Physician Assistant Studies Hybrid Program (MS) Highlights

This course traces the history, development and current status of the physician assistant profession. Students will explore the role of the physician assistant as part of the health care team. The student will research and investigate the state and national legislation that governs the profession. Topics will include a historical perspective of the profession, current trends and issues of the profession; the PA role in health care delivery, competencies integral to the PA profession; political and legal factors that affect PA practice; importance of biomedical ethics, patient confidentiality and professionalism, in relation to their role as health care providers; content reviewing the professional organizations, program accreditation, graduate certification, certification maintenance, license application, employment issues and professional liability will be discussed.

This course with a lab studies the organization of the human body and the way in which anatomical relationships serve as a basis for function. The medical aspects of the structural and functional organization of the human body are also a focus of attention. The lectures are designed to provide guidance or explain difficult or conceptual material. The major learning experience occurs in the laboratory with cadaveric dissection.

This course introduces the student to how the health care system works. The focus is on basic principles of health policy and system failures. Topics include reimbursement, access to health care, workforce, quality assurance and long-term health care. Other areas of focus include public policy, funding issues, health care disparities, managed care and the medically underserved. The course will conclude with an opportunity to review and discuss moral and ethical issues in health care from the perspective of a physician assistant.

This course introduces the basic concepts, terminology and methodology of quantitative and qualitative research as it applies to medical practice. This course will stress the knowledge and skills necessary for locating, interpreting, evaluating and applying quality medical research to clinical practice and professional development; the ability to appropriately critique medical literature; and the basic comprehension needed for participation in research and the development of research and grant proposals. Assessment of understanding and skills will be conducted during the course as well as throughout the didactic program and clinical rotations.

This course is the first part of an intensive study of human disease processes and disorders in the broad scope of clinical medicine. Students will explore the epidemiology, etiology, pathophysiology, assessment, management and follow up of disease processes and disorders. The course will approach the condition from the perspective of history and physical examination, ordering and interpreting diagnostic studies, generation of a differential diagnoses and the development and implementation of treatment plans and prognosis. Preventative measures to assist in disease prevention will also be discussed. Presented by clinicians from various specialties these lectures provide comprehensive instruction that enables the student to understand the nature and problems experienced by both ambulatory and hospitalized patients. Students will also learn the head-to-toe physical examination. The laboratory component of this course will focus on patient interviewing, patient communication and case-based learning.

This course integrates the specific characteristics and mechanisms of normal and abnormal functioning of tissues and organs of the human body organized in a systems-based approach. This includes principles of cell and organ physiology, and the disruption of normal homeostatic mechanisms that progresses beyond the compensatory capabilities of the human body.

This course introduces the student to the understanding of genetic and molecular medicine as it applies to clinical practice. A strong knowledge base of cell structure, genetic variation, inheritance patterns and specific genetic disorders is required. In addition to knowledge, the application of genetic knowledge and molecular medicine involves the development and integration of skills including but not limited to: accurate history taking; creation of precise documentation of and interpretation of the pedigree; integration of genetic understanding into patient assessment; comprehension of the role of genetic testing and counseling; and management and referral of patients with genetic issues. Physician assistant students must be familiar with the most common clinical genetic diseases, as well as the ethical, legal and social issues of genetics. Due to the constantly changing knowledge in this field, PA students must demonstrate the ability to utilize information literacy skills to ensure that as clinicians they are self-directed lifelong learners.

This course is a practical approach to understanding how patients present, learn and change based on the research on theories, models and techniques of: personality and learning styles; how to assess patient knowledge, attitude and readiness to change; and the effects of literacy, health literacy, individual coping mechanisms, ecological barriers and culture on patient comprehension and adherence. The use of validated interpersonal skills improves the clinician/patient relationship, demonstrates respect for the patient’s well-being and individuality, thereby reducing medical errors and lawsuits, and increasing patient adherence. Self-reflection on the student’s own barriers, biases, stereotypes, culture and assumptions is required. Assessment of understanding and skills will be conducted during the course as well as throughout the didactic program and clinical rotations.

This course introduces the student to the basic interviewing, history taking and documentation skills which will include the chief complaint, history of present illness, past medical, surgical, social, allergy and family history, review of systems and medications. Students will learn the clinical significance of the physical examination, the components of the complete physical exam and will be able to perform these examination techniques. Topics in this course will include: a general overview of history taking and physical examination; clinical reasoning; documentation; interviewing skills; the general survey; skin; the head and neck; the lungs; and the abdomen.

This course is the first part of an intensive study of human disease processes and disorders in the broad scope of clinical medicine. As the course progresses students will explore the epidemiology, etiology, pathophysiology, assessment, management and follow up of disease processes and disorders. The course will approach the condition from the perspective of history and physical examination, ordering and interpreting diagnostic studies, generation of a differential diagnoses and the development and implementation of treatment plans and prognosis. Preventative measures to assist in disease prevention will also be discussed. Content includes infectious diseases, dermatology, disorders of the head, eyes, ears, nose and throat, cardiopulmonary disorders and endocrinopathies. Presented by physicians from various practice specialties these lectures provide comprehensive instruction that enables the student to understand the nature and problems experienced by both ambulatory and hospitalized patients. The laboratory component of this course focuses on case-based learning.

This course provides a foundation of clinical skills and diagnostic procedures that are commonly performed in patient care. Instruction for selected procedures and diagnostic tools will be presented to the student by various methods including theory discussion, rationale for procedure, identification of necessary equipment, principles of appropriate skill technique, demonstration of skill when applicable, skill practice time, identification of special clinical considerations and precautions, documentation aspects and recommended elements of patient education. Opportunities to observe certain procedures and diagnostic tools will be correlated when possible. Topics include methods of wound care and closure, burns, hyper/hypothermia, assessment of pulmonary function, arterial blood gases, ENT procedures, bioterrorism, and radiology. The laboratory component of this course will allow the student to practice the skills and procedures common to PA practice.

This course presents a study of drugs and their interactions with and within living tissue. This course introduces the student to general drug classifications and medicinal agents most likely encountered in primary care settings and the pharmacological principles, dosing, patient education, pharmacodynamics, and therapeutic parameters and indications about commonly prescribed drugs. Areas covered include drug receptor theory, mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, antimicrobial therapy, cardiovascular medications, and drugs affecting the autonomic nervous system, complementary medicines. Each of these topics will be explored through lecture, class discussions and case presentations.

This course introduces the student to the interviewing, history taking and documentation skills which will include the chief complaint, history of present illness, past medical, surgical, social, allergy and family history, review of systems and medications as they pertain to the specific organ systems presented. The students will learn the clinical significance of the physical examination, the components of the physical exam and will be able to perform these examination techniques for the material introduced in this course. Topics in this course will include: a general overview of history taking and physical examination as it pertains to course content; clinical reasoning; documentation; interviewing skills; and the cardiovascular, female/male genitalia, musculoskeletal, neurological, and psychiatric systems; and assessment of the pregnant patient.

This course is a continuation of Clinical Medicine I and is an intensive study of human disease processes and disorders in the broad scope of clinical medicine. As the course progresses students will explore the epidemiology, etiology, pathophysiology, assessment, management and follow up of disease processes and disorders. The course will approach the condition from the perspective of history and physical examination, ordering and interpreting diagnostic studies, generation of a differential diagnoses and the development and implementation of treatment plans and prognosis. Preventative measures to assist in disease prevention will also be discussed. Content includes disorders of the GI system, obstetrics and gynecology, nephrology, disorders of the urinary tract, musculoskeletal diseases, neurology, behavioral medicine, and hematology/oncology. Presented by physicians from various practice specialties these lectures provide comprehensive instruction that enables the student to understand the nature and problems experienced by both ambulatory and hospitalized patients. The laboratory component of this course focuses on case-based learning.

This course provides a foundation of clinical skills and diagnostic procedures that are commonly performed in patient care. Instruction for selected procedures and diagnostic tools will be presented to the student by various methods including theory discussion, rationale for procedure, identification of necessary equipment, principles of appropriate skill technique, demonstration of skill when applicable, skill practice time, identification of special clinical considerations and precautions, documentation aspects and recommended elements of patient education. Opportunities to observe certain procedures and diagnostic tools will be correlated when possible. Topics include GI procedures, NG tube placement, intravenous placement, central line monitoring, bladder catheterization, musculoskeletal procedures, immobilization, joint injection, lumbar puncture, electrocardiography and transfusion medicine. The laboratory component of this course will allow the student to practice the skills and procedures common to PA practice.

This course introduces the student to general drug classifications and medicinal agents most likely encountered in primary care settings and the pharmacological principles, dosing, patient education, pharmacodynamics, and therapeutic parameters and indications about commonly prescribed drugs. Topics include drugs used in gastroenterology, obstetrics and gynecology, immunology, complementary medicine, psychotropic medications, opioid and non-opioid analgesia, chemotherapeutic agents. Each of these topics will be explored through lecture, class discussions and case presentations.

This course introduces the physician assistant student to diseases, exam findings and diagnostic evaluations, and treatments common to the pediatric and geriatric populations. Course content will be introduced using a variety of teaching techniques including both traditional lectures as well as cooperative and collaborative group work. Case studies will be presented to reinforce course content and form the discussion in class.

A series of lectures introduces fundamental principles of perioperative medicine, procedure-oriented patient evaluations, preoperative assessment, prevention of post-operative complications, surgical instrumentation, operative techniques, anesthesia, pre- and post-operative management of patients, post-operative complications, comorbid states, and documentation. The history of the physician assistant in surgery, including surgical reimbursement issues will be discussed. Selected topics will include the most commonly performed surgical procedures as well as issues relevant to various surgical subspecialties.

A five-week clinical rotation focuses on the evaluation and management of the ambulatory and hospitalized patient on an inpatient medicine service. Students learn how to take an accurate and pertinent history, conduct a physical examination, recognize patterns of illness, and acquire approaches to disease management. The student participates in the full range of inpatient care, formulating a problem list, taking part in daily rounds, performing technical skills, participating in the management of patient problems, and planning for discharge and follow-up care.

A five-week clinical rotation focuses on the evaluation and management of the ambulatory patient in an outpatient care setting. The student participates in the full range of outpatient care through the life span, including collecting pertinent patient data and the information from diagnostic studies, developing a differential diagnosis, oral and written case presentations, and formulating management plans including patient education, appropriate referral and follow-up care. This clinical rotation encompasses the comprehensive and longitudinal care of patients with a special emphasis on care of individuals in the context of families and communities.

A five-week clinical rotation focuses on the evaluation and management of patients in the emergency department setting. The student participates in the appropriate triage, stabilization, diagnosis and management of patients with urgent and emergent problems and develops skills in working with the pre-hospital emergency medical team and secondary referral systems.

A five-week rotation focuses on the evaluation and care of infants and children in an ambulatory setting. The student participates in well-child preventative care, the evaluation and management of common pediatric problems, and the patient education of children and their caregivers.

The purpose of the surgery clerkship is to provide the student a wide breadth of practical clinical experience in the evaluation and management of the surgical patient. This experience is designed to augment, strengthen and refine the student’s surgical skills, as well as their ability to perform pre-operative, intra-operative and post-operative care. The student is expected to gain awareness of the contributions of other health professions in the overall delivery of surgical care as well as for the role a PA may play in its delivery.

A five-week rotation focuses on the evaluation and management of patients with psychiatric and behavioral health problems in ambulatory and/or inpatient settings. The student participates in psychiatric evaluations, monitoring of therapy, and appropriate referral to other health care professionals and facilities.

This 5-week rotation provides the PA student with practical clinical experience in evaluation and management of normal and abnormal conditions in OB/GYN. In addition, students will learn to provide prenatal and postpartum care, gynecologic care, family planning, health education, and counseling.

A five-week clinical rotation that is designed to provide the Physician Assistant student with an elective opportunity in any of the previous rotation specialties or a rotation designed by the student, in conjunction with a faculty member, to enhance the students’ knowledge or skill in a specific elective.