Physician Assistant

Name	Title	Credits	School
PHAS 601	Advanced Anatomy	3	School of Health Professions
In this course students apply an integrated approach to the mastering of anatomy from a clinical applications perspective. Basic anatomical information and physiological processes are applied to determine how patients function under both normal and abnormal conditions. The course is enhanced with clinical case correlates. The ability to recognize surface landmarks and correlate them with underlying anatomical structures is stressed. Students will explain patient signs and symptoms through the integration of mechanism of injury with anatomical findings. Prerequisite Course(s): Registration is limited to students matriculated in the MS Physician Assistant Studies program only
PHAS 602	Advanced Physiology	3	School of Health Professions
In this course students apply an integrated approach to the mastering of physiology from a clinical applications perspective. Basic physiological processes are applied to determine how patients function under both normal and abnormal conditions. The course is enhanced with clinical case correlates. Discussion of selected abnormal conditions will be used to demonstrate the relationships between physiology and medicine. Prerequisite Course(s): Registration is limited to students matriculated in the MS Physician Assistant Studies program only
PHAS 606	Advanced Clinical Pathophysiology	2	School of Health Professions
In this course students apply an integrated approach to mastering pathology from a clinical perspective. Pathologic processes will be discussed utilizing integrated problem-based learning concepts and case-based discussions. Students will acquire an ability to apply advanced knowledge of pathology in solving case scenarios and in the understanding and treatment of the most common clinical disease processes.
PHAS 610	Clinical Medicine I	5	School of Health Professions
This is the first of three Clinical Medicine courses. Students will be introduced, utilizing a case-based approach, to the intensive study of human disease from the perspectives of epidemiology, etiology, clinical manifestations, clinical course, diagnostic tests, treatment, and prognosis. The disciplines of dermatology, HEENT, infectious disease, and gastroenterology will be discussed within the context of this course. An emphasis on differential diagnosis and diagnostic problem solving will be the central focus of this course. Radiology, pharmacology, pathology, and preventive medicine are integrated into each system.
PHAS 611	Clinical Medicine II	5	School of Health Professions
This is the second of three Clinical Medicine courses. Students will be introduced, utilizing a case-based approach, to the intensive study of human disease from the perspectives of epidemiology, etiology, clinical manifestations, clinical course, diagnostic tests, treatment, and prognosis. The disciplines of pulmonary medicine, endocrinology, cardiology, and nephrology will be discussed within the context of this course. An emphasis on differential diagnosis and diagnostic problem solving will be the central focus of this course. Radiology, pharmacology, pathology, and preventive medicine are integrated into each system
PHAS 613	Clinical Medicine III	4	School of Health Professions
This is the last of three Clinical Medicine courses. Students will be introduced, utilizing a case based approach, to the intensive study of human disease from the perspectives of epidemiology, etiology, clinical manifestations, clinical course, diagnostic tests, treatment, and prognosis. The disciplines of geriatrics, psychiatry, hematology, and neurology will be discussed within the context of this course. An emphasis on differential diagnosis and diagnostic problem solving will be the central focus of this course. Radiology, pharmacology, pathology and preventive medicine are integrated into each system.
PHAS 614	Orthopedics & Rheumatology	2	School of Health Professions
This multi-component course explores the intricacies of human disease through a systems approach for Orthopedics and Rheumatology. The student will learn about the etiologies, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, appropriate diagnostic tests and management of common disease entities. Prerequisite Course(s): Registration is limited to students matriculated in the MS Physician Assistant Studies program only
PHAS 615	Surgery	3	School of Health Professions
Common surgical problems in general surgery, thoracic, cardiovascular, and ophthalmology will be discussed. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care issues will be presented utilizing a lecture and case- based approach. Students will develop a core knowledge base of common surgical procedures and their indications as wellas contraindications. The recognition of common complications and their prevention will be emphasized.
PHAS 617	Pediatrics	3	School of Health Professions
This course is designed to provide an overview of primary care pediatrics (from birth through adolescence). The course, taught in lecture and case-based learning formats, will focus on well-child care, immunizations and screening programs, nutrition, developmental disabilities, and behavioral problems. Evaluation of clinical data in arriving at a differential diagnosis is an integral component of this course.
PHAS 620	Pharmacology I	3	School of Health Professions
This is the first of two courses designed to provide the student with the pharmacological foundation needed for clinical practice. Students will classify medications and identify their pharmacological and toxicological profiles for the systems discussed during Clinical Medicine. This knowledge base is organized into three profiles: indications, contraindications, and side effects utilizing the principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. This advanced level course will focus upon the clinical applications for prescribers. The student will demonstrate an increasing ability to analyze and synthesize divergent and original source medical information, an escalating ability to reason in dependently, and manage increasingly complex cases in arriving at clinical decisions to achieve entry-level proficiency in prescribing.
PHAS 621	Pharmacology II	3	School of Health Professions
This is the second of two courses designed to provide the student with the pharmacological foundation needed for clinical practice. Students will classify medications and identify their pharmacological and toxicological profiles for the systems discussed during Clinical Medicine. This knowledge base is organized into three profiles: indications, contraindications, and side effects utilizing the principles of pharmocokinetics and pharmacodynamics. This advanced level course will focus upon the clinical applications for prescribers. The student will demonstrate an increasing ability to analyze and synthesize divergent and original source medical information, an escalating ability to reason independently, and manage increasingly complex cases in arriving at clinical decisions to achieve entry-level proficiency in prescribing.
PHAS 622	Clinical Skills I	1	School of Health Professions
This is the first of two courses in which students will learn how to perform and document a medical interview and physical assessment for selected body systems. Emphasis will be placed on the incremental acquisition of physical diagnosis skills so the student is able to perform a comprehensive history and physical examination. The evaluation of and proper documentation of pertinent historical and physical examination data for the purpose of establishing a list of differential diagnoses is a key component. Hands-on practice is an essential component of this course, as is the interaction between students and patient encounters. Behavioral/psychological interaction schemas between patient and practitioner will be developed and assessed.
PHAS 623	Clinical Skills II	1	School of Health Professions
This is a continuation of Clinical Skills I. Students will learn how to take medical history and perform portions of the physical examination for those body systems not previously covered. Emphasis will be placed on an incremental cumulative acquisition of physical diagnosis skills. These skills will be combined so that the student is able to perform a comprehensive history and physical examination. Hands-on practice is an essential component of this course. Prerequisite Course(s): Prerequisite: PHAS 622
PHAS 627	Clinical Skills III	2	School of Health Professions
In this course students will develop, practice, and assess selected diagnostic and therapeutic skills including: suturing, Foley catheter insertion, phlebotomy, casting, invasive monitoring, starting IV's, injections, nasogastric tubes, and intubations prior to entry into their clinical clerkships. The acquisition of knowledge regarding indications, contraindications, and complications associated with each procedure will be emphasized. Students will perform appropriate diagnostic and/or therapeutic interventions on models, classmates, or computer simulations.
PHAS 630	Clinical Laboratory Medicine	3	School of Health Professions
Students will learn advanced concepts in laboratory medicine that include ordering, interpretation, and evaluation of clinical laboratory tests. Students will analyze, synthesize, and correlate laboratory test results to corresponding diseases. The use of basic and advanced laboratory procedures in hematology, chemistry, urinalysis, and immunology in formulating a diagnosis and monitoring a patient's health status is emphasized.
PHAS 635	Behavioral Medicine	1	School of Health Professions
This advanced level course in behavioral medicine is focused upon how clinicians can best approach both emotional disorders and the difficult patient seen in everyday practice. There is an emphasis on a proactive approach to disease management and patient education. Topics to be discussed are behavioral education and modification as it applies to interviewing techniques, methods of listening and communication, communication blocks, defense mechanisms, cultural diversity and the impact on medical care, the psychosocial history, stressors, coping mechanisms, human sexuality, asking difficult questions, personality and child development, chemical dependency, HIV and other chronic diseases, the manipulative personality, special populations including indigent and the under-insured, domestic violence, the family, and death and dying.
PHAS 650	Research I	1	School of Health Professions
This course will provide students with an introduction to research methodology. Topics such as identifying a thesis topic, avoiding logical fallacies, presenting and defending an argument, critically assessing ideas using a set of valid criteria, selecting and integrating references to scholarly literature, employing relevant examples to illustrate key points, using citations appropriately to avoid plagiarism, and complying with APA guidelines will be covered.
PHAS 651	Research II	1	School of Health Professions
Participants in this course will continue to further explore research methodology and expand upon ideas and concepts presented in PHAS 650. Students will further refine their research project and carry out a review of the literature in preparation for formulating topic, methodology, and IRB approval. Faculty mentorship will provide support in refining the topic and methodology for IRB submission.
PHAS 655	Epidemiology and Interpretation of the Medical Literature	2	School of Health Professions
In this advanced level course, foundation strategies for the study of epidemiology and interpretation of the medical literature are pursued. This course is specifically oriented towards life-long learning and appropriate integration of rapidly changing and divergent original source literature. Epidemiological trends in incidence and prevalence rates of diseases are examined. A critical understanding of research and biostatistical methods in the medical literature is a focus allowing physician assistant students to develop advanced-level skills in the critical evaluation of research methodology, study design, results and conclusions.
PHAS 660	Physician Assistant Professional Issues	1	School of Health Professions
The course will include various aspects of the hsci history, political and legal issues, inter-professional issue, biomedical ethics, and certification. The role of the physician assistant in the health care delivery system and opportunities for the physician assistant graduate is also discussed.
PHAS 665	Emergency Medicine	3	School of Health Professions
In this course, students will learn about the differential diagnosis, management, and treatment options for critically ill and severely injured patients. Recognition and appropriate early intervention and definitive therapy are emphasized. Emphasis is placed upon commonly encountered medical, surgical, traumatic, and behavioral emergencies in both the adult and pediatric populations. The student will demonstrate an ability to analyze and synthesize divergent and original source medical information, an escalating ability to reason independently, and manage increasingly complex patient presentations in the application of prior course knowledge and principles to diagnose, treat, and manage common emergency problems. Medico-legal aspects of emergency care, including risk management, are discussed. Concurrent co-requisites: Basic Cardiac Life Support and Advanced Cardiac Life Support provider certifications.
PHAS 670	Family Practice	2	School of Health Professions
This capstone course prepares the student to assume the role of a primary care practitioner in providing and coordinating patient care as part of the health care team. The subject matter is a compilation of the most common diseases encountered in the primary care practice. This advance-level course is designed to utilize traditional pedagogy through independent study focused upon patient case scenarios. Emphasis is placed on evidence-based medicine, patient history, physical findings, diagnostic hallmarks(if applicable), common signs and symptoms, ordering and evaluating laboratory test, complications, management, follow up, and cost considerations related to office visits, diagnostic exams, and medications. Principles of health maintenance, screening, and disease prevention are reinforced.
PHAS 675	Medical Informatics and Diagnostic Imaging	1	School of Health Professions
This course will focus on both medical informatics and diagnostic imaging. Module I: Students will be exposed to both theoretical and practical approaches in the acquisition, representation, processing, and management of knowledge and data within healthcare. Applications centering on varied computer platforms will be reviewed for their applicability to medical care and improvement in the delivery of quality healthcare. Exposure will be provided to participants regarding evaluation of lnternet-based resources for both patients and practitioners. Module II: Techniques of radiologic assessments will be emphasized in the diagnostic imaging module. Principles of radiologic examination will be provided with a focus on identifying normal variants and common pathologies in various diagnostic imaging modalities such as x-ray, CT, Ultrasound, MRI, and nuclear studies. Prerequisite Course(s): Registration is limited to students matriculated in the MS Physician Assistant Studies program only
PHAS 680	Clinical Decision Making	1	School of Health Professions
This course will use a problem-based learning format and focus on a student-centered approach in which students apply their knowledge and learn about a subject by working in small groups to solve an open ended problem. This problem based learning approach will develop students' abilities to extend and improve their knowledge to keep up in the ever-expanding field of medicine and to learn how to provide care for new illnesses they encounter. The emphasis will be in developing independent critical reasoning skills and applying them towards the evaluation of pertinent patient data in formulating a list of potential diagnoses. The course will educate and train students to become self-directed learners with the desire to know and learn, the ability to formulate their needs as learners, and the ability to select and use the best available resources to satisfy these needs.
PHAS 690	Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Strategies	2	School of Health Professions
In this course, students learn to evaluate community health care needs as they relate to a changing demographic population, economic variables, and individual lifestyle influences. Development of health promotion and disease prevention strategies is explored through assessment of an actual and actuarial data. Students develop a counseling template that can be broadly applied to such problems as maternal and infant health, cancer, sexually transmitted diseases, heart disease, diabetes, etc. Identifying and interfacing with community resources is a key component of this course leading to refinement of a research concept.
PHAS 695	Women's Health	2	School of Health Professions
This course is designed to provide the student with the foundation needed for practicing Women's Health across the continuum of all ages involving gynecology and obstetrics. The gynecologic component focuses on health promotion and disease prevention of the female reproductive tract. During the obstetrical component instruction will be provided in prenatal and postpartum care including labor and delivery. Didactic knowledge will be developed in areas including but not limited to annual exams, PAP smears, birth control, vaccinations, infertility, menstruation and sexuality so that appropriate patient counseling may be provided for female patients. Students will review history and physical findings, incorporate those findings with the patients' diagnostic tests to formulate differential diagnoses, treatment plans and counseling strategies. The student will demonstrate an increasing ability to analyze and synthesize divergent and original source medical information, an escalating ability to reason independently, and manage increasingly complex patient presentations in arriving at management decisions throughout this course to achieve entry-level proficiency in preparation to begin clerkships and ultimately practice.
PHAS 701	Internal Medicine	6	School of Health Professions
This required eight-week clerkship takes place in an in an affiliated hospital or outpatient clinic and encompasses treatment of patients to include adults, and the elderly. Working under the supervision of licensed physicians and/or PAs and in conjunction with the healthcare team, students will focus on preventive, emergent, acute, and chronic patient encounters and the psychosocial dynamics of disease. Continuity of care and the role of the patient, practitioner, and family in the management of health and disease are explored. In addition to the clinical practical hours, the learning outcomes will be supplemented with the use of virtual and simulated cases specific to an Internal Medicine discipline. Students develop skills that allow them to evaluate, manage, and monitor common health problems and complaints. The student will demonstrate an increasing ability to reason independently and manage increasingly complex patient presentations in arriving at clinical decisions throughout this clerkship to achieve entry-level proficiency.
PHAS 702	Surgery Clerkship	6	School of Health Professions
This required eight-week clerkship takes place in an affiliated hospital and/or in a hospital/private clinic and may encompasses treatment of patients across the life span, in ongoing, emergent or acute conditions. In addition to the clinical practical hours, the learning outcomes will be supplemented with the use of virtual and simulated cases specific to General Surgery. Working under the supervision of licensed physicians and/or PAs and in conjunction with the healthcare team, students will develop an understanding of surgical diseases with emphasis on preoperative and postoperative assessment and management. During the intraoperative component of this rotation, students reinforce their knowledge of sterile technique, as well as learn proper and efficient use of surgical instruments. Students develop skills that allow them to evaluate, manage, and monitor common surgical complaints. The student will demonstrate an increasing ability to reason independently and manage increasingly complex patient presentations in arriving at clinical decisions throughout this clerkship to achieve entry-level proficiency.
PHAS 703	Emergency Medicine Clerkship	3	School of Health Professions
This required 4-week clerkship takes place in an affiliated hospital emergency department, acute care surgery, trauma or other institutionally approved emergency setting. In addition to the clinical setting, learning will be supplemented with the use of virtual and/simulated cases to meet the learning outcomes. Working under the supervision of licensed physicians and/or PAs and in conjunction with the healthcare team, students will triage, evaluate, and manage patients of all ages with acute medical emergencies. This clerkship is intended to provide a learning experience in developing strategies in focused history taking, physical exam technique, medical decision making and patient management skills emphasizing a broad range of clinical challenges in emergency medicine. It will also stress those cognitive and affective skills, which will enable the student to differentiate between normal and abnormal findings. Students will receive exposure to a broad range of case scenarios and a wide variety of personal and social issues that influence emergency patient care. This clerkship teaches the student the indications, considerations, and principals of diagnostic and therapeutic emergency conditions, in addition to affording the student the opportunity to formulate emergency records and problem lists. The student will gain an appreciation for practice management and the role a PA may play in an emergency practice setting and manage increasingly complex patient presentations. Finally, the clerkship is intended to teach the student to respect patient and provider interactions in their communications, as well as respect the contributions of other health professions in the overall delivery of health care.
PHAS 704	Women's Health	3	School of Health Professions
This required four-week clerkship takes place in an inpatient or outpatient setting. Working under the supervision of licensed physicians and/or PAs and in conjunction with the healthcare team, students will evaluate offer prenatal and gynecological care, and other areas of women's health and follow their progress. During the prenatal care component, clinical experience is provided in screening and education of the prenatal patient. The gynecologic component focuses on health promotion and disease prevention of the female reproductive tract. Students will interact with patients on both the prenatal and Gynecologic services. Clinical knowledge will be developed in such areas as annual exams, PAP smears, birth control, infertility, menstruation, and sexuality so that appropriate patient counseling may be provided for female patients. Students will elicit history and physical findings, incorporate those findings with patient's diagnostic tests to formulate differential diagnoses, treatment plans, and counseling strategies. The student will demonstrate an increasing ability to analyze and synthesize divergent and original source medical information, an escalating ability to reason independently, and manage increasingly complex patient presentations in arriving at clinical decisions throughout this clerkship to achieve entry-level proficiency.
PHAS 705	Orthopedics Clerkship	3	School of Health Professions
This four-week clerkship is offered as a second elective towards completion of the total of nine clerkships required in the PA program. The clinical practical experience will take place in an affiliated hospital or outpatient office. In addition to the clinical practical hours, the learning outcomes will be supplemented with the use of virtual and simulated cases specific to the Orthopedic discipline. Working under the supervision of licensed physicians and/or PAs and in conjunction with the healthcare team, students learn to evaluate and manage routine orthopedic cases as well as emergencies in patients across the life span. Those clerkships with an intraoperative component will cover preoperative and postoperative management of an orthopedic patient. The student will demonstrate an increasing ability to reason independently and manage increasingly complex patient presentations in arriving at clinical decisions throughout this clerkship.
PHAS 706	Pediatrics Clerkship	3	School of Health Professions
This required four-week clerkship takes place in an affiliated hospital or outpatient clinic. In addition to the clinical practical hours, the learning outcomes will be supplemented with the use of virtual and simulated cases specific to the pediatric discipline. Working under the supervision of licensed physicians and/or PAs and in conjunction with the healthcare team, students will actively engage in the care of infants, children and adolescents. The student learns to provide competent, effective and compassionate care of patients by developing clinical reasoning and communication. The student learns how to evaluate and monitor common pediatric problems, to generate an age-appropriate differential diagnosis & recognize developmental abnormalities, provide anticipatory guidance, and appropriate interventional counseling. Fundamental to this clerkship is the understanding that the provider of pediatric services plays a key role for the family and the patient as they progress through the various stages of development. The student will demonstrate an increasing ability to reason independently and manage increasingly complex patient presentations in arriving at clinical decisions throughout this clerkship to achieve entry-level proficiency.
PHAS 707	Psychiatry Clerkship	3	School of Health Professions
This required four-week clerkship may take place in an affiliated inpatient behavioral and mental health care setting, an outpatient day hospital, other affiliated psychiatric setting including, but not limited to a virtual patient/Telehealth encounter. In addition to the clinical practical hours, the learning outcomes will be met with the use of virtual and simulated cases specific to Psychiatry. Working under the supervision of licensed physicians and/or PAs and in conjunction with the healthcare team, students will develop skills necessary to evaluate and manage patients with a variety of psychiatric problems. During this rotation students will have an opportunity to understand the cooperative role and approach that psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, nurses, and other mental health providers have in providing mental health services. The skills of performing a mental status examination, psychiatric interview, and appropriate referral are emphasized. The student will demonstrate an increasing ability to reason independently and manage increasingly complex patient presentations in arriving at clinical decisions throughout this clerkship to achieve entry-level proficiency.
PHAS 708	Family Practice Clerkship	3	School of Health Professions
This required four-week clerkship takes place in an ambulatory/outpatient setting in an affiliated hospital, clinic or private office and encompasses treatment of patients in all age groups. Working under the supervision of licensed physicians and/or PAs and in conjunction with the healthcare team, students are assigned to an outpatient medical setting where they focus on health maintenance, preventative care, and psychosocial dynamics of disease. Continuity of care and the role of the patient, practitioner, and family in the management of health and disease are explored. Students develop skills that allow them to evaluate, manage, and monitor common health problems and complaints. The student will demonstrate an increasing ability to analyze and synthesize divergent and original source medical information, an escalating ability to reason independently, and manage increasingly complex patient presentations in arriving at clinical decisions throughout this clerkship to achieve entry-level proficiency.
PHAS 710	Elective Clerkship I	3	School of Health Professions
This 4-week elective rotation is intended to further augment and develop the students critical thinking skills in a chosen area of interest in healthcare and will be selected in consultation with the Clinical Coordinator and Program Chair. Options available may include current trends and emerging areas of practice in healthcare or public health or the ability to repeat a core rotation of their choice. Students may take this course for credit for up to two times.
PHAS 711	Elective Clerkship II	3	School of Health Professions
The purpose of the second four-week clinical elective is to provide the student with the opportunity to explore an area of medical or surgical practice beyond basic required rotations. Students are encouraged to choose an area of emerging importance in healthcare and PA practice, or a potential employment setting. This rotation is intended to further augment and develop data collection skills in the chosen medical or surgical discipline and will be chosen in consultation with the program Director of Clinical Education and Clinical Year Manager. These rotations will be scheduled later in the clinical year to allow for a more informed selection process. Students are also given the option to repeat one of their required clerkships as their elective. The elective clerkship will stress those cognitive and affective skills, which will enable the student to recognize normal, and assess abnormal findings. The student will be familiarized with the indications, limitations, and methodology of diagnostic procedures and therapeutics for the selected discipline. Further, the student will gain an appreciation for practice management and the role a PA may play in this particular setting.
PHAS 752	Research III	1	School of Health Professions
This course is designed as a follow up to the PHAS 650 and PHAS 651 courses. Students will collect their data and interpret their findings. The discussion c o n tent shall include t e implications of their findings and recommendations for further study. The role of faculty mentorship is to provide guidance regarding statistical analysis and formulating the conclusion section of the research paper.
PHAS 753	Research IV	1	School of Health Professions
This course is the last in a series of research courses that provide students with faculty mentorship to organize, prepare, and complete an original research project for presentation. Students will be provided with a forum for presentation of their projects and to share knowledge gained from their research with students and faculty. A final approved research project is required.
PHAS 754	Comprehensive Assessment for Clinical Practice	1	School of Health Professions
This course is the last in a series of didactic courses and clinical clerkships that will establish the student has met the program learning outcomes and is ready to enter clinical practice. This is demonstrated by passing a multifaceted Summative Evaluation that incorporates assessment instruments that correlate with the program's didactic and clinical curricular components. This course will measure if the learner has achieved the necessary medical knowledge, interpersonal skills, clinical reasoning and problem-solving abilities, clinical and technical skills, and professional behaviors to enter clinical practice.