Didactic Curriculum

Quarter 1

SCI 5100 Gross Anatomy

This course provides a comprehensive study of human gross anatomy. A regional approach is used to study organ systems, extremities, and trunk. The clinical significance of topographical and radiological anatomical features is emphasized. Lectures are complemented by laboratory study of anatomic models, simulated dissection, surface anatomy, and critical thinking issues. 6 credits.

ARC-PA Standards: B2.02a, B2.02b

PAS 5513 Professional Issues

This course is designed to introduce students to the professional issues of the physician assistant profession. Modules of content in this course include the historical development of the profession and its organizations, the PA role and scope of practice, the PA relationship with physicians and other health care providers, and the patient-centered care team approach will be covered. A module on the business of healthcare to include documentation, coding, billing and patient safety, quality improvement and risk management is included. Additionally, professionalism, integrity and provider well-being will be covered. 2 credits.

ARC-PA Standards: B2.10a, B2.10b, B2.14a, B2.14b, B2.16a, B2.16b, B2.16c, B2.16d, B2.17b, B2.17e, B2.17g, B2.18, B2.19a, B2.19b, B2.19c, B2.20a, B2.20b

SCI 5120 Human Physiology

This course will provide the students with a detailed overview of medical physiology and pathophysiology. Students will attain knowledge of the normal functions of the human body that is essential for clinical medicine. Emphasis is placed on homeostasis and the integration among organ systems. Pathophysiologic alterations in body function that occur with disease states are also discussed. Specific topics covered in the course include cellular structure, homeostasis, signal transduction mechanisms, neurophysiology and the nervous system, the cardiovascular system, and circulation and the respiratory systems. 3 credits.

ARC-PA Standards: B2.02b, B2.02c

PAS 5160 Health Assessment and Physical Examination

This course is designed to provide instruction in interpersonal communication skills used in elicitation of a complete and focused medical history. Students also receive instruction in the performance of complete and focused physical examination to determine abnormalities in the human body. Interpersonal skills, cultural competence, documentation and adherence to safety and standard precautions are also covered. 6 credits.

ARC-PA Standards: B2.04, B2.05, B2.06a, B2.06b, B2.06c, B2.06d, B2.06e, B2.06f, B2.07a, B2.07b, B2,07c, B2.08a, B2.08d, B2.09, B2.12a, B2.12b. B2.12c, B2.14b, B2.18, B2.19c

Quarter 2

PAS 5314 Behavioral Science Concepts

This course is designed to provide instruction in the social and behavioral components of patient care. Topics will include development across the lifespan, sexuality, loss, dying and death, cultural diversity, response to illness, injury and stress and identification and prevention of violence. 1 credit.

ARC-PA Standards: B2.04, B2.06a, B2.06b, B2.06c, B2.06d, B2.06e, B2.06f, B2.07a, B2.07f, B2.11a, B2.11b. B2.11c, B2.11d, B2.11e, B2.11g, B2.12a, B2.12b, B2.12c, B2.18, B2.19c

PAS 5412 Essentials of Radiology and Electrocardiography

This course is designed to present instruction on the use and interpretation of basic radiologic studies and electrocardiograms in patient assessment. Indications, contraindications, patient preparation and interpretation of results will be included. Plain film studies of the musculoskeletal system, chest and abdomen will be presented. Rhythm strips and 12 lead EKG’s will also be covered. 3 credits.

ARC-PA Standards: B2.04, B2.05, B2.07d, B2.07f, B2.09

PAS 5261 Clinical Assessment and Management 1

This is the first 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 will 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 will be used to develop clinical reasoning and problem-solving skills. The body systems covered in this course include dermatology, HEENT, musculoskeletal and infectious disease. 6 credits.

ARC-PA Standards: B2.03, B2.04, B2.05, B2.07a, B2.07b, B2.07c, B2.07d, B2.07e, B2.07f, B2.08a, B2.08b, B2.13e, B2.14a, B2.14b

PAS 5270 Pharmacotherapeutics 1

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 will also be covered. Pharmacologic management of dermatological, HEENT, musculoskeletal and infectious diseases will be included. 3 credits.

ARC-PA Standards: B2.02b, B2.02c, B2.02d, B2.03, B2.04, B2.05, B2.07d, B2.07e, B2.07f, B2.08a, B2.08b, B2.12a, B2.16b

PAS 5430 Clinical Laboratory Medicine

This course introduces the students to clinical laboratory diagnostic tests. An overview of the commonly used laboratory tests, selection criteria and interpretation of testing results are studied. 2 credits.

ARC-PA Standards: B2.04, B2.05, B2.07d, B2.07f

SCI 5201 Medical Pathology and Genetics

This course is designed to provide Physician Assistant students with fundamental principles and cognitive knowledge in Medical Pathology and Genetics in preparation for their professional careers as clinicians. The course provides an understanding of the essential nature of a broad representation of human diseases, with a focus on the structural and functional changes in cells, tissues, and organs caused by each disease, as well as the molecular and genetic mechanisms underlying these diseases. 4 credits.

ARC-PA Standards: B2.02c, B2.02e

Quarter 3

PAS 5380 Essentials of Cardiology

This course is 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 will be woven into lecture to reinforce medical knowledge and patient assessment skills. Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) instruction and certification will also be included in this course. 2 credits.

ARC-PA Standards: B2.03, B2.05, B2.07a, B2.07b, B2.07c, B2.07d, B2.07e, B2.07f, B2.08a, B2.08b, B2.13e

PAS 5340 Women’s Health

This course is 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 will be introduced. Assessment of the female patient at multiple points across the lifespan to include well woman visit, prenatal, natal, postpartum and menopausal assessment will be included. Common diseases, including the diagnosis, management, and treatment, encountered in reproductive health care and gynecology will be covered. Additional modules of instruction will include pharmacotherapeutic prescribing across the female lifespan and caring for psychiatric disorders during pregnancy. The laboratory portion of the course will concentrate on history-taking and physical examination skills in the female patient. 3 credits.

ARC-PA Standards: B2.02d, B2.03, B2.05, B2.06c, B2.07a, B2.07b, B2.07c, B2.07d, B2.07e, B2.08a, B2.08b, B2.08d, B2.09, B2.10c, B2.11c, B2.14b

PAS 5241 Public Health

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; patient advocacy and maintenance of population health. Health as it relates to the public sector will be 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 will also be included. 3 credits.

ARC-PA Standards: B2.06a, B2.06b, B2.06c, B2.06d, B2.06e, B2.06f, B2.08b, B2.14c, B2.15a, B2.15b, B2.15c, B2.15d, B2.17f

PAS 5360 Clinical Assessment and Management 2

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 will 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 will be used to develop clinical reasoning and problem-solving skills. The body systems covered in this course include pulmonary, gastrointestinal, hematology and psychiatry. 6 credits.

ARC-PA Standards: B2.03, B2.04, B2.05, B2.07a, B2.07b, B2.07c, B2.07d, B2.07e, B2.07f, B2.08a, B2.08b, B2.08d, B2.13e, B2.14a, B2.14b

PAS 5370 Pharmacotherapeutics 2

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 will also be covered. Pulmonary, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and psychotropic agents will be covered. 3 credits.

ARC-PA Standards: B2.02d, B2.03, B2.04, B2.05, B2.07d, B2.07e, B2.07f, B2.08a, B2.08d, B2.12a, B2.16b

PAS 5231 Medical Wellness

This course is designed to cover health maintenance, preventive medicine, and patient education. The focus is on maintenance of health rather than treatment of disease. Topics will include nutrition, exercise and weight management, smoking cessation, appropriate screening and immunization schedules, injury prevention, behavior modification and treatment adherence. 2 credits.

ARC-PA Standards: B2.04, B2.07f, B2.08b, B2.11d, B2.11e, B2.11f, B2.12a, B2.12b, B2.20a, B2.20b

Quarter 4

PAS 5485 Neuroanatomy and Diseases of the Neurological System

This course consists of an in-depth study of neuroanatomy, neurophysiology and neurological development along with a review of the neurological examination. In addition, 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 will be woven into lecture to reinforce medical knowledge and patient assessment skills. Instruction in rehabilitative medicine will also be covered. 3 credits.

ARC-PA Standards: B2.02a, B2.02b, B2.02c, B2.03, B2.05, B2.07a, B2.07b, B2.07c, B2.07d, B2.07e, B2.07f, B2.08a, B2.08b, B2.09, B2.10a, B2.13e

PAS 5440 Emergency Medicine

This course is designed to introduce students to acute and emergent care of patients across the lifespan. There is a strong focus on problem-oriented medical exams (POME). The laboratory portion of the course will include instruction in the performance of common technical skills useful in the emergent setting. Emphasis is placed on the special skills and attitudes necessary to perform effectively in the emergency medical setting. 4 credits.

ACR-PA Standards: B2.03, B2.04, B2.05, B2.07a, B2.07b, B2.07c, B2.07f, B2.08a, B2.08b, B2.08d, B2.09, B2.11g

PAS 5420 Clinical Pediatrics

This course is a comprehensive study of the care of the pediatric patient. History and physical assessment of the infant, child and adolescent patient will be included. Normal growth and development as well as common diseases, including the diagnosis, management, and treatment, encountered in pediatrics will be covered. Additional modules of instruction will include pharmacotherapeutic prescribing in children and common psychiatric disorders of childhood will be included. The laboratory portion of the course will concentrate on history-taking and physical examination skills in the infant, child and adolescent patient. 3 credits.

ARC-PA Standards: B2.02d, B2.02e, B2.03, B2.05, B2.07a, B2.07b, B2.07c, B2.07e, B2.08a, B2.08b, B2.08d, B2.09, B2.10c, B2.11c, B2.14b

PAS 5461 Clinical Assessment and Management 3

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 will 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 will be used to develop clinical reasoning and problem-solving skills. The body systems covered in this course include endocrine, renal, genitourinary, male reproductive, palliative care and psychiatry. 5 credits.

ARC-PA Standards: B2.03, B2.04, B2.05, B2.07a, B2.07b, B2.07c, B2.07d, B2.07e, B2.07f, B2.08a, B2.08b, B2.08d, B2.08e, B2.11f, B2.13e, B2.14a, B2.14b

PAS 5470 Pharmacotherapeutics 3

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 will also be covered. Endocrine, renal, genitourinary, male reproductive, and palliative care will be covered. Appropriate opioid prescribing will be covered. 2 credits.

ARC-PA Standards: B2.02d, B2.03, B2.04, B2.05, B2.07d, B2.07e, B2.07f, B2.08a, B2.08b, B2.08d, B2.08e, B2.11f, B2.12a

PAS 5351 Evidence Based Medicine

This course will prepare students to search, interpret, and evaluate the 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 will be included. PA students will begin the process of preparing for their capstone research project in this course. 2 credits.

ARC-PA Standards: B2.13a, B2.13b, B2.13c, B2.13d, B2.13e

Quarter 5

PAS 5521 Clinical Geriatrics

This course is a comprehensive study of the care of the geriatric patient. History and physical assessment of the geriatric patient will be included. Normal senesce, as well as common diseases, including the diagnosis, management, and treatment, encountered in geriatrics will be covered. Additional modules of instruction will include pharmacotherapeutic prescribing in the elderly, common psychiatric disorders of the older adult, levels of outpatient living support and reimbursement for care will be included. The laboratory portion of the course will concentrate on history-taking and physical examination skills in the geriatric patient. 3 credits.

ARC-PA Standards: B2.02d, B2.03, B2.05, B2.07a, B2.07b, B2.07c, B2.07e, B2.08a, B2.08b, B2.08d, B2.08e, B2.09, B2.10a, B2.11c, B2.14b

PAS 5531 Fundamentals of Surgery

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 will be discussed, as well as the pre- and post- operative care of surgical patients. Laboratory sessions will include intra-operative technical skills of surgery to include standard precautions and sterile technique, suturing and staple placement and removal, scrubbing, gowning and gloving. 5 credits.

ARC-PA Standards: B2.03, B2.05, B2.07a, B2.07b, B2.07c, B2.07d, B2,07e, B2.08a, B2.08c, B2.09, B2.10c

HSC 5542 Health Care Ethics and Law

This course provides the future Physician Assistant a foundation to use as a reference to federal and state laws that impact PA practice. This course will review prescriptive authority, medical ethics, quality assurance and risk management in medical practice, as well as other legal issues of health care. 1 credit.

ARC-PA Standards: B2.14d, B2.16c, B2.16d, B2.17a, B2.17c, B2.17d, B2.17f, B2.18

PAS 5551 Research Design and Methodology

This course builds on the foundation of knowledge in medical research and design for health care providers. The students will review how to search, interpret, and evaluate the medical literature, then focus on a step-by-step approach to the development and implementation of medical research. Students will gain an understanding of the principles of research as they apply it to the practical, educational, and societal aspects of the Physician Assistant profession. 1 credit.