Physician Assistant Courses

Course Descriptions

Pathophysiology I

PHA424

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:
PHA430, PHA441, PHA450, PHA465, PHA472, PHA475

Pathophysiology II

PHA426

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:
PHA429, PHA431, PHA433, PHA443, PHA453, PHA461, PHA466

Prerequisites:
PHA424 and PHA450 and PHA475

Pathophysiology III

PHA427

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:
PHA432, PHA434, PHA444, PHA454, PHA458, PHA467, PHA471, PHA474, PHA476

Prerequisites:
PHA426 and PHA453 and PHA475

Cardiology

PHA429

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:
PHA426, PHA431, PHA433, PHA443, PHA453, PHA461, PHA466

Prerequisites:
PHA450 and PHA475

Pharmacology I

PHA430

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:
PHA424, PHA441, PHA450, PHA465, PHA472, PHA475

Pharmacology II

PHA431

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:
PHA426, PHA429, PHA433, PHA443, PHA453, PHA461, PHA466

Prerequisites:
PHA430 and PHA450

Pharmacology III

PHA432

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:
PHA427, PHA434, PHA444, PHA454, PHA458, PHA467, PHA471, PHA474, PHA476

Prerequisites:
PHA426 and PHA431 and PHA453

Laboratory Medicine I

PHA433

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:
PHA426, PHA429, PHA431, PHA443, PHA453, PHA461, PHA466

Prerequisites:
PHA430 and PHA450 and PHA465

Laboratory Medicine II

PHA434

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:
PHA427, PHA432, PHA444, PHA454, PHA458, PHA467, PHA471, PHA474, PHA476

Prerequisites:
PHA431 and PHA433 and PHA453 and PHA466

Patient History & Physical Assessment I

PHA441

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:
PHA424, PHA430, PHA450, PHA465, PHA472, PHA475

Patient History & Physical Assessment II

PHA443

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:
PHA426, PHA429, PHA431, PHA433, PHA453, PHA461, PHA466

Prerequisites:
PHA441 and PHA450 and PHA475

Patient History & Physical Assessment III

PHA444

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:
PHA427, PHA432, PHA434, PHA454, PHA458, PHA467, PHA471, PHA474, PHA476

Prerequisites:
PHA443 and PHA453

Clinical Medicine I

PHA450

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:
PHA424, PHA430, PHA441, PHA465, PHA472, PHA475

Clinical Medicine II

PHA453

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:
PHA426, PHA429, PHA431, PHA433, PHA443, PHA461, PHA466

Prerequisites:
PHA450

Clinical Medicine III

PHA454

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:
PHA427, PHA432, PHA434, PHA444, PHA458, PHA467, PHA471, PHA474, PHA476

Prerequisites:
PHA453

Pediatrics

PHA458

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:
PHA427, PHA432, PHA434, PHA444, PHA454, PHA467, PHA471, PHA474, PHA476

Professionalism & Ethics in Physician Assistant Practice

PHA461

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:
PHA426, PHA429, PHA431, PHA433, PHA443, PHA453, PHA466

Diagnostic & Procedural Practices I

PHA465

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:
PHA424, PHA430, PHA441, PHA450, PHA472, PHA475

Diagnostic & Procedural Practices II

PHA466

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:
PHA426, PHA429, PHA431, PHA433, PHA443, PHA453, PHA461

Prerequisites:
PHA450 and PHA465 and PHA475

Diagnostic & Procedural Practices III

PHA467

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:
PHA427, PHA432, PHA434, PHA444, PHA454, PHA458, PHA471, PHA474, PHA476

Prerequisites:
PHA453 and PHA466

Medical Decision Making

PHA471

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:
PHA427, PHA432, PHA434, PHA444, PHA454, PHA458, PHA467, PHA474, PHA476

Prerequisites:
PHA431 and PHA453

Concepts in Physician Assistant Practice

PHA472

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:
PHA424, PHA430, PHA441, PHA450, PHA465, PHA475

Principles of Emergency Medicine & General Surgery

PHA474

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:
PHA427, PHA432, PHA434, PHA444, PHA454, PHA458, PHA467, PHA471, PHA476

Prerequisites:
PHA453 and PHA466

Human Cadaver Anatomy

PHA475

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:
PHA424, PHA430, PHA441, PHA450, PHA465, PHA472

Principles of Women's Health

PHA476

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:
PHA427, PHA432, PHA434, PHA444, PHA454, PHA458, PHA467, PHA471, PHA474

PA Clinical Seminar I

PHA610

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:
PHA427 and PHA432 and PHA434 and PHA444 and PHA454 and PHA458 and PHA467 and PHA471 and PHA474 and PHA476

PA Clinical Seminar II

PHA620

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:
PHA610

Family Medicine Clinical Experience

PHA640

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.