Physician Assistant Studies Program Purpose & Learning Outcomes
The School of Physician Assistant Studies provides an outstanding curriculum utilizing innovative, alternative and traditional formats in a dynamic learning environment. The focus of the School is driven by the needs of the local and global community with a strong commitment to multilingual, multicultural, and gender-equitable learning.
As a School, our purpose is to educate and mentor our students in the essential criteria for clinical practice across the lifespan; graduating clinicians should be able to demonstrate knowledge of and skills in:
- Explaining the epidemiology, incidence, and prevalence of diseases and disorders
- Applying basic science concepts, including human anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, genetics, and microbiology/biochemistry
- Recognizing common signs and symptoms
- Integrating pertinent patient historical information and physical examination findings
- Generating differential diagnoses/hypotheses
- Explaining the rationale for using laboratory and diagnostic studies
- Interpreting laboratory and/or diagnostic studies results
- Considering the impact of diversity and ethical principles in clinical practice
- Applying psychosocial concepts into clinical decision making across the lifespan
- Defining the mechanism of action, indications, contraindications, complications, side effects, adverse reactions, and drug interactions for relevant pharmaceutical therapeutics
- Formulating, implementing, and managing appropriate pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic therapeutic treatment regimens
- Considering appropriate referral and consultation
- Providing patient centered counseling and education with regard to preventative principles, risk factors, and overall health maintenance
- Emphasizing lifelong learning through the practice of evidence based, cost sensitive, quality medicine