Below are detailed summaries of each of these courses.
Physician Assistant Course Detail: Didactic
PA- 501: Human Anatomy and Physiology-l (4.0 Semester Hours)
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 system and an intersystem approach is used throughout and reinforced in the guided lab. Topics in A&P-I include the integumentary, muscular, skeletal, endocrine, gastrointestinal, and renal/urinary systems as well as special senses, electrolytes, and acid-base balance.
PA-502: Human Anatomy and Physiology-II (4.0 Semester Hours)
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 system and an intersystem approach is used throughout and reinforced in the guided lab. Topics in A&P-II include the cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, neurological, and reproductive systems as well as human development.
PA-503: Clinical Ethics (2.0 Semester Hours)
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 decisions, informed consent, decisional capacity, cultural and religious beliefs, euthanasia and assisted suicide, genetic screening, and the use of humans in clinical research. Students will develop the ability to recognize and think through ethical issues as they arise in their professional practice. They will be prepared to take ethical responsibility as part of the health care team and practice empathy, principles, and protocols that enhance patient welfare.
PA-504: Research I (1.0 Semester Hour)
This course is the first course of a two-part series and introduces the students to methods and 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 integrates article reviews by the student. Students will search the internet and critique peer-reviewed medical literature. The course will also provide the students with a working knowledge of research in the physician assistant and general medical profession and stimulate critical thinking. Students will recognize the relevance and value of research in their professional development and obtain the skills necessary to pursue a lifetime of learning through examination and evaluation of current medical literature.
PA-505: Research-II (1.0 Semester Hour)
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. The course will culminate in a critical analysis of peer-reviewed literature, using concepts taught in class. Students will be able to recognize the relevance and value of research in the medical professions. They will also acquire the necessary skills to critique medical literature through examination, evaluation, and application of research theory and methods, and have an understanding of medical writing.
PA-510: Pathophysiology of Disease-I (3.0 Semester Hours)
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 skin, HEENT, cardiovascular, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, renal, male reproductive and lower urinary tract disorders, and bone and mineral disorders. Topics will be covered in coordination with the clinical pharmacology and clinical medicine series.
PA-511: Pathophysiology of Disease II (3.0 Semester Hours)
This is the second course in a two-part series providing 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 the nervous system, endocrine, immunologic and rheumatologic diseases, hematology, infectious disease, and neoplasia. Students will become familiar with the pathogenesis, pathology, and clinical manifestations of disease as organized by system.
PA-512: PA Professional Issues-I (1.0 Semester Hour)
This is the first course of a two-part series designed to acquaint students 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, and political and legal factors that affect PA practice. Types of health care systems, billing, and patient privacy issues are also presented. In addition, standards of ethical behavior, professional responsibilities, and the importance of membership in professional organizations are emphasized.
PA-516: Clinical Lab Science (2.0 Semester Hours )
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. The course incorporates both observation and performance of selected laboratory testing procedures applicable to a primary care setting. This includes techniques for the collection and performance of wet preps, gram stain, urinalysis – routine and microscopic, KOH prep, normal saline prep, and blood specimen.
PA-518: Behavioral Medicine (2.0 Semester Hours)
This course is designed to provide an overview of the field of behavioral medicine appropriate to a PA. The student will be able to relate the etiology, epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic features, prognosis, appropriate differential diagnoses, screening, prevention, acute, chronic and end-of-life (as appropriate) treatment plans, and referral in relation to behavioral medicine patients and their associated disorders. This course will also cover rehabilitation, adherence to treatment plans, behavior modification, basics of counseling, culturally competent care, human sexuality as well as the response to stress and illness.
PA-519: Health Promotion and Disease Prevention (2.0 Semester Hours)
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 preventative medicine, with particular attention to the 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.
PA-520: Principles of Physical Diagnosis-I (3.0 Semester Hours)
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, and nutritional assessment are also covered in this course. The format will include lectures, written assignments, case presentation, student presentation, role-playing, vignettes, reflection papers, and labs.
PA-521: Principles of Physical Diagnosis-II (3.0 Semester Hours)
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, peripheral vascular system, the abdomen, the acutely ill patient, and the male genitalia. During this course, students will also perform OSCEs (Objective Structures Clinical Exams) and clinical skills check-offs. Upon completion of this course, students should be able to present the information obtained in the proper written and oral format and be able to perform the appropriate examination.
PA-522: Principles of Physical Diagnosis-III (3.0 Semester Hours)
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, OSCEs, and correlating signs and symptoms with disease processes. Systems covered in this section include the male genitalia, breast, female genitalia, the pregnant female, the musculoskeletal system, and the nervous system. Consideration of special populations such as the pediatric and the geriatric patient will also be covered. A focused discussion/reflection on approaches to health and wellness in the early 20th century will also be covered. The practical culmination will be the performance of a comprehensive physical examination.
PA-526: Clinical Pharmacology-I (2.0 Semester Hours)
This is the first course in a two-part series, which must be taken sequentially. This course will introduce students to the principles of pharmacology and clinical pharmacotherapeutics. The essentials of pharmacotherapeutics, pharmacodynamics and applicable biomechanisms will be applied to the care and treatement of pediatric, adult and geriatric patients. Specific therapeutic regimens will be reviewed from a systems approach in coordination with the clinical medicine series. Topics include general pharmacologic principles, bacterial, eukaryotic and viral infections, cardiovascular, peripheral neuropharmacology, and autocoids/anti-ulcer/anti-inflammatory medications. The course will utilize case studies to develop critical thinking in considering treatment guidelines and indications and contraindications of medications. Application of concepts will be demonstrated through case presentations.
PA-527: Clinical Pharmacology-II (2.0 Semester Hours)
This is the second course of a two-course series. It offers continued study of the essentials of pharmacology as applied to the care and treatment of pediatric, adult and geriatric patients. Topics include vitamins and supplements, toxicology, neoplasia, central nervous system, endocrine, and pain medication and abuse. The course utilizes case studies to develop critical thinking in considering treatment guidelines and indications and contraindications of medications. Application of concepts will be demonstrated through case presentations.
PA-528: Clinical Medicine-I (3.0 Semester Hours)
This is the first course in a four-part series and provides a study of common medical and surgical disorders encountered in general adult medicine. Topics include a typical clinical presentation, etiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic work-up, formulation of treatment plans and referral. Students will also develop strategies for enhancing patient education and compliance, taking into consideration the socioeconomic and cultural aspects of health care. A correlational approach will be used, with interaction with physical diagnosis, pharmacology, and clinical diagnostics. Lessons will be presented by systems. The format includes formal lectures, discussions, and case presentations. Topics covered include dermatology, HEENT, cardiovascular, and pulmonology. There is also a genetics component to this course.
PA-529: Clinical Medicine-II (3.0 Semester Hours)
This is the second course in a four-part series and continues the study of common medical and surgical disorders encountered in general medicine. The course content includes typical clinical presentation, etiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic work-up, and management of these disorders. Students will also develop strategies for enhancing patient education and compliance, taking into consideration the socioeconomic and cultural aspects of health care. A correlational approach will be used with interaction with physical diagnosis, pharmacology, and clinical diagnostics. Lessons will be presented by systems. The course format includes formal lectures, discussions, and case presentations. Systems covered include the gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, renal, and endocrine. Nutrition, infectious disease, and rheumatology are also covered.
PA-530: Clinical Medicine-III (3.0 Semester Hours)
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 and referral. This course will also explore health is the rural population and the special characteristics of providing care in this setting. Topics covered include male genitourinary, sexually transmitted diseases, neurology, oncology/hematology, coagulation disorders, family violence and abuse, rehabilitative medicine, end-of-life issues, pain management, rural medicine and emergency medicine.
PA-531: Clinical Medicine-IV (3.0 Semester Hours)
This course expands on knowledge learned in the Clinical Medicine I-III courses and is designed to familiarize Physician Assistant students to common medical and surgical disorders with emphasis on primary care concepts in the newborn, 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 and referral. 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 Hour)
This course is designed to provide an overview of the field of genetics appropriate to a PA. It will focus on the basic principles of heredity and the processes that lead to genetic variability in humans. 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.
PA-535: Women’s Health (2.0 Semester Hours)
This course exposes students to common problems encountered in caring for women. Students will review pertinent anatomic and pathophysiologic aspects of disease conditions, clinical presentation, physical findings, diagnostic work-up, diagnosis, formulation of treatment plans, and referrals. Students will also develop strategies for enhancing patient education and compliance, taking into consideration the socioeconomic and cultural aspects of health care. Topics include pregnancy, fetal medicine, dysmenorrhea, isoimmunization, diabetes and hypertension in pregnancy, complications of pregnancy, labor and delivery, post-partum issues, sexually transmitted diseases, menstrual-endocrine abnormalities, reproductive life extremes, fertility regulation, disorders of pelvic support, ovarian, endometrial, cervical and vulvar neoplasia, and cancer.
PA-536: Clinical Skills-I (2.0 Semester Hours)
This is the first of a two-part lecture and lab sequence providing a practical approach to management of medical and surgical conditions. This course introduces students to the basic skills and knowledge needed to evaluate and treat common illnesses and injuries. Lectures are followed by practical applications in guided lab sessions. Topics include prescription writing, aseptic techniques, gowning, gloving, venipuncture, IV therapy, casting, splinting, and dermatological procedures using oral/case presentations.
PA-537: Clinical Skills-II (2.0 Semester Hours)
This is the second of a two-part lecture and lab sequence providing a practical approach to the management of medical and surgical conditions. Topics include radiology, lung and heart sounds, bladder catheterization, nasogastric tube placement, joint access, steroid therapy, anesthesia techniques, BLS, ACLS, and miscellaneous urgent care/primary care procedures. Lectures are followed by practical applications in guided lab sessions. In addition, students will take a PACKRAT and an OSCE exam.
PA-538: Medical Microbiology (2.0 Semester Hours)
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. Upon completion of the course students will become familiar with important micro-organisms and their roles in infectious diseases in preparation for advanced coursework in pharmacology, pathophysiology, and clinical medicine.