Graduate Catalog: Physician Assistant Program Courses (P A)

510 Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis I (3)
This course is designed to provide students with the background and skills needed to make accurate assessments and diagnoses using detailed history-taking and an appropriate and thorough physical exam. The course will be taught using a system-based approach, incorporating lecture, audio-visual aids, teaching models, and clinical laboratory sessions. Practical experience and the supervision of a physician will enable the student to become more proficient in the technique of history-taking and physical findings in such a way that a supervising physician will determine the next appropriate diagnostic or therapeutic step.

511 Clinical Assessment And Diagnosis II (3)
A continuation of PA 510. The PA student will further develop and refine skills in history-taking and physical examination. This course will include systems not covered in PA 510, and signs and symptoms of disease processes relevant to these systems. Clinical skills will continue to be developed, and the student will participate in clinical laboratory sessions both on and off campus.

520A Pathophysiology I (2)
Disease processes will be presented with regard to definition or description of the disease, etiology, pathogenesis, pathology, clinical features, and therapy or prognosis.

521A Pathophysiology II (2)
A continuation of PA 520A – instruction in the pathologic basis of disease. Topics include systems not covered in PA 520A, with emphasis placed on the consequences of medical intervention based on theories of pathogenesis.

522 Medical Anatomy and Physiology I (2)
The Medical Anatomy and Physiology course is designed to transition the student from the undergraduate Anatomy and Physiology into clinically based view of advanced Anatomy and Physiology. Within this course is a two hour lecture along with a 2 hour/week Virtual Cadaver Dissection lab. The hands-on human cadaver lab is also clinically based and is presented with this course for a strong anatomy base.

523 Medical Anatomy and Physiology II (2)
This is a continuation of PA 522. This section will cover body systems not completed in PA 522.

530 Clinical Medicine I (4)
Includes disease processes, orthopedics, dermatology, and psychiatry. A comprehensive study of disease processes as they relate to specific organ systems, EENT, and cardiopulmonary systems. Significance of: signs and symptoms of various disease diagnosis procedures and therapeutic measures used in treating diseases. Instruction in common disorders of the skeletal system. Recognition of: dermatological diseases, treatment, and referral. Recognition, diagnosis, treatment, and referral of patients with behavioral and mental disorders encountered in primary care settings.

531 Clinical Medicine II (5)
Continuation of PA 530. Instruction in the significance of signs and symptoms of various disease states, diagnosis and therapeutic measures used in treating diseases is provided.

540 Diagnostic Methods I (2)
Course in laboratory analysis. Selection and interpretation of appropriate routine and special diagnostic, monitoring and screening laboratory tests.

541 Diagnostic Methods II (3)
Developing an understanding of various laboratory tests used in the diagnosis of disease including disturbances of acid-base, electrolyte disorders, renal disorders, and disorders of the endocrine system. Introduction to diagnostic imaging with radiographic studies, CT scan, and MRI. Recognition of normal and abnormal findings and rational for ordering appropriate studies. Interpretation of 12 lead EKG including electro-physiology, axis, rate and rhythm, as well as differential diagnosis of arrhythmias.

550 Basic Medical Science I (2)
Introduction to pharmacology including pharmacokinetics, mechanisms of action, therapeutic use, adverse effects of major drug classes, and prescription rationale.

551 Basic Medical Science II (5)
Continuation of PA 550. Therapeutic regimens related to additional classes of drugs. Introduction to a comprehensive overview of the most commonly encountered surgical diseases with emphasis of surgical anatomy, pre- and post-operative care, operative approaches, and surgical considerations. Introduction to emergency medicine, recognition of common emergency complaints, differential diagnosis, and management.

560 Behavioral Sciences (3)
Focus on issues in health care as related to the PA profession, including history of profession, changes in the health care system, women’s health, and legal issues pertaining to the delivery of health care. Advanced topics of ethical issues will be discussed. A combination of lecture and practical applications will be employed to teach medical interviewing.

570, 571, 572 Developmental Medicine I, II, III (1,1,1)
Introduction to basic knowledge of obstetrics and gynecology, including life cycle changes, pregnancy, and delivery. Pediatric medicine will cover stages of physical and social development and the importance of immunizations. Geriatric medicine will introduce changes associated with aging, considering physical, social, and emotional impact. A basic understanding of the dimensions of human sexuality will be provided including historical and cross-cultural perspectives of sexuality, developmental sexuality, and social issues. Introduction to psychiatry in the primary care setting, including recognition, diagnosis, treatment, and referral of patients with behavior and mental disorders.

580 Epidemiology/Research Methods (3)
This course will examine the concepts and principles of epidemiology, the medical science that focuses on the distribution and determinants of disease frequency in human populations. The research methods section of this course is designed to introduce the physician assistant student to the utility, interpretation and application of medical research methods.

590 Seminar I (1)
Case studies, readings, group discussions, and cadaver lab skills will be used to focus on issues of concern to physician assistants. Mini rotations in a variety of clinical settings will be assigned in conjunction with the seminar.

591 Seminar II (1)
Case studies, readings, and group discussions will be used to focus on issues of concern to physician assistants. Mini rotations in a variety of clinical settings will be assigned in conjunction with the seminar.

610 Clerkship I (3)

611 Clerkship II (3)

612 Clerkship III (3)

613 Clerkship IV (3)

614 Clerkship V (3)

615 Clerkship VI (3)
Involves full time experience for six weeks in clinical settings under the supervision of qualified health care professionals. Six different clerkship experiences are required.

640 Preceptorship I (6)

650 Preceptorship II (6)
Six months of clinical training in an office-based primary care practice or area of chosen clinical track, working directly under the supervision of a physician. Emphasis will be on further development and refinement of clinical skills, patient assessment, treatment, and appropriate follow-up in the provision of health care services.

Physician Assistant Program (Catalog)