Physician Assistant (PA)

PA 5099. Variable Topics. 1-99 Credits.

PA 6101. Clinical Assessment I. 4 Credits.

Foundations of comprehensive history taking, physical exam assessments, and the proper documentation of these components in the medical record. Integrates concepts of effective communication and basic knowledge of human anatomy and physiology.

PA 6102. Clinical Assessment II. 1 Credit.

Builds upon Clinical Assessment I. Integration of effective communication and knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, clinical medicine, and pharmacology. Introduction to techniques to assess common abnormal physical exam findings. Development critical thinking skills in the areas of differential diagnoses and development of treatment plans.

PA 6103. Clinical Assessment III. 1 Credit.

Further development of clinical decision making skills and refinement of techniques involved in history taking and physical examinations. Integration of effective communication and knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, clinical medicine, and pharmacology.

PA 6104. Integration into Clinical Concepts I. 2 Credits.

Application of knowledge gained in concurrent didactic courses to clinical problems and to clinical decision making. The course is conducted by faculty facilitators in a small-group discussion format.

PA 6105. Integration into Clinical Concepts II. 2 Credits.

Application of knowledge gained in concurrent didactic courses to clinical problems and to clinical decision making. Builds upon skills learned in Clinical Concepts I. The course is conducted by faculty facilitators in a small-group discussion format.

PA 6106. Integration into Clinical Concepts III. 2 Credits.

Application of knowledge gained in concurrent didactic courses to clinical problems and to clinical decision making. Builds upon skills learned in Clinical Concepts I and II. The course is conducted by faculty facilitators in a small-group discussion format.

PA 6109. Foundations of Medicine. 5 Credits.

The Foundations of Medicine course is designed to provide the first year physician assistant student with a baseline level of knowledge of the basic sciences (biochemistry, pathology, medical microbiology, genetics, and laboratory medicine) to the study of health and disease upon which studies in medicine further build.

PA 6110. Evidence Based Practice for PA Students. 3 Credits.

Introduction to research including methodology, statistical analyses, formulating research questions, and evaluating research designs with an emphasis on studies assessing therapeutic interventions, diagnostic testing, and prognostic indicators of health and disease as part of evidence-based clinical practice.

PA 6111. Evidence Based Practice for PA/MPH Students. 1 Credit.

Advanced application of research-, statistical-, and evidence-based medicine concepts presented in public health courses. Emphasis on studies assessing therapeutic interventions, diagnostic testing, and prognostic indicators of health and disease.

PA 6112. Clinical Medicine I. 7 Credits.

A systematic review and discussion of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and management of the most common diseases in humans.

PA 6113. Clinical Medicine II. 7 Credits.

This course is a systematic review and discussion of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis and management of the most common diseases in humans. It builds upon the foundation of basic science knowledge and clinical assessment skills.

PA 6116. Clinical Skills I. 2 Credits.

Development of diagnostic and therapeutic skills essential to clinical practice. Fundamentals of electrocardiography and interpretation of basic EKG patterns. Effects of drugs and electrolyte imbalance on EKG patterns. Interpretation of radiologic films.

PA 6117. Clinical Skills II. 1 Credit.

Development of diagnostic and therapeutic skills essential to clinical practice. Fundamentals of electrocardiography and interpretation of basic EKG patterns. Effects of drugs and electrolyte imbalance on EKG patterns. Interpretation of radiologic films.

PA 6118. Health, Justice, and Society I. 2 Credits.

Presentation and discussion of issues including social determinants of health, cultural competency, ethical principles, epidemiology, and patient safety. A related community service component is included in PA 6119.

PA 6119. Health, Justice, and Society II. 1 Credit.

Continuation of PA 6118. Students interact with community clinicians and/or members of communities with vulnerable populations, developing communication and team practice skills through participation in team projects. Prerequisites are PA 6118 for MSHS PA students; PUBH 6007 for joint degree PA/MPH students.

PA 6120. Human Behavior. 2 Credits.

Integration of concepts of behavioral health in patient-centered care; comprehensive overview of psychiatry. Restricted to students in the physician assistant program.

PA 6121. Clinical Specialties. 6 Credits.

Foundations of patient management in surgical, pediatric, and emergency medicine.

PA 6122. Role of the Physician Assistant in U.S. Healthcare. 2 Credits.

The history, development, and current status of the physician assistant profession within the context of the U.S. health system, such as practice roles, legal issues, and economic aspects of the profession.

PA 6259. Introduction to Clinical Education. 2 Credits.

Provides physician assistant students with the necessary knowledge and skills to facilitate the transition from the academic to the clinical environment and to promote high quality clinical education experiences. Prerequisites: successful completion of all components of the didactic phase of the program.

PA 6261. Inpatient Medicine Clinical Practicum. 5 Credits.

For second-year physician assistant students. Focuses on the role of the physician assistant in hospital-based inpatient care. Students evaluate and manage inpatient medicine problems using an evidence- based approach. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all components of the didactic phase of the physician assistant program.

PA 6262. Family Medicine Clinical Practicum. 5 Credits.

Provides students with opportunities to practice continuing, comprehensive healthcare for the individual and family. Prerequisites: Prior successful completion of all components of the didactic phase of the physician assistant program.

PA 6263. Surgical Inpatient Clinical Practicum. 5 Credits.

Required practicum for second-year physician assistant students. Focus on the care of the surgical patient and the role of the physician assistant on the surgical patient management team. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all components of the didactic phase of the physician assistant program.

PA 6264. Women's Health Clinical Practicum. 5 Credits.

This is a required clinical practicum for second-year physician assistant students. Focus on the role of the physician assistant in women’s health. Students learn to evaluate and manage women’s health problems using an evidence-based approach. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all components of the didactic phase of the physician assistant program.

PA 6265. Pediatrics Clinical Practicum. 5 Credits.

Clinical practicum for second-year physician assistant students. Focus on the role of the physician assistant in pediatric medicine. Students learn to evaluate and manage pediatric problems using an evidence-based approach. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all components of the didactic phase of the physician assistant program.

PA 6266. Emergency Medicine Clinical Practicum. 5 Credits.

Required clinical practicum for second-year physician assistant students. Focus on the role of the physician assistant in emergency care. Students learn to evaluate and manage emergency medicine problems using an evidence-based approach. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all components of the didactic phase of the physician assistant program.

PA 6267. Behavioral Medicine Clinical Practicum. 5 Credits.

Clinical practicum for second-year physician assistant students. The role of physician assistants in psychiatric and/or behavioral medicine. Students learn to evaluate and manage psychiatric/behavioral problems using an evidence-based approach. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all components of the didactic phase of the physician assistant program.

PA 6268. Elective Clinical Practicum. 5 Credits.

Clinical practicum experience that provides students with an opportunity to develop additional competencies related to physician assistant practice in one or more areas of medicine or related disciplines. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all components of the didactic phase of the physician assistant program.

PA 6299. Independent Study. 1-12 Credits.

Faculty approved didactic or clinical coursework primarily used for remediation purposes.

PA 6300. Introduction to Professional Practice. 2 Credits.

Examination of contemporary issues in physician assistant practice as the student transitions to a professional role. By emphasizing continuous professional development; career trajectories; professional practice issues such as ethics, regulatory issues, credentialing, privileging, and malpractice; and maintenance of certification, the students is prepared to manage their emerging professional role and responsibilities.