Program Overview

Physician Assistant Program

The Physician Assistant (PAS) program is designed to provide students with the necessary education and training to become competent physician assistants. The program focuses on the integration of essential anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, microbiology, pharmacology, and medical terminology relevant to medical problems encountered in the primary care setting.

Course Descriptions

• PAS 301: Introduction to Clinical Medicine I (5 credits) This course is the first in a three-semester sequenced course focusing on the study of disease. Emphasis is on the integration of essential anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, microbiology, pharmacology, and medical terminology relevant to medical problems encountered in the primary care setting.
• PAS 302: Introduction to Clinical Medicine II (5 credits) This course is the second in a three-semester sequenced course focusing on the study of disease. Emphasis is on the integration of essential anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, microbiology, pharmacology, and medical terminology relevant to medical problems encountered in the primary care setting.
• PAS 303: Introduction to Clinical Medicine III (4 credits) This course is the final in a three-semester sequenced course focusing on the study of disease. Emphasis is on the integration of essential anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, microbiology, pharmacology, and medical terminology relevant to medical problems encountered in the primary care setting.
• PAS 304: Basic and Laboratory Sciences I (2 credits) This course focuses on laboratory diagnostic test interpretation to encompass the exploration of relevant physiology and pathophysiology.
• PAS 305: Basic and Laboratory Sciences II (2 credits) This course continues the focus on laboratory diagnostic test interpretation, covering topics such as lipid disorders, cardiac markers, and metabolic chemistry panels.
• PAS 306: Clinical Application I (4 credits) This course focuses on the medical interview and physical examination techniques to foster development of adequate diagnostic skills.
• PAS 307: Clinical Application II (4 credits) This course focuses on the medical interview and advanced physical examination skills, including basic clinical procedures.
• PAS 310: Psychosocial Medicine (2 credits) This course studies the diverse cultural, ethical, and psychosocial issues that affect the medical interview and the evolving patient-physician assistant relationship.
• PAS 311: Professional Issues for the Physician Assistant (2 credits) This course examines legal, ethical, and professional issues that confront the physician assistant.
• PAS 312: Clinical Anatomy I (3 credits) This course focuses on functional and applied human anatomy, presented on a regional basis, including pro-section cadaver labs.
• PAS 313: Clinical Anatomy II (3 credits) This course continues the focus on functional and applied human anatomy, presented on a regional basis, including pro-section cadaver labs.
• PAS 314: Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine (1 credit) This course presents a study of established and emerging public health issues within the framework of basic epidemiology.
• PAS 315: Pediatrics and Adolescent Primary Care (3 credits) This course provides an overview of primary care pediatrics, focusing on well-child care, immunizations, and medical problems encountered in infants, children, and adolescents.
• PAS 316: Emergency Medicine (3 credits) This course provides a broad overview of potentially life-threatening injuries or illnesses commonly seen in the Emergency Department.
• PAS 317: Geriatrics (1 credit) This course provides a broad overview of the principles of geriatric medicine from the primary care perspective.
• PAS 395: Independent Study-Physician Assistant Program (2-4 credits)
• PAS 400A: Physician Assistant Hospital Clerkship I (12 credits)
• PAS 400B: Physician Assistant Hospital Clerkship II (10 credits)
• PAS 401: Internal Medicine Clerkship (3 credits) This supervised clinical course provides the student with an opportunity to see a variety of medical complaints or concerns primarily in the inpatient setting.
• PAS 402: Pediatrics Clerkship (3 credits) This supervised clinical course provides the student with an opportunity to participate in the care of a variety of pediatric medical complaints and concerns.
• PAS 403: Obstetrics/Gynecology Clerkship (3 credits) This supervised clinical course provides the student with an opportunity to participate in the care of a variety of patients with obstetric or gynecological complaints.
• PAS 404: Psychiatry Clerkship (2 credits) This supervised course provides the student with an opportunity to see a variety of patients with psychological problems.
• PAS 405: Primary Care Clerkship (3 credits) This supervised course provides the student with an opportunity to participate in the care of a wide variety of patients.
• PAS 406: Emergency Medicine Clerkship (2 credits) This supervised clinical course provides the student with an opportunity to participate in the care of a variety of patients with emergent medical complaints or concerns.
• PAS 407: Surgery Clerkship (2 credits) This supervised clinical course provides the student with an opportunity to participate in the care of patients with surgical complaints.
• PAS 408: Elective I Clerkship (2 credits) This supervised clinical course is chosen by the student, restricted to primary care settings.
• PAS 409: Elective II Clerkship (2 credits) This supervised clinical course is arranged by the student in conjunction with Program faculty in a setting or specialty of choice.

Course Rotation and Prerequisites

Each course has a specified rotation (e.g., Fall, Spring, Summer) and prerequisites, which are detailed in the course descriptions above.