Competencies and Curriculum

MK 1: Apply core knowledge of evolving biomedical, social, behavioral, and clinical sciences to patient care.

IPS 1: Elicit a complete and accurate patient history through patient-centered interview skills.

IPS 2: Communicate information effectively regarding clinical encounters.

IPS 3: Provide effective, patient-centered counseling and education.

CTS 1: Perform a patient-centered physical exam appropriate for the patient encounter.

CTS 2: Perform common clinical procedures and skills safely.

CRPS 1: Formulate a prioritized differential diagnosis relevant to the patient encounter.

CRPS 2: Order and interpret diagnostic and screening studies appropriate to the clinical encounter.

CRPS 3: Apply evidence-based medicine to shared patient care decision-making.

CRPS 4: Develop and implement patient-centered management and treatment plans.

PB 1: Demonstrate behavior consistent with professional practice.

PB 2: Advocate for strategies to improve healthcare equity.

PB 3: Plan strategies that improve clinician well-being.

This course is designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the human body systems' anatomical and physiological structures and functions. It covers the body's major regions and systems through theoretical instruction and hands-on laboratory experience, including cadaver dissection. This knowledge is essential for medicine, as it provides the foundation for understanding the clinical manifestations of disease, diagnostic testing, and treatment options.

This first-semester course explores aspects of biological sciences related to patient care and clinical application. Students will be introduced to established and evolving biomedical and clinical sciences and the application of this knowledge to patient care. Medical genetics will advance the understanding of genetic conditions. Microbiology and immunology concepts will support the learning of disease pathology and pharmacotherapy. Introductory concepts in cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, clinical laboratory science, and medical imaging will be discussed.

This course prepares students to search, interpret, and evaluate medical literature. Topics include framing research questions, interpretation of basic biostatistical methods, the limits of medical research, types of sampling methods, and reviewing common databases to access medical literature. Students will explore research statistics, evidence-based medicine, and ethical standards through lectures and discussions.

This introductory course provides a comprehensive foundation in the essential elements of patient assessment and management. Students will learn the core components of effective and patient-centered history-taking, physical examination, communication, evaluation, procedural skills, diagnosis, and establishing treatment plans. Students will learn about the process of clinical reasoning and problem solving as it pertains to clinical practice. The course will include instruction on patient education, counseling, and referral. Students will learn about the assessment and management of normal development across the lifespan with a focus on preventative medicine.

This course is the first in a comprehensive three-part series designed to establish a solid foundation for understanding the multifaceted fields of specialty medicine. This course provides an introduction to pharmacology, surgery, occupational, population, and rehabilitative health to prepare students for systems-based learning in subsequent semesters. Students will study fundamental concepts in behavioral health to include patient responses to illness, injury, and stress, substance use, and violence identification and prevention. This course will include instruction in the care of special populations to promote health equity.

This is the first course in a two-part series designed to prepare physician assistant (PA) students to address the timely crises of healthcare inequity and clinician burnout. Students will explore the historical context of systemic healthcare disparities and gain essential insights into the social determinants of health, resource allocation, and advocacy, empowering them to identify effective strategies for enacting change. The course will also address clinician burnout and moral injury, examining their impact on the healthcare workforce, patient outcomes, and the overall healthcare system. Students will study a combination of emerging and proven techniques for enhancing resilience, wellness, and contentment, and participate in hands-on learning experiences to cultivate well-being practices. Working one-on-one with a well-being coach, students will develop personalized plans to support them in healthcare careers.

The first course in a two-part series introduces students to the physician assistant (PA) profession, covering key topics including healthcare systems and policies, professional organizations and advocacy, interprofessional communication and collaboration, and the PA’s role in patient-centered care. Students will also study the PA’s role in medical ethics, including patient autonomy, cultural and legal issues, and the American Academy of Physician Associates’ Guidelines for Ethical Conduct. Students will explore the intersection of professional practice and medical ethics through the examination of competency, capacity, conduct, and moral distress. Through lectures, case discussions, and reflection, students will develop a strong foundation in professional behavior, ethical decision-making, and the principles of honesty and integrity in clinical practice.

This course is the second in a three-part series aimed at deepening students' understanding of clinical medicine within the context of specialty practice. Utilizing a body systems approach, this course is delivered concurrently with Pathophysiology I, Clinical Medicine, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, and Clinical Diagnosis I, allowing for integrated exploration of shared topics. Students will focus primarily on fundamental concepts in emergency medicine and surgery, equipping them with the essential knowledge and skills required in these critical areas of healthcare.

This course, the first in a two-course series, provides an in-depth exploration of the pathophysiology of commonly encountered medical conditions affecting multiple organ systems. This course covers diseases and disorders related to various body systems across the lifespan. Students will develop a solid understanding of the underlying mechanisms of disease, including genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors, while learning to apply this knowledge to clinical diagnosis and management. Through case-based learning and evidence-based approaches, the course aims to enhance critical thinking and clinical decision-making skills.

This course, the first in a two-course series, provides students with a body-system, problem-oriented approach to human diseases and disorders across the lifespan. It will incorporate information being learned concurrently in the Pathophysiology, Clinical Diagnosis, and Pharmacology and Therapeutics courses through discussion of etiology, epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentations, physical exam findings, and therapeutic management while providing new information regarding development of a differential diagnosis, diagnostic studies, laboratory medicine, and patient education and counseling. Topics include otolaryngology, ophthalmology, cardiology, pulmonology, gastroenterology, dermatology, and psychiatry.

This course, the first course in a comprehensive two-part series, is designed to provide students with a foundational understanding of pharmacologic principles and their application in clinical practice. This course focuses on the pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment of common medical conditions affecting various body systems. Emphasis is placed on understanding the mechanisms of action, therapeutic uses, potential adverse effects, and contraindications of various drug classes. Through the integration of current clinical guidelines and evidence-based practices, students will learn to evaluate treatment options and tailor drug therapy to individual patient needs. The course also introduces essential patient counseling strategies to enhance medication adherence and optimize therapeutic outcomes.

This is the first course in a two-part series that builds on foundational patient encounter and documentation skills by introducing focused evaluations by body system and patient encounter types across the lifespan. Students will learn system-specific skills in patient history, physical examination, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, differential diagnosis, interpersonal communication, clinical documentation, and patient referral and education. Through lecture-based and active lab learning, students will refine clinical reasoning and problem-solving abilities through the evaluation of novel patient cases and simulated clinical scenarios. Students will integrate medical knowledge with clinical findings and evidenced based medicine to strengthen medical decision-making abilities and develop patient management plans.

This course is the third in a three-part series aimed at deepening students' understanding of clinical medicine within the context of specialty practice. Continuing in a body systems approach, this course is delivered concurrently with Pathophysiology II, Clinical Medicine II, Pharmacology and Therapeutics II, and Clinical Diagnosis II, allowing for integrated exploration of shared topics. Students will focus primarily on fundamental concepts in emergency medicine and surgery, equipping them with the essential knowledge and skills required in these critical areas of healthcare.

This is the second course in a two-part series designed to prepare physician assistant (PA) students to address the timely crises of healthcare inequity and clinician burnout. Students will explore the historical context of systemic healthcare disparities and gain essential insights into the social determinants of health, resource allocation, and advocacy, empowering them to identify effective strategies for enacting change. The course will also address clinician burnout and moral injury, examining their impact on the healthcare workforce, patient outcomes, and the overall healthcare system. Students will study a combination of emerging and proven techniques for enhancing resilience, wellness, and contentment, and participate in hands-on learning experiences to cultivate well-being practices. Working one-on-one with a well-being coach, students will develop personalized plans to support them in healthcare careers.

The second course in a two-part series builds on foundational knowledge of the physician assistant (PA) profession and prepares students for clinical practice as a certified PA. Covering key topics including patient safety, quality improvement, billing and coding, credentialing, and certification. Students will also continue the study of medical ethics, including human sexuality, palliative and end-of-life care, and ethical conflicts. Through lectures, case discussions, and reflection, students will develop a strong foundation in professional behavior, ethical decision-making, and the principles of compassion and respect for human dignity in clinical practice.

This course, the second in a two-course series, continues the in-depth exploration of the pathophysiology of commonly encountered medical conditions affecting multiple organ systems across the lifespan. Students will continue to develop a solid understanding of the underlying mechanisms of disease, including genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors, while learning to apply this knowledge to clinical diagnosis and management. Through case-based learning and evidence-based approaches, the course aims to enhance critical thinking and clinical decision-making skills.

This course, the second in a two-course series, continues to provide students with a body-system, problem-oriented approach to human diseases and disorders across the lifespan. It will incorporate information being learned concurrently in the Pathophysiology, Clinical Diagnosis, and Pharmacology and Therapeutics courses through discussion of etiology, epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentations, physical exam findings, and therapeutic management while providing new information regarding development of a differential diagnosis, diagnostic studies, laboratory medicine, and patient education and counseling. Topics include neurology, musculoskeletal, reproductive, genitourinary, renal, endocrinology, hematology, and infectious disease.

This course, the second in a two-course series, continues to provide students with a foundational understanding of pharmacologic principles and their application in clinical practice. This course focuses on the pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment of common medical conditions affecting various body systems. Emphasis is placed on understanding the mechanisms of action, therapeutic uses, potential adverse effects, and contraindications of various drug classes. Through the integration of current clinical guidelines and evidence-based practices, students will learn to evaluate treatment options and tailor drug therapy to individual patient needs. The course also introduces essential patient counseling strategies to enhance medication adherence and optimize therapeutic outcomes.

This is the second course in a two-part series that builds on foundational patient encounter and documentation skills by introducing focused evaluations by body system and patient encounter types across the lifespan. Students will learn system-specific skills in patient history, physical examination, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, differential diagnosis, interpersonal communication, clinical documentation, and patient referral and education. Through lecture-based and active lab learning, students will refine clinical reasoning and problem-solving abilities through the evaluation of novel patient cases and simulated clinical scenarios. Students will integrate medical knowledge with clinical findings and evidenced based medicine to strengthen medical decision-making abilities and develop patient management plans.

This four-week Internal Medicine supervised clinical practice experience (SCPE) focuses on the physician assistant's role in delivering safe, evidence-based medical care. Under the guidance and supervision of program-approved clinical preceptors, PA students will apply didactic training to the care of diverse Internal Medicine patient populations in real world settings. Integrating supervised evidence-based practice experiences with ongoing, self-directed learning enables students to broaden their medical knowledge, refine their clinical, technical, interpersonal, and communication skills, and enhance their clinical reasoning and problem-solving abilities. Additionally, students will continue to develop their professional and interprofessional collaborative behaviors and improve their capacity to advocate for health equity and clinician well-being.

This four-week Family Medicine supervised clinical practice experience (SCPE) focuses on the physician assistant's role in delivering safe, evidence-based medical care. Under the guidance and supervision of program-approved clinical preceptors, PA students will apply didactic training to the care of diverse Family Medicine patient populations in real world settings. Integrating supervised evidence-based practice experiences with ongoing, self-directed learning enables students to broaden their medical knowledge, refine their clinical, technical, interpersonal, and communication skills, and enhance their clinical reasoning and problem-solving abilities. Additionally, students will continue to develop their professional and interprofessional collaborative behaviors and improve their capacity to advocate for health equity and clinician well-being.

This four-week Pediatric supervised clinical practice experience (SCPE) focuses on the physician assistant's role in delivering safe, evidence-based medical care. Under the guidance and supervision of program-approved clinical preceptors, PA students will apply didactic training to the care of diverse Pediatric patient populations in real world settings. Integrating supervised evidence-based practice experiences with ongoing, self-directed learning enables students to broaden their medical knowledge, refine their clinical, technical, interpersonal, and communication skills, and enhance their clinical reasoning and problem-solving abilities. Additionally, students will continue to develop their professional and interprofessional collaborative behaviors and improve their capacity to advocate for health equity and clinician well-being.

This four-week Women’s Health supervised clinical practice experience (SCPE) focuses on the physician assistant’s role in delivering safe, evidence-based medical care. Under the guidance and supervision of program-approved clinical preceptors, PA students will apply didactic training to the care of diverse Women’s Health patient populations in real world settings. Integrating supervised evidence-based practice experiences with ongoing, self-directed learning enables students to broaden their medical knowledge, refine their clinical, technical, interpersonal, and communication skills, and enhance their clinical reasoning and problem-solving abilities. Additionally, students will continue to develop their professional and interprofessional collaborative behaviors and improve their capacity to advocate for health equity and clinician well-being.

This four-week Behavioral and Mental Health supervised clinical practice experience (SCPE) focuses on the physician assistant's role in delivering safe, evidence-based medical care. Under the guidance and supervision of program-approved clinical preceptors, PA students will apply didactic training to the care of diverse Behavioral and Mental Health patient populations in real world settings. Integrating supervised evidence-based practice experiences with ongoing, self-directed learning enables students to broaden their medical knowledge, refine their clinical, technical, interpersonal, and communication skills, and enhance their clinical reasoning and problem-solving abilities. Additionally, students will continue to develop their professional and interprofessional collaborative behaviors and improve their capacity to advocate for health equity and clinician well-being.

This four-week Surgery supervised clinical practice experience (SCPE) focuses on the physician assistant's role in delivering safe, evidence-based medical care. Under the guidance and supervision of program-approved clinical preceptors, PA students will apply didactic training to the care of diverse Surgery patient populations in real world settings. Integrating supervised evidence-based practice experiences with ongoing, self-directed learning enables students to broaden their medical knowledge, refine their clinical, technical, interpersonal, and communication skills, and enhance their clinical reasoning and problem-solving abilities. Additionally, students will continue to develop their professional and interprofessional collaborative behaviors and improve their capacity to advocate for health equity and clinician well-being.

This four-week Emergency Medicine supervised clinical practice experience (SCPE) focuses on the physician assistant's role in delivering safe, evidence-based medical care. Under the guidance and supervision of program-approved clinical preceptors, PA students will apply didactic training to the care of diverse Emergency Medicine patient populations in real world settings. Integrating supervised evidence-based practice experiences with ongoing, self-directed learning enables students to broaden their medical knowledge, refine their clinical, technical, interpersonal, and communication skills, and enhance their clinical reasoning and problem-solving abilities. Additionally, students will continue to develop their professional and interprofessional collaborative behaviors and improve their capacity to advocate for health equity and clinician well-being.

This four-week Elective supervised clinical practice experience (SCPE) focuses on the physician assistant's role in delivering safe, evidence-based medical care. Under the guidance and supervision of program-approved clinical preceptors, PA students will apply didactic training to the care of diverse Elective patient populations in real world settings. Integrating supervised evidence-based practice experiences with ongoing, self-directed learning enables students to broaden their medical knowledge, refine their clinical, technical, interpersonal, and communication skills, and enhance their clinical reasoning and problem-solving abilities. Additionally, students will continue to develop their professional and interprofessional collaborative behaviors and improve their capacity to advocate for health equity and clinician well-being.

This four-week Elective supervised clinical practice experience (SCPE) focuses on the physician assistant's role in delivering safe, evidence-based medical care. Under the guidance and supervision of program-approved clinical preceptors, PA students will apply didactic training to the care of diverse Elective patient populations in real world settings. Integrating supervised evidence-based practice experiences with ongoing, self-directed learning enables students to broaden their medical knowledge, refine their clinical, technical, interpersonal, and communication skills, and enhance their clinical reasoning and problem-solving abilities. Additionally, students will continue to develop their professional and interprofessional collaborative behaviors and improve their capacity to advocate for health equity and clinician well-being.

This four-week Elective supervised clinical practice experience (SCPE) focuses on the physician assistant's role in delivering safe, evidence-based medical care. Under the guidance and supervision of program-approved clinical preceptors, PA students will apply didactic training to the care of diverse Elective patient populations in real world settings. Integrating supervised evidence-based practice experiences with ongoing, self-directed learning enables students to broaden their medical knowledge, refine their clinical, technical, interpersonal, and communication skills, and enhance their clinical reasoning and problem-solving abilities. Additionally, students will continue to develop their professional and interprofessional collaborative behaviors and improve their capacity to advocate for health equity and clinician well-being.

This capstone course is designed to prepare second-year physician assistant (PA) students for a successful transition into clinical practice following graduation, and to evaluate the breadth, depth, and application of medical knowledge gained throughout the didactic and clinical years. Through a combination of lectures and active learning, students will build on their clinical experiences to deepen their understanding of key concepts such as healthcare equity, clinician well-being, and advanced critical care. Students will engage in an in-depth board review to prepare for the Physician Assistant National Certification Examination (PANCE), complete summative program evaluations of achieved program competencies, and present capstone projects. Prior to graduation, students will also explore practical tools, strategies, and skills necessary for success in clinical practice.