Physician Assistant Studies (PA) Courses

PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT STUDIES (PA)

1998-1999 Bulletin Information

PA 510 Clinical Medicine I 8 cr
This is the first in a series of four courses in patient assessment. In this course the student
will study: 1) History & Physical Exam, 2) Role and History of PAs, 3) Blood Borne Pathogens,
4) Biomedical Ethics, 5) Health Care Management and Delivery, 6) Basic Epidemiology, 7)
Basic Patient Counseling, and 8) Nutrition Fundamentals.
PA 511 Human Gross Anatomy 4 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 Physiology I 4 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 520 Clinical Medicine II 8 cr
This is the second in a series of four courses in patient assessment. In this course the
student will study: 1) History and Physical Exam,
2) Behavioral Medicine, 3) Cardiology, 4) Dermatology, 5) Pulmonary, 6) ENT, 7)
Ophthalmology, and 8) EKG.
PA 521 Infectious Disease 4 cr
This course is designed to provide a foundation in basic host-parasite relationships with
particular emphasis on the application of these principles in health care settings. The ubiquity of
microbes, vulnerability of specialized populations, and interactions between various
environmental components are emphasized to stimulate awareness and interest in infectious
disease. The nutritional component of infectious disease will also be emphasized.
PA 522 Physiology II 2 cr
This course will build on the foundation laid in Physiology I. Weekly problem solving
sessions will emphasize clinical application to systemic disorders. This course emphasizes renal,
respiratory, gastrointestinal, endocrine, reproductive and metabolic physiology.
PA 523 Pathophysiology 4 cr
A systematic study of disease processes involving relationships between
pathophysiological changes and clinical manifestations.
PA 530 Clinical Medicine III 8 cr
This is the third in a series of four courses in patient assessment. In this course the student
will study: 1) History and Physical Exam, 2) Nephrology, 3) Gastro-Intestinal, 4) Neurology, 5)
Endocrinology, 6) Genito-urinary, 7) Pediatrics, and 8) Geriatrics.
PA 531 Patient Education in Clinical Practice 4 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 532 Pharmacology I 6 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 540 Clinical Medicine IV 8 cr
This is the fourth in a series of four courses in patient assessment. In this course the
student will study: 1) History & Physical Exam, 2) Orthopedics/ Rheumatology, 3) Emergency
Medicine, 4) Hematology/Oncology, 5) OB/GYN, 6) General Surgery, 7) PALS, and 8) ACLS.
PA 541 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 542 Pharmacology II 2 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 550 Internal Medicine Preceptorship 8 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 560 Pediatrics Preceptorship 8 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 570 Primary Care/Family Practice Preceptorship 8 cr
The student is assigned to an outpatient setting which emphasizes the assessment and
treatment of conditions common to primary family medicine.
PA 580 Surgery Preceptorship 6 cr
The student is assigned to a surgical team. The rotation emphasizes preoperative
evaluation, assisting in the operating room, and post operative management of patients.
PA 590 OB/GYN 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. Partici-pating in the operating room will be emphasized along with participation in
inpatient rounds and management of patient problems.
PA 591 Emergency Medicine Preceptorship 6 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 592 Elective Clinical Preceptorship I 4 cr
Students will choose one of the following rotations: Expected employment practice,
Ortho, Geriatrics, Endocrinology, Behavioral medicine, ENT, Genito-urinary, Radiology,
Dermatology, Ophthalmology, Neonatology, Surgery subspecialities, and Pain management.
PA 593 Elective Clinical Preceptorship II 4 cr
Students will choose one of the following rotations: Expected employment practice,
Ortho, Geriatrics, Endocrinology, Behavioral medicine, ENT, Genito-urinary, Radiology,
Dermatology, Ophthal-mology, Neonatology, Surgery subspecialities, and Pain management.
PA 594 Research Project Presentation 3 cr
During the final semester of pre-clinical work, the students are given a briefing regarding
the research project. The project is not due until the last semester of clinical work. The student
selects a topic under the direction of a faculty mentor. Once a topic is chosen, an in-depth review
of the literature is conducted by the student. The project can be formatted as a case report,
comprehensive review, or a research report.
PA 595 Comprehensive Review and Exam 2 cr
The comprehensive examination is the capstone of the Physician Assistant program. 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 exam.