain hands-on experience in eliciting a medical history, performing a complete and focused physical exam, generating differential diagnoses ordering and interpreting studies and developing a treatment plan for a variety of medical problems within the inpatient and outpatient evaluation of patients. Students will demonstrate the integration of medical knowledge, interpersonal skills, therapeutic management, professionalism, and program competencies required for practice-ready Physician Assistants. SurgeryThis course will provide students with a 4 week supervised clinical practice experience in the specialty of Surgery. The student will gain hands-on experience in pre-operative, intra-operative and post-operative care of surgical patients. Students will demonstrate the integration of medical knowledge, interpersonal skills, therapeutic management, professionalism, and program competencies required for practice-ready Physician Assistants. PediatricsThis course will provide students with a 4 week supervised clinical practice experience in the specialty of Pediatric Medicine. The student will gain hands-on experience in outpatient and/or inpatient management of infants, children, and adolescents to perform well-child exams, problem-focused exams, and assessment of common pediatric illnesses. Women's HealthThis course will provide students with a 4 week supervised clinical practice experience in the specialty of Women's Health Medicine. The student will gain hands-on experience in the outpatient evaluation of gynecologic disorders in women as well as obstetric experiences in prenatal care, postpartum care, and labor and delivery. Students will demonstrate the integration of medical knowledge, interpersonal skills, therapeutic management, professionalism, and program competencies required for practice-ready Physician Assistants. Behavioral MedicineThis course will provide students with a 4 week supervised clinical practice experience in the specialty of Behavioral Medicine. The student will gain hands-on experience in the outpatient, and or inpatient setting in the evaluation of psychiatric and behavioral health disorders. Students will demonstrate the integration of medical knowledge, interpersonal skills, therapeutic management, professionalism, and program competencies required for practice-ready Physician Assistants. Emergency MedicineThis course will provide students with a 4 week supervised clinical practice experience in the specialty of Emergency Medicine. The student will gain hands-on experience in the appropriate triage, stabilization, diagnosis, and management of patients with traumatic injuries and acute illness as well as management of less life-threatening presentations across the lifespan. Students will demonstrate the integration of medical knowledge, interpersonal skills, therapeutic management, professionalism, and program competencies required for practice-ready Physician Assistants. Elective MedicineThis course will provide students with a 4 week supervised clinical practice experience in the specialty of Medicine of their choice. Students choose from a wide range of medical and surgical subspecialties from and already-established specialty rotation or through working with the Programs Director of Clinical Education to develop a specific area of interest in which they will gain hands on experience. Students will demonstrate the integration of medical knowledge, interpersonal skills, therapeutic management, professionalism, and program competencies required for practice-ready Physician Assistants.] |
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PAS 605 |
Rotation V |
4 |
Family Medicine:This course will provide students with a 4 week supervised clinical practice experience in the specialty of Family Medicine. The student will gain hands-on experience in the outpatient evaluation of preventative medicine, acute and chronic illness in the care of adolescent, adult, and elderly patients. Students will demonstrate the integration of medical knowledge, interpersonal skills, therapeutic management, professionalism, and program competencies required for practice-ready Physician Assistants. Internal MedicineThis course will provide students with a 4 week supervised clinical practice experience in the specialty of Internal Medicine. The student will gain hands-on experience in eliciting a medical history, performing a complete and focused physical exam, generating differential diagnoses ordering and interpreting studies and developing a treatment plan for a variety of medical problems within the inpatient and outpatient evaluation of patients. Students will demonstrate the integration of medical knowledge, interpersonal skills, therapeutic management, professionalism, and program competencies required for practice-ready Physician Assistants. SurgeryThis course will provide students with a 4 week supervised clinical practice experience in the specialty of Surgery. The student will gain hands-on experience in pre-operative, intra-operative and post-operative care of surgical patients. Students will demonstrate the integration of medical knowledge, interpersonal skills, therapeutic management, professionalism, and program competencies required for practice-ready Physician Assistants. PediatricsThis course will provide students with a 4 week supervised clinical practice experience in the specialty of Pediatric Medicine. The student will gain hands-on experience in outpatient and/or inpatient management of infants, children, and adolescents to perform well-child exams, problem-focused exams, and assessment of common pediatric illnesses. Women's HealthThis course will provide students with a 4 week supervised clinical practice experience in the specialty of Women's Health Medicine. The student will gain hands-on experience in the outpatient evaluation of gynecologic disorders in women as well as obstetric experiences in prenatal care, postpartum care, and labor and delivery. Students will demonstrate the integration of medical knowledge, interpersonal skills, therapeutic management, professionalism, and program competencies required for practice-ready Physician Assistants. Behavioral MedicineThis course will provide students with a 4 week supervised clinical practice experience in the specialty of Behavioral Medicine. The student will gain hands-on experience in the outpatient, and or inpatient setting in the evaluation of psychiatric and behavioral health disorders. Students will demonstrate the integration of medical knowledge, interpersonal skills, therapeutic management, professionalism, and program competencies required for practice-ready Physician Assistants. Emergency MedicineThis course will provide students with a 4 week supervised clinical practice experience in the specialty of Emergency Medicine. The student will gain hands-on experience in the appropriate triage, stabilization, diagnosis, and management of patients with traumatic injuries and acute illness as well as management of less life-threatening presentations across the lifespan. Students will demonstrate the integration of medical knowledge, interpersonal skills, therapeutic management, professionalism, and program competencies required for practice-ready Physician Assistants. Elective MedicineThis course will provide students with a 4 week supervised clinical practice experience in the specialty of Medicine of their choice. Students choose from a wide range of medical and surgical subspecialties from and already-established specialty rotation or through working with the Programs Director of Clinical Education to develop a specific area of interest in which they will gain hands on experience. Students will demonstrate the integration of medical knowledge, interpersonal skills, therapeutic management, professionalism, and program competencies required for practice-ready Physician Assistants.] |
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PAS 606 |
Rotation VI |
4 |
Family Medicine:This course will provide students with a 4 week supervised clinical practice experience in the specialty of Family Medicine. The student will gain hands-on experience in the outpatient evaluation of preventative medicine, acute and chronic illness in the care of adolescent, adult, and elderly patients. Students will demonstrate the integration of medical knowledge, interpersonal skills, therapeutic management, professionalism, and program competencies required for practice-ready Physician Assistants. Internal MedicineThis course will provide students with a 4 week supervised clinical practice experience in the specialty of Internal Medicine. The student will gain hands-on experience in eliciting a medical history, performing a complete and focused physical exam, generating differential diagnoses ordering and interpreting studies and developing a treatment plan for a variety of medical problems within the inpatient and outpatient evaluation of patients. Students will demonstrate the integration of medical knowledge, interpersonal skills, therapeutic management, professionalism, and program competencies required for practice-ready Physician Assistants. SurgeryThis course will provide students with a 4 week supervised clinical practice experience in the specialty of Surgery. The student will gain hands-on experience in pre-operative, intra-operative and post-operative care of surgical patients. Students will demonstrate the integration of medical knowledge, interpersonal skills, therapeutic management, professionalism, and program competencies required for practice-ready Physician Assistants. PediatricsThis course will provide students with a 4 week supervised clinical practice experience in the specialty of Pediatric Medicine. The student will gain hands-on experience in outpatient and/or inpatient management of infants, children, and adolescents to perform well-child exams, problem-focused exams, and assessment of common pediatric illnesses. Women's HealthThis course will provide students with a 4 week supervised clinical practice experience in the specialty of Women's Health Medicine. The student will gain hands-on experience in the outpatient evaluation of gynecologic disorders in women as well as obstetric experiences in prenatal care, postpartum care, and labor and delivery. Students will demonstrate the integration of medical knowledge, interpersonal skills, therapeutic management, professionalism, and program competencies required for practice-ready Physician Assistants. Behavioral MedicineThis course will provide students with a 4 week supervised clinical practice experience in the specialty of Behavioral Medicine. The student will gain hands-on experience in the outpatient, and or inpatient setting in the evaluation of psychiatric and behavioral health disorders. Students will demonstrate the integration of medical knowledge, interpersonal skills, therapeutic management, professionalism, and program competencies required for practice-ready Physician Assistants. Emergency MedicineThis course will provide students with a 4 week supervised clinical practice experience in the specialty of Emergency Medicine. The student will gain hands-on experience in the appropriate triage, stabilization, diagnosis, and management of patients with traumatic injuries and acute illness as well as management of less life-threatening presentations across the lifespan. Students will demonstrate the integration of medical knowledge, interpersonal skills, therapeutic management, professionalism, and program competencies required for practice-ready Physician Assistants. Elective MedicineThis course will provide students with a 4 week supervised clinical practice experience in the specialty of Medicine of their choice. Students choose from a wide range of medical and surgical subspecialties from and already-established specialty rotation or through working with the Programs Director of Clinical Education to develop a specific area of interest in which they will gain hands on experience. Students will demonstrate the integration of medical knowledge, interpersonal skills, therapeutic management, professionalism, and program competencies required for practice-ready Physician Assistants.] |
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PAS 584 |
PA Practice and Professionalism V |
2 |
|
This is the fifth of a six-course series that extends throughout the didactic and clinical curriculum to cultivate a practice-ready physician assistant through the exploration of physician assistant practices, policies, and professionalism. This course further prepares students for transition into clinical practice by providing instruction on healthcare delivery systems and health policy, as well as issues related to patient safety and risk management. A focus is also placed on the assessment and treatment of substance abuse disorders. During this course students will complete a medication-assisted treatment (MAT) waiver training and apply for a National Provider Identification (NPI) number in order to help address the national opioid crisis and prepare for clinical practice. This course will be presented through online modules and lecture presentations. |
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PAS 685 |
Capstone Experience II |
1 |
|
This is the second of a three-course series designed to guide students through the conception, development, and production of a paper of publishable quality. This course will build upon the information from Capstone Experience I and help students to obtain the essential skills required to publish peer-reviewed, evidence-based medicine articles. Projects are individualized according to the student's areas of interest, specialty, or expertise and should demonstrate assimilation of knowledge at a master's level. Through direct faculty mentorship, students will solidify a clinically relevant topic; collect and appraise medical literature; review and select the appropriate audience and journal for the manuscript; and produce information in a concise written format. |
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Total Semester Credit Hours: |
15 |
|
Summer Semester |
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PAS 607 |
Rotation VII |
4 |
|
PAS 608 |
Rotation VIII |
4 |
|
PAS 609 |
Rotation IX |
4 |
|
PAS 585 |
PA Practice and Professionalism VI |
1 |
|
This is the final course in a six-course series that extends throughout the didactic and clinical curriculum to cultivate a practice-ready physician assistant through the exploration of physician assistant practices, policies, and professionalism. In preparation for graduation and clinical practice, the student's medical knowledge and clinical skills will be evaluated through a series of comprehensive assessments. Students are expected to pass a written summative exam, final clinical skills exam, and a comprehensive objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) in order to demonstrate the proficiency of a practice-ready physician assistant. |
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PAS 690 |
Capstone Experience III |
1 |
|
This is the final course in a three-course series designed to guide students through the conception, development, and production of a paper of publishable quality. This course will build upon the information from Capstone Experience II and help students to obtain the essential skills required to publish peer-reviewed, evidence-based medicine articles. Projects are individualized according to the student's areas of interest, specialty, or expertise and should demonstrate assimilation of knowledge at a master's level. Through direct faculty mentorship, students will solidify a paper of publishable quality and conduct a concise and effective peer review. |
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Total Semester Credit Hour: |
14 |
|
|
Total Didactic Year Credit Hours: |
43 |
|
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Total Program Credit Hours: 103 |
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