Physician Assistant

Name	Title	Credits	School
PHAS-600	Advanced Anatomy and Physiology	6.0	Health Professions
In this course, students apply an integrated approach to the mastering of anatomy and physiology 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 and application of physiological principles. Emphasis is placed on form and function and physiological processes from a clinical perspective utilizing integrated problem-based learning concepts and case-based discussions.
PHAS-600L	Advanced Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory	0.0	Health Professions
This course is a laboratory component of the lecture course. In this course, students apply an integrated approach to the mastering of anatomy and physiology 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 and application of physiological principles. Emphasis is placed on form and function and physiological processes from a clinical perspective utilizing integrated problem-based learning concepts and case-based discussions.
PHAS-606	Advanced Clinical Pathophysiology	2.0	Health Professions
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.
PHAS-610	Clinical Medicine I	5.0	Health Professions
This is the first 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 dermatology, HEENT, infectious diseases, and pulmonary medicine 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.
PHAS-611	Clinical Medicine II	5.0	Health Professions
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 gastroenterology, 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.
PHAS-612	Clinical Medicine III	5.0	Health Professions
This is the last 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 geriatrics, psychiatry, and neurology 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.
PHAS-615	Surgery	3.0	Health Professions
Common surgical problems in general surgery, orthopaedics, 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 well as contraindications. The recognition of common complications and their prevention will be emphasized.
PHAS-617	Pediatrics	2.0	Health Professions
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.
PHAS-620	Pharmacology I	3.0	Health Professions
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.
PHAS-621	Pharmacology II	3.0	Health Professions
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.
PHAS-622	Clinical Skills I	1.0	Health Professions
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.
PHAS-623	Clinical Skills II	1.0	Health Professions
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. Prerequisite Course(s): PHAS-622
PHAS-627	Clinical Skills III	2.0	Health Professions
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.
PHAS-627L	Clinical Skills III Laboratory	0.0	Health Professions
This course is a laboratory component of the lecture course. 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.
PHAS-630	Clinical Laboratory Medicine	3.0	Health Professions
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.
PHAS-640	Behavioral Medicine	2.0	Health Professions
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.
PHAS-640L	Behavioral Med Lab	0.0	Health Professions
This course is a laboratory component of the lecture course. 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.
PHAS-650	Research I	1.0	Health Professions
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.
PHAS-651	Research II	1.0	Health Professions
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 performing a longitudinal study during their clinical year clerkships. The role of faculty mentorship in their project will be clearly articulated as students develop skills towards becoming lifelong learners.
PHAS-655	Epidemiology and Interpretation of the Medical Literature	2.0	Health Professions
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.
PHAS-660	Physician Assistant Professional Issues	1.0	Health Professions
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.
PHAS-665	Emergency Medicine	3.0	Health Professions
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.
PHAS-670	Family Practice	2.0	Health Professions
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.
PHAS-675	Informatics in Medicine	1.0	Health Professions
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 Internet-based resources for both patients and practitioners.
PHAS-680	Clinical Decision Making	2.0	Health Professions
Problem-based learning will be utilized in a small group format. Students will have an opportunity to apply all learned knowledge on computer simulated patient interactions just prior to the start of clinical clerkships. The focus 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 issue of premature closure will be discussed for each case presentation.
PHAS-680L	Clinical Decisions Laboratory	0.0	Health Professions
This course is a laboratory component of the lecture course. Problem-based learning will be utilized in a small group format. Students will have an opportunity to apply all learned knowledge on computer simulated patient interactions just prior to the start of clinical clerkships. The focus 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 issue of premature closure will be discussed for each case presentation.
PHAS-690	Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Strategies	2.0	Health Professions
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.
PHAS-695	Women's Health	2.0	Health Professions
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.
PHAS-700	Family Practice Clerkship	6.0	Health Professions
This required eight-week clerkship takes place in an ambulatory/outpatient setting in an affiliated hospital or private office and encompasses treatment of patients in all age groups. Working under the supervision of licensed physicians and/or physician assistants and in conjunction with the health care team, students are assigned to an outpatient medical setting where they focus on health maintenance, preventative, care and psychosocial dynamics of disease. Continuity of care and the role of the patient, practitioner, and family in the management of health and disease are explored. Students develop skills that allow them to evaluate, manage, and monitor common health problems and complaints. 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 clinical decisions throughout this clerkship to achieve entry-level proficiency.
PHAS-701	Internal Medicine	6.0	Health Professions
This required eight-week clerkship takes place in an affiliated hospital or private office. Working under the supervision of licensed physicians and/or physician assistants and in conjunction with the health care team, students will evaluate internal medicine patients and follow their daily progress. Students will elicit history and physical findings, incorporate those findings with the patient's 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 clinical decisions throughout this clerkship to achieve entry-level proficiency.
PHAS-702	Surgery Clerkship	6.0	Health Professions
This required eight-week clerkship takes place in an affiliated hospital or private office. Working under the supervision of licensed physicians and/or physician assistants and in conjunction with the health care team, students will develop an understanding of surgical diseases with emphasis on preoperative and postoperative assessment is stressed. During the intraoperative component of this rotation, students reinforce their knowledge of sterile technique, as well as learn proper and efficient use of surgical instruments. 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 clinical decisions throughout this clerkship to achieve entry-level proficiency.
PHAS-703	Emergency Medicine Clerkship	3.0	Health Professions
This required four-week clerkship takes place in an affiliated hospital emergency department. Working under the supervision of licensed physicians and/or physician assistants and in conjunction with the health care team, students will triage, evaluate, and manage patients of all ages with acute medical emergencies. Students will elicit history and physical findings, incorporate those findings with 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 clinical decisions throughout this clerkship to achieve entry-level proficiency.
PHAS-704	Obstetrics and Gynecology Clerkship	3.0	Health Professions
This required four-week clerkship takes place in an affiliated hospital or private office. Working under the supervision of licensed physicians and/or physician assistants and in conjunction with the health care team, students will evaluate obstetrical and gynecological patients and follow their progress. The gynecologic component focuses on health promotion and disease prevention of the female reproductive tract. During the obstetrical component clinical experience is provided in labor and delivery plus prenatal and postpartum care. Students will interact with patients on both the Obstetrical and Gynecologic services. Clinical knowledge will be developed in such areas as annual exams, PAP smears, birth control, infertility, menstruation, and sexuality so that appropriate patient counseling may be provided for female patients. Students will elicit history and physical findings, incorporate those findings with patient's 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 clinical decisions throughout this clerkship to achieve entry-level proficiency.
PHAS-705	Orthopaedics Clerkship	3.0	Health Professions
This required four-week clerkship takes place in an affiliated hospital or private office. Working under the supervision of licensed physicians and/or physician assistants and in conjunction with the health care team, students learn to evaluate and manage orthopedic emergencies as well as fractures , wounds, degenerative conditions, and soft tissue injuries in adult and pediatric patient populations. Those clerkships with an intraoperative component will cover preoperative and postoperative management of an orthopedic patient and provide an opportunity to reinforce knowledge of sterile technique, as well as learn proper and efficient use of surgical instruments as they apply to musculoskeletal cases. 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 clinical decisions throughout this clerkship to achieve entry-level proficiency.
PHAS-706	Pediatrics Clerkship	3.0	Health Professions
This required four-week clerkship takes place in an affiliated hospital or private office. Working under the supervision of licensed physicians and/or physician assistants and in conjunction with the health care team, students will evaluate infants, small children, and adolescents to age 18. The student learns how to evaluate and monitor common pediatric problems, recognize developmental abnormalities, anticipatory guidance, and provide appropriate interventional counseling. Fundamental to this clerkship is the understanding that the provider of pediatric services plays a key role for the family and the patient as they progress through the various stages of development. Students will elicit history and physical findings, incorporate those findings with 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 clinical decisions throughout this clerkship to achieve entry-level proficiency.
PHAS-707	Psychiatry Clerkship	3.0	Health Professions
This required four-week clerkship takes place in an affiliated inpatient psychiatric setting, an outpatient day hospital, or other approved psychiatric setting. Working under the supervision of licensed physicians and/or physician assistants and in conjunction with the health care team, students will develop skills necessary to evaluate and manage patients with a variety of psychiatric problems. During this rotation students will work closely with psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, nurses, and other mental health providers to further their understanding of their cooperative role in the delivery of mental health services. The skills of performing a mental status examination, psychiatric interview, and appropriate referral are emphasized. 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 clinical decisions throughout this clerkship to achieve entry-level proficiency.
PHAS-710	Elective Clerkship	3.0	Health Professions
This required four-week clerkship takes place in an affiliated hospital or private office and is scheduled by the student in coordination with the clinical coordinator. Working under the supervision of licensed physicians and/or physician assistants and in conjunction with the health care team, preceptors, and faculty, students will develop specific learning goals depending upon the type of clerkship selected. Any of the clerkships offered by the program will meet the requirements for this rotation. New sites that students wish to establish must be identified at least four months prior to the preceptorship to complete placement arrangements. 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 clinical decisions throughout this clerkship to achieve entry-level proficiency.
PHAS-752	Research III	1.0	Health Professions
This course is designed as a follow up to the Research I and II courses. Students will further refine their research project for performing a longitudinal study during their clinical year clerkships. The role of faculty mentorship in their project will be clearly articulated as students develop skills towards becoming lifelong learners.
PHAS-753	Research IV	1.0	Health Professions
This course is the last in a series of research courses that provide students with faculty mentorship to organize, prepare, and complete an original research project for presentation. Students will be provided with a forum for presentation of their projects and to share knowledge gained from their research with students and faculty. A final approved research project is required.