Curriculum Requirements

Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies

Academics > Degrees > Physician Assistant Studies, M.S. > Curriculum

Major Requirements

Physician Assistant Studies Credits:
PHAS 601 Advanced Anatomy 3
Prerequisite: Prerequisites: Matriculation in MS PA program

In this course students apply an integrated approach to the mastering of anatomy from a clinical applications perspective. Basic anatomical information and physiological processes are applied to determine how patients function under both normal and abnormal conditions. The course is enhanced with clinical case correlates. The ability to recognize surface landmarks and correlate them with underlying anatomical structures is stressed. Students will explain patient signs and symptoms through the integration of mechanism of injury with anatomical findings.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 1-6-3
PHAS 602 Advanced Physiology 3
Prerequisite: Prerequisites: Matriculation in MS PA program

In this course students apply an integrated approach to the mastering of physiology from a clinical applications perspective. Basic physiological processes are applied to determine how patients function under both normal and abnormal conditions. The course is enhanced with clinical case correlates. Discussion of selected abnormal conditions will be used to demonstrate the relationships between physiology and medicine.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
PHAS 606 Advanced Clinical Pathology 2
In this course students apply an integrated approach to mastering pathology from a clinical perspective. Pathologic processes will be discussed utilizing integrated problem-based learning concepts and case-based discussions. Students will acquire an ability to apply advanced knowledge of pathology in solving case scenarios and in the understanding and treatment of the most common clinical disease processes.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 2-0-2
PHAS 610 Clinical Medicine I 5
Prerequisite: Prerequisites: Matriculation in MS PA program

This is the first of three Clinical Medicine courses. Students will be introduced to utilizing an organ-systems-based approach to disease from the perspectives of epidemiology, etiology, clinical manifestations, clinical course, diagnostic tests, treatment, and prognosis. Formulating a differential diagnosis and diagnostic problem-solving will be a central focus. The curriculum seamlessly integrates radiology, pharmacology, pathology, preventive medicine, and referral practices within each system.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 5-0-5
PHAS 611 Clinical Medicine II 5
This is the second of three Clinical Medicine courses. Students will be introduced, utilizing a case-based approach, to the intensive study of human disease from the perspectives of epidemiology, etiology, clinical manifestations, clinical course, diagnostic tests, treatment, and prognosis. The disciplines of pulmonary medicine, endocrinology, cardiology, and nephrology will be discussed within the context of this course. An emphasis on differential diagnosis and diagnostic problem solving will be the central focus of this course. Radiology, pharmacology, pathology, and preventive medicine are integrated into each system

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 5-0-5
PHAS 613 Clinical Medicine III 4
Prerequisite: Prerequisites: PHAS 611, and Matriculation in the MA PS Program

This is the third of three Clinical Medicine courses. Students will be introduced to utilizing an organ-system-based approach to disease from the perspectives of epidemiology, etiology, clinical manifestations, clinical course, diagnostic tests, treatment, and prognosis. Formulating a differential diagnosis and diagnostic problem-solving will be a central focus. The curriculum integrates radiology, pharmacology, pathology, preventive medicine, and referral practices within each system.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 4-0-4
PHAS 614 Musculoskeletal Medicine 2
Prerequisite: Prerequisites: Matriculation in MS PA program

This multi-component course explores the intricacies of human disease through a systems approach for Orthopedics and Rheumatology. The student will learn about the etiologies, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, appropriate diagnostic tests and management of common disease entities.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 2-0-2
PHAS 615 Surgery 3
Common surgical problems in general surgery, thoracic, cardiovascular, and ophthalmology will be discussed. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care issues will be presented utilizing a lecture and case- based approach. Students will develop a core knowledge base of common surgical procedures and their indications as wellas contraindications. The recognition of common complications and their prevention will be emphasized.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
PHAS 617 Pediatrics 3
This course is designed to provide an overview of primary care pediatrics (from birth through adolescence). The course, taught in lecture and case-based learning formats, will focus on well-child care, immunizations and screening programs, nutrition, developmental disabilities, and behavioral problems. Evaluation of clinical data in arriving at a differential diagnosis is an integral component of this course.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
PHAS 620 Pharmacology I 3
This is the first of two courses designed to provide the student with the pharmacological foundation needed for clinical practice. Students will classify medications and identify their pharmacological and toxicological profiles for the systems discussed during Clinical Medicine. This knowledge base is organized into three profiles: indications, contraindications, and side effects utilizing the principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. This advanced level course will focus upon the clinical applications for prescribers. The student will demonstrate an increasing ability to analyze and synthesize divergent and original source medical information, an escalating ability to reason in dependently, and manage increasingly complex cases in arriving at clinical decisions to achieve entry-level proficiency in prescribing.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
PHAS 621 Pharmacology II 3
This is the second of two courses designed to provide the student with the pharmacological foundation needed for clinical practice. Students will classify medications and identify their pharmacological and toxicological profiles for the systems discussed during Clinical Medicine. This knowledge base is organized into three profiles: indications, contraindications, and side effects utilizing the principles of pharmocokinetics and pharmacodynamics. This advanced level course will focus upon the clinical applications for prescribers. The student will demonstrate an increasing ability to analyze and synthesize divergent and original source medical information, an escalating ability to reason independently, and manage increasingly complex cases in arriving at clinical decisions to achieve entry-level proficiency in prescribing.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
PHAS 622 Clinical Skills I 1
This is the first of two courses in which students will learn how to perform and document a medical interview and physical assessment for selected body systems. Emphasis will be placed on the incremental acquisition of physical diagnosis skills so the student is able to perform a comprehensive history and physical examination. The evaluation of and proper documentation of pertinent historical and physical examination data for the purpose of establishing a list of differential diagnoses is a key component. Hands-on practice is an essential component of this course, as is the interaction between students and patient encounters. Behavioral/psychological interaction schemas between patient and practitioner will be developed and assessed.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 0-3-1
PHAS 623 Clinical Skills II 1
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: PHAS 622

This is a continuation of Clinical Skills I. Students will learn how to take medical history and perform portions of the physical examination for those body systems not previously covered. Emphasis will be placed on an incremental cumulative acquisition of physical diagnosis skills. These skills will be combined so that the student is able to perform a comprehensive history and physical examination. Hands-on practice is an essential component of this course.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 0-3-1
PHAS 627 Clinical Skills III 2
In this course students will develop, practice, and assess selected diagnostic and therapeutic skills including: suturing, Foley catheter insertion, phlebotomy, casting, invasive monitoring, starting IV's, injections, nasogastric tubes, and intubations prior to entry into their clinical clerkships. The acquisition of knowledge regarding indications, contraindications, and complications associated with each procedure will be emphasized. Students will perform appropriate diagnostic and/or therapeutic interventions on models, classmates, or computer simulations.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 1-3-2
PHAS 630 Clinical Laboratory Medicine 3
Students will learn advanced concepts in laboratory medicine that include ordering, interpretation, and evaluation of clinical laboratory tests. Students will analyze, synthesize, and correlate laboratory test results to corresponding diseases. The use of basic and advanced laboratory procedures in hematology, chemistry, urinalysis, and immunology in formulating a diagnosis and monitoring a patient's health status is emphasized.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
PHAS 635 Behavioral Medicine 1
This advanced level course in behavioral medicine is focused upon how clinicians can best approach both emotional disorders and the difficult patient seen in everyday practice. There is an emphasis on a proactive approach to disease management and patient education. Topics to be discussed are behavioral education and modification as it applies to interviewing techniques, methods of listening and communication, communication blocks, defense mechanisms, cultural diversity and the impact on medical care, the psychosocial history, stressors, coping mechanisms, human sexuality, asking difficult questions, personality and child development, chemical dependency, HIV and other chronic diseases, the manipulative personality, special populations including indigent and the under-insured, domestic violence, the family, and death and dying.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 0-3-1
PHAS 650 Research I 1
This course will provide students with an introduction to research methodology. Topics such as identifying a thesis topic, avoiding logical fallacies, presenting and defending an argument, critically assessing ideas using a set of valid criteria, selecting and integrating references to scholarly literature, employing relevant examples to illustrate key points, using citations appropriately to avoid plagiarism, and complying with APA guidelines will be covered.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 1-0-1
PHAS 651 Research II 1
Participants in this course will continue to further explore research methodology and expand upon ideas and concepts presented in PHAS 650. Students will further refine their research project and carry out a review of the literature in preparation for formulating topic, methodology, and IRB approval. Faculty mentorship will provide support in refining the topic and methodology for IRB submission.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 0-1-1
PHAS 655 Epidemiology and Interpretation of the Medical Literature 2
In this advanced level course, foundation strategies for the study of epidemiology and interpretation of the medical literature are pursued. This course is specifically oriented towards life-long learning and appropriate integration of rapidly changing and divergent original source literature. Epidemiological trends in incidence and prevalence rates of diseases are examined. A critical understanding of research and biostatistical methods in the medical literature is a focus allowing physician assistant students to develop advanced-level skills in the critical evaluation of research methodology, study design, results and conclusions.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 2-0-2
PHAS 660 Physician Assistant Professional Issues 1
The course will include various aspects of the hsci history, political and legal issues, inter-professional issue, biomedical ethics, and certification. The role of the physician assistant in the health care delivery system and opportunities for the physician assistant graduate is also discussed.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 1-0-1
PHAS 665 Emergency Medicine 3
In this course, students will learn about the differential diagnosis, management, and treatment options for critically ill and severely injured patients. Recognition and appropriate early intervention and definitive therapy are emphasized. Emphasis is placed upon commonly encountered medical, surgical, traumatic, and behavioral emergencies in both the adult and pediatric populations. The student will demonstrate an ability to analyze and synthesize divergent and original source medical information, an escalating ability to reason independently, and manage increasingly complex patient presentations in the application of prior course knowledge and principles to diagnose, treat, and manage common emergency problems. Medico-legal aspects of emergency care, including risk management, are discussed. Concurrent co-requisites: Basic Cardiac Life Support and Advanced Cardiac Life Support provider certifications.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
PHAS 670 Family Practice 2
This capstone course prepares the student to assume the role of a primary care practitioner in providing and coordinating patient care as part of the health care team. The subject matter is a compilation of the most common diseases encountered in the primary care practice. This advance-level course is designed to utilize traditional pedagogy through independent study focused upon patient case scenarios. Emphasis is placed on evidence-based medicine, patient history, physical findings, diagnostic hallmarks(if applicable), common signs and symptoms, ordering and evaluating laboratory test, complications, management, follow up, and cost considerations related to office visits, diagnostic exams, and medications. Principles of health maintenance, screening, and disease prevention are reinforced.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 1-3-2
PHAS 675 Medical Informatics and Diagnostic Imaging 1
Prerequisite: Prerequisites: Matriculation in MS PA program

This course will focus on both medical informatics and diagnostic imaging. Module I: Students will be exposed to both theoretical and practical approaches in the acquisition, representation, processing, and management of knowledge and data within healthcare. Applications centering on varied computer platforms will be reviewed for their applicability to medical care and improvement in the delivery of quality healthcare. Exposure will be provided to participants regarding evaluation of lnternet-based resources for both patients and practitioners. Module II: Techniques of radiologic assessments will be emphasized in the diagnostic imaging module. Principles of radiologic examination will be provided with a focus on identifying normal variants and common pathologies in various diagnostic imaging modalities such as x-ray, CT, Ultrasound, MRI, and nuclear studies.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 1-0-1
PHAS 680 Clinical Decision Making 1
This course will use a problem-based learning format and focus on a student-centered approach in which students apply their knowledge and learn about a subject by working in small groups to solve an open ended problem. This problem based learning approach will develop students' abilities to extend and improve their knowledge to keep up in the ever-expanding field of medicine and to learn how to provide care for new illnesses they encounter. The emphasis will be in developing independent critical reasoning skills and applying them towards the evaluation of pertinent patient data in formulating a list of potential diagnoses. The course will educate and train students to become self-directed learners with the desire to know and learn, the ability to formulate their needs as learners, and the ability to select and use the best available resources to satisfy these needs.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 0-3-1
PHAS 690 Health Promotion and Disease Prevention 2
In this course, students learn to evaluate community health care needs as they relate to a changing demographic population, economic variables, and individual lifestyle influences. Development of health promotion and disease prevention strategies is explored through assessment of an actual and actuarial data. Students develop a counseling template that can be broadly applied to such problems as maternal and infant health, cancer, sexually transmitted diseases, heart disease, diabetes, etc. Identifying and interfacing with community resources is a key component of this course leading to refinement of a research concept.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 2-0-2
PHAS 695 Women's Health 2
This course is designed to provide the student with the foundation needed for practicing Women's Health across the continuum of all ages involving gynecology and obstetrics. The gynecologic component focuses on health promotion and disease prevention of the female reproductive tract. During the obstetrical component instruction will be provided in prenatal and postpartum care including labor and delivery. Didactic knowledge will be developed in areas including but not limited to annual exams, PAP smears, birth control, vaccinations, infertility, menstruation and sexuality so that appropriate patient counseling may be provided for female patients. Students will review history and physical findings, incorporate those findings with the patients' diagnostic tests to formulate differential diagnoses, treatment plans and counseling strategies. The student will demonstrate an increasing ability to analyze and synthesize divergent and original source medical information, an escalating ability to reason independently, and manage increasingly complex patient presentations in arriving at management decisions throughout this course to achieve entry-level proficiency in preparation to begin clerkships and ultimately practice.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 2-0-2
PHAS 701 Internal Medicine Supervised Clinical Practice Experience 6
Prerequisite: Registration is limited to students matriculated in the MS Physician Assistant Studies program who have successfully completed the Didactic phase and have completed 55 credits.

This core clinical rotation provides students with exposure to the principles and practice of internal medicine. This supervised clinical practice experience (SCPE) enables students to assess adult and geriatric patients in the outpatient and inpatient medical setting. It fosters a comprehensive understanding of internal medicine through exposure to a wide array of medical conditions and diverse patient populations. By actively engaging in assessing, diagnosing, and managing patients in both outpatient and inpatient settings, students will develop the clinical acumen necessary to address the complex healthcare needs of patients across the lifespan essential to providing care as an entry-level physician assistant upon graduation.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 0-0-6
PHAS 702 Surgery Supervised Clinical Practice Experience 6
Prerequisite: Registration is limited to students matriculated in the MS Physician Assistant Studies program who have successfully completed the Didactic phase and have completed 55 credits.

This core clinical rotation provides students with exposure to the principles and practice of surgery. This supervised clinical practice experience (SCPE) enables students to assess patients seeking medical care across the lifespan with an emphasis on caring for adults and geriatric patients with surgically manageable diseases and conditions. Students will gain exposure to pre-operative evaluation and preparation of patients for surgery, assisting during the intra-operative period and post-operative care of the surgical patient. This clinical rotation will enable the student to provide care as an entry-level physician assistant upon graduation.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 0-0-6
PHAS 703 Emergency Medicine Supervised Clinical Practice Experience 3
Prerequisite: Registration is limited to students matriculated in the MS Physician Assistant Studies program who have successfully completed the Didactic phase and have completed 55 credits.

This core clinical rotation provides students with exposure to the principles and practice of emergency medicine. This supervised clinical practice experience (SCPE) enables students to assess patients seeking medical care in the emergency department across the lifespan, emphasizing caring for acutely ill patients. Students will gain exposure to the triage, evaluation, and management of patients in the emergent medical setting. Emphasis is on students assessing patient acuity, disease state, and appropriate management within the emergency medicine department. This clinical experience will enable the student to provide care as an entry-level physician assistant upon graduation.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 0-0-3
PHAS 704 Women's Health Supervised Clinical Practice Experience 3
Prerequisite: Registration is limited to students matriculated in the MS Physician Assistant Studies program who have successfully completed the Didactic phase and have completed 55 credits.

This core clinical rotation provides students with exposure to the principles and practice of women's health, specifically prenatal and gynecologic care. This supervised clinical practice experience (SCPE) enables students to evaluate female patients across the lifespan, emphasizing key milestones such as menarche, family planning, pregnancy, perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause. Additionally, it provides students with experience in women's health prevention and managing common diseases. This clinical rotation will enable the student to provide care as an entry-level physician assistant upon graduation.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 0-0-3
PHAS 705 Orthopedics Supervised Clinical Practice Experience 3
Prerequisite: Registration is limited to students matriculated in the MS Physician Assistant Studies program who have successfully completed the Didactic phase and have completed 55 credits.

This Supervised Clinical Practice Experience (SCPE) provides students with clinical exposure to the evaluation and management of orthopedic conditions, including orthopedic emergencies, across both adult and pediatric patient populations. Students will work alongside a specialized interdisciplinary team, gaining hands-on experience and developing the skills necessary to provide comprehensive care as an entry-level physician assistant upon graduation.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 0-0-3
PHAS 706 Pediatrics Supervised Clinical Practice Experience 3
Prerequisite: Registration is limited to students matriculated in the MS Physician Assistant Studies program who have successfully completed the Didactic phase and have completed 55 credits.

This core clinical rotation provides students with exposure to the principles and practice of pediatric medicine. This supervised clinical practice experience (SCPE) enables students to assess infants, children, and adolescent patients seeking medical care in the pediatric medical setting. This rotation is intended to refine techniques of history-taking and physical examination, diagnostic testing, management, and counseling strategies specific to the pediatric population. It aims to expose students to illnesses and injuries that are unique to the pediatric patient. This clinical rotation will enable the student to provide care as an entry-level physician assistant upon graduation.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 0-0-3
PHAS 707 Psychiatry and Behavioral Health Supervised Clinical Practice Experience 3
Prerequisite: Registration is limited to students matriculated in the MS Physician Assistant Studies program who have successfully completed the Didactic phase and have completed 55 credits.

This core clinical rotation exposes students to the principles and practice of psychiatry and behavioral medicine. This supervised clinical practice experience (SCPE) enables students to assess and manage patients seeking medical care across the lifespan, with an emphasis on caring for adult and geriatric patients with behavioral or mental health disorders. Students engage in direct patient care, including assessing, diagnosing, and managing various behavioral and mental health disorders. This clinical experience prepares students to address the complex mental health needs of diverse patient populations necessary to provide care as an entry-level physician assistant upon graduation.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 0-0-3
PHAS 708 Family Medicine Clerkship Supervised Clinical Practice Experience 3
Prerequisite: Registration is limited to students matriculated in the MS Physician Assistant Studies program who have successfully completed the Didactic phase and have completed 55 credits.

This core clinical rotation provides students with exposure to the principles and practice of family medicine. This supervised clinical practice experience (SCPE) enables students to assess patients seeking medical care across the lifespan, emphasizing caring for acutely and chronically ill patients in an outpatient primary care medical setting. It fosters a comprehensive understanding of family medicine through exposure to a wide array of medical conditions and diverse patient populations. By actively engaging in assessing, diagnosing, and managing family medicine patients, students will develop the clinical acumen necessary to address the complex healthcare needs of patients across the lifespan that are essential to providing care as an entry-level physician assistant upon graduation.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 0-0-3
PHAS 710 Elective I Supervised Clinical Practice Experience 3
Prerequisite: Registration is limited to students matriculated in the MS Physician Assistant Studies program who have successfully completed the Didactic phase and have completed 55 credits.

Elective I supervised clinical practice experience (SCPE) provides students with the opportunity to explore an area of medical or surgical practice beyond the required core rotations. In consultation with the Director of Clinical Education, students are encouraged to choose an area of interest that may be a potential employment setting or may repeat one of their required clerkships as their elective. This rotation is intended to further develop the student's medical knowledge, interpersonal and communication skills, clinical and technical skills, ability to clinically reason and problem solve, as well as their professional behaviors.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 0-0-3
PHAS 711 Elective II Supervised Clinical Practice Experience 3
Prerequisite: Registration is limited to students matriculated in the MS Physician Assistant Studies program who have successfully completed the Didactic phase and have completed 55 credits.

Elective II supervised clinical practice experience (SCPE) provides students with the opportunity to explore an area of medical or surgical practice beyond the required core rotations. In consultation with the Director of Clinical Education, students are encouraged to choose an area of interest that may be a potential employment setting or may repeat one of their required clerkships as their elective. This rotation is intended to further develop the student's medical knowledge, interpersonal and communication skills, clinical and technical skills, ability to clinically reason and problem solve, as well as their professional behaviors.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 0-0-3
PHAS 752 Research III 1
This course is designed as a follow up to the PHAS 650 and PHAS 651 courses. Students will collect their data and interpret their findings. The discussion c o n tent shall include t e implications of their findings and recommendations for further study. The role of faculty mentorship is to provide guidance regarding statistical analysis and formulating the conclusion section of the research paper.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 0-1-1
PHAS 754 Comprehensive Assessment for Clinical Practice 1
This course is the last in a series of didactic courses and clinical clerkships that will establish the student has met the program learning outcomes and is ready to enter clinical practice. This is demonstrated by passing a multifaceted Summative Evaluation that incorporates assessment instruments that correlate with the program's didactic and clinical curricular components. This course will measure if the learner has achieved the necessary medical knowledge, interpersonal skills, clinical reasoning and problem-solving abilities, clinical and technical skills, and professional behaviors to enter clinical practice.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 0-3-1
 
Total Required Credits = 98 credits