PAC - Physician Assistant
PAC 503 Clinical Assessment I (2.5 Credit Hours)
CA I is designed to teach students the skills necessary to clinically assess a patient, including how to perform a comprehensive health history and physical examination in a systematic manner. Students will have opportunities to practice and demonstrate their skills on classmates and standardized patients. This course consists of lectures and laboratory sessions.
May be repeated for credit.
Academic Level: Graduate
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Physician Assistant.
PAC 509 Clinical Medicine I (1 Credit Hours)
Clinical Medicine is one of several cornerstone courses in the curriculum. This lecture-based course will span each of the 3 didactic semesters of the first year and will focus on specific modular based organ systems during each semester. For each system, the risk factors, epidemiology, physiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic studies, treatment approaches and appropriate referral will be presented and discussed from a primary care perspective. The knowledge attained in this course will be synchronized with Clinical Assessment I and Pharmacology I. The concepts of patient education and health promotion/disease prevention will also be addressed.
May be repeated for credit.
Academic Level: Graduate
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Physician Assistant.
PAC 519 Clinical Medicine II (8 Credit Hours)
This second lecture-based course of the Clinical Medicine series will build upon knowledge attained through the first semester courses and will be synchronized with Clinical Assessment II and Pharmacology II courses in organ system based modules. This semester’s series will provide instruction in epidemiology, physiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic studies, differential diagnoses, primary diagnosis, management and treatment approaches from initial presentation through ongoing follow up including health promotion, disease prevention, patient education, and referral. Using an organ system and evidence based medicine approach, lectures and readings will present the most common clinical conditions (acute and chronic) seen by primary care providers. Where applicable, genetic mechanism in health and disease will be integrated into each system including parameters used to determine appropriate genetic risk factors, need for genetic testing and referral to genetic counselors. Multiple Infectious Disease topics will be integrated into appropriate organ systems throughout the semester.
May be repeated for credit.
Academic Level: Graduate
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Physician Assistant.
PAC 533 Clinical Assessment III (3 Credit Hours)
CA III is a continuation of Clinical Assessment I and II. Topics correlate with those in Clinical Medicine, Specialty Disciplines and Pharmacology courses in a modular layout. Students will learn how to gather a focused patient history and perform physical exam special tests as well as how to interpret this information within the context of the clinical decision-making process. This course continues to reinforce the systematic interpretation of diagnostic and laboratory studies. Human models, standardized patients and simulated experiences may be used to reinforce concepts. This course consists of lecture, laboratory and seminar sessions.
May be repeated for credit.
Academic Level: Graduate
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Physician Assistant.
PAC 543 Evidence Based Medicine I (1 Credit Hours)
This course is designed to give students the tools necessary to apply evidence based theory to the care of patients. There will be lecture components, in depth discussion of appropriate publications, and a poster project to assess competency in evidence based medicine and medical literature appraisal.
Academic Level: Graduate
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Physician Assistant.
PAC 545 Specialty Disciplines (7 Credit Hours)
This course is an introduction to disorders commonly treated in pediatrics and psychiatric medicine and will examine common medical conditions through the lens of emergency, hospitalist, and surgical specialties. Epidemiology, etiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic studies, differential diagnoses, diagnosis, management and treatment approaches from initial presentation through ongoing follow-up including health promotion, disease prevention, patient education and referral will be explored. Inner workings of the ED, inpatient settings, and OR will also be discussed to prepare students for these clinical rotations.
Academic Level: Graduate
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Physician Assistant.
PAC 546 Clinical Medicine III (6 Credit Hours)
This third lecture based course of the Clinical Medicine series will build upon knowledge attained through the first and second semester courses and will be synchronized with the Clinical Assessment III and Pharmacology III courses in organ system based modules. This semester’s series will provide students with instruction in epidemiology, physiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic studies, differential diagnoses, diagnosis, management and treatment approaches from initial presentation through ongoing follow-up including health promotion, disease prevention, patient education and referral. Using an organ/modular based system and evidence based medicine approach lectures and readings will present the most common clinical conditions (acute and chronic) seen by primary care providers. Where applicable, genetic mechanism in health and disease will be integrated into each system including parameters used to determine appropriate genetic risk factors, need for genetic testing and referral to genetic counselors. Multiple Infectious Disease topics will be integrated into appropriate organ systems throughout the semester.
Academic Level: Graduate
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Physician Assistant.
PAC 547 Interdisc Geriatrics Ed Prog I (1 Credit Hours)
IGEP I provides a foundation in the principles of geriatric medicine including pharmacology, fall prevention, and social determinants of health. This first semester will focus on students gathering histories and assessing the care/management goals during in person and/or televisits with independently living Elder Teachers. The course incorporates students and faculty from other health care professions that will allow participants to learn about interprofessional and team-based patient care.
Academic Level: Graduate
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Physician Assistant.
PAC 548 Principles of Bioscience (3 Credit Hours)
This course is an overview of cell physiology, genetics, immunology, and microbiology. Particular attention is placed on the application of the fundamental knowledge presented to the practice of clinical medicine. These foundation modules will provide information essential to the understanding of material delivered in Clinical Medicine, Pharmacology and other didactic year courses.
May be repeated for credit.
Academic Level: Graduate
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Physician Assistant.
PAC 551 Intro to Public Health (1 Credit Hours)
This course is designed to introduce students to key concepts of epidemiology and public health as an integrating system for the provider. Public health organization, fundamental theoretical frameworks, systems, and the social and cultural determinants of health are explored. Lectures, class discussions, skill-building exercises, videos, and guest educators may be used to illustrate critical knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for culturally responsive practice.
Academic Level: Graduate
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Physician Assistant.
PAC 554 Clinical Assessment II (3 Credit Hours)
CA II builds on the fundamental skills taught in the CA I course. Topics correlate with those in Clinical Medicine and Pharmacology courses in a modular format. Students will learn how to gather a focused patient history and perform physical examination techniques including special tests as well as how to interpret this information within the context of clinical decision-making. Students will also learn how to systematically interpret diagnostic and laboratory tests. Human models, standardized patients and simulated experiences may be used to reinforce concepts. This course consists of weekly lecture, laboratory and seminar sessions.
Academic Level: Graduate
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Physician Assistant.
PAC 555 Anatomy (5 Credit Hours)
This course is an in-depth study of the structure and relationship of the various organ systems of the human body. It is divided into 5 major sections; upper extremity, back and lower extremity, head and neck, thorax, abdomen, pelvis, and neuroscience. Each section is designed to complement the others. Concepts of diagnostic imaging are introduced in the Clinical Applications of Anatomy lecture series, and are correlated with normal anatomy learned in the lecture and laboratory portions of the course. Examination of cadavers is emphasized throughout the entire course. The laboratory/seminar utilizes pro-sections, anatomical models, skeletal materials, and cross sections.
Academic Level: Graduate
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Physician Assistant.
PAC 556 Evidence Based Medicine ll (0.5 Credit Hours)
This course builds upon the skills learned in Evidence Based Medicine I and utilizes in depth literature reviews that apply evidence based theory to the care of patients. There will be a lecture component and regularly scheduled small group journal clubs for in depth discussion of appropriate publications.
Academic Level: Graduate
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Physician Assistant.
PAC 559 Pharmacology I (3 Credit Hours)
Pharmacology I is the first in a year long, three course sequence designed to give the student a fundamental knowledge base of pharmaceuticals utilized in the practice of primary care medicine. Additionally, students learn to base medication decisions on evidence-based practice and develop treatment plans incorporating a comprehensive approach to medication management.
Academic Level: Graduate
PAC 560 Pharmacology II (3.5 Credit Hours)
This is the second of three semesters of Pharmacology. Students will study the clinical pharmacology and therapeutics of medications associated with the disease mechanisms common in primary care. This course is integrated in a module format with Clinical Medicine, Clinical Assessment and Integrating Seminar.
Academic Level: Graduate
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Physician Assistant.
PAC 561 Pharmacology III (3.5 Credit Hours)
This is the third of three semesters of Pharmacology. Students will study the clinical pharmacology and therapeutics of medications associated with the disease mechanisms common in primary care. This course is integrated in a module format with Clinical Medicine, Clinical Assessment and Integrating Seminar.
Academic Level: Graduate
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Physician Assistant.
PAC 564 Interdisc Geriatric Ed Prog II (2 Credit Hours)
IGEP II continues to explore the principles of geriatric medicine including end of life/palliative care and dementia. Students will be learning how to communicate with patients and assessing care/management goals using material from lectures, panel discussions, and simulated and/or real patient experiences with Elder Teachers. The course incorporates students and faculty from other health care professions that will allow participants to learn about interprofessional and team-based patient care.
Academic Level: Graduate
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Physician Assistant.
PAC 565 Integrating Seminar I (3 Credit Hours)
This is a small group seminar and simulation course designed to develop individual critical thinking and medical decision-making skills. Utilizing a problem-based learning format, students will apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes learned across the curriculum to individual patient cases commonly seen in general practice. This course is integrated with Clinical Medicine, Clinical Assessment and Pharmacology.
Academic Level: Graduate
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Physician Assistant.
PAC 575 Academic Enrichment (0.5 Credit Hours)
Academic enrichment course is designed to provide students with additional or supplemental instruction to support their academic success and progress in the PA program. It may also allow students needing to remediate course competency areas not successfully demonstrated in the didactic phase in order to be able to enter into the clinical component of the curriculum.
May be repeated for credit.
Academic Level: Graduate
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Physician Assistant.
PAC 581 Prof. & Eth. Issues for PA (1.5 Credit Hours)
This course provides an overview of issues pertinent to the United States healthcare system. It examines the legal, economic, and ethical factors relevant to practice as a Physician Assistant. Information on national, regional and state organizations specific to the physician assistant student, clinician and profession are presented.
Academic Level: Graduate
PAC 582 Prof. & Eth. Issues for PA (1 Credit Hours)
This course provides an overview of issues pertinent to the United States healthcare system. It examines the historical development, legal, economic, and ethical factors relevant to practice as a Physician Assistant. Information on national, regional and state organizations specific to the physician assistant student, clinician and profession are presented.
Academic Level: Graduate
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Physician Assistant.
PAC 585 Integrating Seminar II (3 Credit Hours)
This is a small group simulation course designed to develop individual critical thinking and medical decision-making skills. Utilizing a problem-based learning format, students will apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes learned across the curriculum to individual patient cases commonly seen in general outpatient and inpatient practice. The course culminates in a simulation module in which students practice clinical procedures, teamwork, clinical troubleshooting and advanced clinical reasoning in complex high-acuity cases. This course is integrated with Clinical Medicine, Clinical Assessment, Specialty Disciplines and Pharmacology.
Academic Level: Graduate
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Physician Assistant.
PAC 614 Prep for Clinical Practice I (1 Credit Hours)
This is course one of three consecutive courses that run simultaneously with rotations throughout the clinical year. Students will return to campus every 12 weeks to participate in activities and meet with their academic advisors. Seminar lectures may cover topics of clinical interest, professional issues and healthcare issues. Students will be evaluated on their knowledge, clinical skills and professionalism over the course series in the clinical year through formative and summative assessments and a final Capstone presentation.
Academic Level: Graduate
PAC 615 Prep for Clinical Practice II (1 Credit Hours)
This is course two of three consecutive courses that run simultaneously with rotations throughout the clinical year. Students will return to campus every 12 weeks to participate in activities and meet with their academic advisors. Seminar lectures may cover topics of clinical interest, professional issues and healthcare issues. Students will be evaluated on their knowledge, clinical skills and professionalism over the course series in the clinical year through formative and summative assessments and a final Capstone presentation.
Academic Level: Graduate
PAC 616 Prep for Clinical Practice III (1 Credit Hours)
This is course three of three consecutive courses that run simultaneously with rotations throughout the clinical year. Students will return to campus every 12 weeks to participate in activities and meet with their academic advisors. Seminar lectures may cover topics of clinical interest, professional issues and healthcare issues. Students will be evaluated on their knowledge, clinical skills and professionalism over the course series in the clinical year through formative and summative assessments and a final Capstone presentation.
Academic Level: Graduate
PAC 628 Clinical Therapeutics I (0.5 Credit Hours)
This course builds on EBM theory developed in EBM I and II while exploring controversies in pharmacology and pharm-therapeutics via online format journal clubs and activities completed during end of rotation seminars. This course includes the researching and writing of a capstone paper project proposal.
Academic Level: Graduate
PAC 629 Clinical Therapeutics II (0.5 Credit Hours)
This course builds on EBM theory as developed in EBM I & II while continuing the exploration of controversies in pharmacology and pharm-therapeutics via online format journal clubs and activities completed during end of rotation seminars. This course culminates in the writing of a capstone project paper.
Academic Level: Graduate
PAC 670 Clinical Practicum I (6 Credit Hours)
Students complete five to six weeks of supervised clinical practical training. During each clinical practicum, the student will be assigned to a specific clinical rotation type. See clinical rotation descriptions for further details.
Academic Level: Graduate
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Physician Assistant.
PAC 671 Clinical Practicum II (6 Credit Hours)
Students complete five to six weeks of supervised clinical practical training. During each clinical practicum, the student will be assigned to a specific clinical rotation type. See clinical rotation descriptions for further details.
Academic Level: Graduate
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Physician Assistant.
PAC 672 Clinical Practicum III (6 Credit Hours)
Students complete five to six weeks of supervised clinical practical training. During each clinical practicum, the student will be assigned to a specific clinical rotation type. See clinical rotation descriptions for further details.
Academic Level: Graduate
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Physician Assistant.
PAC 673 Clinical Practicum IV (6 Credit Hours)
Students complete five to six weeks of supervised clinical practical training. During each clinical practicum, the student will be assigned to a specific clinical rotation type. See clinical rotation descriptions for further details.
Academic Level: Graduate
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Physician Assistant.
PAC 674 Clinical Practicum V (6 Credit Hours)
Students complete five to six weeks of supervised clinical practical training. During each clinical practicum, the student will be assigned to a specific clinical rotation type. See clinical rotation descriptions for further details.
Academic Level: Graduate
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Physician Assistant.
PAC 675 Clinical Practicum VI (6 Credit Hours)
Students complete five to six weeks of supervised clinical practical training. During each clinical practicum, the student will be assigned to a specific clinical rotation type. See clinical rotation descriptions for further details.
Academic Level: Graduate
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Physician Assistant.
PAC 676 Clinical Practicum VII (6 Credit Hours)
Students complete five to six weeks of supervised clinical practical training. During each clinical practicum, the student will be assigned to a specific clinical rotation type. See clinical rotation descriptions for further details.
Academic Level: Graduate
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Physician Assistant.
PAC 677 Clinical Practicum VIII (6 Credit Hours)
Students complete five to six weeks of supervised clinical practical training. During each clinical practicum, the student will be assigned to a specific clinical rotation type. See clinical rotation descriptions for further details.
Academic Level: Graduate
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Physician Assistant.