Physician Assistant Studies Program

PAS 510 (Physical Diagnosis) is an introduction to the science and art of "hands on" medicine. The course content focuses on the skills essential for obtaining a thorough medical history and performing a comprehensive physical examination. The course establishes the foundation for using the H&P to help determine the need for further testing, formulate a differential diagnosis, narrow the differential, and establish the working diagnosis. The course also introduces the critical thinking skills necessary to instill confidence in communication with a patient and approaching the patient as a human being.

PAS 511 (Applied Lab Medicine) provides a fundamental foundation for the use, interpretation, and application of commonly ordered clinical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management of patients. It provides the PA student with insights into the field of applied lab medicine, including the limits of lab testing and the dangers of overreliance on lab test results.

PAS 512 (Pharmacology) provides instruction on the principles of pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacotherapeutics. Emphasis is placed on the factors governing drug action, dose-response relationships, the relationship between chemical structure and pharmacological action, basic principles of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination of drugs, and their mechanism of action. Students will learn about contraindications, side effects, adverse reactions, black box warnings, and other critical information needed for safely prescribing medications in clinical practice.

PAS 513 (Physiology & Pathophysiology) explores the normal functions of the human body (physiology) and the abnormal changes that occur in various diseases and conditions (pathophysiology). This course provides students with a deep understanding of the mechanisms and processes that govern the body's functions and how they can be disrupted in disease states.

PAS 514 (Research Methods in Medicine) provides instruction in the process of searching, evaluating, interpreting, and utilizing the results of medical literature in the provision of patient care. It also introduces the practicing clinician to the foundations of medical research. Students will discuss ethical concerns in conducting research as well as steps taken to protect human research subjects.

PAS 515 (Medical Genetics) provides up-to-date information about the application of genetics to human health. It covers the basic principles of medical ethics, modes of inheritance, the molecular basis of genetic disorders, genetics of complex diseases, genetics of cancer, chromosomes, mapping disease genes to specific chromosomes, inheritance of diseases in families, and genetic counseling. PAS 515 also discusses the social implications of novel genetic technologies.

PAS 516 (Principles of Practice Management & Leadership One) is an introduction for students to become healthcare stakeholders in a variety of settings, including key health and medical systems. Students will examine professional behaviors, such as setting goals and managing time, as well as the attitudes and motivation required for success as a PA and a PA Leader.

PAS 517(Psychiatry) introduces the PA student to basic principles of behavoiral and mental health as a discipline. The focus of this course will be on the evaluation and diagnosis of emergent and non-emergent psychiatric conditions, understanding both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment strategies, self-care, and assessing the relationship between mental health and its impact on systemic illness and one's overall health and well-being.

PAS 520 (Medicine One) is the first of six medicine courses dedicated to teaching the relationship of epidemiology, physiology, pathophysiology, genetics, and anatomy to specific acute and chronic disorders. Building on the foundational knowledge taught during term one and anatomy, PAS 520 introduces students to the diagnosis and treatment of common medical problems specific to the principles and practice of endocrinology, rheumatology, hematology, and oncology.

PAS 521 (Medicine Two) is the second of six medicine courses dedicated to teaching the relationship of epidemiology, physiology, pathophysiology, genetics, and anatomy to specific acute and chronic disorders. Building on the foundational knowledge taught during term one and anatomy, PAS 521 introduces students to the diagnosis and treatment of common medical problems specific to the principles and practice of dermatology, otolaryngology, and ophthalmology.

PAS 522 (Clinical Decision Making I) is the first course in a series designed to help students understand and apply the knowledge attained in the classroom to realistic patient care scenarios. Utilizing a case-based curriculum, students are introduced to patient care through small group interactions and interprofessional experiences. Students are provided the opportunity to practice the skills learned in the lab on real or simulated patients and develop case presentation skills while learning to collaborate and work effectively with other healthcare professionals to improve patient outcomes.

PAS 523 (Orthopedic Surgery) introduces the PA Student to common operative and non-operative orthopedic conditions, their presentation, complications, and management, including outpatient, inpatient, and operating room settings. The wide array of orthopedic surgery subspecialties covered during the course include hand, shoulder/elbow, tumor, joints, pediatrics, spine, and foot/ankle. Emphasis is placed on the patient evaluation/examination, diagnostic procedures, and treatment options.

PAS 524 (Human Gross Anatomy) examines the form and function of the human body at a macroscopic level. Students receive detailed systems-based and regional anatomy lectures during the didactic portion of the class. Hands-on lab time provides the opportunity to dissect a complete cadaver allowing the learner to identify structures and understand their 3-dimensional relationships to one another.

PAS 530 (Medicine Three) is the third of six medicine courses dedicated to teaching the relationship of epidemiology, physiology, pathophysiology, genetics, and anatomy to specific acute and chronic disorders. Building on the foundational knowledge taught during terms one and two, PAS 530 introduces students to the diagnosis and treatment of common medical problems specific to the principles and practice of obstetrics and gynecology, urology, and geriatrics.

PAS 531 (Medicine Four) is the fourth of six medicine courses dedicated to teaching students the relationship of epidemiology, physiology, pathophysiology, genetics, and anatomy to specific acute and chronic disorders. Building on the foundational knowledge taught during term one and anatomy, this course introduces students to the diagnosis and treatment of common medical problems specific to the principles and practice of cardiology, pulmonary, and critical care medicine.

PAS 532 (Diagnostic Studies) explores the basic principles of radiologic imaging and diagnostic testing modalities involved in comprehensive patient care. Discussions will include the utilization of common and important radiologic and ancillary studies with a focus on primary care.

PAS 533 (Electrocardiography) introduces the electrocardiogram and explores its use in clinical medicine. This comprehensive course reviews basic cardiac anatomy and guides the student through the principles of electrophysiology, ECG complexes, recognition of arrhythmias and myocardial infarctions. Students will also learn clinical indications for ordering an ECG as a diagnostic test and its use in supporting or formulating a diagnosis. In addition, students are required to complete the American Heart Association Advanced Cardiac Life Support Course (ACLS).

PAS 534 (Clinical Procedures & Clinical Decision Making II) is a hands-on course introducing PA students to clinical and technical skills, including procedures, commonly used by PAs in current professional practice. Students learn the indication for performing each procedure, any possible complications, implications of not performing the procedure, and obtaining consent. PA students will demonstrate performance of skills on classmates, human models, task trainers, or high-fidelity simulators. PAS 534 is also the second course in a series designed to help students understand and apply the knowledge attained in the classroom to realistic patient care scenarios. Utilizing a case-based curriculum, students are introduced to patient care through small group interactions and interprofessional experiences. Students are provided the opportunity to practice the skills learned in the lab on real or simulated patients and develop case presentation skills while learning to collaborate and work effectively with other healthcare professionals to improve patient outcomes.

PAS 535 (Legal, Ethical, and Religious Aspects of Healthcare) provides an overview of the core ethical principles which guide medical practice and the laws that apply to health care practitioners. In addition, students will explore religion's impact in medicine, with an emphasis on medical experiences in relationship to one's spirituality and faith.

PAS 536 (Public Health and Preventative Medicine) discusses the core concepts of public health and the US healthcare delivery system. Students will learn how to use population health knowledge to play a leading and collaborative role in the maintenance and improvement of the health and well-being of the community. Discussions will focus on the health needs of specific populations and how, through health promotion, disease prevention, and health protection, the PA can measure those needs and aid in the development of strategies designed to improve the community's health and wellbeing. Students will also complete the Smiles for Life curriculum designed to ensure the integration of oral health and primary care.

PAS 537 (Professional Practice One) is the first of a two-course series exploring, through lecture and discussion, the factors affecting the development of the PA profession. The emphasis in this course will be on the history of the profession, regulations and organizations governing PA practice, principles of current health care delivery applicable to PA practice, and the PA role. Students will also learn about licensing and credentialing, team-based practice, and leadership opportunities to help cultivate the profession.

PAS 540 (Medicine Five) is the fifth of the medicine courses dedicated to teaching students the relationship of epidemiology, physiology, pathophysiology, genetics, and anatomy to specific acute and chronic disorders. Building on the foundational knowledge taught during terms one and two, this course introduces students to the diagnosis and treatment of common medical problems specific to the principles and practice of infectious diseases and gastroenterology.

PAS 541 (Medicine Six) is the final medicine course dedicated to teaching students the relationship of epidemiology, physiology, pathophysiology, genetics, and anatomy to specific acute and chronic disorders. Building on the foundational knowledge taught during terms one, two, and three, this course introduces students to the diagnosis and treatment of common medical problems specific to the principles and practice of nephrology, neurology, and neurosurgery.

PAS 542 (Pediatrics) focuses on the assessment and management of common and important pediatric diseases and disorders as well as general pediatric growth, development, and health maintenance. Common and important pediatric conditions will be covered in an organ system-based approach. In addition, learners will complete the Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) course as part of the curriculum.

PAS 543 (Emergency Medicine) offers an in-depth understanding of the presentation and management of medical emergencies. Students will be introduced to the practice of emergency medicine through applications of real-world situations and learn basic diagnostic and treatment approaches to common emergency department presentations.

PAS 544 (Surgery) focuses on the assessment and management of common and important surgical diseases and disorders through an organ system-based approach. Discussions will include the preoperative, operative, and perioperative settings. In addition, learners will complete a Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) course as part of the curriculum.

PAS 545 (Clinical Decision Making III) is the third course in a series designed to help students understand and apply the knowledge attained in the classroom to realistic patient care scenarios. Utilizing a case-based curriculum, students are introduced to patient care through small group interactions and interprofessional experiences. Students are provided the opportunity to practice the skills learned in the lab on real or simulated patients and develop case presentation skills while learning to collaborate and work effectively with other healthcare professionals to improve patient outcomes.

PAS 546 (Principles of Practice Management & Leadership Two) builds upon the concepts introduced in PAS 516 (Principles of Practice Management & Leadership One). Students will continue to explore their roles as healthcare stakeholders across a variety of settings. The focus will shift onto key business principles including coding and billing, revenue cycles, and financial management. Discussions will also focus on creating one's professional identity as students prepare to transition into their clinical year.

PAS 547 (Professional Practice Two) is the second part of a two-course series exploring current issues in clinical practice, including the responsibilities related to being a professional. Emphasis is given to the importance of maintaining one's personal well-being and how to prevent burnout. Through lecture and discussion, this series prepares the student for the transition from classroom to clinical training and clinical practice.

PAS 551 The PA in Practice I, 2 credits PAS 551 is the first in the series of the PA in Practice courses. There is an art to the practice PA in Practice series of 3 courses is designed for learners to acquire knowledge of the "soft" skills and non-clinical information required of a practicing PA. Topics in PAS 551 include (but not limited to): professionalism, the history of the PA profession, PA licensing and credentialing, PA utilization in the current health care workforce, current trends in PA education, laws and regulations of PA practice, political issues that affect PA practice, the physician-PA team, PA professional organizations, and PA program accreditation. 

PAS 552 The PA in Practice II, 2 credits PAS 552 is the second in the series of the PA in Practice courses. There is an art to the practice of medicine that goes beyond clinical acumen. The PA in Practice series of 3 courses is designed for learners to acquire knowledge of the "soft" skills and non-clinical information required of a practicing PA. Topics in PAS 552 include (but not limited to): Health policy; health care delivery systems; public health; the role of health care providers in prevention of disease and maintenance of population health; disease surveillance, reporting and intervention; patient safety; quality improvement; prevention of medical errors; and risk management.

PAS 553 The PA in Practice III, 2 credits PAS 553 is the third in the series of the PA in Practice courses. There is an art to the practice of medicine that goes beyond clinical acumen. The PA in Practice series of 3 courses is designed for learners to acquire knowledge of the "soft" skills and non-clinical information required of a practicing PA. Topics in PAS 553 include (but not limited to): diversity in health care, inter-professional education; searching, interpreting and evaluating medical literature and how it is applied to individualized patient care; evidence-based practice; and reimbursement, documentation of care, coding and billing.

PAS 570 Clinical Procedures, 3 credits PAS 570 is a course concentrating on procedures that a practicing Physician Assistant can be expected to perform. The focus of the course will be related to understanding certain procedures as well as when certain procedures are applicable, their risk and benefits, and contraindications. The most common and most frequently encountered procedures will be reviewed with some procedures being demonstrated by students on practice trainers or other equipment. These procedures will also be discussed with corresponding disease/systems throughout the Clinical Medicine series. Planned topics for PAS 570 include but are not limited to: Peripheral intravenous line insertion, Urinalysis with microscopic, injections including: intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous; suturing (insertion and removal), incision and drainage, staples (insertion and removal), casting and splinting, gastric tube insertion, Foley catheter insertion, central venous catheter insertion, arterial catheter insertion, thoracentesis, paracentesis, intubation, local anesthesia/digital blocks, and lumbar puncture. ACLS will also be conducted during this course.

PAS 600 (Readiness for Practice & Diagnostic Imaging) is a required five-week course that will be held in the first five weeks of the clinical year. All students progressing from the didactic to the clinical year will be required to take this course. This course will prepare students for clinical rotations and will be an asynchronous online course with the exception of an in-person lecture and the clinical scrub training. The RadClerk curriculum will provide the students with training in radiology. The Aquifer cases will teach the students what to expect when on call and how to give an oral presentation to the preceptors. The lecture provided will enable the students to learn what is expected of them on clinical rotations.

PAS 605 Applied Practice (Emergency Medicine), 5 credits PAS 605 will be one of nine 5 week clinical rotations that will start in the spring semester of the second year and continue into spring of the third year. These are Supervised Clinical Practice Experiences (SCPEs) that provide the opportunity to immerse the students into the clinical setting under the preceptorship of a clinician, most often a physician or PA. Students are expected to learn and perform tasks and procedures expected of a new graduate PA. In this SCPE the students will be learning in an Emergency department. They will evaluate patients across the adult life span.

PAS 611 (Inpatient Medicine) is a five-week required rotation in inpatient internal medicine that provides experience with triaging, evaluating, and treating acute, emergent, and chronic adult or elderly patients. Students will be able to refine their skills in performing history and physical exams, developing differential diagnoses, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, and developing treatment and education plans for patients.

PAS 612 (General Surgery)is a five-week required rotation in general surgery that provides experience with evaluating and treating patients presenting for pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative care for acute, emergent, adult or elderly patients. Students will be able to refine their skills in performing history and physical exams, surgical skills, developing differential diagnoses, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, and developing treatment and education plans for patients.

PAS 613 (Pediatrics) is a five-week required rotation in pediatrics that provides experience in evaluating and treating an infant, child, or adolescent patient presenting for acute, chronic, or preventive care. Students will be able to refine their skills in preforming history and physical exams, developing differential diagnoses, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, and developing treatment and education plans for patients.

PAS 614 (Obstetrics & Gynecology)is a five-week required rotation in obstetrics and gynecology that provides experience with triaging, evaluating, and treating acute, and chronic adolescent, adult or elderly patients. Students will be able to refine their skills in performing history and physical exams, developing differential diagnoses, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, and developing treatment and education plans for patients.

PAS 615 (Psychiatry) is a five-week required rotation in psychiatry that provides experience in evaluating and treating patients with behavioral and mental health (psychiatric) conditions. Students will be able to refine their skills in performing history and physical exams, developing differential diagnoses, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, and developing treatment and education plans for patients.

PAS 616 (Emergency Medicine) is a five-week required rotation in emergency medicine that provides experience with triaging, evaluating, and treating acute and emergent patients. Students will be able to refine their skills in performing history and physical exams, developing differential diagnosis, ordering and interpreting diagnostic test, and developing treatment and education plans for patients.

PAS 617 (Orthopedic Surgery) is a five-week required rotation in orthopedic surgery that provides experience with evaluating and treating patients presenting for pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative care for acute or chronic conditions. Students will be able to refine their skills in performing history and physical exams, surgical skills, developing differential diagnoses, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, and developing treatment and education plans for patients.

PAS 618 (Dermatology) is a five-week required rotation in dermatology that provides experience in evaluating and treating patients presenting for acute, chronic, or preventive care. Students will be able to refine their skills in performing history and physical exams, developing differential diagnoses, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, and developing treatment and education plans for patients.

PAS 619 (Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology) is a five-week required rotation in ophthalmology and otolaryngology that provides experience in evaluating and treating patients presenting for care. Students will be able to refine their skills in performing history and physical exams, developing differential diagnoses, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, and developing treatment and education plans for patients.

PAS 620 The Elective One SCPE is a five-week SCPE required for all students. This SCPE provides the student with an experience in an elective setting of their choosing in which they desire to gain additional experience. This course provides the student with an experience in an elective setting allowing them to evaluate and treat patients presenting for care. The student will be able to refine their skills in performing a history and physcial exam, developing differential diagnoses, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, and developing treatment and education plans for patients.

PAS 621 (Elective Two) is a five-week elective rotation. Each student is required to complete two electives during the clinical phase of the program. The Elective SCPE provides experience in evaluating and treating patients presenting for care. Students will be able to refine their skills in performing history and physical exams, developing differential diagnoses, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, and developing treatment and education plans for patients.

The Elective Two SCPE is a five-week SCPE required for all students. This SCPE provides the student with an experience in a non-clinical elective setting of their choosing in which they desire to gain additional experience, and the student may choose to pursue a non-clinical setting for this elective SCPE, allowing them to gain experience in a non-clinical field. Experiences can include, but are not limited to, educational settings, healthcare administration, pathology, medical examiner setting, or research.

PAS 625 Applied Practice (Pediatrics), 5 credits PAS 625 will be one of nine 5 week clinical rotations that will start in the spring semester of the second year and continue into spring of the third year. These are Supervised Clinical Practice Experiences (SCPEs) that provide the opportunity to immerse the students into the clinical setting under the preceptorship of a clinician, most often a physician or PA. Students are expected to learn and perform tasks and procedures expected of a new graduate PA. In this SCPE the students will be learning in a pediatric office. They will evaluate pediatric patients to include newborns, infants, children, and adolescents.

PAS 630 Applied Practice (Women's Health), 5 credits PAS 630 will be one of nine 5 week clinical rotations that will start in the spring semester of the second year and continue into spring of the third year. These are Supervised Clinical Practice Experiences (SCPEs) that provide the opportunity to immerse the students into the clinical setting under the preceptorship of a clinician, most often a physician or PA. Students are expected to learn and perform tasks and procedures expected of a new graduate PA. In this SCPE the students will be learning in a women's health clinic or an obstetrics inpatient unit. They will evaluate patients across the adult life span.

PAS 635 Applied Practice (Elective I), 5 credits PAS 635 and 640 will be two of nine 5 week clinical rotations that will start in the spring semester of the second year and continue into spring of the third year. These are Supervised Clinical Practice Experiences (SCPEs) that provide the opportunity to immerse the students into the clinical setting under the preceptorship of a clinician, most often a physician or PA. Students are expected to learn and perform tasks and procedures expected of a new graduate PA. In this SCPE the students will be able to choose from a number of medical or surgical electives. They will evaluate patients across the life span and are planned to be scheduled at the end of the clinical phase.

PAS 640 Applied Practice (Elective I), 5 credits PAS 635 and 640 will be two of nine 5 week clinical rotations that will start in the spring semester of the second year and continue into spring of the third year. These are Supervised Clinical Practice Experiences (SCPEs) that provide the opportunity to immerse the students into the clinical setting under the preceptorship of a clinician, most often a physician or PA. Students are expected to learn and perform tasks and procedures expected of a new graduate PA. In this SCPE the students will be able to choose from a number of medical or surgical electives. They will evaluate patients across the life span and are planned to be scheduled at the end of the clinical phase.

PAS 660 TRANSITION TO PRACTICE, 3 credits PAS 660 is the final course in the PA program. It provides an opportunity for the student to begin the transition to entry-level PA practice. During this 5 week course, students will complete a research project and present it, prepare for the PA National Certification Exam (PANCE), hone job seeking skills, and perform community service. As a condition of graduation, students must pass a comprehensive written final exam and successfully complete a multi-station Observed Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) during the course.