Course Descriptions 

PA 450 — Diagnostic Methods I

Students are taught how to elicit a complete medical history. Students are then taught how to perform a complete physical examination and how to integrate and interpret findings in such a way that they may determine the next diagnostic and therapeutic step. Communication skills and professionalism are also addressed. Students are instructed how to order and interpret diagnostic tests used in evaluating medical problems.

PA 554 — Clinical Medicine I

A comprehensive study of diseases with emphasis on etiology, pathophysiology, signs and symptoms, diagnostic procedures, and therapeutic measures involved in treating medical conditions. Topics include EENT, endocrinology and pediatrics.

PA 556— Clinical Medicine II

A comprehensive study of diseases with emphasis on etiology, pathophysiology, signs and symptoms, diagnostic procedures, and therapeutic measures involved in treating medical conditions. Topics include dermatology, infectious Disease and behavioral health.

PA 475 — Basic Medical Sciences I

This course encompasses topics that are essential aspects to the practice of medicine. Areas of study include medical pharmacology, human anatomy and physiology, and medical interviewing and documentation. Seminar topics include: healthy lifestyle changes such as weight management, nutrition, and tobacco cessation. Issues of domestic violence, and sexual assault are addressed, as are issues of cardiac and PT rehabilitation and Hospice and end of life issues.

 Pa 475c — Medical Terminology (Independent Course)

A self-study learning module on medical terms and vocabulary for prospective PA students. Students are required to complete the programmed text prior to the beginning of the fall semester of the professional phase. This course grade is calculated into PA 475 Basic Medical Sciences I grade for the fall semester.

PA 455 — Diagnostic Methods II

This course is a continuation of Diagnostic Methods I and includes electro-cardiology, diagnostic imaging and the completion of the physical assessment.

PA 557 — Clinical Medicine III

Emphasis is on the etiology, pathophysiology, and clinical signs and symptoms of disease in medical subspecialty areas. Topics include: gastroenterology, neurology and cardiology.

PA 558 — Clinical Medicine IV

Emphasis is on the etiology, pathophysiology, and clinical signs and symptoms of disease in medical subspecialty areas. Topics include: pulmonology, urology and gynecology/obstetrics.

PA 476 — Basic Medical Sciences II

A continuation of Basic Medical Sciences I with the addition of Pharmacology II, Anatomy and Physiology II, gross anatomy lab II, medical anthropology and seminar topics including an introduction to objective structured clinical examinations (OSCE).

PA 559 — Clinical Medicine V

Emphasis is on the etiology, pathophysiology, and clinical signs and symptoms of disease in medical subspecialty areas. Topics include: emergency medicine, general surgery, cardiology II, orthopedics, rheumatology and a continuation of OSCEs and an introduction to clinical observations.

PA 565 Clinical Medicine VI 

This course allows students to expand on their clinical reasoning skills requiring students to refine their ability to develop a differential diagnosis, select appropriate diagnostics and develop a comprehensive treatment plan. Students will learn to develop a patient centered care plan which considers the social determinates of health and preventive care. The course will also further develop the management of patients in the in-patient setting.

PA 510 — Foundations of Clinical Practice

Students are taught the basic methodologies related to research and how to critically evaluate medical literature. Students will also learn the basic principles of evidence-based medicine and how to utilize current medical research to justify the treatment of medical conditions. Students also receive instruction in the history of the PA profession, and health care policies as they relate to PA practice.  Students will also have training in medical ethics as they prepare to enter clinical education. Students will apply genetics to various medical diseases using current medical literature.

Professional (Clinical) Phase

  • PA 515 Emergency Medicine (6 credits)
  • PA 520 Internal Medicine (6 credits)
  • PA 525 Obstetrics and Gynecology (6 credits)
  • PA 530 Pediatrics (6 credits)
  • PA 535 Psychiatry (6 credits)
  • PA 540 General Surgery (6 credits)
  • PA 545 Family Practice  (6 credits)
  • PA 555 Elective Rotation (6 credits)

Students complete 6 week rotations in Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, General Surgery and an elective rotation. Through these experiences students will continue to build upon the knowledge learned during the didactic phase of the program and integrate this knowledge into clinical practice.

PA 560 Capstone Course 

Students will complete a master’s project using up –to- date medical research. They must also pass a computer-based and practical summative examinations.