PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT STUDIES (PA)

PA 510 Clinical Medicine I 10 cr
This is the first in a series of five courses in patient assessment. The student learns the content of the medical history and the significance of common symptoms. Normal variations and common abnormal physical exam findings are introduced. The course introduces fundamental methods of approaching and interviewing patients for the purpose of obtaining an accurate medical history. The SOAP format of patient charting is also introduced and used.

PA 511 Human Gross Anatomy 5 cr
This is a course in gross anatomy of human body systems utilizing human cadavers and prosections. Emphasis is placed on the relationships between structure and function. Special fee: $195.00.

PA 512 History, Roles and Responsibilities of the PA 2 cr
This course explores, through lecture and discussion, the factors affecting the development of the profession and role socialization with emphasis on standards of quality assurance, credentialing, continued competence, policies and regulations governing clinical responsibilities and dynamics of membership on a health care team.

PA 513 Biomedical Ethics 2 cr
This course examines the ethical rules, principles and theories related to health care delivery. The course explores patients' rights regarding various diagnostic tests and tools applied to detect disease and prolong life. Informed consent and informed refusal are also discussed extensively. Alternative decision-making approaches are also discussed.

PA 520 Clinical Medicine II 10 cr
This course will continue to strengthen the student's ability to perform a complete history and physical examination. "Real life" clinical problems will be presented to encourage students to explore all facets of the case including financial, ethical, social and medical. At this point in the clinical medicine series, the student is introduced to common medical disorders and begins performing focused reviews and examinations. Lecture topics in this course include: Dermatology, ENT, Pulmonary, and Cardiac disease.

PA 521 Physiology 6 cr
This is a course in medical physiology with emphasis on the basic principles of both cellular and organ system physiology. The course emphasizes a system approach to normal and abnormal function of the human body, including relevant anatomical correlation. Weekly problem solving sessions will emphasize clinical application to systemic disorders.

PA 522 Infectious and Chronic Disease 4 cr
Infectious and Chronic Disease is designed to provide a foundation in basic host-parasite relationships with particular emphasis on the application of these principles in health care settings. Different environments provide unique ecologic niches where alterations in hosts and micro flora result in special patterns of infections disease. The ubiquity of microbes, vulnerability of specialized populations, and interactions between various environmental components are emphasized to stimulate awareness and interest in infection control. The nutritional component of chronic and infectious disease will also be emphasized.

PA 523 Epidemiology and Biomedical Research 2 cr
This introductory course in epidemiology will emphasize the application of epidemiologic principles. The design, implementation and analysis of epidemiologic studies are explored. The course will involve analysis of prospective, retrospective, cross-sectional, and experimental studies in epidemiology. Both communicable and chronic disease case studies will be used in this course, as well as case studies of occupationally induced diseases. The use of biostatistics in epidemiological studies will be stressed throughout the course.

PA 530 Clinical Medicine III 10 cr
Common medical disorders utilizing a systems approach continue to be explored. Lecture topics in this course include nephrology, gastroenterology, neurology, geriatrics and genito/urologic disorders. Physical examination and patient interviewing are sharpened by practicing focused exams emphasizing topics discussed.

PA 531 Pathophysiology 6 cr
A systematic study of disease processes involving relationships between pathophysiological changes and clinical manifestations.

PA 535 Behavioral Aspects of Medicine I 3 cr
The first of two courses detailing the interpersonal aspects of medicine including specific techniques for medical interviewing, oral presentation and written documentation of data. The students refine the ability to obtain a complete medical history from patients of any age, gender, sexual orientation, cultural background, and/or emotional state (angry, depressed, seductive, manipulative, etc.). The ethical concepts of confidentiality and informed consent taught in Intro. to Biomedical Ethics are applied to "real world" situations.
PA 536 Health Education in Clinical Practice I 2 cr
This course emphasizes the principles of health promotion, disease prevention, and behavioral issues inherent in acute and chronic disease management. Nutrition education related to patient care is also emphasized.

PA 540 Clinical Medicine IV 10 cr
This course continues to build on the knowledge and skills learned in previous Clinical Medicine courses. Lecture topics in the course include: Obstetrics/Gynecology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology and Pediatric disorders.

PA 541 Pharmacology I 4 cr
The first of two courses that cover classification, mechanism of action, toxicity and clinical use of therapeutic agents. Side effects, dose response and management will be emphasized.

PA 544 Basic/Advanced Life Support 2 cr
The course includes skills and knowledge integration of intervention and management of the acutely ill or injured patient. Students practice physical examination of the critically injured patient.

PA 545 Behavioral Aspects of Medicine II 3 cr
This course introduces the student to the psychosocial aspects of human development (infant through retirement years). Sexual development and sexual dysfunction are specifically examined. The course also reviews patient, family and provider issues surrounding the dying process, the concept of hospice, and advanced directives.

PA 546 Health Education in Clinical Practice II 2 cr
This course provides the foundation necessary to educate and counsel patients. The course emphasizes health promotion, disease prevention, and behavioral issues inherent in acute and chronic disease management. Students are expected to provide appropriate health education for a wide variety of medical conditions.

PA 550 Clinical Medicine V 10 cr
This is the last in the series of five Clinical Medicine courses. It will build on knowledge and skills learned in previous courses. Clinical Medicine V will emphasize medical disorders in the emergent and orthopedic patient. Also perioperative care of the surgical and trauma patient will be introduced.

PA 551 Pharmacology II 5 cr
The second of two courses that cover classification, mechanism of action, toxicity and clinical use of therapeutic agents. Side effects, dose response and management will be emphasized. Prescriptive practice law covering Physician Assistants will be examined.

PA 557 Principles and Practices of 2 cr
Health Care Management An introduction to the principles and structure used in health care systems. The course emphasizes managed care, third-party payment, Medicare, Medicaid, and health policy. A systematic study of disease processes involving relationships between pathophysiological changes and clinical manifestations.

PA 558 Interpretation of Diagnostic Data and Studies 4 cr
The course covers the indications for and interpretation of diagnostic studies relevant to the evaluation of common medical problems. Included in the course are laboratory studies of body fluids and tissues, radiographic studies, electrocardiography interpretation, pulmonary function tests, and ultrasound interpretation.

PA 561 Internal Medicine Preceptorship 9 cr
The student is assigned to an outpatient medical setting which emphasizes the assessment and treatment of conditions common to inpatient and outpatient internal medicine problems, as well as appropriate health maintenance measures.

PA 562 Family Practice Preceptorship 9 cr
The student is assigned to an outpatient setting which emphasizes the assessment and treatment of conditions common to primary family medicine.

PA 571 Emergency Medicine Preceptorship 9 cr
The student is assigned to an Emergency Room Level I Trauma Center. The student gains experience in the initial evaluation of emergency patients by performing problem specific examinations and performing minor surgical producers. The rotation stresses the evaluation and management of the emergency patient.

PA 572 Obstetrics and Gynecology Preceptorship 6 cr
The experience includes outpatient and inpatient components of OB/GYN Practice. The student will learn the assessment and treatment of common gynecological problems, pregnancy and delivery. Participating in the operating room will be emphasized along with participation in inpatient rounds and management of patient problems. Also emphasized in this rotation are cancer detection techniques, abnormal bleeding and menstrual problems, infections and contraception counseling.

PA 581 General Surgery Preceptorship 9 cr
The student is assigned to a surgical team. The rotation emphasizes preoperative evaluation, assisting in the operation room, and post operative management of patients.

PA 582 Behavioral Medicine Preceptorship 6 cr
The student is assigned to an inpatient or outpatient setting which emphasizes the psychosocial aspects of medical care.

PA 583 Pediatrics Preceptorship 9 cr
The student is assigned to a pediatric setting and the experience includes both outpatient as well as inpatient practice. The student will gain experience in normal growth and development, pediatric preventive medicine and evaluation of childhood illness. Emphasis is placed on developing communication skills essential for relating to pediatric patients and families.

PA 591 Advanced Preceptorship Elective 8 cr
Students will choose 2 of the following clinical rotations of 3 weeks duration each: Orthopedics, Endocrinology, ENT, Geriatrics, and Radiology and an elective not listed may be approved by faculty mentor and chair. A typewritten proposal for an elective not listed must be handed in at least 2 weeks prior to beginning elective.

PA 592 Rural and Urban Care Clinical Internship Elective 9 cr
The primary objective of the internship is to enable the student to gain additional primary care experience. Since this is the final educational experience, the rotation is very important in assisting the student in making the transition to work.

PA 593 Research Presentation 2 cr
During the final quarter of pre-clinical work, the students are given a briefing regarding the research project. The project is not due until the winter quarter of clinical work. The student selects a topic under the direction of a faculty mentor. Once a topic is agreed upon, an in-depth review of the literature is conducted by the student. The project can be formatted either as a case report, comprehensive review, or a research report.

PA 594 Comprehensive Review 1 cr
The comprehensive examination is the capstone of the Physician Assistant Program. The purpose of the exam is twofold. First, to ascertain if the student has both the broad and specific knowledge expected. Second, to determine whether the student has been able to integrate knowledge obtained from individual courses into unified concepts which link the student's own specialization to other fields of study. An oral, written, and clinical skills examination will be administered as a final evaluation of the student's progress. These tests are also designed to prepare the graduate for the NCCPA examination.

Courses of Instruction

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