PA Curriculum

This course offers first-year physician assistant (PA) students in-depth training in the macroscopic structure and function of the human body and anatomically based clinical problem solving. Through lectures, workshops and cadaveric laboratory investigation, students will build on their prior anatomic knowledge and clinical experience to develop a strong foundation to the structure, function and clinical significance of the back and spinal cord, thorax, abdomen, and pelvis. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to identify normal anatomical structures, recognize variant and abnormal anatomy and apply anatomical knowledge to radiologic imaging, physical examination, clinical conditions, and procedures.

This course will focus on immunology, infectious diseases, and the hematology system. The pathophysiology, presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases involving these topics will be discussed.

This course examines the classification, mechanisms of action, and use of a broad spectrum of therapeutic agents.  Focus is placed on dose response, side effects, adverse reactions, and the role of patient concordance in medication effectiveness.

This course will cover the study of body function at many different levels of organization including molecular, cellular, tissue, organ, and organ systems. This medical physiology course will include instruction on neural & hormonal homeostatic control mechanisms, as well as the study of musculoskeletal, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, urinary, endocrine and reproductive systems. This course will take an organ system approach to review basic principles of physiology as they relate to the practice of medicine. Integrating anatomy, pharmacology, and internal medicine, these lectures will help students gain an understanding of the physiological basis of medical practice.

This course is an introduction to behavioral medicine.  It provides exposure to psychiatric principles, the role of neurotransmitters in the development of psychiatric disorders, the DSM V, the importance of the psychiatric interview and best practices in approaching patients presenting with psychiatric illness.  Students will learn about suspected etiologies, epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic criteria, and the general management of acute and chronic psychiatric disorders commonly seen in general medical practice.  Clinical case presentations will be utilized to build clinical thinking skills and application of knowledge gained in lecture.

This course will review and discuss the history of the Physician Assistant profession to the present time. Topics such as the role of the PA in the US health care system, scope of practice, professional and legal restrictions, national board certification, and state licensure will be addressed.  Interdisciplinary dynamics, PA-supervisor relationships, hospital credentialing, practice management and ownership, billing and insurance, medical ethics, medical malpractice, provider burnout, and continuing medical education will also be discussed.

This course, the first of a two-course sequence, will be the first-year physician assistant students’ first formal introduction to patient assessment.  The class is taught using classroom lectures, small group sessions, and student simulation sessions.  The classroom lectures are designed to introduce the basic concepts of the clinician – patient encounter, components of a complete patient history, approach to the physical examination, specific techniques to the physical examination, and how to present information collected in both oral and written format. Group lab sessions are designed to have skilled clinicians (faculty) assist you with practicing techniques and developing the skills necessary to obtain a complete patient history, perform an appropriate physical examination, as well as present findings concisely and accurately. This first semester focuses on the medical history, laboratory medicine fundamentals, vital signs and the physical examination of the Skin, Head, Eyes, Ears/Nose/Throat, Neck, Cardiovascular, and Peripheral Vascular systems.

This course offers first year physician assistant students an in-depth training in nutrition to acquire knowledge regarding the roles of key nutrients in the prevention and treatment of disease as well as provide a conceptual basis for the nutrition care of patients.

This course offers first year physician assistant students in-depth training in a wide variety of clinically related subjects including Public Health, Medical Genetics, Dermatology, Otolaryngology and Ophthalmology. The pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases involving these topics will be discussed. Clinical case discussions and a simulated patient experience will be utilized to build the students' critical thinking skills.

This course builds upon PA 201 and offers first year physician assistant students an in-depth training in the structure and function of the human body. Utilizing lectures, discussion, models, and cadavers, students will have a structural introduction to the musculoskeletal system, head and neck. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to identify normal anatomical structures, recognize abnormal anatomy, and determine the clinical implications of pathologic anatomy.

This course will focus on diseases of the cardiovascular, pulmonary, and endocrine systems. The pathophysiology, presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases involving these topics will be discussed.

This course examines the classification, mechanisms of action, and use of a broad spectrum of therapeutic agents.  Focus is placed on dose response, side effects, adverse reactions, and the role of patient concordance in medication effectiveness.

This course covers the spectrum of reproduction, conception, prenatal care, labor and delivery, and postnatal care.  Students will learn the evaluation and management of core OB/GYN health care relating to the reproductive tract including important aspects of history taking, physical examination, laboratory and imaging assessment of obstetric and/or gynecological patients; application of current concepts in management of diseases and pathologies; family planning, screening, and early detection of cancer and other diseases. The process of delivery and complications of delivery will also be discussed.

This course is the second of the two-course sequence in Physical Diagnosis.  The class is taught using classroom lectures, small group sessions, and student simulation sessions. The classroom lectures are designed to introduce the basic concepts of the clinician – patient encounter, the approach to the physical examination, specific techniques to the physical examination, and how to present the information collected in both oral and written format.  Group lab sessions are designed to have skilled clinicians (faculty) assist you with practicing techniques and developing the skills necessary to obtain a complete patient history, perform an appropriate physical examination, as well as present findings concisely and accurately.  This second semester course focuses on techniques for obtaining an accurate medical history, laboratory medicine fundamentals, and the physical examination of the Thorax and Lungs, Abdomen/Rectum, Male/Female Genitourinary, Musculoskeletal, Neurological systems, and the approach to the Pediatric and Geriatric Exams. 

This course focuses on the study of common surgical conditions, emphasizing risk factors, clinical presentation, diagnostic work-up, indications for surgical intervention and common complications. There will also be a large focus on preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative management in both ambulatory and inpatient settings.

This course provides fundamental instruction in the diagnosis and management of both common and life-threatening patient presentations to the emergency department.  Emphasis will be placed upon acute care, medical emergencies, surgical emergencies and trauma, including emergency presentation of patients in cardiac arrest, chest pain, shock, respiratory distress, altered mental status, anaphylaxis, hypertensive crisis, acute EENT problems, and acute psychiatric illness.

This course will cover radiologic safety, imaging modalities, indications, contraindications, and benefits and risks of imaging use. Assessment of common imaging modalities, including those used in primary care and emergency medicine will be addressed. Students will be taught to recognize common radiologic abnormalities.

This course is a continuation of Primary Care I and offers first year physician assistant students in-depth training in a wide variety of clinically related subjects, including common cardiovascular disorders, respiratory disorders, sleep disorders and endocrinologic disorders encountered in the primary care setting. The pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases involving these topics will be discussed. Clinical case discussions and a simulated patient experience will be utilized to build the students' critical thinking skills.

This course is an elementary introduction into electrocardiography.  Students will learn the basics of electrical impulses generated by the heart's electrical conduction system and the manifestation of these impulses on paper charts and ECG monitors.  Students will learn to identify conduction abnormalities, atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, heart blocks, ischemic and infarction changes as generated on ECGs. They will learn to calculate heart rates, axis deviations, and chamber hypertrophy as well as putting it all together to provide an interpretation of the classic 12-lead EKG. 

This course will focus on diseases of the gastrointestinal, renal, and rheumatologic systems. The pathophysiology, presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases involving these topics will be discussed.

This course introduces students to the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to be informed practitioners of evidence-based medicine to include generating clinical questions, conducting literature searches, and appraising and applying medical literature to clinical scenarios. Additionally, students will be introduced to common study designs and statistical analyses, as well as biases commonly encountered in the medical literature.  This course will serve as the foundation for completion of their clinical year capstone project.

This course emphasizes the importance of the medical interview and the neurological examination to make neurologic diagnoses. During this course, physical examination skills learned thus far will be reinforced, with particular emphasis on the neurological examination. The signs, symptoms and pathophysiology of neurologic diseases commonly encountered in Primary Care, Internal Medicine and Emergency Medicine will be reviewed. Appropriate use and interpretation of diagnostic testing, including radiographic imaging and laboratories, will be explained.

This course provides the foundation of knowledge in pediatric health and organ-specific issues related to this patient population. Normal child growth and development and its aberration as well as the importance of childhood immunizations will be discussed. Additionally, the recognition of common childhood diseases of each organ system will be emphasized as will diagnosis and management of common childhood diseases. In this course emphasis is placed on addressing pediatric respiratory, cardiovascular, renal, gastrointestinal illnesses and emergencies, infectious diseases, cancer/hematologic disorders, pediatric ENT and ophthalmology, and endocrinology. Pertinent concepts related to child abuse/neglect, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorder will be covered as well.

This course will cover the diagnosis and management of common orthopedic conditions and orthopedic emergencies. The course will emphasize anatomy, physiology, incidence, presentation, physical exam findings, laboratory data, diagnostic imaging findings, treatment, and prevention of a wide selection of orthopedic conditions. There will be some discussion of surgical management options of various orthopedic conditions throughout the course. The effect of some systemic illnesses and genetic syndromes on the musculoskeletal system will also be covered in this course.

This workshop-based course will focus on the development and application of clinical reasoning skills including differential diagnosis, diagnostic work-up, and patient-centered management plan development.  Students will engage with clinical cases each week through a combination of small-group work and classroom discussions.  Weekly assignments will ensure preparation for sessions and reflection of skill development.  The knowledge, skills, and abilities developed in this course will prepare students to transition from the classroom to the clinical learning environment.

This course will introduce students to hemodynamic derangements in multiorgan system failure patients, including shock, trauma, cardiac arrest, acid-base and electrolyte management, and nutritional support.  Other topics covered include COVID-19 pneumonia, ventilator management, invasive procedures, and diagnostic methods used in ICU care.

This course will introduce students to the process of aging as it affects the human body and mind. Atypical presentations of common acute and chronic diseases as they are seen in older populations will be addressed as will the challenges of managing various and concomitant disease states. Pharmacologic therapy in older patients, Alzheimer's disease, dementia, patient compliance issues, and end-of-life care will be discussed as well.

This course will cover acute and chronic recovery from disease and injury as it applies to physician assistant practice. Implications of and indications for rehabilitative services, levels of care required, specific interventions and therapies will be discussed. A basic review of the field of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation will make students aware of a relatively new body of knowledge and give some insight into evolving areas of PA practice, as well as resources available to them as practitioners. Discussion of therapies and interventions will include insight into what benefits might be expected.

This course is a continuation of Primary Care Medicine I and II and offers first year physician assistant students in-depth training in a wide variety of clinically related subjects including common oral health conditions, urologic conditions and special topics in Medicine not covered elsewhere in the curriculum. The pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases involving common oral health and urologic conditions topics will be covered. Special topics in Medicine presented in this course include chronic pain management, opioid use disorder, health maintenance, smoking cessation, metabolic health, telemedicine, shared decision making and motivational interviewing. Clinical case discussions/workshops and a simulated patient experience will be utilized to build the students’ patient care and critical thinking skills.

This course for physician assistant students focuses on common bedside procedures performed in clinical practice.  Procedures taught range from simple laceration repair and phlebotomy to invasive procedures such as lumbar puncture and endotracheal intubation.  Using peer practicums (venipuncture) and simulation models for more invasive procedures, key concepts and techniques will be taught.

The purpose of the Capstone Project is to foster a clinically-relevant, scholarly activity in a mentored environment. The project serves as the culminating experience for graduate education in physician assistant studies and must be completed prior to the awarding of the MMS degree. Building upon prior clinical experiences, the program curriculum, and specific student interests, the Capstone Project gives students greater insight into healthcare-related issues, such as specific medical conditions, specific therapies, specific diagnostic tests, clinical practice guidelines, healthcare delivery systems, or patient education challenges. The deliverable for the Capstone Project is an 8-10 page paper (excluding references) and accompanying poster presentation that substantiates or refutes a clinical hypothesis through integrating an existing body of knowledge.

The Preparation for Clinical Practice seminar is a multi-faceted course that encompasses callback days and interprofessional activities during the clinical year. In addition, it will include formative assessments in the fall semester of didactic year and throughout the clinical year. The culmination is a summative assessment (End of Curriculum Examination and OSCE) to include evaluation of foundational medical knowledge, history taking, physical examination, diagnosis, management of a patient complaint and patient education.

The Emergency Medicine Supervised Clinical Practical Experience (SCPE) exposes students to a broad range of experiences and patient populations in the emergency room for acutely ill patients. Students will hone their skills in triage; learning to recognize and manage patients that need immediate care. They will learn to prioritize care for conditions which are less urgent. Students will be responsible for taking medical histories and performing physical examinations on acute as well as emergent patients and presenting these to the medical preceptor. When appropriate, students will perform necessary diagnostic and therapeutic measures.

The Family Medicine Supervised Clinical Practical Experience (SCPE) exposes students to a broad range of experiences and patient populations that emphasize the patient as an individual and family member. Students are involved in the initial and ongoing assessment of patients in all age groups as well as management of individuals with new and established diagnoses. Emphasis is placed on evaluation, management, health promotion, and preventative medicine. Students are expected to be involved in the care of acute, chronic and preventative visits.

The Inpatient Internal Medicine Supervised Clinical Practical Experience (SCPE) offers students an opportunity to become familiar with the assessment and management of varied medical problems that result in admission to the hospital. Students will attend medical rounds, perform diagnostic procedures, present case write-ups, record progress notes, and assist with discharge planning. It emphasizes the skills of collecting, assessing, and presenting patient data; ordering appropriate laboratory and diagnostic studies; counseling patients about therapeutic procedures; and helping to coordinate the contributions of other health professionals involved in management of the patient.

The Surgery Supervised Clinical Practical Experience (SCPE) exposes students to varied surgical patient care responsibilities with emphasis on general surgery, though students may have some exposure to surgical specialties and subspecialties. Students assist in surgical patients' preoperative initial assessment, which includes obtaining accurate medical histories and performing physical examinations. They also participate in preoperative management, including patient education and procedures necessary to prepare patients for surgery.  Students assist surgeons in the operating room and have an opportunity to become familiar with operating room procedures and equipment. Students are also involved in patients' postoperative evaluation and management. 

The Behavioral Medicine Supervised Clinical Practical Experience (SCPE) is designed to provide an understanding of the behavioral components of health, disease and disability. Through exposure to patients presenting with a broad spectrum of psychiatric disorders, students will develop history taking and mental status examination skills, classification skills utilizing DSM IV TR criteria, be exposed to and evaluate different treatment modalities for varying presentations. The student will enhance their ability to recognize and categorize psychiatric disturbances and techniques of early intervention and psychiatric referral. Students are expected to be involved in the care of acute and chronic visits.

The Pediatric Supervised Clinical Practical Experience (SCPE) is designed to develop the students' familiarity with pediatric medicine.  The rotation will emphasize caring for a child from birth through adolescence. Students are provided opportunities to take medical histories and perform pediatric physical examinations. The focus will be on diagnosing and managing common childhood illnesses and evaluation of growth and development.  Students will work on developing skills to counsel families about immunizations, child visits, growth and development parameters, common psychosocial problems, nutrition, and accident and poisoning prevention.

The OB-GYN (Women’s health) Supervised Clinical Practical Experience (SCPE) allows students to participate in all aspects of OB-GYN care, including acute, preventive, chronic, and emergent situations.  Students will be exposed to prenatal, labor and delivery, and postpartum care.  Also, students will care for women across the lifespan, including menarche, infertility, menstrual conditions, benign and malignant gynecologic conditions, menopause and postmenopausal situations.

The Orthopedics Supervised Clinical Practical Experience (SCPE) Offers students an opportunity to care for injured and infirm patients in a variety of settings including, rehabilitation centers, and convalescent facilities, and exposes the student to issues of caring for patients with sub-acute but in many cases, multiple problems complicated by advanced age, post-acute event recovery issues, and complex social and economic problems commonly seen in this population. Students will also receive exposure to common musculoskeletal injuries from a broad range of etiologies.

This elective supervised clinical practice experience is designed to provide the student with the knowledge and skills in an area of interest. Students will gain an understanding of the variety of problems encountered in a medical or surgical sub-specialty discipline. The understanding of the varied medical and/or surgical sub-specialty problems is accomplished through history taking, physical exam, interpretation of diagnostic testing, and the development of a plan for each presenting problem including pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic management. In addition to gaining clinical skills specific to the specialty of the rotation, the student will also continue to develop skills in medical problem solving and patient management. Elective rotation sites are chosen based on practice characteristics that are important for the PA student within this rotation. These may include practice location, patient populations, and availability of specific experiences and procedures.

The Ambulatory/ Outpatient selective supervised clinical practice offers students the ability to spend additional time in an outpatient medical clinic and is meant to compliment the family medicine rotation. Students are involved in the initial and ongoing assessment of patients as well as management of individuals with established diagnoses. Students may see patients in venues that include hospital ambulatory care clinics, private offices, family medicine practices, clinics and urgent care settings. As a selective, students may be placed in general medicine ambulatory rotations or a more specialized ambulatory care clinic.

During this Inpatient Medicine supervised clinical practice experience (SCPE), students will be exposed to patients presenting with acute and chronic illness requiring admission to the hospital setting. Students will elicit and record medical histories, perform physical examinations, and be involved in the management of the admitted patient. This SCPE is meant to complement the inpatient internal medicine core rotation by offering students additional time learning how to care for admitted patients. As a selective, students may be placed in a general inpatient medicine rotation or a more specialized in-patient experience.