Physician Assistant

Classes

PAS 5001: Interprofessional Education Seminar I

This two-semester course introduces the fundamental principles of interprofessional education including roles, responsibilities, and contributions of individual team members, communication skills that ensure smooth transition of care to other team members, and the impact of teams on population health and quality of care. Learners will interact with students from the physician assistant and doctor of osteopathic medicine programs, in addition to other health professions students from neighboring institutions. (EPAs 8 and 9)

The course is a pre-requisite for PAS 5002. 

PAS 5002: Interprofessional Education Seminar II

This second of a two-semester course continues to introduce the fundamental principles of interprofessional education including roles, responsibilities, and contributions of individual team members, communication skills that ensure smooth transition of care to other team members, and the impact of teams on population health and quality of care. Learners will interact with students from the physician assistant and doctor of osteopathic medicine programs, in addition to other health professions students from neighboring institutions. (EPAs 8 and 9)

PAS 5111: Normal Human Development I

This two-semester course introduces the fundamental principles of normal physical, social, and psychological development and function across the lifespan. (EPAs 1, 3, 4, 5, 6)

This course is a pre-requisite for PAS 5112

PAS 5112: Normal Human Development II

This second of a two-semester course continues to introduce the fundamental principles of normal physical, social, and psychological development and function across the lifespan. (EPAs 1, 3, 4, 5, 6)

PAS 5113: Molecular and Cellular Concepts I

This two-semester course introduces the fundamental principles of biochemistry, cell biology, microbiology, genetics, physiology, and pharmacology in order to understand the pathophysiology of illness and disease and the rationale for therapeutic intervention.

This course is a pre-requisite for PAS 5114.

PAS 5114: Molecular and Cellular Concepts II

This second of a two-semester course continues to introduce the fundamental principles of biochemistry, cell biology, microbiology, genetics, physiology, and pharmacology in order to understand the pathophysiology of illness and disease and the rationale for therapeutic intervention.

PAS 5115: Anatomy I

This two-semester course introduces the fundamental principles of human anatomy, allowing the learner to correlate structure, function, and the clinical assessment of pathology.  Lecture, cadaveric dissection, and virtual dissection will provide the student the opportunity to integrate the appropriate use of diagnostic imaging with clinical anatomy.

This course is a pre-requisite for PAS 5116.

PAS 5116: Anatomy II

This second of a two-semester course continues to introduce the fundamental principles of human anatomy, allowing the learner to correlate structure, function, and the clinical assessment of pathology.  Lecture, cadaveric dissection, and virtual dissection will provide the student the opportunity to integrate the appropriate use of diagnostic imaging with clinical anatomy.

PAS 5131: Clinical Medicine: Professional Seminar I

This three-semester course introduces the learner to issues related to professional practice by exploring both micro and macro approaches to healthcare and its delivery. The first two semesters focus on the role of the PA and the PA profession, communication skills, cultural competency, biomedical ethics, informed consent and provider wellness. The third semester course, held during the clinical phase of the curriculum, addresses issues related to professional practice, specifically in preparation for the workforce (mock interview sessions, CV review, contract negotiation, and the process of applying for licensure, and privileges). (EPAs 11 and 13)

This course is a pre-requisite for PAS 5132.

PAS 5132: Clinical Medicine: Professional Seminar II

This second in a three- course series continues to introduce the learner to issues related to professional practice by exploring both micro and macro approaches to healthcare and its delivery. The first two semesters focus on the role of the PA and the PA profession, communication skills, cultural competency, biomedical ethics, informed consent and provider wellness.  (EPAs 11 and 13)

This course is a pre-requisite for PAS 5233.

PAS 5133: Clinical Medicine: Illness and Disease I

This two-semester course introduces the learner to clinical medicine topics and includes presenting signs and symptoms, pathophysiology, appropriate diagnostic techniques, and management options, including prevention. (EPAs 3, 4, and 10)

This course is a pre-requisite for PAS 5134.

PAS 5134: Clinical Medicine: Illness and Disease II

This second of a two-semester course continues to introduce the learner to clinical medicine topics and includes presenting signs and symptoms, pathophysiology, appropriate diagnostic techniques, and management options, including prevention. (EPAs 3, 4, and 10)

PAS 5135: Clinical Medicine: Evidence-Based Practice I

This two-semester core course introduces the learner to principles of evidence-based medicine, including reviewing and evaluating the medical literature, formulating research questions, and designing a capstone project. (EPAs 6 and 7)

This course is a pre-requisite for PAS 5136

PAS 5136: Clinical Medicine: Evidence-Based Practice II

This second of a two-semester course continues to introduce the learner to principles of evidence-based medicine, including reviewing and evaluating the medical literature, formulating research questions, and designing a capstone project. (EPAs 6 and 7)

PAS 5137: Clinical Medicine: Skills and Assessment I

This two-semester course introduces the fundamental principles of clinical practice including history-taking, performing physical examinations, ordering and interpreting diagnostic and screening tests, documentation using the SOAP format, and best practices in transitioning care. (EPAs 1, 3, 5, 6, and 12)

PAS 5138: Clinical Medicine: Skills and Assessment II

This second of a two-semester course continues to introduce the fundamental principles of clinical practice including history-taking, performing physical examinations, ordering and interpreting diagnostic and screening tests, documentation using the SOAP format, and best practices in transitioning care. The first of three clinical competency assessments is held during this course, to ensure learner readiness to enter the clinical phase of training. (EPAs 1, 3, 5, 6, and 12)

PAS 5139: Reasoning and Application I

This two-semester course introduces the fundamental principles of clinical reasoning and decision making through developing clinical hypothesis and differential diagnosis. Students will utilize a problem-based approach to examine and solve clinical cases presented as patient scenarios. (EPAs 2, 4, 7, and 10)

This course is a pre-requisite for PAS 5140.

PAS 5140: Reasoning and Application II

This second of a two-semester course continues to introduce the fundamental principles of clinical reasoning and decision making through developing clinical hypothesis and differential diagnosis. Students will utilize a problem-based approach to examine and solve clinical cases presented as patient scenarios. (EPAs 2, 4, 7, and 10)

PAS 5150: Introduction to Supervised Clinical Practice Experiences

This core course serves as orientation to supervised clinical practice experience (SCPEs). The learner will gain an understanding of the expectations associated with participating in clinical experiences. This includes a review of the EPAs, types of clinical presentations, skills and procedures learners will likely participate in, the clinical assessment rubrics and assessment schedule. Additionally, workshops to learn the clinical tracking (patient logging) system, aseptic technique, and advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) will be held. Learners will complete requirements to enter supervised clinical practice (HIPAA, Blood Borne Pathogens), if not already completed.

This course serves as a prerequisite to PAS 5261, 62, 63, and 64. The learner must successfully complete requirements of PAS 5150 before participating in PAS 5261.

PAS 5150 - Cloned: Introduction to Supervised Clinical Practice Experiences

This core course serves as orientation to supervised clinical practice experience (SCPEs). The learner will gain an understanding of the expectations associated with participating in clinical experiences. This includes a review of the EPAs, types of clinical presentations, skills and procedures learners will likely participate in, the clinical assessment rubrics and assessment schedule. Additionally, workshops to learn the clinical tracking (patient logging) system, aseptic technique, and advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) will be held. Learners will complete requirements to enter supervised clinical practice (HIPAA, Blood Borne Pathogens), if not already completed.

This course serves as a prerequisite to PAS 5261, 62, 63, and 64. The learner must successfully complete requirements of PAS 5150 before participating in PAS 5261.

PAS 5233: Professional Seminar III

This course is the third in a series of three (PAS 5131, 5132, 5233) and addresses issues related to professional practice, specifically in preparation for the workforce (mock interview sessions, CV review, contract negotiation, and the process of applying for licensure, and privileges). (EPAs 11 and 13)

PAS 5251: Clinical Seminar I

This four-semester course is primarily delivered via a case-based format and integrates advanced level content in focused history taking, focused physical examination, development of diagnostic reasoning, pharmacotherapeutics and therapeutic/diagnostic procedures. Learners will also revisit didactic topics such as evidence-based practice, effective patient communication, ethical decision making, and professionalism. These courses signal the formal transition to practice, incorporating topics such as the business of medicine, access of resources for patients, systems-based practice, and advanced training (e.g. MAT training). (EPAs 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 10, 11, 13)

PAS 5252: Clinical Seminar II

This four-semester course is primarily delivered via a case-based format and integrates advanced level content in focused history taking, focused physical examination, development of diagnostic reasoning, pharmacotherapeutics and therapeutic/diagnostic procedures. Learners will also revisit didactic topics such as evidence-based practice, effective patient communication, ethical decision making, and professionalism. These courses signal the formal transition to practice, incorporating topics such as the business of medicine, access of resources for patients, systems-based practice, and advanced training (e.g. MAT training). (EPAs 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 10, 11, 13)

PAS 5253: Clinical Seminar III

This four-semester course is primarily delivered via a case-based format and integrates advanced level content in focused history taking, focused physical examination, development of diagnostic reasoning, pharmacotherapeutics and therapeutic/diagnostic procedures. Learners will also revisit didactic topics such as evidence-based practice, effective patient communication, ethical decision making, and professionalism. These courses signal the formal transition to practice, incorporating topics such as the business of medicine, access of resources for patients, systems-based practice, and advanced training (e.g. MAT training). (EPAs 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 10, 11, 13)

PAS 5254: Clinical Seminar IV

This four-semester course is primarily delivered via a case-based format and integrates advanced level content in focused history taking, focused physical examination, development of diagnostic reasoning, pharmacotherapeutics and therapeutic/diagnostic procedures. Learners will also revisit didactic topics such as evidence-based practice, effective patient communication, ethical decision making, and professionalism. These courses signal the formal transition to practice, incorporating topics such as the business of medicine, access of resources for patients, systems-based practice, and advanced training (e.g. MAT training). (EPAs 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 10, 11, 13)

PAS 5261: Supervised Clinical Practice I

The learner will participate in supervised clinical practice experiences (SCPEs) across a variety of settings including in-patient, emergency department, and operating room. The learner will be exposed to patients across the lifespan and provide preventive, emergent, acute, and chronic care to diverse populations requiring a wide range of healthcare. Learners will be required to complete clinical rotation experiences in the following disciplines or settings: Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, General Surgery, Emergency Department, Behavioral Health and Women's Health.

Learners will work under the supervision of a Program-determined preceptor or their designee(s). The learner should prioritize gaining knowledge about evaluation and management of common conditions encountered within each clinical setting or discipline. The instructional knowledge objectives should guide the learner’s preparation for the End of Rotation (EOR) examinations. While not all diseases or conditions will be seen during clinical rotations, learners are responsible for studying each area outlined in the objectives, and in preparation for the EOR examinations. The instructional skills and attitude objectives should guide the learner regarding expected level of participation and professional conduct. (EPAs 1-13)

PAS 5261 - Cloned: Supervised Clinical Practice I

The learner will participate in supervised clinical practice experiences (SCPEs) across a variety of settings including in-patient, emergency department, and operating room. The learner will be exposed to patients across the lifespan and provide preventive, emergent, acute, and chronic care to diverse populations requiring a wide range of healthcare. Learners will be required to complete clinical rotation experiences in the following disciplines or settings: Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, General Surgery, Emergency Department, Behavioral Health and Women's Health.

Learners will work under the supervision of a Program-determined preceptor or their designee(s). The learner should prioritize gaining knowledge about evaluation and management of common conditions encountered within each clinical setting or discipline. The instructional knowledge objectives should guide the learner’s preparation for the End of Rotation (EOR) examinations. While not all diseases or conditions will be seen during clinical rotations, learners are responsible for studying each area outlined in the objectives, and in preparation for the EOR examinations. The instructional skills and attitude objectives should guide the learner regarding expected level of participation and professional conduct. (EPAs 1-13)

PAS 5262: Supervised Clinical Practice II

The learner will participate in supervised clinical practice experiences (SCPEs) across a variety of settings including in-patient, emergency department, and operating room. The learner will be exposed to patients across the lifespan and provide preventive, emergent, acute, and chronic care to diverse populations requiring a wide range of healthcare. Learners will be required to complete clinical rotation experiences in the following disciplines or settings: Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, General Surgery, Emergency Department, Behavioral Health and Women's Health.

Learners will work under the supervision of a Program-determined preceptor or their designee(s). The learner should prioritize gaining knowledge about evaluation and management of common conditions encountered within each clinical setting or discipline. The instructional knowledge objectives should guide the learner’s preparation for the End of Rotation (EOR) examinations. While not all diseases or conditions will be seen during clinical rotations, learners are responsible for studying each area outlined in the objectives, and in preparation for the EOR examinations. The instructional skills and attitude objectives should guide the learner regarding expected level of participation and professional conduct. (EPAs 1-13)

PAS 5262 - Cloned: Supervised Clinical Practice II

The learner will participate in supervised clinical practice experiences (SCPEs) across a variety of settings including in-patient, emergency department, and operating room. The learner will be exposed to patients across the lifespan and provide preventive, emergent, acute, and chronic care to diverse populations requiring a wide range of healthcare. Learners will be required to complete clinical rotation experiences in the following disciplines or settings: Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, General Surgery, Emergency Department, Behavioral Health and Women's Health.

Learners will work under the supervision of a Program-determined preceptor or their designee(s). The learner should prioritize gaining knowledge about evaluation and management of common conditions encountered within each clinical setting or discipline. The instructional knowledge objectives should guide the learner’s preparation for the End of Rotation (EOR) examinations. While not all diseases or conditions will be seen during clinical rotations, learners are responsible for studying each area outlined in the objectives, and in preparation for the EOR examinations. The instructional skills and attitude objectives should guide the learner regarding expected level of participation and professional conduct. (EPAs 1-13)

PAS 5263: Supervised Clinical Practice III

The learner will participate in supervised clinical practice experiences (SCPEs) across a variety of settings including outpatient, inpatient, emergency department and operating room.   The learner will be exposed to patients across the lifespan and provide preventive, emergent, acute, and chronic care to diverse populations requiring a wide range of healthcare.  

Learners will work under the supervision of a program-determined preceptor or their designee(s). The learner should prioritize gaining knowledge about evaluation and management of common conditions encountered within each clinical setting or discipline.  The instructional knowledge objectives should guide the learner’s preparation for the End of Rotation (EOR) examinations.  While not all diseases or conditions will be seen during clinical rotations, learners are responsible for studying each area outlined in the objectives, as these are encountered on each EOR. The instructional skills and attitude objectives should guide the learner regarding expected level of participation and professional conduct. These courses meet accreditation standards: B1.03, B3.03a-e, B3.04a-d, B3.07a-g.

PAS 5263 - Cloned: Supervised Clinical Practice III

The learner will participate in supervised clinical practice experiences (SCPEs) across a variety of settings including outpatient, inpatient, emergency department and operating room.   The learner will be exposed to patients across the lifespan and provide preventive, emergent, acute, and chronic care to diverse populations requiring a wide range of healthcare.  

Learners will work under the supervision of a program-determined preceptor or their designee(s). The learner should prioritize gaining knowledge about evaluation and management of common conditions encountered within each clinical setting or discipline.  The instructional knowledge objectives should guide the learner’s preparation for the End of Rotation (EOR) examinations.  While not all diseases or conditions will be seen during clinical rotations, learners are responsible for studying each area outlined in the objectives, as these are encountered on each EOR. The instructional skills and attitude objectives should guide the learner regarding expected level of participation and professional conduct. These courses meet accreditation standards: B1.03, B3.03a-e, B3.04a-d, B3.07a-g.

PAS 5264: Supervised Clinical Practice IV

The learner will participate in supervised clinical practice experiences (SCPEs) across a variety of settings including outpatient, inpatient, emergency department and operating room.   The learner will be exposed to patients across the lifespan and provide preventive, emergent, acute, and chronic care to diverse populations requiring a wide range of healthcare.  

Learners will work under the supervision of a program-determined preceptor or their designee(s). The learner should prioritize gaining knowledge about evaluation and management of common conditions encountered within each clinical setting or discipline.  The instructional knowledge objectives should guide the learner’s preparation for the End of Rotation (EOR) examinations.  While not all diseases or conditions will be seen during clinical rotations, learners are responsible for studying each area outlined in the objectives, as these are encountered on each EOR. The instructional skills and attitude objectives should guide the learner regarding expected level of participation and professional conduct. These courses meet accreditation standards: B1.03, B3.03a-e, B3.04a-d, B3.07a-g

PAS 5265: Supervised Clinical Practice IV

The learner will participate in supervised clinical practice experiences (SCPEs) across a variety of settings including outpatient, inpatient, emergency department and operating room.   The learner will be exposed to patients across the lifespan and provide preventive, emergent, acute, and chronic care to diverse populations requiring a wide range of healthcare.  

Learners will work under the supervision of a program-determined preceptor or their designee(s). The learner should prioritize gaining knowledge about evaluation and management of common conditions encountered within each clinical setting or discipline.  The instructional knowledge objectives should guide the learner’s preparation for the End of Rotation (EOR) examinations.  While not all diseases or conditions will be seen during clinical rotations, learners are responsible for studying each area outlined in the objectives, as these are encountered on each EOR. The instructional skills and attitude objectives should guide the learner regarding expected level of participation and professional conduct. These courses meet accreditation standards: B1.03, B3.03a-e, B3.04a-d, B3.07a-g.

PAS 5271: Research Proposal

This course is a four-week, self-directed period during which learners will collect and analyze data for their independent research project.  Upon completion of the course the learner will have finalized data collection, completed data analysis, and prepared a short communication paper. All research protocols must receive program and, if appropriate, Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval prior to implementation. 

The course is a pre-requisite for PAS 5272.  (EPA 7)

PAS 5272: Capstone

The learner will demonstrate readiness for entry to the profession through mastery of the competencies for the newly graduated physician assistant (the competencies within all thirteen EPAs). Demonstration activities include presentation of the required research project and completion of the program’s summative assessments. A 3-day PANCE preparatory course is included at the end of the course.    (EPAs 1-13)