The didactic portion of our 24-month Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program will include a combination of basic science courses and laboratories, as well as classes and laboratories in the applied medical sciences. This portion of our physician assistant course curriculum will occur during the first twelve months of the program.

Below are detailed summaries of each of these courses.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Didactic Phase:

PA- 501: Human Anatomy and Physiology-l (4.0 Semester Credits)

This is the first course in a two-part series devoted to the study of human anatomy and physiology. The course will cover topography, internal structures, and functions with correlations to diagnostic modalities currently used by practitioners. Case studies will illustrate the anatomical findings in classical clinical presentations of the most common chief complaints. Pertinent biochemical principles will be integrated into the course to cover cellular structures and processes which impact health and disease. A systems and an intersystem approach is used throughout and reinforced in the guided lab. Topics in A&P-I include the integumentary, special senses, musculoskeletal, endocrine, digestive, and urinary systems. Additional topics include body organization, histology, water, electrolytes, acid-base balance, and nutrition & metabolism.

PA-502: Human Anatomy and Physiology-II (4.0 Semester Credits)

This is the second course in a two-part series devoted to the study of human anatomy and physiology. The course will cover topography, internal structures, and functions with correlations to diagnostic modalities currently used by practitioners. Case studies will illustrate the anatomical findings in classical clinical presentations of the most common chief complaints. Pertinent biochemical principles will be integrated into the course to cover cellular structures and processes which impact health and disease. A systems and an intersystem approach is used throughout and reinforced in the guided lab. Topics in A&P-II include the cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, and neurological, systems as well as human development.

PA-503: Clinical Ethics (2.0 Semester Credits)

The ethics course is designed to expose the student to legal and ethical dilemmas faced in medical practice. The course presents approaches that facilitate thinking through the complexities of ethical issues in clinical practice. In addition, representative opinions are offered. The format will include assigned readings, reflection and application papers, and class discussions. Topics include death and dying decisions, informed consent, decisional capacity, cultural and religious beliefs, euthanasia and assisted suicide, genetic screening, and the use of humans in clinical research.

PA-504: Research I (1.0 Semester Credits)

This course is the first course of a two-part series and introduces the students to methods used in research. The student will become familiar with common tools used in research. Topics include the research process, types of research, sampling and generalizability, reliability and validity, research design, methods of measurement, data collection, and statistical analysis. The course culminates in a research proposal by the student. Students will search the internet and critique peer-reviewed medical literature.

PA-505: Research-II (1.0 Semester Credits)

This is the second course in a two-part series and builds on theory and concepts learned in Research-I. Students will analyze methods used in medical research and evaluate the reliability of findings. Topics include medical writing, research ethics, research paper design, and critical review of the literature using published research articles. In addition, students will also make recommendations which could improve the research process. Students will cover the essential requirements for a research paper and discuss the AMA paper format. Students will work together to research and write a general review, systematic review, or meta-analysis on a selected topic.  This course will culminate in the submission of this research article to a relevant peer-reviewed journal.

PA-510: Pathophysiology of Disease-I (3.0 Semester Credits)

This is the first course in a two-part series which provides an introduction to the pathophysiology of disease. The course covers a review of relevant normal structure and function of human organ systems followed by a study of pathophysiological mechanisms that underlie diseases related to that system. Topics covered include neoplasia, cardiovascular, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, liver, exocrine pancreas, renal, and skin.

PA-511: Pathophysiology of Disease II (3.0  Semester Credits)

This is the second course in a two-part series providing a continuing introduction to the pathophysiology of disease. The course covers a review of relevant normal structure and function of human organ systems, followed by a study of pathophysiological mechanisms that underlie diseases related to that system. Topics covered include immunologic, rheumatologic, musculoskeletal, female genitourinary, male genitourinary, breast, endocrine, nervous system, and hematologic disease processes.

PA-512: PA Professional Issues-I (1.0 Semester Credit)

This is the first course of a two-part series designed to acquaint the entering student with the history, development, and current status of the PA profession. Topics include the evolution of the PA profession, current and expected future practice trends, the PA’s role as part of the health care team, patterns of health care delivery; political and legal factors that affect PA practice. Types of health care systems, billing, and patient privacy issues are also presented. In addition, the importance of ethical behavior and professional responsibilities is emphasized. The importance of membership in professional organizations, certification, recertification, CME requirements and re-examination is also emphasized.

PA-516: Clinical Lab Science (2.0 Semester Credits)

This course covers the clinical considerations for laboratory tests based on patient presentation and clinical findings. Indications for ordering the specific test, interpretation of lab results, and correlation with disease processes are covered. Topics include hematology/oncology, urinalysis, and chemistry. An emphasis is placed on interpretation and clinical significance of commonly ordered laboratory tests.

PA-518: Behavioral Medicine (2.0 Semester Credits)

This course provides a study of common psychiatric/behavioral disorders encountered in general adult and pediatric medicine.  Topics include typical clinical presentation, etiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic work-up, and management, including referral and prevention, of these disorders. Students will also develop strategies for enhancing patient education and compliance, taking into consideration the socioeconomic and cultural aspects of behavior as it applies to health. The course also emphasizes the role of health behavior and communication in formulating strategies for promoting behavior change. Students will also examine cultural impacts on healthcare beliefs, values, and decisions to deliver patient centered care. Topics covered include mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychoses, personality disorders, ADHD, Autism spectrum disorders, conduct disorders, substance abuse, somatoform disorders, eating disorders, sleep disorders, human sexuality, and issues of death and dying

PA-519: Health Promotion and Disease Prevention (2.0 Semester Credits)

This course enables students to have an appreciation of the public health system and the role of healthcare providers in the prevention of disease and maintenance of population health.  Public health topics will include disease surveillance and reporting as well as intervention and factors that influence health disparities. The course also covers selected topics dealing with preventive medicine, with particular attention to efficacy of prevention, diagnostic screening tools, lifestyle modifications, barriers to preventive care and improving the delivery of preventive clinical services. Emphasis is placed on Healthy People 2020 and the USPSTF guidelines. Students will also be participating in the Smiles for Life online course which provides instruction on oral health throughout the life span.

PA-520: Principles of Physical Diagnosis-I (3.0 Semester Credits)

Physical Diagnosis-I is the first course in a three-part series and is designed to introduce Physician Assistant students to the knowledge, skills, and ability to conduct a comprehensive medical interview, to interact appropriately with patients, and to perform the appropriate organ system physical examination. Topics include critical thinking and differential diagnosis, interviewing techniques, examination techniques, equipment use, patient responses, the culturally diverse patient, obtaining the patient history, documentation of information using the SOAP format, and the use of medical terminology. The skin, head and neck, eyes, ears, nose, sinuses, oral cavity, chest & lungs are also covered in this course. The format includes lectures, written assignments, case presentation, student presentation, role playing, vignettes, and labs.

PA-521: Principles of Physical Diagnosis-II (3.0 Semester Credits)

Physical Diagnosis-II is the second course in a three-part series and is designed to further acquaint Physician Assistant students with current methods used in evaluating and diagnosing medical conditions in the general population.  It presents information in a lecture format, which is followed by a guided practical lab, a practice session, and then testing of the material covered.  Methods utilized include interviewing techniques, proper use of equipment, history taking, note writing, performing examinations, and correlating signs and symptoms with disease processes. Topics covered in this section include the heart, the peripheral vascular system, the abdomen, the male genitalia, anus, rectum, prostate, and patient write-up. During this course, the student will also perform clinical skills check-offs.

PA-522: Principles of Physical Diagnosis-III (3.0 Semester Credits)

Physical Diagnosis-III is the final course in a three-part series and is designed to further acquaint Physician Assistant students with current methods used in evaluating and diagnosing medical conditions in the general population.  It presents information in a lecture format, which is followed by a guided practical lab, a practice session, and then testing of the material covered.  Methods utilized will include interviewing techniques, proper use of equipment, history taking, note writing, performing examinations, check offs, and correlating signs and symptoms with disease processes. Topics covered in this section include the pediatric patient, musculoskeletal system, breast, female pelvic, pregnant female, nervous system and the geriatric patient. The practical culmination will be the performance of a comprehensive physical examination.

PA-526: Clinical Pharmacology-I (2.0 Semester Credits)

This is the first course in a two-part series which must be taken sequentially. The essentials of pharmacotherapeutics, pharmacodynamics and applicable biomechanisms will be applied to the care and treatment of pediatric, adult and geriatric patients. The course will utilize case studies to develop critical thinking in considering treatment guidelines and indications and contraindications of medications. Topics include general pharmacologic principles, cardiovascular-renal drugs, autonomic drugs, chemotherapeutic drugs used against bacterial, eukaryotic and viral infections, drugs with important action on smooth muscle including autocoids and eicosanoids, and drugs to treat inflammation and gout.

PA-527: Clinical Pharmacology-II (2.0 Semester Credits)

This is the second course of a two-course series which must be taken sequentially. It offers continued study of the essentials of pharmacotherapeutics, pharmacodynamics, and applicable biomechanisms as applied to the care and treatment of pediatric, adult and geriatric patients. The course utilizes case studies to develop critical thinking in considering treatment guidelines and indications and contraindications of medications.  Topics include vitamins and supplements, toxicology, poisons and antidotes, cancer chemotherapeutics, immunomodulators, endocrine drugs, and central nervous system drugs including pain medications and drugs of abuse.

PA-528: Clinical Medicine-I (3.0 Semester Credits)

This is the first course in a four-part series, exposing the student to the study of common medical and surgical disorders encountered in general medicine. Course content includes typical clinical presentation, etiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic work-up, formulation of treatment plan, referral, prevention, and coordination of care. A correlational approach will be used with interaction with physical diagnosis, pharmacology, and clinical diagnostics. Systems based topics covered include dermatology, eyes, ears, nose, throat, cardiovascular, peripheral vascular, and pulmonology. Students will develop strategies for enhancing patient health and patient education and compliance.

PA-529: Clinical Medicine-II (3.0 Semester Credits)

This is the second course in a four-part series, exposing the student to the study of common medical and surgical disorders encountered in general medicine. Course content includes typical clinical presentation, etiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic work-up, formulation of treatment plan, referral, prevention, and coordination of care. A correlational approach will be used with interaction with physical diagnosis, pharmacology, and clinical diagnostics. Systems based topics covered include infectious diseases, gastrointestinal /nutrition, musculoskeletal, endocrine, and renal. Students will develop strategies for enhancing patient health and patient education and compliance.

PA-530: Clinical Medicine-III (3.0 Semester Credits)

This is the third course in a four-part series, exposing the student to the study of common medical and surgical disorders encountered in general medicine. Course content includes typical clinical presentation, etiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic work-up, formulation of treatment plan, referral, prevention, and coordination of care. A correlational approach will be used with interaction with physical diagnosis, pharmacology, and clinical diagnostics. Systems based topics covered include genitourinary, neurology, and hematology/oncology. This course also includes a unit on emergency medicine. Students will develop strategies for enhancing patient health and patient education and compliance, taking into consideration the socioeconomic and cultural aspects of health care through modules on rural medicine and social determinants of health., Additional medical topics that are not restricted to specific systems covered within this course include violence identification and prevention, rehabilitative medicine, end-of-life care and impairment prevention.

PA-531: Clinical Medicine-IV (3.0 Semester Credits)

This course expands on knowledge learned in the Clinical Medicine I-II courses and is designed to familiarize PA students with common medical and surgical disorders with emphasis on primary care concepts in the newborn, infant, pediatric and adolescent populations.  Students will review pertinent anatomic and pathophysiologic aspects of disease conditions, clinical presentation, physical findings, diagnostic work-up, diagnosis, formulation of treatment plans, including the referral, prevention, and coordination of care. In addition, students will obtain knowledge pertinent to the physical and psychosocial development of patients in the newborn to adolescent age group and learn strategies for interviewing, performing evaluations, screening exams, and providing anticipatory guidance. Finally, students will develop strategies for enhancing patient education and compliance, taking into consideration the socioeconomic and cultural aspects of health care.

PA-532:  Clinical Genetics (1.0 Semester Credit)

This course exposes students to the basic principles of heredity (including cytogenetics, molecular, and mendelian genetics) and the processes that lead to genetic variability in humans. Students will examine how different genetic mutations and chromosomal abnormalities can give rise to genetic disorders. Through select genetic disorders, the student will become aware of genetic causes, genetic testing, clinical manifestations of genetic diseases, as well as physical, psychological, and social impacts of these disorders on patients and their care. Students will consider recent discoveries from human genomics and pharmacogenetics that have influenced postsymptomatic treatment strategies and presymptomatic prevention-based medicine.

PA-535: Women’s Health (2.0 Semester Credits)

This course exposes students to common problems encountered in caring for women. Course content includes physiology, pathophysiology, etiology and risk factors, clinical presentation, laboratory and diagnostic work-up, management and prognosis of various obstetric and gynecologic conditions. Topics include but are not limited to: reproductive life extremes, pregnancy, complications of pregnancy, diabetes and hypertension in pregnancy, labor and delivery, high risk obstetrics, post-partum issues, contraception, dysmenorrhea, sexually transmitted diseases, menstrual-endocrine abnormalities, fertility regulation, disorders of pelvic support, and, vulvar/vaginal, cervical, endometrial, ovarian, benign and malignant neoplasia.

PA-536: Clinical Skills-I (2.0 Semester Credits)

This is the first of a two-part lecture and lab sequence providing a practical approach to management of medical and surgical conditions. Topics include informed consent, HIPAA, standard precautions, injections, venipuncture, intravenous catheterization, medical documentation, oral presentation of patients, prescription writing, anesthesia techniques, knot tying, suturing techniques, tube placements, bladder catheterization, and splinting and casting.

PA-537: Clinical Skills-II (2.0 Semester Credits)

This is the second of a two-part lecture and lab sequence providing a practical approach to management of medical and surgical conditions. Topics include dermatologic procedures, incision and drainage, bedside ultrasound, joint access, steroid therapy, EKG review, ACLS, aseptic techniques, surgical protocol, surgical instrumentation, and miscellaneous urgent care/primary care procedures. In addition, students will perform OSCE examinations, take a PACKRAT exam and continue SOAP note documentation.

PA-538: Medical Microbiology (2.0 Semester Credits)

The student will discuss the mechanisms of microbial pathogenicity and common organisms associated with specific infectious diseases. Students will cover basic structure and physiology, pathogenicity, bacterial growth, virulence factors and basic epidemiology. Organisms covered include bacteria, fungi, parasites, mycoplasmas, rickettsias, chlamydias, spirochetes, vibrios, and viruses.

Course Descriptions-Clinical

All Clinical Clerkships will be arranged by the PA Program for all students.

Neither enrolled nor prospective students are required to provide or solicit clinical sites or preceptors.

Students are not to substitute for clinical or administrative staff during Clinical Clerkships.

 

Clinical Phase:

The clinical phase of the program is 12 months long and consists of clinical clerkships under the supervision of a clinical preceptor. During this phase, students’ knowledge and practical skills attained during the didactic phase is utilized through interaction with clinical faculty and staff. In addition, it provides students opportunities to refine and develop new knowledge and skills.  This phase consists of nine clerkships lasting 5 weeks, for a total of 45 semester units and a year-long course covering professional issues. The clinical year courses are listed below.

PA-549: PA Professional Issues-II (1.0 Semester Credit)

This is the second course in a two-part series of professional issues. The student will be introduced to principles and practices that enhance patient safety. Employment considerations and professional liability are included in this section. In addition, the student will acquire knowledge that will enhance knowledge and skills in resume writing, job search, interviewing strategies, contract negotiation, state licensure, networking, state practice requirements, credentialing, privileging, DEA certification, and collaborative agreement. Program summative evaluation will occur as part of this course in the final four months of enrollment.

PA-570: Family Medicine (5 weeks) 5.0 Semester Credits

This five-week clerkship reinforces primary care knowledge and concepts taught during the didactic phase of the program through practical application in the family medicine setting. Working as part of a health care team, students are expected to assimilate and correlate patient history, physical findings, and diagnostic studies to make diagnoses and formulate treatment plans. Students will be exposed to a broad range of medical conditions seen in the pediatric to geriatric population. Activities include patient examination, pharmacotherapeutics, treatment modalities, follow-up evaluation, case presentations and documentation. Students work under the supervision of a licensed clinical preceptor and undergo an end of rotation evaluation. Hours: Students are expected to keep hours no less than that of their preceptor, up to 80 hours per week. This may include evenings, weekends, holidays, and rotating shifts.

PA-571: Internal Medicine (5 weeks) 5.0 Semester Credits

This five-week clerkship allows students to demonstrate knowledge, clinical examination techniques, and other learned competencies in the internal medicine setting.  Students correlate pathophysiology, clinical signs and symptoms, and diagnostic studies to make assessments and formulate treatment plans. Students also participate in follow-up evaluations. The rotation covers patients along the continuum of life from young adult to geriatrics, including long term care. Activities included patient examination, pharmacotherapeutics, treatment modalities, follow-up evaluations, case presentations and documentation. Students work under the supervision of a licensed clinical preceptor and undergo an end of rotation evaluation. Hours: Students are expected to keep hours no less than that of their preceptor, up to 80 hours per week. This may include evenings, weekends, holidays, and rotating shifts.

PA-572: Emergency Medicine (5 weeks) 5.0 Semester Credits

This five-week clerkship allows students to demonstrate knowledge, clinical examination techniques, and other learned competencies in the emergency medicine setting. Students correlate pathophysiology, clinical signs and symptoms, and diagnostic studies to make assessments and formulate treatment plans. The rotation covers patients throughout the continuum of life. Activities include patient examination, pharmacotherapeutics, other treatment modalities, follow-up evaluation, case presentation and documentation. Conditions include cardiac, respiratory, trauma, and other life-threatening conditions. Procedures include reduction techniques, suturing, aspirations, IV placements, splinting, and minor surgical procedures. The student works closely with a preceptor and interacts with members of the surgical and medical teams. The student learns when and how to make proper referrals, interpret laboratory and radiological studies, formulate treatment plans, discharge, refer, and admit patients. Students work under a licensed clinical preceptor’s supervision and undergo an end of rotation evaluation. Hours: Students are expected to keep hours no less than that of their preceptor, up to 80 hours per week. This may include evenings, weekends, holidays, and rotating shifts.

PA- 573: Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine (5 weeks) 5.0 Semester Credits

This five-week clerkship exposes students to patients in the pediatric and adolescent age groups in the pediatric medicine setting. The student uses knowledge, examination techniques, diagnostic studies, and current treatment modalities to diagnose and treat medical conditions commonly found in this patient population. Students also learn how to perform common pediatric treatment procedures. Students will learn to recognize developmental milestones and life-threatening conditions. Students are also expected to perform drug dosage calculations, provide immunizations, and perform well-child and school physicals. Students will also provide health promotion and disease prevention education. Students work under the supervision of a licensed clinical preceptor and undergo an end of rotation evaluation. Hours: Students are expected to keep hours no less than that of their preceptor, up to 80 hours per week. This may include evenings, weekends, holidays, and rotating shifts.

PA- 574: Women’s Health (5 weeks) 5.0 Semester Credits

This five-week rotation provides students with the opportunity to apply the principles of pathophysiology, physical diagnosis, clinical lab diagnostics, and therapeutics in the field of obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN).  Students will be exposed to medical care of women across the continuum of adolescent to elderly patients. Students are expected to become proficient in performing pelvic examinations, specimen collection, and some minor surgical procedures. Students will evaluate, diagnose, and treat women with conditions such as menstrual irregularities, sexually transmitted diseases, breast conditions, genitourinary symptoms, and neoplasia/cancer of the reproductive tract. In addition, students will be involved in providing prenatal care, preventive education and health promotion related to issues in women’s health. Instruction in family planning will also be provided. Students work under the supervision of a licensed clinical preceptor and undergo an end of rotation evaluation. Hours: Students are expected to keep hours no less than that of their preceptor, up to 80 hours per week. This may include evenings, weekends, holidays, and rotating shifts.

PA-575: General Surgery (5 weeks) 5.0 Semester Credits

This five-week rotation provides students with the opportunity to learn about general and specific principles of treating patients in the surgery setting. Students will learn how to evaluate, diagnose, manage, and refer patients presenting with surgical conditions. Students will perform pre-operative workups and post-operative care for patients. In addition, students will assist in the operating room as part of a surgical team. Mastery of aseptic techniques, gowning, gloving, instrumentation, suturing, and first and /or second assisting will be expected. The rotation will cover surgical conditions across the spectrum of body systems. Late evenings and weekend calls may be scheduled. Students work under the supervision of a licensed clinical preceptor and undergo an end of rotation evaluation.  Hours: Students are expected to keep hours no less than that of their preceptor, up to 80 hours per week. This may include evenings, weekends, holidays, and rotating shifts.

PA-576: Behavioral Medicine/Psychiatry (5 weeks) 5.0 Semester Credits

This five-week clerkship exposes students to patients with emotional and psychiatric conditions in the field of behavioral medicine. The student will reinforce concepts of psychopathology, psychotherapeutics, and patient interviewing techniques to obtain patient histories, make diagnoses, and formulate treatment plans. Students are expected to develop skills to manage patients’ response to psychiatric illness. The experience includes interaction along the lifespan.  Students work under the supervision of a licensed clinical preceptor and undergo an end of rotation evaluation. Hours: Students are expected to keep hours no less than that of their preceptor, up to 80 hours per week. This may include evenings, weekends, holidays, and rotating shifts.

PA-577: Elective-I (5 weeks) 5.0 Semester Credits

This five-week clerkship is an opportunity for students to gain additional or new clinical experience. During this rotation, students may choose to repeat a core rotation topic or pursue studies in another area of clinical interest. Working as part of a health care team, students are expected to assimilate and correlate patient history, physical findings, and diagnostic studies to make diagnoses and formulate treatment plans. Students will be exposed to medical conditions within the chosen area of medicine. Activities include patient examination, pharmacotherapeutics, treatment modalities, follow-up evaluation, case presentations and documentation. Students work under the supervision of a licensed clinical preceptor and undergo an end of rotation evaluation.
Hours: Students are expected to keep hours no less than that of their preceptor, up to 80 hours per week. This may include evenings, weekends, holidays, and rotating shifts.

PA-578: Elective-II (5 weeks) 5.0 Semester Credits

This five-week clerkship is an opportunity for students to gain additional or new clinical experience. During this rotation, students may choose to repeat a core rotation topic or pursue studies in another area of clinical interest. Working as part of a health care team, students are expected to assimilate and correlate patient history, physical findings, and diagnostic studies to make diagnoses and formulate treatment plans. Students will be exposed to medical conditions within the chosen area of medicine. Activities include patient examination, pharmacotherapeutics, treatment modalities, follow-up evaluation, case presentations and documentation. Students work under the supervision of a licensed clinical preceptor and undergo an end of rotation evaluation.
Hours: Students are expected to keep hours no less than that of their preceptor, up to 80 hours per week. This may include evenings, weekends, holidays, and rotating shifts.