Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies Curriculum

Course Listing

Semester

Course Number

Course Name

Semester Hours

Spring
Didactic I
PAS 0601 Professional Practice Issues I 1
  PAS 0645 Evidence based medicine 2
  PAS 0631 Otolaryngology/Ophthalmology 3
  PAS 0633 Behavioral Medicine 3
  PAS 0634 Pulmonology 4
  PAS 0627 Infectious Disease 4
  PAS 0620 Cardiology 5
  PAS 0641 Integration I 3
       
Summer
Didactic II
PAS 0623 Gastroenterology 4
  PAS 0621 Dermatology 3
  PAS 0622 Endocrinology 3
  PAS 0624 Genitourinary 2
  PAS 0626 Hematology/Oncology 3
  PAS 0632 Pediatrics 2
  PAS 0602 Professional Practice Issues II 1
  PAS 0642 Integration II 3
       
Fall
Didactic III
PAS 0629 Neurology 3
  PAS 0630 Obstetrics & Gynecology 2
  PAS 0628 Musculoskeletal 4
  PAS 0625 Geriatrics 3
  PAS 0635 Nephrology 4
  PAS 0636 Surgery 2
  PAS 0603 Professional Issues III 1
  PAS 0643 Integration III 3
  PAS 0646 Transition to Clinical Practice 3
       
Clerkship Courses PAS 0667 Inpatient Medicine 4
  PAS 0662 Ambulatory Medicine 4
  PAS 0671 Surgery 4
  PAS 0670 Pediatrics 4
  PAS 0672 Women’s health 4
  PAS 0668 Behavioral Medicine 4
  PAS 0664 Emergency Medicine 4
  PAS 0669 Musculoskeletal Medicine 4
  PAS 0661 Addiction Medicine 4
  PAS 0663 Elective I 4
  PAS 0673 Elective II 4
       
Spring PAS 0651 Clinical Seminar I 1
Summer PAS 0652 Clinical Seminar II 1
Fall PAS 0653 Clinical Seminar III 1
  PAS 0690 Capstone 2
       
Total Credits     120
Course Descriptions

PAS 0601 - Professional Practice Issues I

Credits: 1

This course focuses on the history of the Physician Assistant profession from its inception to present day status.  The students analyze PA education, PA-MD relationship, PA legislation & regulations, and organizations involved in the profession. Cultural awareness, and other current issues that affect the practicing PA are introduced.  The student will gain understanding of the clinical management of blood borne pathogens.

Prerequisites: Acceptance into PA Program

PAS 0602 - Professional Practice Issues II

Credits: 1

This course focuses on the foundation of the understanding of ethics and the ethical dilemma that occurs in patient care. Through presentations and self-study, the students will learn the terms and vocabulary of ethical study and a process of a team based ethical resolution.

Prerequisites: Acceptance into PA Program

PAS 0603 - Professional Practice Issues III

Credits: 1

This course focuses on the business aspects of health care and health care delivery systems. The topics to be covered include health policy, safety and prevention of medial errors, quality improvement, risk management and malpractice issues. The student will learn how to obtain and maintain a license and credentials to practice. An introduction of billing and coding will be presented to allow the student to document coding during the clinical year.

Prerequisites: Acceptance into PA Program

PAS 0620 - Cardiology

Credits: 5

The Cardiology Course provides comprehensive and integrated instruction of the evaluation and treatment of the patient with cardiovascular disorders. This approach provides instruction in scientific concepts pertaining to the cardiovascular system; patient interviewing and physical exam skills; disorders of the cardiac system; and the treatment required for patient centered appropriate care expected of a physician assistant. Students will learn the critical thinking and decision-making process for diagnosing; evaluating and treating patients with cardiovascular disease in faculty guided small simulation learning groups.

Prerequisites: Acceptance into PA Program

PAS 0621 - Dermatology

Credits: 3

The Dermatology Course provides comprehensive and integrated instruction of the evaluation and treatment of the patient with dermatologic disorders. This approach provides instruction in scientific concepts pertaining to the dermatologic system; patient interviewing and physical exam skills; disorders of the dermatologic system; and the treatment required for patient centered appropriate care expected of a physician assistant. Students learn the critical thinking and decision-making process for diagnosing; evaluating and treating patients with dermatologic disease in faculty guided small simulation learning groups.

Prerequisites: Acceptance into PA Program

PAS 0622 - Endocrinology

Credits: 3

The Endocrinology Course provides comprehensive and integrated instruction of the evaluation and treatment of the patient with Endocrine disorders. This approach provides instruction in scientific concepts pertaining to the endocrine system; patient interviewing and physical exam skills; disorders of the endocrine system; and the treatment required for patient centered appropriate care expected of a physician assistant. Students will learn the critical thinking and decision-making process for diagnosing; evaluating and treating patients with endocrine disease in faculty guided small simulation learning groups.

Prerequisites: Acceptance into PA Program

PAS 0623 - Gastroenterology

Credits: 4

The Gastroenterology Course provides comprehensive and integrated instruction of the evaluation and treatment of the patient with gastrointestinal disorders. This approach provides instruction in scientific concepts pertaining to the gastrointestinal system; patient interviewing and physical exam skills; disorders of the gastrointestinal system; and the treatment required for patient centered appropriate care expected of a physician assistant. Students learn the critical thinking and decision-making process for diagnosing; evaluating and treating patients with gastrointestinal disease in faculty guided small simulation learning groups.

Prerequisites: Acceptance into PA Program

PAS 0624 - Genitourinary

Credits: 2

The Genitourinary Course provides comprehensive and integrated instruction of the evaluation and treatment of the patient with genitourinary disorders. This approach provides instruction in scientific concepts pertaining to the genitourinary system; patient interviewing and physical exam skills; disorders of the genitourinary system; and the treatment required for patient centered appropriate care expected of a physician assistant. Students will learn the critical thinking and decision-making process for diagnosing; evaluating and treating patients with genitourinary disease in faculty guided small simulation learning groups.

Prerequisites: Acceptance into PA Program

PAS 0625 - Geriatrics

Credits: 3

The Geriatrics Course provides comprehensive and integrated instruction of the evaluation and treatment of the patient with geriatrics disorders. This approach provides instruction in scientific concepts pertaining to the geriatrics system; patient interviewing and physical exam skills; disorders of the geriatrics patient; and the treatment required for patient centered appropriate care expected of a physician assistant. Students will learn the critical thinking and decision-making process for diagnosing; evaluating and treating patients with geriatric disease in faculty guided small simulation learning groups.

Prerequisites: Acceptance into PA Program

PAS 0626 - Hematology/Oncology

Credits: 3

The Hematology/Oncology Course provides comprehensive and integrated instruction of the evaluation and treatment of the patient with hematologic or oncologic disorders. This approach provides instruction in scientific concepts pertaining to the hematologic system; patient interviewing and physical exam skills; disorders of the hematologic system; and the treatment required for patient centered appropriate care expected of a physician assistant. Students will learn the critical thinking and decision-making process for diagnosing; evaluating and treating patients with hematologic or oncologic disorders in faculty guided small simulation learning groups.

Prerequisites: Acceptance into PA Program

PAS 0627 - Infectious Disease

Credits: 4

The Infectious disease Course provides comprehensive and integrated instruction of the evaluation and treatment of the patient with Infectious Disease disorders. This approach provides instruction in scientific concepts pertaining to the immune system; patient interviewing and physical exam skills; disorders of the immune system; and the treatment required for patient centered appropriate care expected of a physician assistant. This module also includes the basics of pharmacology and pharmacokinetics. Students will learn the critical thinking and decision-making process for diagnosing; evaluating and treating patients with Infectious Disease in faculty guided small simulation learning groups.

Prerequisites: Acceptance into PA Program

PAS 0628 - Musculoskeletal Medicine

Credits: 4

The Musculoskeletal Course provides comprehensive and integrated instruction of the evaluation and treatment of the patient with musculoskeletal disorders. This approach provides instruction in scientific concepts pertaining to the musculoskeletal system; patient interviewing and physical exam skills; disorders of the musculoskeletal system; and the treatment required for patient centered appropriate care expected of a physician assistant. Students will learn the critical thinking and decision-making process for diagnosing; evaluating and treating patients with musculoskeletal disease in faculty guided small simulation learning groups.

Prerequisites: Acceptance into PA Program

PAS 0629 - Neurology

Credits: 3

The Neurology Course provides comprehensive and integrated instruction of the evaluation and treatment of the patient with neurologic disorders. This approach provides instruction in scientific concepts pertaining to the neurologic system; patient interviewing and physical exam skills; disorders of the neurologic system; and the treatment required for patient centered appropriate care expected of a physician assistant. Students will learn the critical thinking and decision-making process for diagnosing; evaluating and treating patients with neurologic disease in faculty guided small simulation learning groups.

Prerequisites: Acceptance into PA Program

PAS 0630 - Obstetrics and Gynecology

Credits: 2

The Obstetrics and Gynecology Course provides comprehensive and integrated instruction of the evaluation and treatment of the patient with obstetrics and gynecology disorders. This approach provides instruction in scientific concepts pertaining to the reproductive system; patient interviewing and physical exam skills; disorders of the reproductive system; and the treatment required for patient centered appropriate care expected of a physician assistant. Students will learn the critical thinking and decision-making process for diagnosing; evaluating and treating patients with obstetrical and gynecological disease in faculty guided small simulation learning groups.

Prerequisites:  Acceptance into PA Program

PAS 0631 - Otolaryngology/Ophthalmology 

Credits: 3

The Otolaryngology/Ophthalmology Course provides comprehensive and integrated instruction of the evaluation and treatment of the patient with eye and ENT disorders. This approach provides instruction in scientific concepts pertaining to the EENT system; patient interviewing and physical exam skills; disorders of the cardiac system; and the treatment required for patient centered appropriate care expected of a physician assistant. Students will learn the critical thinking and decision-making process for diagnosing; evaluating and treating patients with EENT disease in faculty guided small simulation learning groups.

Prerequisites: Acceptance into PA Program

PAS 0632 - Pediatrics 

Credits: 2

The Pediatrics Course provides comprehensive and integrated instruction of the evaluation and treatment of the patient with pediatric disorders. This approach provides instruction in scientific concepts pertaining to the pediatric system; patient interviewing and physical exam skills; disorders of the pediatric system; and the treatment required for patient centered appropriate care expected of a physician assistant. Students will learn the critical thinking and decision-making process for diagnosing; evaluating and treating patients with pediatric disease in faculty guided small simulation learning groups.

Prerequisites: Acceptance into PA Program

PAS 0633 - Behavioral Medicine

Credits: 3

The Behavioral Medicine Course provides comprehensive and integrated instruction of the evaluation and treatment of the patient with behavioral health disorders. This approach provides instruction in scientific concepts pertaining to the behavioral health system; patient interviewing and physical exam skills; disorders of thought, mood, and personality; and the treatment required for patient centered appropriate care expected of a physician assistant. Students will learn the critical thinking and decision-making process for diagnosing; evaluating and treating patients with behavioral health disease in faculty guided small simulation learning groups.      

Prerequisites: Acceptance into PA Program

PAS 0634 - Pulmonology 

Credits: 4

The Pulmonology Course provides comprehensive and integrated instruction of the evaluation and treatment of the patient with pulmonary disorders. This approach provides instruction in scientific concepts pertaining to the pulmonary system; patient interviewing and physical exam skills; disorders of the pulmonary system; and the treatment required for patient centered appropriate care expected of a physician assistant. Students will learn the critical thinking and decision-making process for diagnosing; evaluating and treating patients with pulmonary disease in faculty guided small simulation learning groups.

Prerequisites: Acceptance into PA Program

PAS 0635 - Nephrology 

Credits: 4

The Nephrology Course provides comprehensive and integrated instruction of the evaluation and treatment of the patient with renal disorders. This approach provides instruction in scientific concepts pertaining to the renal system; patient interviewing and physical exam skills; disorders of the renal system; and the treatment required for patient centered appropriate care expected of a physician assistant. Students will learn the critical thinking and decision-making process for diagnosing; evaluating and treating patients with renal disease in faculty guided small simulation learning groups.

Prerequisites: Acceptance into PA Program

PAS 0636 - Surgery 

Credits: 2

The Surgery Course provides comprehensive and integrated instruction of the evaluation and treatment of the patient with surgical disorders. This approach provides instruction in scientific concepts pertaining to the surgical system; patient interviewing and physical exam skills; disorders of the surgical system; and the treatment required for patient centered appropriate care expected of a physician assistant. Students will learn the critical thinking and decision-making process for diagnosing; evaluating and treating patients with surgical disease in faculty guided small simulation learning groups

Prerequisites: Acceptance into PA Program

PAS 0641 - Integration I 

Credits: 3

The Integration I Course is a hands-on application of knowledge acquired across the PA courses maintaining a curricular thread.  The course is designed to develop critical thinkers and solidify medical concepts through application.  Students will learn clinical skills and work in interprofessional teams in the Simulation Laboratory and community clinical settings to attain these goals.  The Simulation will occur with small group learning facilitated by PA Faculty. Professionalism, technical skills competencies and public health service learning will also be emphasized.  Areas of study include: infectious disease, dermatology, ophthalmology, otolaryngology and pulmonology.

Prerequisites: Acceptance into PA Program

PAS 0642 - Integration II 

Credits: 3

The Integration 2 Course is a hands-on application of knowledge acquired across the PA courses maintaining a curricular thread.  The course is designed to develop critical thinkers and solidify medical concepts through application.  Students will learn clinical skills and work in interprofessional teams in the Simulation Laboratory and community clinical settings to attain these goals.  The Simulation will occur with small group learning facilitated by PA Faculty. Professionalism, technical skills competencies and public health service learning will also be emphasized.  Areas of study include: cardiology, gastroenterology, hematology, oncology, renal, endocrinology, psychiatry, and genitourinary.

Prerequisites: Acceptance into PA Program

PAS 0643 - Integration III

Credits: 3

The Integration 3 Course is a hands-on application of knowledge acquired across the PA courses maintaining a curricular thread.  The course is designed to develop critical thinkers and solidify medical concepts through application.  Students will learn clinical skills and work in interprofessional teams in the Simulation Laboratory and community clinical settings to attain these goals.  The Simulation will occur with small group learning facilitated by PA Faculty. Professionalism, technical skills competencies and public health service learning will also be emphasized.  Areas of study include: neurology, musculoskeletal, pediatrics, geriatrics, surgery and obstetrics and gynecology.

Prerequisites: Acceptance into PA Program

PAS 0645 - Evidence Based Medicine

Credits: 2

The Evidenced Based Medicine course is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of evidence-based medicine, epidemiology and biostatistics, including acquiring the skill of critically reading medical literature to apply concepts to patient care. This course is designed for adult learners and will include, but is not limited to, independent, online and small group learning environments.

Prerequisites: Acceptance into PA Program

PAS 0646 - Transition to Clinical Practice

Credits: 3

This course is intended to help the student transition from the didactic phase into the clinical phase by establishing the expectations and etiquette for the clerkship phase.  Additionally, this class introduces the student to the clinical clerkship experience of the PA program.  In preparation for the clerkship phase, clerkship policies and procedures will be presented.  Additionally, professional issues, cultural thinking, medical economics, healthcare finance, and medicolegal issues will be reviewed.  Patient assessment skills (including radiology, EKG, and lab data analysis) and practical skills will be reviewed as will competency will be evaluated.  

Prerequisites: Acceptance into PA Program, Successful completion of didactic phase courses.

PAS 0651 - Clinical Seminar I

Credits: 1

This seminar course will focus on the student’s communication skills, critical thinking, medical synthesis skills, and their ability to integrate an actual medical case into a written patient care “write-up”. Students will also perform formal Grand Rounds.  Students will be presented with professional issues via lecture.  Students will establish clinical competencies through radiology, EKG, medical lab, and simulated patient scenarios. 

Prerequisites: Acceptance into PA Program

PAS 0652 - Clinical Seminar II

Credits: 1

This seminar course is a continuation of PAS 0651 Clinical Seminar 1 and will focus on the student’s communication skills, critical thinking, medical synthesis skills, and their ability to integrate an actual medical case into a written patient care “write-up”. Students will also perform formal Grand Rounds.  Students will be presented with professional issues via lecture.  Students will establish clinical competencies through radiology, EKG, medical lab, and simulated patient scenarios. 

Prerequisites: Acceptance into PA Program

PAS 0653 - Clinical Seminar III

Credits: 1

This seminar course will focus on the student’s communication skills, critical thinking, medical synthesis skills, and their ability to integrate an actual medical case into a written patient care “write-up”. Students will also perform formal Grand Rounds.  Students will be presented with professional issues via lecture.  Students will establish clinical competencies through radiology, EKG, medical lab, and simulated patient scenarios.  Students will be self-assessed for cumulative knowledge the Packrat exam.  The Program will assess cumulative knowledge utilizing the PA Program Summative exam.

Prerequisites: Acceptance into PA Program

PAS 0661 - Addiction Medicine Clerkship

Credits: 4

This clerkship is designed to facilitate the student’s ability to participate in the care of patients with addiction disorders across the lifespan.  The student may experience treatment of addiction in a variety of setting including inpatient, outpatient and clinic environments. Students will evaluate patients, identify problems, and use critical thinking to create a therapeutic plan, under the supervision of licensed healthcare providers.

Prerequisites: Acceptance into PA Program, successful completion of the didactic curriculum
Corequisite: Clinical Seminar Course Series 

PAS 0662 - Ambulatory Clerkship

Credits: 4

This clerkship is designed to facilitate the student’s ability to participate in the ambulatory care of patients across the lifespan.  Students will evaluate patients, identify problems, and use critical thinking to create a therapeutic plan, under the supervision of licensed healthcare providers.

Prerequisites: Acceptance into PA Program, successful completion of the didactic curriculum
Corequisite:  Clinical Seminar Course Series 

PAS 0663 - Elective Medicine Clerkship

Credits: 4

This clerkship will provide clinical experience in a specialty selected by the student. The purpose of this clerkship is to allow students to explore more completely an area of interest in clinical medicine or surgery.  Students will engage in all aspects of patient care from history and physical exam to development and implementation of treatment plans and patient follow-up. 

Prerequisites: Acceptance into PA Program, successful completion of the didactic curriculum

Corequisite: Clinical Seminar Course Series

PAS 0664 - Emergency Medicine Clerkship

Credits: 4

This clerkship is designed to facilitate the student’s ability to participate in the emergent care of patients in the emergency room setting.  Students will rapidly evaluate patients, identify problems, and use critical thinking to create a therapeutic plan, under the supervision of licensed healthcare providers.

Prerequisites: Acceptance into PA Program, successful completion of the didactic curriculum

Corequisite: Clinical Seminar Course Series

PAS 0667 - Inpatient Medicine Clerkship

Credits: 4

This clerkship is designed to facilitate the student’s ability to participate in the care of patients in the inpatient setting.  Students will evaluate patients, identify problems, and use critical thinking to create a therapeutic plan, under the supervision of licensed healthcare providers.

Prerequisites: Acceptance into PA Program, successful completion of the didactic curriculum

Corequisite: Clinical Seminar Course Series

PAS 0668 - Behavioral Medicine Clerkship

Credits: 4

This clerkship is designed to facilitate the student’s ability to participate in the care of patients with behavioral health conditions.  Students will evaluate patients, identify behavioral health problems, and use critical thinking to create a therapeutic plan, under the supervision of licensed healthcare providers.

Prerequisites: Acceptance into the PA Program & successful completion of the didactic curriculum. Corequisite: Clinical Seminar Course Series

Corequisite: Clinical Seminar Course Series

PAS 0669 - Musculoskeletal Clerkship

Credits: 4

This clerkship is designed to facilitate the student’s ability to participate in the musculoskeletal care of patients across the lifespan.  Students will evaluate patients, identify problems, and use critical thinking to create a therapeutic plan, under the supervision of licensed healthcare providers. Students will be involved in patient care pre and intraoperatively.

Prerequisites: Acceptance into PA Program, successful completion of the didactic curriculum

Corequisite: Clinical Seminar Course Series 

PAS 0670 - Pediatric Medicine Clerkship

Credits: 4

This clerkship is designed to facilitate the student’s ability to participate in the care of the pediatric patient.  Students will evaluate the ill and well child including notation of growth and development, identify problems, and use critical thinking to create a therapeutic plan, under the supervision of licensed healthcare providers.

Prerequisites: Acceptance into PA Program, successful completion of the didactic curriculum

Corequisite: Clinical Seminar Course Series

PAS 0671 - Surgery Clerkship

Credits: 4

This clerkship is designed to facilitate the student’s ability to participate in the care of the surgical patient in pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative settings.  Students will use rapid and methodical assessment of patients, identify problems, and use critical thinking to create a therapeutic plan, under the supervision of licensed healthcare providers.

Prerequisites: Acceptance into PA Program, successful completion of the didactic curriculum

Corequisite: Clinical Seminar Course Series 

PAS 0672 - Women’s Health Clerkship

Credits: 4

This clerkship is designed to facilitate the student’s ability to participate in the pre-natal, obstetrical, and gynecological care of the women.  Students will evaluate pre and post-natal patients, identify problems, and use critical thinking to create a therapeutic plan, under the supervision of licensed healthcare providers.

Prerequisites: Acceptance into PA Program, successful completion of the didactic curriculum

Corequisite: Clinical Seminar Course Series 

PAS 0673 - Elective II Clerkship

Credits: 4

This clerkship will provide clinical experience in a specialty selected by the student. The purpose of this clerkship is to allow students to explore more completely an area of interest in clinical medicine or surgery.  Students will engage in all aspects of patient care from history and physical exam to development and implementation of treatment plans and patient follow-up. 

Prerequisites: Acceptance into PA Program, successful completion of the didactic curriculum

Corequisite: Clinical Seminar Course Series

PAS 0690 - Capstone

Credits: 2

Students synthesize knowledge and skills obtained during the program through successful completion of a research project and board preparation exercises.  By displaying competency in both analyzing literature and integrating the most recent and best practices students demonstrate skills necessary for competent PA practice.  Evidence of this competence will be displayed in the form of “publication ready” case based article and poster submission. Students also complete individual remediation assignments which demonstrate competency in all NCCPA blueprint topics required for NCCPA national board mastery which provide a framework for lifelong learning.

Prerequisites: Acceptance into PA Program

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