PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT STUDIES (PAS)

Course Descriptions

PAS/BIO/PTS  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. The course includes the complete regional dissection of the human cadaver. 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 dissection. Lect.5, Lab. 8. Prerequisite: Admission to the Biology M.S. (Nurse Anesthesia Concentration) program or permission of the instructor. (Cross-listed with PAS 511 and PTS 511; may only earn credit in PAS or PTS or BIO.)   Offered Summer.

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.

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.

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 and Pharmacotherapeutics I

This course presents a broad survey of the general principles of pharmacology.  Included are the essential principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics; and the mechanism of action, physiologic effects, adverse effects and interactions, and clinical and therapeutic application of specific drugs and drug groups. Prerequisite: admission to the PAS program.  Offered Fall.

PAS  631  Cr.1

Medical Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapeutics II

This course will continue to build on the knowledge of pharmacologic principles obtained in Medical Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapeutics I. It will focus on the mechanism of action, physiologic effects, adverse effects and interactions, and clinical and therapeutic application of specific drugs and drug groups. Prerequisite: PAS 630; admission to the PAS program and approval of the program director.  Offered Spring.

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.

PAS  642  Cr.4

Medical History and Physical Exam

This course is designed to introduce the process of history taking, physical examination, and patient assessment. The course includes a review of anatomy and physiology relevant to physical examination skills, instruction and demonstration of proper examination and history taking techniques, with practical application of these skills in the clinical setting. The course is comprised of several components including: Medical History, Physical Examination, Clinical experience (including visits to local nursing homes and rural family practice mentorships), and Electrocardiography Interpretation. Prerequisite: Admission to the PAS program and approval of the program director; must register concurrently with PAS 643.  Offered Fall.

PAS  643  Cr.1

Applied Medical History and Physical Exam

This course is designed to apply principles of history taking, physical examination, and patient assessment discussed in Medical History and Physical Exam in the laboratory setting. Prerequisite: Admission to the PAS program and approval of the program director; must register concurrently with PAS 642.  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.

PAS  645  Cr.2

Evidence Based Practice

This course teaches the PA student how to find and then apply best clinical practices to patient care.  Students are taught how to develop a medical question related to patient care, search medical literature, critically evaluate medical research and then use that information to treat patients. Prerequisite: admission to the PAS program.  Offered Spring.

PAS  647  Cr.2

Clinical Practice Skills

This course brings together the knowledge and skills developed previously in the program to perform and document the comprehensive history and physical examination and the more limited episodic examination.  Clinical critical thinking becomes an integral part of patient evaluation through the development of differential diagnoses and appropriate diagnostic strategies. Prerequisite: admission to the PAS program.  Offered Spring.

PAS  649  Cr.1

Health Care Administration, Law, & Ethics in Medicine

This course provides the PA student with an introduction to the current health care and reimbursement systems in America, their operation and impact on community health and medical practice. 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.  Offered Winter.

PAS  651  Cr.1

Behavioral Medicine

This course includes presentation of behavioral and social concepts in medicine including personality development, normative responses to stress, psychosomatic manifestations of illness, sexuality, basic counseling skills, and emotional problems of daily living. Prerequisite: admission to the PAS program.  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 hospital 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.

PAS  654  Cr.2

Evidence Based Medicine

This course presents a systematic approach to the development of information literacy in clinical practice by providing a framework for self-directed inquiry and lifelong learning. Students learn to develop answerable clinical questions and then to use the best evidence by searching out relevant medical literature, interpreting the literature through a basic knowledge of study design and medical statistics, critically examining the literature, and applying findings to individualized patient care. Prerequisite: admission to the PAS program.  Offered Fall.

PAS  680  Cr.1

Pathology

This course presents the general principles of pathology, including cell injury, inflammation, healing, neoplasia, genetic and developmental pathology and immunopathology, as a foundation for the study of medicine. Prerequisite: admission to the PAS program.  Offered Fall.

PAS  681  Cr.1

Medical Diagnostics

This course is designed to introduce the PA student to the basic principles of diagnostic laboratory medicine and radiology commonly used in the clinical setting. Prerequisite: admission to the PAS program.  Offered Fall.

PAS  682  Cr.2

Internal Medicine: Cardiology

This course is designed to teach content and integrate the basic principles of pathophysiology, clinical diagnosis and management of cardiovascular disease.  This course will expand on the basic medical sciences of human anatomy, physiology, and medical biochemistry as it applies to clinical medicine.  The course is designed to allow PA students to develop clinical reasoning skills and an advanced understanding of disease processes and treatment specific to the cardiovascular system. Prerequisite: admission to the PAS program.  Offered Fall.

PAS  683  Cr.1

Internal Medicine: Pulmonology

This course is designed to teach content and integrate the basic principles of pathophysiology, clinical diagnosis and management of pulmonary disease.  This course will expand on the basic medical sciences of human anatomy, physiology, and medical biochemistry as it applies to clinical medicine.  The course is designed to allow PA students to develop clinical reasoning skills and an advanced understanding of disease processes and treatment specific to the pulmonary system. Prerequisite: admission to the PAS program.  Offered Fall.

PAS  684  Cr.1

Internal Medicine: Gastroenterology

This course is designed to teach content and integrate the basic principles of pathophysiology, clinical diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal, hepatic, biliary, and pancreatic diseases.  This course will expand on the basic medical sciences of human anatomy, physiology, and medical biochemistry as it applies to clinical medicine.  The course is designed to allow PA students to develop clinical reasoning skills and an advanced understanding of disease processes and treatment specific to the gastroenterological system. Prerequisite: admission to the PAS program.  Offered Winter.

PAS  688  Cr.1

Neuroanatomy

This course provides the student with an understanding of the structure, organization and function of the central, peripheral and autonomic nervous systems. Prerequisite: admission to the PAS program.  Offered Fall.

PAS  705  Cr.2

Internal Medicine Subspecialties I: Endocrinology and Nephrology

This course integrates presentation of the pathophysiology, clinical diagnosis and management of a spectrum of disorders in endocrinology and nephrology. Issues related to nutrition, medical imaging and diagnostic testing in endocrinology and nephrology also are presented. The course is designed to allow PA students to develop critical clinical reasoning skills and an advanced understanding of disease processes in endocrinology and nephrology and their treatment. Prerequisite: admission to the PAS program.  Offered Spring.

PAS  707  Cr.2

Internal Medicine Subspecialties II: Hematology and Rheumatology

This course integrates presentation of the pathophysiology, clinical diagnosis and management of a spectrum of disorders in hematology and rheumatology. Issues related to nutrition and medical imaging in these disciplines are also presented. The course is designed to allow PA students to develop critical clinical reasoning skills, and an advanced understanding of hematologic and rheumatologic disease processes and their treatment. Prerequisite: admission to the PAS program.  Offered Spring.

PAS  709  Cr.1

Emergency Medicine

This course integrates presentation of the pathophysiology, clinical diagnosis and management of a spectrum of disorders commonly seen in the emergency room setting.  Issues related to nutrition and medical imaging in the emergency room setting are also are presented. The course is designed to allow PA students to develop critical clinical reasoning skills, and an advanced understanding of emergency room setting disease processes and their treatment. Prerequisite: admission to the PAS program.  Offered Spring.

PAS  711  Cr.2

Clinical Neuroscience

This course builds on the knowledge of anatomical principles obtained in Neuroanatomy.  It integrates presentation of the pathophysiology, clinical diagnosis and management of a spectrum of disorders in neurology and psychiatry.  Issues related to nutrition and medical 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 disease processes involving the nervous system. Prerequisite: admission to the PAS program.  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.  Offered Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer.

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.  Offered Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer.

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.  Offered Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer.

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.  Offered Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer.

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.  Offered Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer.

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.  Offered Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer.

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. Prerequisite: admission to the PAS program.  Offered Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer.

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.  Offered Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer.

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.  Offered Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer.

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.  Offered Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer.

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.  Offered Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer.

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. Repeatable for credit - maximum 8. Prerequisite: admission to the PAS program. Pass/Fail grading. Offered Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer.

PAS  760  Cr.1

Obstetrics - Maternal/Fetal Care

This course is designed to teach content and integrate the basic principles of embryology, anatomy, pathophysiology, clinical diagnosis and management of the obstetric patient and developing fetus.  The course is designed to allow PA students to develop clinical reasoning skills, formulation of treatment plans, as well as an advanced understanding of maternal and fetal health. Prerequisite: admission to the PAS program.  Offered Spring.

PAS  761  Cr.1

Gynecology and Women's Health

This course is designed to teach content and integrate the basic principles of anatomy, pathophysiology, clinical diagnosis and management of a spectrum of disorders in gynecology along with wellness care and disease prevention.  The course is designed to allow PA students to develop clinical reasoning skills, formulation of treatment plans, as well as an advanced understanding of gynecologic health. Prerequisite: admission to the PAS program.  Offered Spring.

PAS  762  Cr.1

Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine

This course is designed to teach content and integrate the basic principles of anatomy, pathophysiology, clinical diagnosis and management of a spectrum of disorders in Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine along with wellness care and disease prevention.  The course is designed to allow PA students to develop clinical reasoning skills, formulation of treatment plans, as well as an advanced understanding of pediatric and adolescent health. Prerequisite: admission to the PAS program.  Offered Spring.

PAS  770  Cr.1

Principles of Surgical Medicine I: General Surgery and Anesthesia

This course integrates presentation of the pathophysiology, clinical diagnosis and management of a spectrum of disorders in anesthesia and general surgery.  Issues related to nutrition, medical imaging, and diagnostics in these medical disciplines are also presented. A suture skills laboratory is also incorporated into the course. The course is designed to allow PA students to develop the critical reasoning skills and an advanced understanding of surgical disease processes and their treatment. Prerequisite: admission to the PAS program.  Offered Spring.

PAS  771  Cr.1

Principles of Surgical Medicine II: Orthopedics

This course integrates presentation of the pathophysiology, clinical diagnosis and management of a spectrum of disorders in orthopedic surgery.  Issues related to nutrition, medical imaging, and diagnostics in this medical discipline are also presented.  The course is designed to allow PA students to develop critical reasoning skills and an advanced understanding of orthopedic disease processes and their treatment. Prerequisite: admission to the PAS program.  Offered Spring.

PAS  772  Cr.1

Princiiples of Surgical Medicine III: Surgical Subspecialties

This course integrates presentation of the pathophysiology, clinical diagnosis and management of a spectrum of disorders in the surgical subspecialties of otorhinolaryngology, ophthalmology and urology. Issues related to nutrition, medical imaging, and diagnostics in these medical disciplines are also presented. The course is designed to allow PA students to develop critical reasoning skills and an advanced understanding of otorhinolaryngologic,  ophthalmologic, and urologic disease processes and their treatment. Prerequisite: admission to the PAS program.  Offered Spring.

PAS  773  Cr.1

Dermatology

This course integrates presentation of the pathophysiology, clinical diagnosis and management of a spectrum of disorders in dermatology. Issues related to nutrition and diagnostics in this medical discipline are also presented. The course is designed to allow PA students to develop critical reasoning skills and an advanced understanding of dermatologic disease processes and their treatment. Prerequisite: admission to the PAS program.  Offered Spring.

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.  Offered Summer.

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.  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.  Offered Spring.