The PA Program at Marywood University   PA Program Overview Clinical Tracks Curriculum Degrees and Certification Accreditation    PA Program Overview The Professional Phase The professional phase is 27 months in duration and begins in May. The first 12 months are didactic and include classroom and laboratory work in basic and applied medical science. Typical classes are Monday through Friday and include 40 hours of coursework per week. The final 15 months are clinical and include six 6-week rotations and two 3 month preceptorships. Depending on the clinical track, students will be required to submit a professional contribution or thesis related to their concentration. Please note: Those students interested in the Pre-Physician Assistant/Pre-Professional phase of the program should contact the Science Department.   Specialized Clinical Tracks Unique to Marywood's PA Program, students may choose to focus their studies and clinical experience by applying for acceptance to one the following Clinical Tracks during the clinical phase of the program: Emergency Medicine Orthopedics/Sports Medicine Pediatrics Hospitalist General Surgery   Curriculum Professional Phase Summer I Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis I 3 credits Pathophysiology I 2 credits Medical Anatomy and Physiology I 2 credits Diagnostic Methods I 2 credits Developmental Medicine I 1 credit Research Methods/Epidemiology 3 credits Fall I Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis II 2 credits Pathophysiology II 2 credits Medical Anatomy and Physiology II 2 credits Diagnostic Methods II 3 credits Clinical Medicine I 4 credits Basic Medical Science I 2 credits Developmental Medicine II 1 credit Seminar I 1 credit Spring I Clinical Medicine II 5 credits Basic Medical Science II 5 credits Behavioral Sciences 1 credit Developmental Medicine III 2 credits Seminar II 1 credit Concepts and Issues in Gerontology 3 credits Summer II Clerkship I 3 credits Clerkship II 3 credits Fall II Clerkship III 3 credits Clerkship IV 3 credits Clerkship V 3 credits Spring II Clerkship VI 3 credits Preceptorship I 6 credits Summer III Preceptorship II 6 credits   PA 510 CLINICAL ASSESSMENT AND DIAGNOSIS I (3.0 Graduate credits) 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. (6 hours per week) PA 520A PATHOPHYSIOLOGY I (2.0 Graduate credits) Brief review of the anatomy and physiology of the organ system will be presented. Emphasis will be placed on the essential aspects of anatomy, physiology and histology used in the understanding of pathology. Disease processes will be presented with regard to definition or description of the disease, etiology, pathogenesis, pathology, clinical features and therapy or prognosis. (3 hours per week) PA 522 MEDICAL ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY I (2.0 graduate credits) Brief review of the anatomy and physiology of the organ system will be presented. Emphasis will be placed on the essential aspects of anatomy, physiology and histology used in the understanding of pathology. Disease processes will be presented with regard to definition or description of the disease, etiology, pathogenesis, pathology, clinical features and therapy or prognosis. Course includes cadaver lab. (6 hours per week) PA 540 DIAGNOSTIC METHODS I (2.0 Graduate credits) Course in: laboratory analysis and diagnostic radiology. Selection and interpretation of appropriate routine and special diagnostic, monitoring and screening laboratory tests. Introduction to: diagnostic imaging with radiographic studies, CT scan and MRI. Recognition of: normal and abnormal findings and rationale for ordering appropriate tests. (2 hours per week) PA 570 DEVELOPMENTAL MEDICINE I (1.0 Graduate credit) An introduction to geriatric medicine, including changes associated with aging, considering physical, social and emotional impact. (1.5 hours per week) PA 580 RESEARCH METHODS/EPIDEMIOLOGY (3.0 Graduate credits) Introduction to research methodology and statistical analysis with emphasis on the epidemiology of infectious disease and preventive medicine. This course is intended to provide physician assistant students the basic concepts of epidemiology and preventive medicine and a methodical approach of reviewing and interpreting health science research literature. The student will thereto be able to demonstrate how to evaluate the quality and content of a research article and command a thorough knowledge of epidemiological principles, and their relationship to morbidity and mortality, disease surveillance, and preventive medicine. (3 hours per week)  PA 511 CLINICAL ASSESSMENT AND DIAGNOSIS II (2.0 Graduate credits) 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. (6 hours per week) PA 521A PATHOPHYSIOLOGY II (2.0 Graduate credits) A continuation of PA 520. Instruction in the pathologic basis of disease. Topics include systems not covered in PA 520, with emphasis placed on the consequences of medical intervention based on theories of pathogenesis. (3 hours per week) PA 523 MEDICAL ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY II (2.0 graduate credits) A continuation of PA 520. Instruction in the pathologic basis of disease. Topics include systems not covered in PA 520, with emphasis placed on the consequences of medical intervention based on theories of pathogenesis. (2 hours per week) PA 541 DIAGNOSTIC METHODS II (3.0 Graduate credits) Developing the 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. EKG interpretations including: electro-physiology, axis, rate and rhythm, as well as differential diagnosis of arrhythmias. This course includes components in lab medicine (2 hours per week), EKG interpretation (1.5 hours per week), and radiology (1.5 hours per week). PA 530 CLINICAL MEDICINE I (4.0 Graduate credits) 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. (5.5 hours per week) This course includes components of clinical medicine (4 hours per week) and orthopedics (1.5 hours per week). PA 550 BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCE I (2.0 Graduate credits) Introduction to pharmacology including: pharmacokinetics, mechanisms of action, therapeutic use, adverse effects of major drug classes and prescription rationale. Basic concepts of epidemiology and preventive medicine, morbidity and mortality, and concepts of epidemiology and preventive medicine, morbidity and mortality, and disease surveillance will be discussed. Introduction to: research and evaluation of medical literature. Review of medical nutritional therapy will be covered. (3 hours per week) PA 571 DEVELOPMENTAL MEDICINE (1.0 Graduate credit) 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. PA 590 SEMINAR I (1.0 Graduate credit) 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. Medical skills will be taught. (8 hours per week) PA 531 CLINICAL MEDICINE II (5.0 Graduate credits) A continuation of PA 530. This course will focus on diseases of the neurologic, endocrine and urinary systems. This course will include components on clinical medicine (4 hours per week), critical care (2 hours per week), dermatology (1 hour per week), and genomic medicine (1 hour per week). PA 551 BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCE II (5.0 Graduate credits) 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. This course will include components on pharmacology (3 hours per week), emergency medicine (2 hours per week), surgery (1.5 hours per week), and medical nutrition (1 hour per week). PA 560 BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES (1.0 Graduate credit) 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. PA 572 DEVELOPMENTAL MEDICINE III (2.0 graduate credits) 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. This course will include components on obstetrics/gynecology (2 hours per week) and pyschology (1.5 hours per week). PA 591 SEMINAR II (1.0 Graduate credit) 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. Medical skills will be taught. SW 941 CONCEPTS AND ISSUES IN GERONTOLOGY (3.0 Graduate credits) This course is designed to provide a theoretical perspective on the aging process to aid students in understanding and analyzing social policies and treatment programs for aging persons. Issues related to adult development are examined, with emphasis on biological, psychological, and sociological aspects of the process of aging. Implications for social work practice are stressed. Degree Conferred and Certification Those students who have successfully completed the Professional Phase of the PA Program will be awarded a Masters of Science degree in Physician Assistant Studies and are eligible to take the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. Once a candidate passes the examination, he/she is certified to perform a broad range of diagnostic and therapeutic services as a PA-C, under the supervision of a licensed physician.   Accreditation and Memberships The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) has conferred a temporary probationary accreditation* status on Marywood University's Physician Assistant Program. We are institutional members of the Association of Physician Assistant Programs (APAP) and The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), the only national organization that represents physician assistants in all specialties and all employment settings. *Probationary Accreditation is a temporary status of accreditation conferred when a program does not meet the Standards and when the capability of the program to provide an acceptable educational experience for students is threatened. Probation is an active accreditation status and those entering a program that is on probation are entering a program that is accredited. Specific questions regarding the program and its plan should be directed to the Program Director and/or the Dean of the College of Health and Human Services.   For More Information: Call the PA Program at (570) 348-6298 or email paprogram@marywood.edu

Comments to the PA Program Pagemaster: swanchak@marywood.edu

Last Update: April 1, 2006
Copyright © 2003 by Marywood University. All rights reserved.