Program Curriculum

This course provides a comprehensive study of adult human anatomy with an emphasis on clinical application using a head-to-toe regional approach.  The clinical significance of topographical and radiological anatomical features is emphasized.  This knowledge serves as a fundamental building block to aid in the understanding of normal adult human physiologic function and health, as well as pathologic physiologic function and human disease which will be addressed in subsequent courses.  Lectures are complemented by laboratory study of anatomic images and models, simulated dissection, gross dissection, and identification of structures on medical imaging.    6 credits:  4 credits lecture (4 hours) and 2 credits laboratory (4 hours)

This course provides a detailed understanding of human physiology and its application to clinical practice. A systems-based approach is utilized to study physiologic concepts and their application in medicine. Systems reviewed includes the lymphatic, hematologic, integumentary, respiratory, cardiovascular and peripheral vascular, gastrointestinal, renal, male and female reproductive, musculoskeletal, neurological, and endocrine systems. Principles of normal genetics and molecular mechanisms of health are also reviewed to include, basic DNA structure, replication, translation, mechanisms of mutation, inheritance patterns, penetrance, and expressivity. Common diagnostic physiologic studies utilized in clinical practice are also reviewed.   3 credits:  3 credits lecture (3 hours)

This course is the first in a series designed to introduce students to the physician assistant profession.  Modules of content in this course include a physician assistant profession overview to include the historical development of the profession, physician assistant professional organizations, the PA role and scope of practice, and the interprofessional team.  A module on documentation, coding and billing and professionalism is also included.  2 credits:  2 credits lecture (2 hours)

This course is designed to provide instruction in interpersonal communication skills used in elicitation of a complete adult medical history.  Students also receive instruction in the performance of the complete adult physical examination to determine abnormalities in the human body.  Interpersonal skills, cultural competence, documentation, and adherence to safety and standard precautions are also covered.   4 credits:  3 credits lecture (3 hours) and 1 credit lab (2 hours)

This course introduces the students to clinical laboratory diagnostic tests.  Commonly used laboratory tests, selection criteria, and interpretation of testing results and their corresponding disease processes are studied.    2 credits:  2 credits lecture (2 hours)

This course is designed to refine foundational knowledge in patient evaluation through the use of clinical reasoning to generate problem specific history-taking and physical examination skills.  Emphasis is placed on creating differential diagnoses and accurately diagnosing illness from history and physical examination findings.  2 credits:  1 credit lecture (1 hour) and 1 credit lab (2 hours)

This course provides opportunity for a detailed comprehension of human pathophysiology and its application to clinical practice. A systems-based approach is utilized to study the pathophysiology and pathogenesis of diseases commonly encountered in clinical practice.  Systems reviewed includes the lymphatic, hematologic, integumentary, respiratory, cardiovascular and peripheral vascular, gastrointestinal, renal and urological, male and female reproductive, musculoskeletal, neurological, and endocrine systems.  The multi-system involvement of common disorders is highlighted to reinforce concepts of connections and interactions of systems in the adult human body. The pathophysiology of inherited disorders and cancer development are also studied to gain additional understanding of the genetic and molecular mechanisms of disease.    3 credits:  3 credits lecture (3 hours)

This course is designed to provide instruction in the social and behavioral components of patient care.  Topics include health-related behaviors, working with specific patient populations, stress and disease, intimate partner violence, and palliative and end of life care.  1 credit:  1 credit lecture (1 hour)

This is the first course in a sequence of three courses designed to teach the essentials of clinical adult medicine.  A body system approach is used to present the etiology, epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, laboratory and diagnostic studies, and diagnosis and treatment of common diseases.  Laboratory sessions utilize small-group patient cases in various formats to reinforce medical knowledge, develop clinical reasoning and problem-solving abilities, and to refine patient evaluation skills.  The body systems covered include dermatology, HEENT, musculoskeletal, and a module on infectious disease.   6 credits:  5 credits lecture (5 hours) and 1 credit laboratory (2 hours)

This course presents principles of clinical pharmacology and pharmacotherapeutics appropriate for common medical problems seen in clinical practice.  Instruction in counseling patients toward compliance, drug interactions, appropriate patient monitoring during therapy, and proper prescription writing are also be covered.  Pharmacologic management of dermatological, HEENT, musculoskeletal, and infectious diseases are included.  3 credits:  3 credits lecture (3 hours)

This course is designed to present instruction on the use and interpretation of basic radiologic studies and electrocardiograms in patient assessment. Indications for use, performance characteristics, and interpretation of results are included. An emphasis is placed on plain films studies of the musculoskeletal system, chest, and abdomen, as well as 12-lead EKG’s and rhythm strips. A basic overview of diagnostic ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging is also included.  3 credits:  3 credits lecture (3 hours)

This course introduces concepts of lifestyle medicine and their application to patient care. Behavioral methods of disease prevention are studied primarily in a systems-based approach. Particular focus is given to strategies for facilitating behavioral change in patients to foster health and wellness and the socioeconomic and environmental influences on patient well-being.  2 credits:  2 credits lecture (2 hours)

This course provides students with an overview of the basic concepts of public health and preventative medicine as they relate to the practicing physician assistant.  Topics include disease prevention, surveillance, reporting, and intervention; the public health system; and patient advocacy and maintenance of population health.  Health as it relates to the public sector is covered through topics of health care system delivery, access to care, and health policy.  A module of instruction including social determinants of health, health disparity, racism, and historical trauma is also included.  3 credits:  3 credits lecture (3 hours)

This course provides a comprehensive study of the care of the female patient.  The social context of women’s health in the greater population and its specific concerns is introduced.  Assessment of the female patient at multiple points across the lifespan, to include well woman visit, prenatal, natal, postpartum and menopausal assessment, is included.  Common diseases, including the diagnosis, management, and treatment encountered in reproductive health care and gynecology are covered.  Additional modules of instruction include pharmacotherapeutic prescribing across the female lifespan and caring for psychiatric disorders during pregnancy.  3 credits:  3 credits lecture (3 hours)

This is the second course in a sequence of three courses designed to teach the essentials of medicine.  A body system approach is used to present the etiology, epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, laboratory and diagnostic studies, and diagnosis and treatment of common diseases.  Laboratory sessions utilize small-group patient cases in various formats to reinforce medical knowledge and patient assessment skills.  Integration of history and physical examination findings, along with diagnostic testing results in the context of patient cases, are used to develop clinical reasoning and problem-solving skills.  The body systems covered in this course include pulmonary, gastrointestinal, hematology, and psychiatry.  6 credits:  5 credits lecture (5 hours) and 1 credit laboratory (2 hours)

This course presents principles of clinical pharmacology and pharmacotherapeutics appropriate for common medical problems seen in clinical practice.  Instruction in counseling patients toward compliance, drug interactions, appropriate patient monitoring during therapy, and prescription writing are covered.  Pulmonary, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and psychotropic agents are also covered.  3 credits:  3 credits lecture (3 hours)

This course provides a comprehensive study of diseases of the cardiovascular system with emphasis on etiology, epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, laboratory and diagnostic studies, and diagnosis and treatment of common diseases.  Small-group patient cases in various formats are woven into lecture to reinforce medical knowledge and patient assessment skills.  Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) instruction and certification are also included in this course.  2 credits:  2 credits lecture (2 hours)

This course prepares students to search, interpret, and critically evaluate medical literature in order to maintain a critical, current, and operational knowledge of new medical findings.  Topics include research question framing, basic biostatistics, sampling methods, the limits of research, and the use of common medical databases.  Strategies for effective patient education and clinical application of medical research are also studied.  2 credits:  2 credits lecture (2 hours)

This course provides a comprehensive study of the care of the pediatric patient.  History and physical assessment of the infant, child, and adolescent patient are included.  Normal growth and development, as well as common diseases including the diagnosis, management, and treatment, encountered in pediatrics are covered.  Additional modules of instruction include pharmacotherapeutic prescribing for children and common psychiatric disorders of childhood. 3 credits:  3 credits lecture (3 hours)

This course is designed to introduce students to acute and emergent care of patients across the lifespan.  A systems-based approach is utilized with particular focus on common patient presentations and the diagnosis and management of their causal disease processes.  Topics in managing the critically ill patient’s airway, breathing, and circulatory status are also addressed. The laboratory portion of the course includes instruction in the performance of common technical skills useful in the emergent setting.  4 credits:  3 credits lecture (3 hours) and 1 credit laboratory (2 hours)

This is the third course in a sequence of three courses designed to teach the essentials of medicine.  A body system approach is used to present the etiology, epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, laboratory and diagnostic studies, and diagnosis and treatment of common diseases.  Laboratory sessions utilize small-group patient cases in various formats to reinforce medical knowledge and patient assessment skills.  Integration of history and physical findings, along with diagnostic testing results in the context of patient cases, is used to develop clinical reasoning and problem-solving skills.  The body systems covered in this course include endocrine, renal/ genitourinary and male reproductive with additional modules of instruction in palliative care and addiction medicine. 5 credits:  4 credits lecture (4 hours) and 1 credit laboratory (2 hours)

This course presents principles of clinical pharmacology and pharmacotherapeutics appropriate for common medical problems seen in clinical practice.  Instruction in counseling patients toward compliance, drug interactions, appropriate patient monitoring during therapy, and prescription writing is also covered.  Endocrine, renal, genitourinary, male reproductive, and palliative care are covered.  Appropriate opioid prescribing is included.  2 credits:  2 credits lecture (2 hours)

This course consists of an in-depth study of neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and neurological development, along with a review of the neurological examination.  Additionally, a comprehensive study of diseases of the neurological system with emphasis on etiology, epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, laboratory and diagnostic studies, and diagnosis and treatment of common diseases is included.  Small-group patient cases in various formats are woven into lecture to reinforce medical knowledge and patient assessment skills.  Instruction in rehabilitative medicine is also covered.  3 credits:  3 credits lecture (3 hours)

This course is a comprehensive study of the care of the geriatric patient.  History and physical assessment of the geriatric patient are included.  Normal senesce, as well as common diseases including the diagnosis, management, and treatment, encountered in geriatrics are also covered.  Additional modules of instruction include pharmacotherapeutic prescribing in the elderly, common psychiatric disorders of the older adult, levels of outpatient living support, and reimbursement for care are included.  3 credits:  3 credits lecture (3 hours)

This course is designed to provide the students with an overview of the discipline of surgery. The management of acute surgical problems, critical illness, solid organ malignancies, and elective surgical procedures are discussed, as well as the pre- and post- operative care of surgical patients. Laboratory sessions include intra-operative technical skills of surgery to include sterile technique, suturing and staple placement and removal, scrubbing, gowning, and gloving.  5 credits: 3 credits lecture (3 hours) and 2 credits laboratory (4 hours)

This course is the second in a series designed to introduce students to the physician assistant profession. Content is focused on the ethical considerations and challenges that encompass the roles and responsibilities of the clinician. The laws and regulations, policies, and professional organizations that affect professional practice are explored with an emphasis on their contributions towards quality improvement and patient safety. The roles of the medical record in patient care and issues regarding medicolegal liability are also explored.   2 credits:  2 credits lecture (2 hours)

This course builds on the foundation of knowledge in medical research and design forged in PAS 5352 Evidence Based Medicine. Students gain an understanding of how to review, search, interpret, and evaluate the medical literature, then focus on a step-by-step approach to the development of a research proposal.  1 credit:  1 credit lecture (1 hour)

This course provides a selected holistic review of didactic content with summative assessment of each student prior to entering clinical rotations.  Students are evaluated on progression toward mastery in medical knowledge, interpersonal skills, clinical and technical skills, professional behaviors, and clinical reasoning and problem-solving abilities.  P/ NP graded format.  4 credits:  4 credits lecture (4 hours)

*Clinical Rotations will not occur in this order for every student.

This rotation provides students with the opportunity to learn principles of general internal .  Under the direction of a preceptor, students evaluate and treat adult and geriatric patients in the inpatient hospital setting.  Students gain exposure to patients with acute and chronic disease states and work with their preceptor to order and interpret diagnostic tests, provide therapeutic and preventative interventions, and develop appropriate plans for patient disposition and ongoing care.  Additional focus is placed on fostering skills in clinical documentation and the management and monitoring of chronic disease. 9 credits.

This rotation provides the PA student with the opportunity to learn surgical principles, surgical pathology, and relevant laboratory and diagnostic studies as seen in surgical settings. PA students learn the indications, limitations, and methodology of surgical procedures and therapeutic strategies used in surgery today. During this rotation, the student recognizes the signs and symptoms of a variety of surgical conditions and become familiar with treatment plans appropriate to surgery. 9 credits.

This rotation provides students with the opportunity to learn the fundamental principles of family medicine.  Under the direction of a preceptor, students deliver preventative, acute, and chronic care for patients across the lifespan.  Emphasis is placed on the diagnosis and management of chronic diseases encountered in the family medicine setting.  Students develop additional skills in formulating plans for the primary and secondary prevention of disease including pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions.  9 credits.

This rotation provides students with the opportunity to learn principles of emergency medicine. Under the direction of a preceptor, students evaluate, stabilize, and treat acute and emergent conditions in patients of all ages across the lifespan.  Students gain exposure to life-threatening and emergent conditions, interact with specialists and pre-hospital providers, and develop procedural skills commonly utilized in the acute care setting.  Additional focus is placed on developing skills in the recognition of emergent disease and collaborating as part of a multidisciplinary team to deliver patient care.  9 credits.

This rotation provides the PA student with the opportunity to provide both obstetric and gynecologic care. Students evaluate, manage, and educate obstetric patients. They learn how to perform a thorough and accurate prenatal history and physical examination. Students develop a better understanding of how acute/chronic medical conditions can impact the well-being of mother and baby. Students also evaluate, manage, and educate female patients presenting with common gynecologic conditions and learn the indications and techniques of common clinical procedures utilized in obstetrics and gynecology. They learn the guidelines for preventive screenings and immunizations for the obstetric and gynecologic patient. 9 credits.

This rotation provides the PA student with the opportunity to provide pediatric care. Students learn how to obtain a history from a pediatric patient, perform well-child and problem focused examinations, formulate differential diagnoses for common pediatric chief complaints (both medical and behavioral), and create accurate assessments and plans that are culturally sensitive and age appropriate. PA students learn preventive care for the pediatric population including the immunization schedule and develop an understanding of pediatric developmental milestones and be able to provide anticipatory guidance to patients and caregivers alike. Students become familiar with pediatric growth charts and their relevance to the care of the pediatric patient.  9 credits.

This rotation provides the PA student with the opportunity to learn the fundamental principles of behavioral health. Under the supervision of the clinical preceptor, students evaluate acute, chronic, and emergent behavioral health conditions and formulate the appropriate management plan and disposition. Students become familiar with common pharmacologic interventions utilized in behavioral health patients, including the medication benefits, risk, side effects, drug interactions, and need for monitoring. Students work collaboratively with the interdisciplinary team involved in the care of Behavioral Health patients. 9 credits.

This rotation provides students with the opportunity to learn within an elective medical specialty. Under the direction of a preceptor, students evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients within the elective rotation setting.  The elective rotation setting may involve further exposure to practice within a core clinical rotation setting or a separate domain.  In addition to skills relevant to the elective setting, continued core competencies in patient evaluation, communication, professionalism, and interprofessional practice are developed. 9 credits.

This course builds upon foundational knowledge obtained in the didactic curriculum in PAS 5352 Evidence Based Medicine and PAS 5551 Research Design and Methodology.  Students are advised as they work in groups to identify a clinical challenge and search, evaluate, and synthesize current scientific literature to draw conclusions and guide medical decision making and patient care.  This course culminates in a well-executed systematic review and meta-analysis that enhances Physician Assistant practice.  3 credits.

The following criteria must be met in order to qualify for graduation with the South College Asheville Masters of Health Science in Physician Assistant Studies degree.  Successful candidates for graduation must:

Each candidate for the Masters of Health Science in Physician Assistant Studies degree must be free of indebtedness to the College. The graduate degree and the academic transcript or certification of completion will not be issued until all financial obligations to South College have been met.

Matriculation and attendance at the College are privileges granted to the student in consideration of performance of specified assignments and the maintenance of established standards of personal and professional conduct. The College reserves the right, and the student, by the act of matriculation, concedes to the College the right to require withdrawal at any time the College deems it necessary to safeguard the standards of scholarship, conduct, and compliance with regulations, or for such other reasons deemed appropriate by the College as set forth in the South College Catalog.