PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT STUDIES (PAS)
PAS 500 - ANATOMY
Prerequisite: Admission into the Physician Assistant Program
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.
Credit: 4
PAS 505 - BASIC SCIENCES I
Prerequisite: Admission into the Physician Assistant Program
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.
Credit: 3
PAS 510 - BASIC SCIENCES II
Prerequisite: PAS 505 & Successful completion of Year 1 Didactic Fall Semester (see Curriculum Guide)
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.
Credit: 3
PAS 515 - BASIC SCIENCES III
Prerequisite: PAS 510 & Successful completion of Year 1 Didactic Spring Semester (see Curriculum Guide)
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.
Credit: 3
PAS 520 - CLINICAL MEDICINE I
Prerequisite: Admission into the Physician Assistant Program
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.
Credit: 6
PAS 525 - CLINICAL MEDICINE II
Prerequisite: PAS 520 & Successful completion of Year 1 Didactic Fall Semester (see Curriculum Guide)
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.
Credit: 6
PAS 530 - CLINICAL MEDICINE III
Prerequisite: PAS 525 & Successful completion of Year 1 Didactic Spring Semester (see Curriculum Guide)
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.
Credit: 6
PAS 535 - PATIENT ASSESSMENT I
Prerequisite: Admission into the Physician Assistant Program
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.
Credit: 3
PAS 540 - PATIENT ASSESSMENT II
Prerequisite: PAS 535 & Successful completion of Year 1 Didactic Fall Semester (see Curriculum Guide)
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, lymphatic system, gastrointestinal system/nutrition, musculoskeletal system, and neurologic system.
Credit: 3
PAS 545 - PATIENT ASSESSMENT III
Prerequisite: PAS 540 & Successful completion of Year 1 Didactic Spring Semester (see Curriculum Guide)
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.
Credit: 3
PAS 550 - CLINICAL SKILLS I
Prerequisite: Admission into the Physician Assistant Program
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.
Credit: 2
PAS 555 - CLINICAL SKILLS II
Prerequisite: PAS 550 & Successful completion of Year 1 Didactic Fall Semester (see Curriculum Guide)
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.
Credit: 3
PAS 560 - CLINICAL SKILLS III
Prerequisite: PAS 555 & Successful completion of Year 1 Didactic Spring Semester (see Curriculum Guide)
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.
Credit: 3
PAS 565 - PHARMACOLOGY I
Prerequisite: Admission into the Physician Assistant Program
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.
Credit: 2
PAS 570 - PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS II
Prerequisite: PAS 565 & Successful completion of Year 1 Didactic Fall Semester (see Curriculum Guide)
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.
Credit: 3
PAS 575 - PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS III
Prerequisite: PAS 570 & Successful completion of Year 1 Didactic Spring Semester (see Curriculum Guide)
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.
Credit: 3
PAS 580 - PA PRACTICE & PROFESSIONALISM I
Prerequisite: Admission into the Physician Assistant Program
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.
Credit: 1
PAS 581 - PA PRACTICE & PROFESSIONALISM II
Prerequisite: PAS 580 & Successful completion of Year 1 Didactic Fall Semester (see Curriculum Guide)
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™.
Credit: 1
PAS 582 - PA PRACTICE & PROFESSIONALISM III
Prerequisite: PAS 581 & Successful completion of Year 1 Didactic Summer Semester (see Curriculum Guide)
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.
Credit: 2
PAS 583 - PA PRACTICE & PROFESSIONALISM IV
Prerequisite: PAS 582 & Successful completion of Year 1 Didactic Summer Semester (see Curriculum Guide)
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 political issues affecting PA professional practice.
Credit: 1
PAS 584 - PA PRACTICE & PROFESSIONALISM V
Prerequisite: PAS 583
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.
Credit: 2
PAS 585 - PA PRACTICE & PROFESSIONALISM VI
Prerequisite: PAS 584
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.
Credit: 1
PAS 601-609 - CLINICAL ROTATION I-IX
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Year 1 Didactic Summer Semester (see Curriculum Guide)
A-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.
B-INTERNAL MEDICINE
This 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.
C-SURGERY
This 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 the 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.
D-PEDIATRIC MEDICINE
This 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. Students will demonstrate the integration of medical knowledge, interpersonal skills, therapeutic management, professionalism, and program competencies required for practice-ready Physician Assistants.
E-WOMEN’S HEALTH
This 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 Assistant.
F-BEHAVIORAL MEDICINE
This 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.
G-EMERGENCY MEDICINE
This 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.
H-ELECTIVE I
This 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.
I-ELECTIVE II
This 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.
Credit: 4
PAS 680 - CAPSTONE EXPERIENCE I
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Year 1 Didactic Summer Semester (see Curriculum Guide)
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.
Credit: 1
PAS 685 - CAPSTONE EXPERIENCE II
Prerequisite: PAS 680
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.
Credit: 1
PAS 690 - CAPSTONE EXPERIENCE III
Prerequisite: PAS 685
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.
Credit: 1