Physician Assistant Studies Courses

Course Descriptions

Pathophysiology I

PAS524

First in a three-part series, covering fundamental principles of cellular and molecular functions related to basic physiologic mechanisms of homeostasis in the human body and introduction to the pathophysiologic alterations which occur in these mechanisms leading to specific disease processes. Provides clinical correlation supporting concurrent coursework involving the understanding of disease encompassing select body systems. Fall Only.

2 Credits: 2 Lecture

Corequisites:
PAS530, PAS541, PAS550, PAS565, PAS572, PAS575

Pathophysiology II

PAS526

Second in a three-part series, covering fundamental principles of cellular and molecular functions related to basic physiologic mechanisms of homeostasis in the human body and introduction to the pathophysiologic alterations which occur in these mechanisms leading to specific disease processes. Provides clinical correlation supporting concurrent coursework involving the understanding of disease encompassing select body systems. Spring Only.

2 Credits: 2 Lecture

Corequisites:
PAS529, PAS531, PAS533, PAS543, PAS553, PAS561, PAS566

Prerequisites:
PAS524 and PAS550 and PAS575

Pathophysiology III

PAS527

Third in a three-part series, covering fundamental principles of cellular and molecular functions related to basic physiologic mechanisms of homeostasis in the human body and introduction to the pathophysiologic alterations which occur in these mechanisms leading to specific disease processes. Provides clinical correlation supporting concurrent coursework involving the understanding of disease encompassing select body systems. Summer Only.

1.50 Credits: 1.50 Lecture

Corequisites:
PAS532, PAS534, PAS544, PAS554, PAS558, PAS567, PAS571, PAS574, PAS576

Prerequisites:
PAS526 and PAS553 and PAS575

Cardiology

PAS529

Study of diseases affecting the cardiovascular system. Emphasis on the principles and guidelines for organizing and developing a structured approach to patient care. Spring Only.

2 Credits: 2 Lecture

Corequisites:
PAS526, PAS531, PAS533, PAS543, PAS553, PAS561, PAS566

Prerequisites:
PAS550 and PAS575

Pharmacology I

PAS530

First in a three-part series, providing clinical correlation supporting concurrent coursework and introducing the pharmacologic principles and molecular concepts essential to making sound pharmacotherapeutic decisions. Study includes medication delivery, metabolism, mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, pharmaceutical math, adverse effects, drug toxicity, drug interactions, and elimination. Emphasis placed on clinical implementation of medications as well as patient education/counseling regarding medication compliance, prescription writing techniques, and regulations surrounding prescriptive privileges. Fall Only.

3 Credits: 3 Lecture

Corequisites:
PAS524, PAS541, PAS550, PAS565, PAS572, PAS575

Pharmacology II

PAS531

Second in a three-part series, providing clinical correlation supporting concurrent coursework and introducing the pharmacologic principles and molecular concepts essential to making sound pharmacotherapeutic decisions. Study includes medication delivery, metabolism, mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, pharmaceutical math, adverse effects, drug toxicity, drug interactions, and elimination. Emphasis placed on clinical implementation of medications as well as patient education/counseling regarding medication compliance, prescription writing techniques, and regulations surrounding prescriptive privileges. Spring Only.

3 Credits: 3 Lecture

Corequisites:
PAS526, PAS529, PAS533, PAS543, PAS553, PAS561, PAS566

Prerequisites:
PAS530 and PAS550

Pharmacology III

PAS532

Third in a three-part series, providing clinical correlation supporting concurrent coursework and introducing the pharmacologic principles and molecular concepts essential to making sound pharmacotherapeutic decisions. Study includes medication delivery, metabolism, mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, pharmaceutical math, adverse effects, drug toxicity, drug interactions, and elimination. Emphasis placed on clinical implementation of medications as well as patient education/counseling regarding medication compliance, prescription writing techniques, and regulations surrounding prescriptive privileges. Summer Only.

3 Credits: 3 Lecture

Corequisites:
PAS527, PAS534, PAS544, PAS554, PAS558, PAS567, PAS571, PAS574, PAS576

Prerequisites:
PAS526 and PAS531 and PAS553

Laboratory Medicine I

PAS533

First in a two-part series, covering principles of laboratory and diagnostic testing used to identify pathophysiologic processes encountered in ambulatory and hospital settings including rationale, appropriate technique, interpretation of results, treatment options, indications for referral, and communication of results to patients and other healthcare providers. Spring Only.

1 Credit: 1 Lecture

Corequisites:
PAS526, PAS529, PAS531, PAS543, PAS553, PAS561, PAS566

Prerequisites:
PAS530 and PAS550 and PAS565

Laboratory Medicine II

PAS534

Second in a two-part series, covering principles of laboratory and diagnostic testing used to identify pathophysiologic processes encountered in ambulatory and hospital settings including rationale, appropriate technique, interpretation of results, treatment options, indications for referral, and communication of results to patients and other healthcare providers. Summer Only.

1 Credit: 1 Lecture

Corequisites:
PAS527, PAS532, PAS544, PAS554, PAS558, PAS567, PAS571, PAS574, PAS576

Prerequisites:
PAS531 and PAS533 and PAS553 and PAS566

Patient History & Physical Assessment I

PAS541

First in a three-part study of the techniques of patient interviewing and medical history taking as well as development of complete physical examination skills, recognition of normal and abnormal findings, documentation of the entire exam in a systematic fashion, and oral presentation of physical exam data. Emphasis on obtaining a medical history and completing a physical assessment of the pediatric, adult, and geriatric patient. Laboratory sessions provide opportunity for supervised "hands-on" practice of the material covered in lecture. Coursework is divided into components organized by body systems. Fall Only.

2 Credits: 1 Lecture, 3 Lab

Corequisites:
PAS524, PAS530, PAS550, PAS565, PAS572, PAS575

Patient History & Physical Assessment II

PAS543

Second in a three-part study of the techniques of patient interviewing and medical history taking as well as development of complete physical examination skills, recognition of normal and abnormal findings, documentation of the entire exam in a systematic fashion, and oral presentation of physical exam data. Emphasis on obtaining a medical history and completing a physical assessment of the pediatric, adult, and geriatric patient. Laboratory sessions provide opportunity for supervised "hands-on" practice of the material covered in lecture. Coursework is divided into components organized by body systems. Spring Only.

2 Credits: 1 Lecture, 3 Lab

Corequisites:
PAS526, PAS529, PAS531, PAS533, PAS553, PAS561, PAS566

Prerequisites:
PAS541 and PAS550 and PAS575

Patient History & Physical Assessment III

PAS544

Third in a three-part study of the techniques of patient interviewing and medical history taking as well as development of complete physical examination skills, recognition of normal and abnormal findings, documentation of the entire exam in a systematic fashion, and oral presentation of physical exam data. Emphasis on obtaining a medical history and completing a physical assessment of the pediatric, adult, and geriatric patient is included. Laboratory sessions provide opportunity for supervised "hands-on" practice of the material covered in lecture. Coursework is divided into components organized by body systems. Summer Only.

2 Credits: 1 Lecture, 3 Lab

Corequisites:
PAS527, PAS532, PAS534, PAS554, PAS558, PAS567, PAS571, PAS574, PAS576

Prerequisites:
PAS543 and PAS553

Clinical Medicine I

PAS550

First in a three-part series, using a systems approach to study the disease entities commonly encountered in ambulatory and hospitalized patients. Focus on understanding illness, particularly the criteria for making a diagnosis (including an understanding of signs and symptoms) and developing and implementing an appropriate patient management plan. Normal and abnormal laboratory, diagnostic, and radiographic findings are incorporated, when appropriate. Principles and guidelines for organizing and developing a structured approach to thinking about patient care are addressed during lecture, with practical application in a simulated patient scenario format. The scenarios are complete and require thorough decision making at all levels, from patient presentation to treatment or referral, as appropriate. Interpretation of medical literature is highlighted. Fall Only.

5 Credits: 5 Lecture

Corequisites:
PAS524, PAS530, PAS541, PAS565, PAS572, PAS575

Clinical Medicine II

PAS553

Second in a three-part series, using a systems approach to study the disease entities commonly encountered in ambulatory and hospitalized patients. Focus on understanding illness, particularly the criteria for making a diagnosis (including an understanding of signs and symptoms) and developing and implementing an appropriate patient management plan. Normal and abnormal laboratory, diagnostic, and radiographic findings are incorporated, when appropriate. Principles and guidelines for organizing and developing a structured approach to thinking about patient care are addressed during lecture, with practical application in a simulated patient scenario format. The scenarios are complete and require thorough decision making at all levels, from patient presentation to treatment or referral, as appropriate. Development of patient management plans and interpretation of medical literature are highlighted. Spring Only.

5 Credits: 5 Lecture

Corequisites:
PAS526, PAS529, PAS531, PAS533, PAS543, PAS561, PAS566

Prerequisites:
PAS550

Clinical Medicine III

PAS554

Third in a three-part series, using a systems approach to study the disease entities commonly encountered in ambulatory and hospitalized patients. Focus on understanding illness, particularly the criteria for making a diagnosis (including an understanding of signs and symptoms) and developing and implementing an appropriate patient management plan. Normal and abnormal laboratory, diagnostic, and radiographic findings are incorporated, when appropriate. Principles and guidelines for organizing and developing a structured approach to thinking about patient care are addressed during lecture, with practical application in a simulated patient scenario format. The scenarios are complete and require thorough decision making at all levels, from patient presentation to treatment or referral, as appropriate. Development of patient management plans and interpretation of medical literature are highlighted. Summer Only.

4 Credits: 4 Lecture

Corequisites:
PAS527, PAS532, PAS534, PAS544, PAS558, PAS567, PAS571, PAS574, PAS576

Prerequisites:
PAS553

Pediatrics

PAS558

Study of the issues of childhood development and the childhood medical illnesses encountered in general pediatric practice. Coursework is broadly focused, from infancy through childhood and adolescence. Topics include the normal growth and development of a well-child, as well as the diagnosis and management of common pediatric conditions. Summer Only.

1.50 Credits: 1.50 Lecture

Corequisites:
PAS527, PAS532, PAS534, PAS544, PAS554, PAS567, PAS571, PAS574, PAS576

Professionalism & Ethics in Physician Assistant Practice

PAS561

Application of standard moral theories and logical reasoning to medical dilemmas encountered by the physician assistant in emergency, inpatient and outpatient settings, with a focus on issues related to the autonomous patient. Analysis of professional codes, oaths, and institutional standards in the provision of healthcare are discussed. Basic principles for gaining and maintaining the confidence of the patient, the trust of professional associates, and the support of the community are emphasized. Analysis of the impact of traditions, customs, and culture of minority groups on the present healthcare system. Spring Only.

2 Credits: 2 Lecture

Corequisites:
PAS526, PAS529, PAS531, PAS533, PAS543, PAS553, PAS566

Diagnostic & Procedural Practices I

PAS565

First in a three-part series, providing the fundamental principles of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures routinely performed by physician assistants in ambulatory and hospital settings, including radiologic studies, routine therapeutic procedures, and procedures used in response to acute and/or life-threatening issues. Fall Only.

2 Credits: 1 Lecture, 3 Lab

Corequisites:
PAS524, PAS530, PAS541, PAS550, PAS572, PAS575

Diagnostic & Procedural Practices II

PAS566

Second in a three-part series, providing the fundamental principles of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures routinely performed by physician assistants in ambulatory and hospital settings, including radiologic studies, routine therapeutic procedures, and procedures used in response to acute and/or life-threatening issues. Spring Only.

3 Credits: 2 Lecture, 3 Lab

Corequisites:
PAS526, PAS529, PAS531, PAS533, PAS543, PAS553, PAS561

Prerequisites:
PAS550 and PAS565 and PAS575

Diagnostic & Procedural Practices III

PAS567

Third in a three-part series, providing the fundamental principles of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures routinely performed by physician assistants in ambulatory and hospital settings, including radiologic studies, routine therapeutic procedures, and procedures used in response to acute and/or life-threatening issues. Summer Only.

2 Credits: 1 Lecture, 3 Lab

Corequisites:
PAS527, PAS532, PAS534, PAS544, PAS554, PAS558, PAS571, PAS574, PAS576

Prerequisites:
PAS553 and PAS566

Medical Decision Making

PAS571

Exploration and application of current evidence-based medical knowledge as it pertains to making appropriate clinical decisions in the care of a patient. Principles and guidelines for organizing and developing a structured approach to thinking about patient care are addressed. Lab sessions are devoted to the practice of these skills in a simulated patient scenario format. Summer Only.

1 Credit: 0 Lecture, 3 Lab

Corequisites:
PAS527, PAS532, PAS534, PAS544, PAS554, PAS558, PAS567, PAS574, PAS576

Prerequisites:
PAS531 and PAS553

Concepts in Physician Assistant Practice

PAS572

Focus on the physician assistant's scope of practice and related regulatory requirements, the nature of their relationship to physicians and other healthcare providers, and concepts regarding the delivery of health care to diverse and vulnerable populations. Includes introduction to principles of health policy and health administration, a historical review of the physician assistant profession, and the role that physician assistants perform in the current healthcare delivery system. Exploration of topics related to health promotion and disease prevention, including current national health initiatives and health challenges. Examines cultural and religious diversity as it relates to healthcare and the disparities in healthcare delivery. Fall Only.

2 Credits: 2 Lecture

Corequisites:
PAS524, PAS530, PAS541, PAS550, PAS565, PAS575

Principles of Emergency Medicine & General Surgery

PAS574

Fundamental concepts of surgery and emergency medicine.  Surgical instruction includes standard protocol and procedures associated with surgery, synthesizing information from a surgical perspective of pre-, intra-, and post-operative management, core fundamentals of perioperative care, and recognition of post-operative complications.  Emergency Medicine component emphasizes the emergent care of life-threatening illness and injury. Summer Only.

2 Credits: 1.50 Lecture, 1.50 Lab

Corequisites:
PAS527, PAS532, PAS534, PAS544, PAS554, PAS558, PAS567, PAS571, PAS576

Prerequisites:
PAS553 and PAS566

Human Cadaver Anatomy

PAS575

Exploration of the human body as applicable to the practice of clinical medicine. Understanding the gross structure of the body is achieved through cadaver dissection, with emphasis on the extremities, the chest cavity, and the abdominal cavity. Course components require extensive laboratory time in and out of class, and cover the musculoskeletal, nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and reproductive systems, as well as the ears, nose, mouth, and throat. Fall Only.

4 Credits: 3 Lecture, 3 Lab

Corequisites:
PAS524, PAS530, PAS541, PAS550, PAS565, PAS572

Principles of Women's Health

PAS576

Study of women's reproductive health, pregnancy, and childbirth, as well as the medical issues typically encountered in a women's health clinic. Coursework is broadly focused, to include the evaluation and management of normal and abnormal gynecologic conditions occurring in adolescence through the post-menopausal years, as well as normal and abnormal obstetrics. The psychosocial issues of domestic violence and sexual assault are also examined. Summer Only.

1 Credit: 1 Lecture

Corequisites:
PAS527, PAS532, PAS534, PAS544, PAS554, PAS558, PAS567, PAS571, PAS574

PA Clinical Seminar I

PAS610

Seminar emphasizing lifelong learning, beginning with the ability to ask relevant clinical questions concerning patient care and basic understanding of statistical principles. Focus on PICO (Patient population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome) format to develop evidence-based medicine queries that require literature searches to provide an answer. Coursework results in clinical questions that will be used to write the Capstone paper. Fall Only.

1 Credit: 1 Lecture

Prerequisites:
PAS527 and PAS532 and PAS534 and PAS544 and PAS554 and PAS558 and PAS567 and PAS571 and PAS574 and PAS576

PA Clinical Seminar II

PAS620

Emphasis on lifelong learning by further developing the student's ability to ask relevant questions concerning clinical practice and patient care, as well as the ability to utilize statistical concepts in the evaluation of professional literature. Competence of acquired physician assistant clinical and technical skills is demonstrated through practical skill examination. Spring Only.

1 Credit: 1 Lecture

Prerequisites:
PAS610

Family Medicine Clinical Experience

PAS640

Clinical experience that allows for direct patient contact to evaluate, diagnose, monitor, treat, and educate patients of all ages under the direct supervision of a licensed medical practitioner. Experience in applying the knowledge learned in the didactic year to the clinical setting is essential to learning the practice of medicine. Placement options are determined by the program. Students will complete a minimum of 150 clinical hours during this rotation. In addition to clinical hours, students will also be required to participate in weekly online course activities, as well as possible pre- and/or post-rotation activities on campus.