Program Overview

Introduction to the Physician Assistant Program

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) Physician Assistant (PA) Program is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to become a successful physician assistant. The program is guided by the principles of medical knowledge, interpersonal communication, and professional ethics.

Student Learning Outcomes

The UTHSC PA Program has established a set of programmatic learning outcomes (PLO) that all students will obtain throughout the two-year curriculum. These outcomes are based on the competencies published by the National Commission on Certifying Physician Assistants (NCCPA) and the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA). The seven domains of competence are:

1. Medical Knowledge and Person-Centered Care
2. Interpersonal Communication
3. Interprofessional Collaboration
4. Professional, Ethical, and Legal Aspects of Healthcare
5. Practice-based Learning and Quality Improvement
6. Health Literature and Finance
7. Society and Population Health

The programmatic learning outcomes include:

1. Formulate a thoughtful clinical approach to diseases and conditions across the lifespan.
2. Articulate a comprehensive medical history and perform a thorough physical examination.
3. Identify and select components in a focused physical examination based on the history information.
4. Describe the underlying pathophysiology associated with diseases and conditions.
5. Compare and contrast diagnostic modalities for a specific condition or set of differential diagnoses.
6. Assess pertinent positive and negative findings from the history and physical examination, laboratory findings, and radiographical studies.
7. Interpret and recognize the significance of various laboratory and radiographical studies in relation to the disease process.
8. Formulate a working differential diagnosis based on the presenting signs and symptoms.
9. Devise a treatment plan for disease processes, including pharmacotherapeutic and/or surgical interventions.
10. Explain the indications, contraindications, and side effect profiles for pharmacologic agents.
11. Recognize the importance of patient education and compliance as it relates to pharmacologic interventions.
12. Discuss and defend non-pharmacologic interventions for disease treatment.
13. Formulate treatment plans for specific disease prevention and evaluate the success of those treatments.
14. Describe and perform clinical procedures used in diagnosis and treatment, including indications, contraindications, and complications.
15. Provide education to patients, family members, and caregivers on disease prevention, screening guidelines, and risk factors.
16. Describe complications associated with diseases and conditions and distinguish the need for rehabilitation or long-term care.
17. Identify when referral to or consultation with a physician or specialist is indicated.
18. Recognize abnormal patient presentations and identify chronic, urgent, emergent, and life-threatening conditions.
19. Compare and contrast different healthcare professions and their contributions to the healthcare system.
20. Articulate the role of PA in the healthcare system and the value the profession brings to healthcare teams.
21. Critically evaluate landmark research publications that lead to the establishment of national and international guidelines for disease management.
22. Argue for patient rights and safety by identifying and avoiding risk factors that can lead to medical errors.
23. Discuss legal and ethical considerations in healthcare, including informed consent, advanced directives, and end-of-life decisions.
24. Explain the principles of billing, coding, and how medical decisions can impact the financial aspects of healthcare.
25. Demonstrate appropriate medical record documentation.

About the Program

The UTHSC PA Program is a two-year curriculum designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to become a successful physician assistant. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).

Admissions

The admissions process for the UTHSC PA Program includes:

• Prerequisites:
  • Completion of a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
  • Completion of prerequisite courses, including biology, chemistry, and physics
• Admission Checklist:
  • Submission of official transcripts
  • Submission of letters of recommendation
  • Completion of the CASPA application
• Application Procedure (CASPA):
  • Submission of the CASPA application, including all required documents and fees
• Cost of Attendance:
  • Tuition and fees for the program

Curriculum

The curriculum for the UTHSC PA Program includes:

• Course Descriptions:
  • Didactic courses, including anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology
  • Clinical courses, including family medicine, internal medicine, and surgery
• Requirements and Policies:
  • Completion of all required courses and clinical rotations
  • Maintenance of a minimum GPA

Faculty

The faculty for the UTHSC PA Program includes experienced physician assistants and physicians who are dedicated to providing students with a comprehensive education.

Accreditation Status

The UTHSC PA Program is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).