Curriculum

This is the first of two courses designed to develop an understanding of homeostasis and the relationship of physiology, pathophysiology, and human genetic concepts of disease as they pertain to each organ system or area of medicine covered in the first trimester in PA 504 Principles of Medicine I. This course will incorporate anatomy within a clinical context with an emphasis on important anatomical structure and function relevant to the physical exam, diagnosis, and development of disease and in the anatomical relationships of structures to each other. Lectures, discussions, anatomy lab participation, case studies, and a multimedia approach will be used to present the material.

This course is designed to introduce students to the concepts of medical microbiology and the principles of infectious disease. The focus will be on epidemiology, virulence, and pathogenicity of selected organisms, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and general management of infectious disease states. These topics will be explored through lecture, discussion, and case studies.

This is the first in a series of courses designed to provide the study of human diseases and disorders by organ system, using a lifespan approach from newborn to the elderly. Course includes epidemiology, etiology, history, clinical signs and symptoms, differential diagnosis, diagnosis, diagnostic studies, therapeutic management, prevention, and prognosis of disease in clinical medicine. Organ systems covered include dermatology, otolaryngology, ophthalmology, pulmonary, and hematology. Emphasis will be on disease processes common to primary care practices using lecture, case study, and a problem-based learning approach.

This is the first in a series of three courses designed to provide the student with an understanding of the mechanisms by which drugs alter the function of living cells to relieve symptoms and physiologic manifestations of disease. This course will begin with an introduction to general principles of pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics, and then concentrate expressly on the pharmacotherapeutics germane to the organ system modules covered in this trimester. At the end of the course, students will understand the general properties of drug categories and prototypical drugs used to treat diseases of these body systems and apply these pharmacologic concepts to clinical situations. Through lecture and case study, special emphasis will be placed on the development of problem-solving and medical decision-making skills as they relate to the clinical use of pharmacotherapeutics. This course will be a hybrid course of digital and on-campus learning.

This is the first of two courses designed to develop the knowledge and skills required to elicit, perform, and document the complete medical history and physical exam with use of appropriate equipment, proper exam techniques, and accurate medical terminology. Students will learn the skills needed to recognize normal anatomy, normal anatomical variation, and disease states. The course will provide an overview of the medical record as well as development of writing and oral presentation skills. History-taking, physical examination, clinical reasoning skills, and documentation skills will be developed through lecture and structured small group workshop exercises.

This is the first of two courses designed to develop a functional understanding of the appropriate uses and interpretations of clinical diagnostic testing, to include serologic, microscopic studies, and radiographic interpretation. Students will learn to select, interpret, and apply appropriate laboratory, imaging, and other diagnostic tests and determine clinical significance. Skills will be developed through lecture and structured small-group workshops.

This course is designed to discuss the role of the physician assistant in the context of the healthcare system, as well as issues pertaining to the physician assistant's practice of medicine within an interprofessional team. This course will include interpersonal skills and communication, history of the physician assistant profession, introduction to PA professional organizations, patient safety, and medical and professional ethics. Instruction for this course will consist of lectures, case studies, and small-group discussions. This course will be a hybrid course of digital and on-campus learning.

This is the second of two courses designed to develop an understanding of homeostasis and the relationship of physiology, pathophysiology, and human genetic concepts of disease as they pertain to each organ system or area of medicine covered in the second trimester in PA 505 Principles of Medicine II. This course will incorporate anatomy within a clinical context with an emphasis on important anatomical structure and function relevant to the physical exam, diagnosis, and development of disease and in the anatomical relationships of structures to each other. Lectures, discussions, anatomy lab participation, case studies, and a multimedia approach will be used to present the material.

This is the second in a series of courses designed to provide the study of human diseases and disorders by organ system, using a lifespan approach from newborn to the elderly. Course includes epidemiology, etiology, history, clinical signs and symptoms, differential diagnosis, diagnosis, diagnostic studies, therapeutic management, prevention, and prognosis of disease in clinical medicine. Organ systems covered include cardiovascular, neurology, endocrinology, gastroenterology/nutrition, nephrology and genitourinary, orthopedics, and obstetrics and gynecology. Emphasis will be on disease processes common to primary care practices using lecture, case study, and a problem-based learning approach.

This is the second in a series of three courses designed to provide the student with an understanding of the mechanisms by which drugs alter the function of living cells to relieve symptoms and physiologic manifestations of disease. This course will begin with an introduction to general principles of pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics, and then concentrate expressly on the pharmacotherapeutics germane to the organ system modules covered in this trimester. At the end of the course, students will understand the general properties of drug categories and prototypical drugs used to treat diseases of these body systems and apply these pharmacologic concepts to clinical situations. Using lecture and case study, special emphasis will be placed on the development of problem-solving and medical decision-making skills as they relate to the clinical use of pharmacotherapeutics. This course will be a hybrid course of digital and on-campus learning.

This is the second of two courses designed to develop the knowledge and skills required to elicit, perform, and document the complete medical history and physical exam with use of appropriate equipment, proper exam techniques, and accurate medical terminology. Students will learn the skills needed to recognize normal anatomy, normal anatomical variation, and disease states. The course will provide an overview of the medical record as well as development of writing and oral presentation skills. History-taking, physical examination, clinical reasoning skill, and documentation skills will be developed through lecture and structured small group workshop exercises.

This is the second of two courses designed to develop a functional understanding of the appropriate uses and interpretations of clinical diagnostic testing, to include serologic, microscopic studies, radiographic interpretation, and electrocardiographic interpretation. Students will learn to select, interpret, and apply appropriate laboratory, imaging, and other diagnostic tests and determine clinical significance. Skills will be developed through lecture and structured small-group workshops. This course will be a hybrid course of digital and on-campus learning.

This course will reference leading health indicators for population health. Students will identify the most significant preventable threats to health, and will learn strategies for integrating risk reduction into patient care. Students will develop skills in the area of patient communication, patient education, interprofessional healthcare teams, and cultural diversity to address concepts of health promotion and disease prevention, and will focus on developing clinical skills toward maintaining or improving the wellness of patients and communities. Principles of public health and current issues will be addressed. Evidence-based recommendations for health promotion and disease prevention will be emphasized. Lectures and structured small-group workshops will discuss the application of strategies for reducing health-risk behaviors.

This course is designed to provide the study of human disease and disorders associated with mental and behavioral diseases, and introduces the special needs and care of the mental health patient with an emphasis on disease management with the ultimate goal of improving the functional status of individuals with mental health diseases. The student will also consider social, personal, and cultural attitudes toward mental illness. Course will be taught using lecture, case study, interviewing, and problem-based approach.

This is the third in a series of courses designed to provide the study of human diseases and disorders by organ system, using a lifespan approach from newborn to the elderly. Course includes epidemiology, etiology, history, clinical signs and symptoms, differential diagnosis, diagnosis, diagnostic studies, therapeutic management, prevention, and prognosis of disease in clinical medicine. Modules covered include rheumatology, mental health, pediatrics, oncology, human sexuality, surgery, and emergency medicine. Emphasis will be on disease processes common to primary care practices using lecture, case study, and a problem-based learning approach.

This is the third in a series of three courses designed to provide the student with an understanding of the mechanisms by which drugs alter the function of living cells to relieve symptoms and physiologic manifestations of disease. This course will begin with an introduction to general principles of pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics, and then concentrate expressly on the pharmacotherapeutics germane to the organ system modules covered in this trimester. At the end of the course, students will understand the general properties of drug categories and prototypical drugs used to treat diseases of these body systems and apply these pharmacologic concepts to clinical situations. Using lecture and case study, special emphasis will be placed on the development of problem-solving and medical decision-making skills as they relate to the clinical use of pharmacotherapeutics. This course will be a hybrid course of digital and on-campus learning.

This course will focus on evidence-based practice methodology including the necessary skills to search and critically analyze the medical literature. Included in the course material are fundamental concepts in sampling, study design, sample size and power estimates, bias, validity, confounding, hypothesis testing, and an overview of data types and statistical tests appropriate for clinical studies. Quantitative epidemiology approaches are presented such as incidence, prevalence, relative risk and odds ratio to determine evaluation of patient risk relative to medical conditions, and the efficacy of potential therapeutic approaches. Course will also cover analysis, interpretation, and application of various types of clinical articles to develop proficiency in utilizing current evidence based practice to answer clinical questions relative to diagnosis and therapy. Instruction for this course will consist of lectures, structured faculty-led small groups, and journal clubs. This course will be a hybrid course of digital and on-campus learning.

This course is designed to provide the study of primary care, which is defined as the comprehensive first contact and continuing, coordinated care for persons with any undiagnosed sign, symptom, or health concern, not limited by problem origin (biological, behavioral, or social), organ system, or diagnosis. The focus will be on patient-centered, interprofessional, and cost-effective care, with an emphasis on disease processes and management common to primary care medicine. Course will be taught using lecture, case study, and a problem-based learning approach.

This course will prepare the student for the upcoming clinical year. The focus will be on procedures including sterile technique, venipuncture, IV placement, injections, airway management and endotracheal intubation, nasogastric tube placement, lumbar puncture, urinary bladder catheter insertion, bandaging, casting and splinting, local anesthesia, and wound management and closure. Instruction for this course will consist of lectures and structured small group clinical skills exercises.

This course is designed to expose the student to current trends in the U.S. healthcare system. The focus of instruction will be given to healthcare delivery systems and policy, healthcare information systems, interprofessional healthcare teams, patient centered medical homes, and healthcare outcomes. As the student transitions from the didactic to the clinical year, topics on patient safety, prevention of medical errors, risk management, and quality improvement germane to clinical practice will be discussed. Instruction on reimbursement, coding, and billing will also be taught in this course. Instruction for this course will consist of lectures and small-group discussions. This course will be a hybrid course of digital and on-campus learning.

This course is designed to improve students' communication in clinical situations with patients whose native language is Spanish. The focus of the instruction will be on learning basic conversational skills in order to elicit clinical histories, conduct physical examinations, and give instructions to Spanish-speaking patients. Instruction for this course will consist of lectures and class discussion.

This course will introduce the student to the clinical setting. Students meet in small groups with clinical preceptores to discuss various aspects of patient care including: obtaining histories, physical findings, pathophysiology of disease, developing a differential diagnosis, formulating management plans, and practicing oral patient-presentations. Students will practice history-taking physical exam skills, document histories and physical examination, and present findings to their clinical preceptores. Periodic classroom lectures will also be scheduled to review and develop clinical skills in addition to early clinical experiences.

This five-week clinical course provides the PA student with in-patient experience in internal medicine. The student will gain in-depth knowledge of a variety of medical problems and learn the skills necessary for providing patient care in an in-patient (hospital) setting. Students will gain experience in professional communication with patients, patient families, and supervising physicians within an interprofessional healthcare team.

This five-week clinical course provides the PA student with experience in managing common gynecologic care and the maintenance of gynecologic health. Obstetric experience will include routine prenatal care. Students will gain experience in professional communication with patients, patient families, and supervising physicians within an interprofessional healthcare team.

This five-week clinical course will provide the PA student with experience in outpatient and/or inpatient management of pediatric patients. The student will have the opportunity to perform well baby and child exams, problem-oriented exams, evaluate common pediatric illnesses, and experience care of newborns, children, and adolescents. Students will gain experience in professional communication with patients, patient families, and supervising physicians within an interprofessional healthcare team.

This five-week clinical course will provide the PA student with experience in the evaluation and management of pediatric, adult, and geriatric surgical patients in the preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative environments. The PA student will evaluate and participate directly in the care of surgical patients before, during, and after their procedures. Students will gain experience in professional communication with patients, patient families, and supervising physicians within an interprofessional healthcare team.

This five-week clinical course provides the PA student with experience in the outpatient and /or inpatient evaluation and management of common orthopedic problems. Students will gain experience in the pre-operative, intra-operative and post-operative assessment and management of acute and chronic orthopedic conditions, their complications and sequelae in adult and geriatric patient populations. Students will gain experience in professional communication with patients, patient families, and supervising physicians within an interprofessional healthcare team. Alternatively, the student can select from a variety of surgical or medicine specialties, or subspecialties, such as Oncology, Cardiology, Dermatology, Hospitalist Medicine, etc. The student will be able to recognize conditions treated in these specialties, and become aware of medical or surgical indications requiring referral to specialty care. Students will gain experience in professional communication with patients, patient families, and supervising physicians within an interprofessional healthcare team. Technically, students will become proficient in a number of clinical skills common to the practice of orthopedics or their chosen elective. Emphasis will be placed on students achieving proficiency in evaluation, diagnosis, management, problem solving and clinical decision-making skills through direct patient care as they pertain to orthopedic patients. The PA student will be supervised by a licensed physician or PA during the rotation. Prerequisites: Successful completion of the didactic year.

This five-week clinical course will provide the PA student with a mental/behavioral medicine experience in caring for ambulatory and/or hospitalized patients with behavioral/ mental health conditions. The student will perform basic psychiatric evaluations, monitor medications, and support the clinical management plan for patients. Students will gain experience in professional communication with patients, patient families, and supervising physicians within an interprofessional healthcare team.

This five-week clinical course provides the PA student with experience in triage, evaluation, and management of patients in the emergency department setting. The student will have the opportunity to learn skills necessary for appropriate triage, stabilization, evaluation, diagnosis, and management of patients with traumatic injuries and acute medical and surgical illnesses, as well as management of lower acuity health disorders. Students will gain experience in professional communication with patients, patient families, and supervising physicians within an interprofessional healthcare team.

This five-week clinical course provides the PA student with outpatient experience in evaluation of pediatric, adult, and geriatric patients, including preventive medicine/health and wellness promotion, and acute and chronic illness in a Family Medicine setting. Students will gain experience in professional communication with patients, patient families, and supervising physicians within an interprofessional healthcare team. Prerequisites: Completion of the preclinical year of Physician Assistant Studies or program permission.

This five-week clinical course provides the PA student with experience in Primary Care healthcare settings that may include outpatient, inpatient, urgent care, rural, low resource, and/or medically underserved populations. Depending on the clinical setting, evaluation of patients may include pediatric, adult, or geriatric patients; and may include preventive medicine/health and wellness promotion, and management of acute and chronic illness. Students will gain experience in professional communication with patients, patient families, and supervising physicians within an interprofessional healthcare team. Prerequisites: Completion of the preclinical year of Physician Assistant Studies or program permission.

This five-week clinical course is selected by the student from a variety of surgical or medicine specialties, or subspecialties, such as oncology, cardiology, dermatology, hospitalist medicine, etc. The student will be able to recognize conditions treated in these specialties and become aware of medical or surgical indications requiring referral to specialty care. Students will gain experience in professional communication with patients, patient families, and supervising physicians within an interprofessional healthcare team.

This seminar will focus on preparing the student to begin the Masters Capstone Project (MCP). Development of a topic of interest for a real-life/actual community issue and development of a research question for the Service Learning Project is the primary objective of MCP Seminar. In small groups, students will meet with the Director of Research and/or their faculty research advisor and select a community service learning project and question, as well as identify and meet with an appropriate external/community advisor for their topic.

This course builds on first-year courses (Evidence-Based Practice, Healthcare Delivery, and Population Health & Wellness) and is designed to allow the PA student to complete a Masters Capstone Service Learning Project in the community under the guidance of the research advisor and approved community advisor. The Masters Capstone project is two-fold: (1) Community Project: In small groups, students will develop a community service learning project based on a real-life community need. Using evidence-based practice and population health promotion, students will develop a research question, conduct a literature search, analyze the literature, then develop and implement the community service learning project. Students will present a scholarly poster on their topic, and submit their poster to state and national PA organizations (ConnAPA or AAPA); and (2) Scholarly Paper: Student will identify an evidence-based clinical, global health, or PA education question, conduct a literature search, analyze the literature, and develop a scholarly paper of publishable quality for a peer-reviewed journal (i.e., JAAPA, Clinical Review, PA Professional, Journal of PA Education, etc.).

This seminar will focus on specific requirements for entering professional clinical practice. Course topics include PA Scope of Practice; laws and licensure regulation; preparing for, acquiring, and maintaining national certification; preparing for job interviews; and medical-legal issues and medical malpractice. Through guided discussion in lecture and small group settings, students explore and discuss requirements and competencies for the physician assistant profession, as well as leadership and growth within the profession. Prerequisites: Completion of the pre-clinical year of Physician Assistant Studies or program permission.

The purpose of this course is to evaluate the student completing the Master of Physician Assistant Studies program to ensure the student has both broad and specific clinical knowledge, and to verify the student is prepared to enter clinical practice. Within the final four months of PA program completion, the student must demonstrate integration of knowledge and patient care skills obtained from coursework into the needed competencies for PA clinical practice, which include medical knowledge, interpersonal skills, patient care skills, practice-based learning, and professionalism. Prerequisite: Completion of the preclinical year, currently enrolled the clinical phase of education, and within four months of completing the Physician Assistant Program.