PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT STUDIES (PAS)
Course Descriptions
PAS/PTS/BIO 511 Cr. 6
Human Gross Anatomy
A comprehensive consideration of the human anatomy including
both neuro-musculoskeletal components and internal organ
systems. Systems included are musculoskeletal, neurological,
urogenital, gastrointestinal, skeletal, and cardiopulmonary.
Biomechanical function, topographic and radiographic
correlations, and clinical applications are emphasized. Provides
an in-depth understanding of the gross anatomy of the human body
through lecture, audiovisual, computer and gross cadaver
prosection. Prerequisite: Admission to the PAS program or
permission of instructor. (Cross-listed with BIO 511 and PTS
511; may only earn credit in PAS, BIO or PTS). Offered Summer
Session.
PAS 622 Cr. 1
Neuroanatomy
This course provides the student an understanding of the
structure, organization and function of the central, peripheral
and autonomic nervous systems including the vascular supply to
each of these components. This provides the basis for
appreciating the anatomical basis of more common neurologic
disorders and neurologic testing. Cadaveric specimens are used
in the laboratory. Prerequisite: Admission to the PAS program
and approval of the program director. Offered Spring.
PAS 624 Cr. 2
Medical Biochemistry
A study of chemical processes in cells (i.e., enzymes,
lipids, membranes, metabolism, nucleic acids, receptor-sites,
etc.) with special emphasis on building a foundation for the
study of methods for diagnosis and treatment of human diseases
and disorders. Prerequisite: Admission to the PAS program.
Offered Summer Session.
PAS 626 Cr. 4
Medical Physiology
An advanced study of the physiology of human organ systems
focusing on topics that provide the basis for understanding
disease and pharmacotherapeutic mechanisms. Prerequisite:
Admission to the PAS program. May not earn credit for PAS 626
and BIO 718/719. Offered Summer Session.
PAS 628 Cr. 2
Clinical Infectious Disease
This course introduces the principles of infectious diseases and the characteristics of the important pathogens. The discussion will focus on the clinical aspects of each infectious disease building on previous knowledge of microbiology. Includes a survey of microorganisms that commonly infect humans including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. The immune system role in preventing and treating infectious diseases will also be discussed. Prerequisite: Admission to the PAS program and approval of the program director. Offered Fall.
PAS 630 Cr. 4
Medical Pharmacology
This course presents a broad survey of the general principles
of pharmacology. Included are the principles of
pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, the mechanisms of action,
toxicities and interactions of specific drugs and drug groups,
and an introduction to medical therapeutics. The
physiologic basis and clinical application of pharmacologic
agents is also discussed. Prerequisite: Admission to the PAS
program and approval of the program director. Offered Fall.
PAS 640 Cr. 2
Introduction to the Physician Assistant Profession
This course provides an overview of the PA profession, its
history, current role in health care and other issues of
professional interest. Students also develop patient
interview and communication skills. Concepts of
professionalism and professional ethics as a PA student and
graduate physician assistant are introduced. Prerequisite:
Admission to the PAS program. Offered Summer Session.
PAS 642 Cr. 5
Medical History and Physical Exam
The elements of a comprehensive medical history and physical
exam are presented and students practice these techniques in the
teaching lab and in the clinical setting. EKG interpretation is
also presented. Prerequisite: Lect. 4, Lab 3. Admission to the
PAS program and approval of the program director. Offered Fall.
PAS 644 Cr. 1
The Clinical Patient Examination
This course prepares PA students for sensitive portions of
the complete clinical examination of patients. Necessary
skills are presented in lecture, and then demonstrated using
plastic models. Students then practice these skills with
professional patients. Lect. 3, Lab 4. Prerequisite:
Admission to the PAS program and approval of the program
director. Offered Winter Intersession.
PAS 646 Cr. 1
Law, Medicine and Ethics
Legal and regulatory aspects of medical care as a physician
assistant are explored. Issues of the ethical practice of
medicine are also explored. Prerequisite: Admission to the PAS
program and approval of the program director. Offered Winter
Intersession.
PAS 648 Cr. 1
Health Care Systems and Administration
This course provides the student an introduction to the
current healthcare and reimbursement systems in America, their
operation and impact on community health and medical practice.
Prerequisite: Admission to the PAS program and approval of the
program director. Offered Winter Intersession.
PAS 650 Cr. 6
Clinical Diagnosis and Reasoning
This course brings together the knowledge and skills
developed previously in the program to perform the comprehensive
history and physical examination and a more limited episodic
examination. Clinical critical thinking becomes an integral part
of performing the examination through the development of a
differential diagnosis and appropriate diagnostic strategies.
Also includes presentation of behavioral and social concepts in
medicine including personality development, normative responses
to stress, psychosomatic manifestations of illness, sexuality,
basic counseling skills, emotional problems of daily living.
Lect. 4, Lab 2. Prerequisite: Admission to the PAS program and
approval of the program director. Offered Spring.
PAS 652 Cr. 2
Clinical Procedures
Developing a variety of clinical procedural skills such as
starting IV lines, drawing blood, giving injections and Advanced
Cardiac Life Support. Students learn various surgical
protocols and procedures and other standard clinical procedures
such as suturing and casting. Lect. 8, Lab 16. Prerequisite:
Admission to the PAS program and approval of the program
director. Pass/Fail grading. Offered Summer Session.
PAS 654 Cr. 2
Clinical Epidemiology
This course presents concepts of epidemiology and
biostatistics as applied to the interpretation of the medical
literature. A systematic process for identifying published
literature relevant to clinical practice and evaluating its
quality and applicability to the clinical situation is
presented. Students then identify, review and critique published
research appropriate to their clinical practice setting.
Prerequisite: Admission to the PAS program and approval of the
program director. Offered Fall.
PAS 702 Cr. 6
General Pathology and Internal Medicine I: Cardiology,
Pulmonology, Hematology, Gastroenterology, Allergy, and
Dermatology
The general principles of pathology, including cell injury,
inflammation, healing, neoplasia, genetic and developmental
pathology and immunopathology are presented as a foundation for
the study of medicine. Internal medicine in this course
integrates presentation of the pathophysiology, clinical
diagnosis and management of a spectrum of disorders in
cardiology, pulmonology, hematology, gastroenterology, allergy
and dermatology. Issues related to nutrition and radiographic
imaging in these medical disciplines are also presented. The
course is designed to allow PA students to develop critical
clinical reasoning skills, and an advanced understanding of
these disease processes and their treatment. Prerequisite:
Admission to the PAS program and approval of the program
director. Offered Fall.
PAS 704 Cr. 1
Internal Medicine 2: Endocrinology
This course integrates presentation of the pathophysiology,
clinical diagnosis and management of a spectrum of disorders in
endocrinology. Issues related to nutrition and radiographic
imaging in endocrinology also are presented. The course is
designed to allow PA students to develop critical clinical
reasoning skills, and an advanced understanding of these disease
processes and their treatment. Prerequisite: Admission to the
PAS program and approval of the program director. Offered Winter
Intersession.
PAS 706 Cr. 3
Obstetrics, Gynecology and Pediatrics
This course integrates presentation of the pathophysiology,
clinical diagnosis and management of a spectrum of disorders in
obstetrics, gynecology and pediatrics along with the wellness
care and disease prevention. Issues related to nutrition and
radiographic imaging in these medical disciplines also are
presented. The course is designed to allow PA students to
develop critical clinical reasoning skills, and an advanced
understanding of these disease processes and their treatment.
Prerequisite: Admission to the PAS program and approval of the
program director. Offered Spring.
PAS 708 Cr. 6
Surgical Medicine: Anesthesia, General Surgery,
Otorhinolaryngology, Ophthalmology, Orthopedic Surgery,
Dermatology, Urology/Renal
This course integrates presentation of the pathophysiology,
clinical diagnosis and management of a spectrum of disorders in
anesthesia, general surgery, otorhinolaryngology, ophthalmology,
orthopedic surgery, dermatology, urology/renal. Issues related
to nutrition and radiographic imaging in these medical
disciplines also are presented. The course is designed to allow
PA students to develop the critical clinical reasoning skills,
and an advanced understanding of these disease processes and
their treatment. Prerequisite: Admission to the PAS program and
approval of the program director. Offered Spring.
PAS 710 Cr. 3
Internal Medicine 3: Oncology, Rheumatology, Neurology and
Psychiatry
This course integrates presentation of the pathophysiology,
clinical diagnosis and management of a spectrum of disorders in
oncology, rheumatology, neurology, and psychiatry. Issues
related to nutrition and radiographic imaging in these medical
disciplines are also presented. The course is designed to allow
PA students to develop critical clinical reasoning skills, and
an advanced understanding of these disease processes and their
treatment. Prerequisite: Admission to the PAS program and
approval of the program director. Offered Spring.
PAS 720 Cr. 4
Family Medicine Rotation I
This 4-week rotation provides students with clinical
experience in broad, primary care setting during which students
refine their skills in performing the history and physical exam,
ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, and developing
treatment plans for the diversity of patients in a typical
family medicine practice. Where possible, students participate
in grand rounds, noon conferences and other clinically relevant
didactic presentations. A set of cognitive objectives
guides student reading in preparation for a written examination
at the end of the rotation. Prerequisite: Admission to the PAS
program and approval of the program director.
PAS 722 Cr. 4
Internal Medicine Rotation I
This 4-week rotation provides students with clinical
experience in an inpatient internal medicine setting during
which students refine their skills in performing the history and
physical exam, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, and
developing treatment plans for the diversity of patients in a
typical internal medicine hospital practice. Where possible,
students participate in grand rounds, noon conferences and other
clinically relevant didactic presentations. A set of
cognitive objectives guides student reading in preparation for a
written examination at the end of the rotation. Prerequisite:
Admission to the PAS program and approval of the program
director.
PAS 724 Cr. 4
General Surgery Rotation
This 4-week rotation provides students with clinical
experience in a general surgery setting during which students
refine their skills in performing the history and physical exam,
ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, assisting with
surgery and developing treatment plans for the diversity of
patients in a typical general surgery practice. Where possible,
students participate in grand rounds, noon conferences and other
clinically relevant didactic presentations. A set of
cognitive objectives guides student reading in preparation for a
written examination at the end of the rotation. Prerequisite:
Admission to the PAS program and approval of the program
director.
PAS 726 Cr. 4
Obstetrics and Gynecology Rotation
This 4-week rotation provides students with clinical
experience in an obstetrics and gynecology setting during which
students refine their skills in performing the history and
physical exam, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests,
assisting with deliveries and gynecologic surgery, and
developing treatment plans for the diversity of patients in a
typical ob/gyn practice. Where possible, students participate in
grand rounds, noon conferences and other clinically relevant
didactic presentations. A set of cognitive objectives
guides student reading in preparation for a written examination
at the end of the rotation. Prerequisite: Admission to the PAS
program and approval of the program director.
PAS 728 Cr. 4
Pediatric Rotation
This 4-week rotation provides students with clinical
experience in a pediatric setting during which students refine
their skills in performing the history and physical exam,
ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, and developing
treatment plans for the diversity of patients in a typical
pediatric practice. Where possible, students participate in
grand rounds, noon conferences and other clinically relevant
didactic presentations. A set of cognitive objectives
guides student reading in preparation for a written examination
at the end of the rotation. Prerequisite: Admission to the
PAS program and approval of the program director.
PAS 730 Cr. 4
Psychiatry Rotation
This 4-week rotation provides students with clinical
experience in a psychiatry setting during which students refine
their skills in performing the history and physical exam,
ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, and developing
treatment plans for the diversity of patients in a typical
pediatric practice. Where possible, students participate in
grand rounds, noon conferences and other clinically relevant
didactic presentations. A set of cognitive objectives
guides student reading in preparation for a written examination
at the end of the rotation. Prerequisite: Admission to the PAS
program and approval of the program director.
PAS 732 Cr. 4
Emergency Medicine Rotation
This 4-week rotation provides students with clinical
experience in an emergency medicine setting during which
students refine their skills in performing the history and
physical exam, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, and
developing treatment plans for the diversity of patients in a
typical emergency medicine practice. Where possible, students
participate in grand rounds, noon conferences and other
clinically relevant didactic presentations. A set of
cognitive objectives guides student reading in preparation for a
written examinations at the end of the rotation. Admission to
the PAS program and approval of the program director.
PAS 740 Cr. 4
Dermatology Rotation
This 4-week rotation provides students with clinical
experience in a dermatology setting during which students refine
their skills in performing the history and physical exam,
ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, and developing
treatment plans for the diversity of patients in a typical
dermatology practice. Where possible, students participate in
grand rounds, noon conferences and other clinically relevant
didactic presentations. A set of cognitive objectives
guides student reading in preparation for a written examination
at the end of the rotation. Prerequisite: Admission to the PAS
program and approval of the program director.
PAS 742 Cr. 4
Family Medicine Rotation 2
This 4-week rotation provides students with a more in-depth
clinical experience in a broad, primary care setting during
which students refine their skills in performing the history and
physical exam, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, and
developing treatment plans for the diversity of patients in a
typical family medicine practice. Where possible, students
participate in grand rounds, noon conferences and other
clinically relevant didactic presentations. A set of
cognitive objectives guides student reading in preparation for a
written examination at the end of the rotation. Prerequisite:
Admission to the PAS program and approval of the program
director.
PAS 744 Cr. 4
Internal Medicine Rotation 2
This 4-week rotation provides students with a more in depth
clinical experience in an inpatient internal medicine setting
during which students refine their skills in performing the
history and physical exam, ordering and interpreting diagnostic
tests, and developing treatment plans for the diversity of
patients in a typical internal medicine hospital practice. Where
possible, students participate in grand rounds, noon conferences
and other clinically relevant didactic presentations. A
set of cognitive objectives guides student reading in
preparation for a written examination at the end of the
rotation. Prerequisite: Admission to the PAS program and
approval of the program director.
PAS 746 Cr. 4
Orthopedic Surgery Rotation
This 4-week rotation provides students with clinical
experience in an orthopedic surgery setting during which
students refine their skills in performing the history and
physical exam, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests,
assisting in surgery and developing treatment plans for the
diversity of patients in a typical orthopedic surgery practice.
Where possible, students participate in grand rounds, noon
conferences and other clinically relevant didactic
presentations. A set of cognitive objectives guides
student reading in preparation for a written examination at the
end of the rotation. Prerequisite: Admission to the PAS program
and approval of the program director. Pass/Fail grading.
PAS 750 Cr. 4
Elective Clinical Rotation
The student selects a clinical area for the elective clinical
rotation(s) with the approval of program faculty. Students
may select elective experiences from specialty areas not
included in the required rotations, or in one of the required
clinical areas. With the consultation and approval of
program faculty the student develops an individualized learning
contract that includes objectives for the rotations, and a
method to demonstrate achievement of these objectives at the
conclusion of the rotation. Where possible and
appropriate, students participate in grand rounds, noon
conferences and other clinically relevant didactic
presentations. Prerequisite: Admission to the PAS program and
approval of the program director. Repeatable for credit — 8
maximum. Pass/Fail grading.
PAS 790 Cr. 2
Capstone Seminar 1
This course, the first of three capstone seminars, occurs
during the clinical year and works to develop skills important
to professional physician assistant practice. This seminar
series includes clinical case presentation, clinical
documentation, prescription writing and medication ordering, the
interpretation of the medical literature to answer clinical
questions and the systematic review of the medical literature.
Prerequisite: Admission to the PAS program and approval of the
program director. Offered Summer Session.
PAS 792 Cr. 2
Capstone Seminar 2
This course, the second of three capstone seminars, occurs
during the clinical year and works to develop skills important
to professional physician assistant practice. This seminar
series includes topics in continuous quality management,
completing a systematic qualitative review of the medical
literature, diagnostic and procedural coding and resume
preparation. Prerequisite: Admission to the PAS program and
approval of the program director. Offered Fall.
PAS 794 Cr. 2
Capstone Seminar 3
This course, the third of three capstone seminars, occurs during the
clinical year and works to develop skills important to
professional physician assistant practice. This seminar series includes completion and presentation
of a systematic qualitative review of a topic in the medical
literature, presentation of practice regulations, and completion
of the program’s summative evaluation. Prerequisite: Admission
to the PAS program and approval of the program director.