Curriculum

Course Description:

This integrated lecture-virtual laboratory course will instruct the student in gross anatomy, neuroanatomy, physiology, molecular pathophysiology, immunology and genetics. The course is taught by body systems to facilitate learning emphasizing clinical relevancy. The course will familiarize the student with basic immunology and genetic principles as it relates to disease processes. The student will develop an awareness of how the various structures and systems of the human body are related spatially, functionally, and clinically which will provide a foundational framework to apply in future coursework. The course will be taught via discussion, readings, lectures, and virtual labs.    

Credits: 9

Course Description:

This course will introduce the student to the history of the PA profession and provide an overview of the PA scope of practice in medicine and health care delivery systems. Students will acquire relevant knowledge of the existing interprofessional relationships, similarities and differences among different health care providers, and the critical role PAs play in today’s health system. The course will be taught via discussion, readings, investigative assignments, and lectures.

Credits: 2

Course Description:

This course will introduce the student to a variety of cultures prevalent today that face barriers to care and will heighten the student’s awareness and ability to provide health care for these cultures. This course seeks to diminish barriers of care by (1) identifying some of these social identity groups affected (racial, ethnic, disability status, socioeconomic, gender/gender identity, sexual orientation, religion/spirituality, violence-affected, substance use), (2) discuss methods to identify needs and provide care (3) discuss public health resources available and patient advocacy. The course will be taught via lectures, team/problem-based learning discussion, and interactive scenarios/presentations. 

Credits: 2

Course Description:

This course will introduce the student to medical interviews and proper documentation of a patient encounter including assessment of vital signs and communicating with cultural sensitivity. The course will also introduce the student to the components of a comprehensive physical exam, the development of clinical reasoning and problem-solving abilities, and billing and coding. The course will be taught via lectures, team-based learning discussions, and skills lab/student performance. Emphasis is placed on proper technique, competency, and patient sensitivity. The students will be encouraged to study collaboratively. 

Credits: 2

Course Description:

This course will introduce the student to the basic principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. The course will lay the foundation of the value of therapeutics in treating disease as well as preventive modalities. The course will be taught via lectures.

Credits: 2

Course Description:

This is the first course in a four-part series, which will instruct the student on the clinical skill of utilizing various modalities in the evaluation of diseases and medical conditions and the technical skill of performing various clinical procedures. It will introduce the ordering and interpreting of basic laboratory tests, radiologic studies and electrocardiography. Technical skills such as phlebotomy, suturing, basic sonography, performing EKGs and others will be taught with hands on training in a skill lab setting. The course will be taught via lecture, team-based learning discussion, readings/videos, skills lab/student performance.

Credits: 2

Course Description:

This course will help students better understand the concept of professionalism and how it relates to their own competence, confidence, commitment, self-preservation and awareness as a professional. This course will also instruct students on various topics relevant to the PA profession like appropriate interpersonal and communication skills, addressing patient responses and coping mechanisms, and professional conduct. This course will be taught via discussion, student presentation, readings, and lecture.

Credits: 1

Course Description:

This course is a continuation of Introduction to Pharmacology and will align with the organ system approach being taught in Pathophysiology/Medicine I. Students will learn the clinical therapeutics essential in treating conditions, along with other important factors like mechanism of action, adverse reactions, and follow-up and monitoring of pharmacologic regimens. The course will be taught via lecture and team-based learning discussion. 

Credits: 3

Course Description:

This course will instruct the student on Infectious diseases. Emerging and reemerging infectious diseases (EIDS) greatly concern the scientific, medical and public health communities and a firm knowledge is necessary to provide primary care in any setting. Course material will cover the use and application of microscopy in the evaluation of infectious diseases, patient evaluation and work-up, and developing a differential diagnosis and a patient-centered treatment plan. Emphasis will be on infectious disease processes common to primary care practice. The course will be conducted via lecture, problem-based discussion in small groups, and laboratory instruction. 

Credits: 2

Course Description:

This is the first course in a three-part series, which focuses on human diseases and disorders in clinical medicine.  This course runs concurrently with and builds upon other courses this term to include (1) Pharmacotherapy and Patient Management I, (2) Medical Interviewing/Physical Diagnosis II, and (3) Clinical Reasoning I. The course will instruct the student on pathophysiology and illnesses related to the following systems: dermatology, hematology/oncology, ophthalmology and otolaryngology, pulmonary, and cardiovascular. Course material will instruct the student in patient evaluation and work-up, developing a differential diagnosis, and developing a patient-centered treatment plan. Emphasis will be on disease processes common to primary care practice. The course will be taught via lecture and problem-based learning.

Credits: 9

Course Description:

This course is a continuation of Medical Interviewing/Physical Diagnosis I and will instruct the student on how to competently perform a comprehensive physical examination and body system specific focused exams. Emphasis is placed on proper technique, competency, and patient sensitivity. Instruction will also include generating differential diagnoses, selection and interpretation of diagnostic studies, and the development of appropriate patient-centered treatment plans and counseling. The course will be taught via lecture, small group discussions, and practice lab sessions. Students will be taught physical examinations corresponding with Pathophysiology/Medicine I organ systems (dermatology, hematology/oncology, ophthalmology and otolaryngology, pulmonary, and cardiovascular) and diagnostic test interpretation corresponding with Clinical Skills I and II. Students will be encouraged to study collaboratively. 

Credits: 3

Course Description:

This is the second course in a four-part series, which will continue to instruct the student on the clinical skill of utilizing various modalities in the evaluation of diseases and medical conditions and the technical skill of performing various clinical procedures. It will build on Clinical Skills I (labs, radiology, electrocardiography, ultrasonography) and introduce specific laboratory tests, radiologic studies, and clinical procedures related to organ systems taught in Pathophysiology/Medicine I (dermatology, hematology/oncology, ophthalmology and otolaryngology, pulmonary, and cardiovascular). Emphasis will be on the most common disease-specific diagnostic studies, technical skills, and clinical procedures performed by primary care providers with hands on training in a skill lab setting. The course will be taught via lecture, team-based learning discussion, readings/videos, and skills lab/student performance.

Credits: 2

Course Description:

This course will help students better understand the concept of professionalism and how it relates to their own competence, confidence, commitment, self-preservation and awareness as a professional. This course will also instruct students on various topics relevant to the PA profession like impact of religion/spirituality, palliative and end of life care issues, coding and billing, and patient safety issues. This course will be taught via discussion, student presentation, readings, and lecture.

Credits: 1

Course Description:

This course will expose the student to medical ethical issues. The course will discuss aspects of ethics and morality and highlight situations a practitioner may encounter ethical dilemmas while practicing medicine, including issues related to patient care and professional practices. The course will be taught via readings, discussion, and student presentations. 

Credits: 2

Course Description:

This course will instruct the student on case-based critical thinking and clinical reasoning processes. The cases will augment topics taught in Pathophysiology/Medicine I (dermatology, hematology/oncology, ophthalmology and otolaryngology, pulmonary, and cardiovascular) and Infectious Disease. The course will be conducted via problem-based learning discussions in small groups. 

Credits: 1

Course Description:

This is the second course in a three-part series, which focuses on human diseases and disorders in clinical medicine. This course runs concurrently with and builds upon other courses this term to include (1) Pharmacotherapy and Patient Management II, (2) Medical Interviewing/Physical Diagnosis III, and (3) Clinical Reasoning II. The course will instruct the student on pathophysiology and illnesses related to the following: gastroenterology, urology, nephrology, musculoskeletal, neurology, and endocrinology. Course material will instruct the student in patient evaluation and work-up, developing a differential diagnosis, and developing a patient-centered treatment plan. Emphasis will be on disease processes common to primary care practice. The course will be taught via lecture and problem-based learning. 

Credits: 9

Course Description:

This course is a continuation of Pharmacotherapy and Patient Management I and will align with the organ system approach being taught in Pathophysiology/Medicine II (gastroenterology, urology, nephrology, musculoskeletal, neurology, and endocrinology). Students will learn the clinical therapeutics essential in treating conditions, along with other important factors like mechanism of action, adverse reactions, and follow-up and monitoring of pharmacologic regimens. The course will be taught via lecture and team-based learning discussion. 

Credits: 3

Course Description:

This course is a continuation of Medical Interviewing/Physical Diagnosis II and will continue to instruct the student on how to competently perform a comprehensive physical examination and body system specific focused exams. Emphasis is placed on proper technique, competency, and patient sensitivity. Instruction will also include generating differential diagnoses, selection and interpretation of diagnostic studies, and the development of appropriate patient-centered treatment plans and counseling. The course will be taught via lecture, small group discussions, and practice lab sessions. Students will be taught physical examinations corresponding with Pathophysiology/Medicine II systems (gastroenterology, urology, nephrology, musculoskeletal, neurology, and endocrinology) and diagnostic test interpretation corresponding with Clinical Skills I-III. Students will be encouraged to study collaboratively.

Credits: 3

Course Description:

This course will introduce the student to epidemiology and its impact on public health. The community medicine section will focus on a wide range of health disorders frequently encountered in outpatient settings. The global medicine section will discuss how providers in other countries deliver and care for their populations. The course will be taught via lectures and student discussions.  

Credits: 2

Course Description:

This is the third course in a four-part series, which will continue to instruct the student on the clinical skill of utilizing various modalities in the evaluation of diseases and medical conditions and the technical skill of performing various clinical procedures. It will build on clinical skills I and II (labs, radiology, electrocardiography, ultrasonography) and introduce specific laboratory tests, radiologic studies, and clinical procedures related to organ systems taught in Pathophysiology/Medicine II (gastroenterology, urology, nephrology, musculoskeletal, neurology, and endocrinology). Emphasis will be on the most common disease-specific diagnostic studies, technical skills, and clinical procedures performed by primary care providers with hands on training in a skill lab setting. The course will be taught via lecture, team-based learning discussion, readings/videos, and skills lab/student performance. 

Credits: 2

Course Description:

This course will help students better understand the concept of professionalism and how it relates to their own competence, confidence, commitment, self-preservation and awareness as a professional. This course will also instruct students on various topics relevant to the PA profession like violence identification and prevention, interprofessional collaboration, public health, and issues related to death, dying, and loss. This course will be taught via discussion, student presentation, readings, and lecture.

Credits: 1

Course Description:

This course will instruct the student on case-based critical thinking and clinical reasoning processes. The cases will augment topics taught in Pathophysiology/Medicine II (gastroenterology, urology, nephrology, musculoskeletal, neurology, and endocrinology). The course will be conducted via problem-based discussions in small groups. 

Credits: 1

Course Description:

This is the final course in a three-part series, which focuses on normal development and human diseases and disorders across the lifespan. This course runs concurrently with and builds upon other courses this term to include (1) Pharmacotherapy and Patient Management III, (2) Medical Interviewing/Physical Diagnosis IV, and (3) Clinical Reasoning III. The course will instruct the student on normal development and pathophysiology and illnesses related to the areas of women’s health, pediatrics, and geriatrics. Course material will instruct the student in patient evaluation and work-up, developing a differential diagnosis, and developing a patient-centered treatment plan. Emphasis will be on disease processes common to primary care practice. The course will be taught via lectures and problem-based learning discussions. 

Credits: 6

Course Description:

This course is a continuation of Medical Interviewing/Physical Diagnosis I-III and will continue to instruct the student on how to competently perform a comprehensive physical examination and specific focused exams for specific patient populations across the lifespan. Emphasis is placed on proper technique, competency, and patient sensitivity. Instruction will also include generating differential diagnoses, selection and interpretation of diagnostic studies, and the development of appropriate patient-centered treatment plans and counseling. The course will be taught via lecture, small group discussions, and practice lab sessions. Students will be taught physical examinations for the female patient, pediatric patient, and geriatric patient along with appropriate work-up, diagnosis, and patient-centered treatment plans. Students will be encouraged to study collaboratively.

Credits: 2

Course Description:

This course is a continuation of Pharmacotherapy and Patient Management II and will align with the diseases and disorders being taught in Pathophysiology/Medicine III (areas of women’s health, pediatrics, and geriatrics). Students will learn the clinical therapeutics essential in treating conditions, along with other important factors like mechanism of action, adverse reactions, and follow-up and monitoring of pharmacologic regimens. The course will be taught via lectures and team-based learning discussions.

Credits: 2

Course Description:

This course will introduce the student to the principles of triaging and emergent patient evaluation and management. Included in patient management will be the management of the undifferentiated patient and development of a comprehensive differential diagnosis. The course will be taught via lectures and problem-based learning discussions.

Credits: 2

Course Description:

This course will instruct the student on general surgical conditions and concepts in the management of the surgical patient. Students will learn about illnesses that require surgical intervention along with pre-, intra-, and post-operative care, and basic surgical skills and equipment. The course will be taught via lecture and problem-based learning discussion. 

Credits: 1

Course Description:

This course will instruct the student on case-based critical thinking and clinical reasoning processes. The cases will augment topics taught in Pathophysiology/Medicine III (areas of women’s health, pediatrics, and geriatrics) and Behavioral Medicine. The course will be conducted via problem-based discussions in small groups. 

Credits: 1

Course Description:

This is the final course in a four-part series, which will continue to instruct the student on the clinical skill of utilizing various modalities in the evaluation of diseases and medical conditions and the technical skill of performing various clinical procedures. It will build on Clinical Skills I-III (labs, radiology, electrocardiography, ultrasonography) and introduce specific laboratory tests, radiologic studies, and clinical procedures related to specific patient populations taught in Pathophysiology/Medicine III (areas of women’s health, pediatrics, and geriatrics). Emphasis will be on the most common disease-specific diagnostic studies, technical skills, and clinical procedures done by primary care providers with hands on training in a skill lab setting. The course will be taught via lecture, team-based learning discussion, readings/videos, and skills lab/student performance.

Credits: 1

Course Description:

This course will focus on clinical aspects of medical nutrition. Students will learn nutritional assessment and interventions for patients across the lifespan, for specific disease processes, and the important nutritional aspects of food and vitamins in preventative, acute, and chronic patient care. The course will be taught via lectures, experiential assignments, and discussions.   

Credits: 1

Course Description:

This course will introduce the student to common psychiatric and behavioral disorders frequently encountered in clinical practice. Course material will instruct the student in patient evaluation and work-up, developing a differential diagnosis, and developing a patient-centered treatment plan. Emphasis will be on disease processes common to primary care practice. This course will also instruct students on various topics relevant to psychiatric and behavioral medicine including human sexuality, issues of death and dying, and patient responses to health issues. The course will be taught via lectures and small group discussions. .   

Credits: 2

Course Description:

This course will help students better understand the concept of professionalism and how it relates to their own competence, confidence, commitment, self-preservation and awareness as a professional. This course will also instruct students on various topics relevant to the PA profession like provider burnout and impairment, jurisprudence, and clinical safety. This course will be taught via discussion, student presentation, readings, and lecture.

Credits: 1

Course Description:

This course will evaluate student competencies prior to clinical rotations. Students will be evaluated on medical knowledge, clinical and technical skills, clinical reasoning, interpersonal skills, and professionalism. The course will also provide instruction in basic life support (BLS), advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), occupational safety and health act (OSHA), and health insurance portability and accountability act (HIPAA) training and provide an orientation to the clinical year.

Credits: 2

Course Descriptions:

This five-week clinical rotation is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of adult medicine, encompassing both internal medicine and geriatrics, within ambulatory and/or inpatient care settings. The rotation offers practical opportunities for students to integrate various medical and surgical disciplines in a diverse practice environment. Students will gain valuable experience addressing family dynamics, including psychosocial interventions, end-of-life issues, and psychiatric disorders commonly encountered in primary care. Additionally, students will become acquainted with hospital-based practices, as relevant to their preceptor’s practice, enhancing their overall clinical proficiency and readiness.  

Credits: 4

Course Descriptions:

The five-week Family Medicine Supervised Clinical Practice Experience (SCPE) is designed to ensure students meet program standards and develop the critical competencies required for clinical PA practice. Throughout this rotation, students will engage in patient care across a range of scenarios, addressing acute, chronic, and preventive medical needs for adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients. This immersive experience will provide students with the practical skills and comprehensive understanding necessary to effectively manage diverse health conditions within a family medicine setting. 

Credits: 4

Course Descriptions:

The five-week Emergency Medicine Supervised Clinical Practice Experience (SCPE) is designed to help students meet program objectives and develop essential competencies for clinical PA practice. During this rotation, students will gain hands-on experience in managing a wide array of patient care needs, including acute, chronic, and preventive issues across adolescent, adult, and elderly populations. This immersive experience will provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively handle diverse and urgent medical situations in an emergency medicine setting.  

Credits: 4

Course Descriptions:

The five-week Surgical Medicine Supervised Clinical Practice Experience (SCPE) is designed to help students meet program standards and develop essential competencies for clinical PA practice in surgical medicine. Throughout this immersive rotation, students will engage in patient care that spans acute, chronic, and preventive needs, addressing a broad spectrum of cases across adolescent, adult, and elderly populations. This hands-on experience will provide students with the practical skills and comprehensive knowledge required to excel in the dynamic field of surgical medicine.  

Credits: 4

Course Descriptions:

The five-week Community Medicine Supervised Clinical Practice Experience (SCPE) is designed to help students meet program requirements and develop essential competencies for clinical PA practice. Throughout this rotation, students will engage in patient care that addresses a range of acute, chronic, and preventive medical needs for adolescents, adults, and elderly patients, as appropriate and feasible. This immersive experience will provide students with the skills and insights necessary to effectively manage diverse health conditions within community-based settings, enhancing their overall clinical proficiency.  

Credits: 4

Course Descriptions:

The five-week Women’s Health Medicine Supervised Clinical Practice Experience (SCPE) is designed to help students achieve program objectives and develop the necessary competencies for clinical PA practice in women’s health. During this rotation, students will engage in hands-on patient care, addressing a diverse range of needs across acute, chronic, and preventive contexts. This includes managing the health of adolescent, adult, and elderly/geriatric gynecologic patients, as well as providing comprehensive care in prenatal, and post-partum settings. This experience will equip students with practical skills and a well-rounded understanding essential for delivering high-quality care in various aspects of women’s health.  

Credits: 4

Course Descriptions:

The five-week Pediatric Medicine Supervised Clinical Practice Experience (SCPE) is designed to help students fulfill program requirements and develop the competencies essential for clinical PA practice in pediatrics. During this rotation, students will engage in hands-on patient care, addressing a range of acute, chronic, and preventive medical needs for newborns, infants, children, and adolescents. This comprehensive experience will equip students with the practical skills and in-depth knowledge necessary to provide high-quality care across the pediatric age spectrum.

Credits: 4

Course Descriptions:

The five-week Behavioral/Mental Health Medicine Supervised Clinical Practice Experience (SCPE) is designed to help students meet program standards and develop crucial competencies for clinical PA practice in the field of mental health. During this rotation, students will gain hands-on experience in managing a spectrum of behavioral and mental health issues, addressing both acute and chronic conditions, as well as preventive care needs across adolescent, adult, and elderly populations. This immersive experience will equip students with the skills and knowledge required to effectively assess and treat diverse mental health concerns in various clinical settings.  

Credits: 4

Course Description:

The five-week Elective Medicine Supervised Clinical Practice Experience (SCPE) is designed to help students meet program requirements and develop key competencies for clinical PA practice. During this elective rotation, students will have the opportunity to engage in patient care across a variety of settings, addressing acute, chronic, and preventive medical needs for patients of all ages—adolescents, adults, and the elderly. This experience will allow students to broaden their clinical skills and gain a deeper understanding of diverse medical conditions in a flexible, hands-on environment.  

Credits: 4

Course Description:

This course will evaluate students’ attainment of program competencies prior to graduation via the Summative Evaluation. Students will be evaluated on medical knowledge, clinical and technical skills, clinical reasoning, interpersonal skills, and professionalism. The course will also provide lectures to prepare for clinical practice.   

Credits: 2