ARCHIVED 2021-2022 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Physician Assistant Studies
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Program Director: Dr. Thomas Meersman
Mission Statement
The North Central College Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program (MSPAS) will prepare our diverse students to become competent medical providers who deliver humane, patient and relationship-centered primary care in collaboration with health professionals while developing future leaders committed to community service, life-long learning and advancement of the PA profession. The Program’s Five Foundational Pillars of Excellence are as follows: Humanism, Scholarship, Innovation, Leadership, and Community.
The North Central College Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program (MSPAS) will deliver an exemplary patient and relationship-centered medical curriculum using an outcomes-based approach that also encourages the scholarship of discovery and dissemination of medical knowledge to their peers, patients and communities.
The MSPAS program follows many policies listed on the program website and in the Admission and Academic Regulations sections. However, there are some policies specific to MSPAS. In order to view MSPAS specific policies, see the Master of Physician Assistant Studies Admission Requirements , the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies Program Policies as well as the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program website.
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Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies
MPAS 501 - Foundations of Medical Science I 4.00 credit hours
This inaugural course in a series of three courses designed to develop a practical understanding of human anatomy, embryology histology, as well as normal physiology and the pathophysiologic concepts of diseases per organ system. Focus will be placed on clinically relevant aspects of human anatomy through an in-depth examination of anatomical structures and function using formal lecture and laboratory. Students will utilize the Anatomage Table to virtually dissect whole body cadavers, visualize histological anatomy, and student case-based pathophysiology. Importance will be placed on anatomical structures and normal structural and functional variants, spatial relationships among structures, functional interactions of organ systems and correlate to case-based clinical diseases. The lecture and lab sections correlate with topics covered in Clinical Medicine. Students will work together in teams to collaboratively solve problems, demonstrate critical thinking skills, and use their knowledge of normal and pathologic anatomy to answer questions and solve practical and clinical problems.
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MPAS 502 - Foundations of Medical Science II 2.00 credit hours
This course is the second in a series of three courses designed to develop an advanced understanding of human anatomy and its application to medical imaging, as well as normal physiology and the pathophysiologic concepts of diseases per organ system. Special focus will be on developing a working knowledge of basic medical physiology, pathophysiology and application of normal human gross, surface and functional anatomy to diagnostic radiology. Building on Foundational Medical Science I and Diagnostic Methods I, the student will be exposed to multiple case-based scenarios in the laboratory setting where they can utilize the Anatomage Table to strengthen their interpretation of medical imaging. The lecture and lab sections correlate with topics covered in Clinical Medicine, Diagnostic Methods and Patient Evaluation and Counseling. Students will work together collaboratively in teams to solve problems, demonstrate critical thinking skills, and use their knowledge of normal and pathologic anatomy and physiology to answer questions and solve clinical problems and interpret advanced radiologic images.
Prerequisite(s): MPAS 501 .
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MPAS 503 - Foundations of Medical Science III 2.00 credit hours
This course is the third course in a series of three courses designed to develop an advanced understanding of human anatomy and its application to medical imaging, as well as normal physiology and the pathophysiologic concepts of diseases per organ system. Special focus will be on developing a working knowledge of basic medical physiology, pathophysiology and application of normal human gross, surface and functional anatomy to diagnostic radiology. Building on Foundational Medical Science II and Diagnostic Methods II, the student will be exposed to multiple case-based scenarios in the laboratory setting where they can utilize the Anatomage Table to strengthen their interpretation of medical imaging. The lecture and lab sections correlate with topics covered in Clinical Medicine, Diagnostic Methods and Patient Evaluation and Counseling. Students will develop the ability to work together collaboratively in teams to solve problems, demonstrate critical thinking skills, and use their knowledge of normal and pathologic anatomy and physiology to answer questions, solve clinical problems and interpret advanced radiologic images.
Prerequisite(s): MPAS 502 .
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MPAS 505 - Molecular Basis of Disease 3.00 credit hours
The course introduces the concepts and principles critical to understanding the molecular mechanisms of human disease. A solid foundation regarding the scientific basis of disease is necessary for full comprehension of the Clinical Medicine Courses series. The underlying cellular principles that contribute to disease etiology, diagnosis, management, and prevention will be emphasized. Special focus will be given to biochemistry, nutrition, genetics, immunology, virology and microbiology.
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MPAS 511 - The Physician Assistant, Patient and Society I 2.00 credit hours
The course is the introductory course in a sequence of three courses that function to onboard the physician assistant student into the PA profession. It will emphasize PA professional history, laws and regulations, PA certification, licensure and scope of practice. Risk management, reimbursement, documentation, coding, billing, quality improvement will be introduced. A six-week module with case-based approach to bioethical issues will be presented. Select readings from the medical humanities will allow for student reflection and reinforce concepts discussed in the bioethics module.
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MPAS 512 - The Physician Assistant, Patient and Society II 2.00 credit hours
The second offering of this three-course series will provide an overview of population health, with special focus on the complicated tapestry of health care delivery to our pluralistic society. Health systems and policy, health disparities, and identifying best practices for health promotion will be highlighted. Empathetic and culturally competent health care will be a focus, preparing students to practice in a diverse society. A special emphasis on bias in medicine, health literacy and interventions to improve health outcomes will be highlighted. Select readings from the social sciences will allow for student reflection and reinforce concepts discussed in this module.
Prerequisite(s): MPAS 511 .
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MPAS 513 - The Physician Assistant, Patient and Society III 2.00 credit hours
The third and final of this three-course series is designed to provide a more granular insight into the social determinants of health at the level of the patient in the context of their family, communities and societies. Special focus will be given to adverse childhood experiences and growing literature regarding best practices in trauma informed care. Social and behavioral topics include death, dying and response to injury, detection and treatment of substance abuse, development and aging, human sexuality, principles of violence identification and prevention, and psychiatric/behavioral conditions. Select readings from the medical humanities will allow for student reflection and reinforce concepts discussed in this module.
Prerequisite(s): MPAS 512 .
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MPAS 515 - Narrative Medicine and Patient-Centered Communication 2.00 credit hours
This course will utilize the basic tools of language and story to develop narrative craft skills and how to encourage and interpret, synthesize and critically think about their patient’s history. Sessions will include reflections and artwork that highlights humanism in medicine. The reawakening of humanistic values will segue into the communication unit where students will be taught the basics of the patient-centered interview both in person and via the evolving practice of tele-medicine. Medical communication cases will allow application of advanced communication skills which highlights tone, context and conflict concerning death, dying and loss, relaying bad news and medical errors. Specialized communication regarding preventative, rehabilitative, acute and chronic using the teach back method will be highlighted.
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MPAS 521 - Clinical Therapeutics I 3.00 credit hours
Clinical Therapeutics I first in a series of four courses designed to develop foundational knowledge of the principles and practices of pharmacology and pharmacotherapeutics. This course is delivered synchronously with Clinical Medicine and Infectious Disease I and will cover major principles of pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics and pharmacogenomics. A framework for understanding the major classifications of therapeutic agents will be introduced including: mechanisms of action, dynamic and kinetic properties, therapeutic uses, drug-drug, drug-disease and drug-food interactions, side effects, and toxicities. The principles of patient safety, specifically related to altered pharmacodynamic/kinetic/genetic properties related to age, ethnicity as well as cost/benefit of pharmacological interventions will be reviewed with each drug class and with commonly prescribed medications in primary care. Areas of disease specific pharmacologic clinical applications will follow the systems-based approach. Emphasis will be placed on interpretation of the medical literature using principles of evidence-based medicine in the pharmacologic management of disease.
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MPAS 522 - Clinical Therapeutics II 3.00 credit hours
Clinical Therapeutics II is the second in a series of four courses designed to develop foundational knowledge of the principles and practices of pharmacology and pharmacotherapeutics. This course is delivered synchronously with Clinical Medicine and Infections Disease II-III and will cover major principles of pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics and pharmacogenomics. A framework for understanding the major classifications of therapeutic agents will be introduced including: mechanisms of action, dynamic and kinetic properties, therapeutic uses, drug-drug, drug-disease and drug-food interactions, side effects, and toxicities. The principles of patient safety, specifically related to altered pharmacodynamic/kinetic/genetic properties related to age, ethnicity as well as cost/benefit of pharmacological interventions will be reviewed with each drug class and with commonly prescribed medications in primary care. Areas of disease specific pharmacologic clinical applications will follow the systems-based approach. Emphasis will be placed on interpretation of the medical literature using principles of evidence-based medicine in pharmacologic management of disease.
Prerequisite(s): MPAS 521 .
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MPAS 523 - Clinical Therapeutics III 3.00 credit hours
Clinical Therapeutics III is the third in a series of four courses designed to develop foundational knowledge of the principles and practices of pharmacology and pharmacotherapeutics. This course is delivered synchronously with Clinical Medicine and Infections Disease IV-V and will cover major principles of pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics and pharmacogenomics. A framework for understanding the major classifications of therapeutic agents will be introduced including: their mechanisms of action, dynamic and kinetic properties, therapeutic uses, drug-drug, drug-disease and drug-food interactions, side effects, and toxicities. The principles of patient safety, specifically related to altered pharmacodynamic/kinetic/genetic properties related to age, ethnicity as well as cost/benefit of pharmacological interventions will be reviewed with each drug class and with commonly prescribed medications in primary care. Areas of disease specific pharmacologic clinical applications will follow the systems-based approach. Emphasis will be placed on interpretation of the medical literature using principles of evidence-based medicine in pharmacologic management of disease.
Prerequisite(s): MPAS 522 .
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MPAS 525 - Evidence Based Medicine I 2.00 credit hours
This is the first of three courses that will focus on the basic concepts of research design and bio-statistics as they apply to medical research. Students will begin to form a basis for sound, evidence-based, clinical decision making. Core elements of evidence-based medicine will be presented including developing clinical questions, searching and appraising the medical literature, and applying evidence appropriately to the care of an individual patient. Basic descriptive and inferential statistics will be discussed. Case vignettes will be used to assist in the critique of systematic reviews and treatment guidelines. Lectures and active learning activities will encourage the development of professional oral and written communication skills of scholarly concentration to begin work on their Master’s capstone project based on three research potential tracks: Medical Education, Clinical Case Reports or Evidence-Based Medicine. The Evidence-Based Medicine track will be based solely in the literature, whereas the clinical and medical education will be both scholarly and experiential.
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MPAS 531 - Clinical Medicine and Infectious Disease I 4.00 credit hours
Clinical Medicine and Infectious Disease I is the first course in a sequence of five courses encompassing the principles and practices of clinical medicine. These courses are structured to provide a systems-based intensive study of human disease and disorders across the lifespan focusing on epidemiology, etiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, clinical interventions, medical and surgical treatment, prevention, and prognosis. Students will integrate and apply knowledge obtained in the Foundations of Medical Sciences, Clinical Therapeutics I and Diagnostic Methods I to these areas of study.
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MPAS 532 - Clinical Medicine and Infectious Disease II 4.00 credit hours
Clinical Medicine and Infectious Disease II is the second course in a sequence of five courses encompassing the principles and practices of clinical medicine. These courses are structured to provide a systems-based intensive study of human disease and disorders across the lifespan focusing on epidemiology, etiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, clinical interventions, medical and surgical treatment, prevention, and prognosis. Students will integrate and apply knowledge obtained in the Foundations of Medical Sciences, Clinical Therapeutics II, Patient Evaluation and Counseling I and Diagnostic Methods II to these areas of study.
Prerequisite(s): MPAS 531 .
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MPAS 533 - Clinical Medicine and Infectious Disease III 4.00 credit hours
Clinical Medicine and Infectious Disease III is the third course in a sequence of five courses encompassing the principles and practices of clinical medicine. These courses are structured to provide a systems-based intensive study of human disease and disorders across the lifespan focusing on epidemiology, etiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, clinical interventions, medical and surgical treatment, prevention, and prognosis. Students will integrate and apply knowledge obtained in the Foundations of Medical Sciences, Clinical Therapeutics II, Patient Evaluation II and Counseling and Diagnostic Methods II to these areas of study.
Prerequisite(s): MPAS 532 .
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MPAS 534 - Clinical Medicine and Infectious Disease IV 4.00 credit hours
Clinical Medicine and Infectious Disease IV is the third course in a sequence of five courses encompassing the principles and practices of clinical medicine. These courses are structured to provide a systems-based intensive study of human disease and disorders across the lifespan focusing on epidemiology, etiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, clinical interventions, medical and surgical treatment, prevention, and prognosis. Students will integrate and apply knowledge obtained in the Foundational Medical Sciences, Clinical Therapeutics III, Patient Evaluation and Counseling II and Diagnostic Methods II to these areas of study.
Prerequisite(s): MPAS 533 .
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MPAS 535 - Clinical Medicine and Infectious Disease V 4.00 credit hours
Clinical Medicine and Infections Disease V is the final course in a sequence of five courses encompassing the principles and practices of clinical medicine. This course is structured to prepare the learner to enter the clinical phase of the program, focusing on specialized groups using a systems-based intensive study of human disease and disorders across the lifespan focusing on epidemiology, etiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, clinical interventions medical and surgical treatment, prevention, and prognosis. Topics specific to Behavioral Health, Women’s Health, Geriatrics, Pediatrics, and Emergency Medicine will be the focus. Students will integrate and apply knowledge obtained in the Foundations of Medical Sciences, Clinical Therapeutics III, Patient Evaluation and Counseling II and Diagnostic Methods III to these areas of study.
Prerequisite(s): MPAS 534 .
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MPAS 541 - Diagnostic Methods I 2.00 credit hours
Diagnostic Methods I is the first in a three-course series designed to develop a functional understanding of the clinical decision making involved in the selection and interpretation of genetic testing and diagnostic imaging. It is designed to complement the content covered in Clinical Medicine and Infectious Disease I, Molecular Basis of Disease I and the Science of Medicine. Course content highlights selected genetic testing and radiologic imaging procedures, with emphasis on effective utilization in the diagnosis and management of disease states. The genetic testing module with explore standard testing, personalized medicine, and ethical issues raised. In the radiology module, the students will be introduced to the basics of diagnostic imaging, learn to select, interpret and communicate normal and pathologic findings on musculoskeletal films, Chest X-ray, Abdominal X-ray, CT and MRI. Specialty exams such as Nuclear Medicine, Ultrasound, Echocardiography and Mammography will be introduced. Special focus will be placed on patient safety and avoidance of medical errors in medical imaging. Several clinical laboratories will be employed to teach the technical skills expected of a new PA Graduate.
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MPAS 542 - Diagnostic Methods II 2.00 credit hours
Diagnostic Methods II is the second offering in a three-course series designed to develop a functional understanding of the clinical decision making involved in the selection and interpretation of basic diagnostic laboratory testing. It is designed to complement the content covered in Clinical Medicine and Infectious Disease II-III, Clinical Therapeutics II and Patient Evaluation I. Course content includes theory and practice of electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation and serum-based laboratory tests, with emphasis on effective utilization in the diagnosis and management of disease states. Students will learn to select, interpret, diagnose, communicate normal and abnormal results and recommend appropriate management options. Special focus will be placed on understanding pretest probability, sensitivity, specificity of various tests and how that influences management. Several clinical laboratories will teach students the technical skills expected of a new PA Graduate.
Prerequisite(s): MPAS 541 .
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MPAS 543 - Diagnostic Methods III 2.00 credit hours
Diagnostic Methods III is the final course in a three-course series designed to develop a functional understanding of the clinical decision making involved in the selection and interpretation of necessary diagnostic laboratory testing. It is designed to complement the content covered in Clinical Medicine and Infectious Disease, Foundations of Medical Sciences, Clinical Therapeutics and Patient Evaluation. Course content includes the utilization of selected advanced procedures and test selection, such as EEG, Polysomnograms, and Lumbar Puncture. Students will learn to select, interpret, diagnose, communicate normal and abnormal results and recommend appropriate management options. Focus will be placed on clinical procedures required to obtain advanced diagnostic studies. Several clinical laboratories provide instruction in the technical skills and procedures involved in the acquisition of these studies.
Prerequisite(s): MPAS 542 .
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MPAS 551 - Clinical Decision Making I 3.00 credit hours
This course if the first of two team-taught classes that will timely review material presented in Clinical Medicine and Infectious Disease II-III in a case-based setting providing students a foundation to approach to diagnostic reasoning, formulating problem lists and differential diagnoses, self-directed learning and communication in written and oral forms. Students will work in groups of 6-8 learners with a facilitator where they will encounter a clinical case that builds on material presented in Clinical Medicine using both problem-based learning and simulation pedagogy. In addition to working collaborative within the PA space, students will participate in interprofessional team simulations. The effect of bias and test utilization in the setting of cost-effective practice of evidence-based medicine and clinical guidelines in decision making.
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MPAS 552 - Clinical Decision Making II 3.00 credit hours
This course is the second of two team-taught classes where students will timely review material presented in Clinical Medicine and Infectious Disease in a case-base setting providing students a foundation to approach to diagnostic reasoning, formulating problem lists and differential diagnoses, self-directed learning and communication in written and oral forms. Students will work in groups of 6-8 learners with a facilitator where they will encounter a clinical case that builds on material presented in Clinical Medicine using both problem-based learning and simulation pedagogy. In this second offering, students will progressively be given more responsibility for their education as they work through cases. In addition to working collaborative within the PA space, students will participate in interprofessional team simulations.
Prerequisite(s): MPAS 551 .
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MPAS 561 - Patient Evaluation and Counseling in Primary Care 2.00 credit hours
This course represents the first of two lecture and lab-based courses designed to provide the student with the knowledge and skills required to obtain a medical history, perform a complete physical exam and provide patient counseling and education. Normal and abnormal findings will be discussed, and selective physical exam techniques will be emphasized.
Prerequisite(s): MPAS 515 .
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MPAS 562 - Advanced Patient Evaluation and Counseling II 2.00 credit hours
Advanced Patient Evaluation and Counseling is the second offering of a two-course lab-based sequence designed to build upon the knowledge and skills learned in Patient Evaluation and Counseling in Primary Care I, adding specialty exams and advanced exams across the lifespan (geriatrics, pediatrics, trauma assessment). Emphasis on physical diagnosis and developing a differential, ordering appropriate laboratory and imaging studies, and completing assessment and plan components of a comprehensive history and physical examination, including medical documentation and communication.
Prerequisite(s): MPAS 561 .
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MPAS 600 - Bridge Course 3.00 credit hours
This course functions as a transition from the didactic to Supervised Clinical Practice Experiences (SCPEs). Topics covered include preceptor expectations, self-care, electronic medical records training, professionalism, and ACLS/PALS certification. A particular focus on training necessary for the clinical rotations, including knowledge related to blood-borne pathogens, patient privacy, and discipline-specific didactic and skills training. Student safety at clinical sites as well as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) training, will be highlighted. A review of systems-based practices that improve healthcare safety, and an in-depth discussion of program requirements for successful progression through clinical education experiences. The basics of Emergency Medicine Spanish will be covered. The goal of instruction in Emergency Medical Spanish is to assist in communication and break down barriers between medical providers and patients.
Prerequisite(s): MPAS 503 , MPAS 523 , MPAS 513 , MPAS 535 , MPAS 543 , MPAS 552 , MPAS 562 .
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MPAS 611 - Medical Leadership I 1.00 credit hours
This is the first of two professional development courses offered during the clinical year will build on the relationship-based mentoring program and focus on the development of leadership skills in the physician assistant student as they interface in the clinical setting and experience both successes and challenges. This team-taught class will consist of readings and robust discussions applying bioethics, communication, wellness, and critical leadership concepts to cases experienced during their rotations. Current trends in leadership development in PA education and research, health care quality improvement, fiscal management, and how effective leadership promotes the PA profession will be highlighted.
Prerequisite(s): MPAS 503 , MPAS 513 , MPAS 523 , MPAS 535 , MPAS 542 , MPAS 552 , MPAS 562 .
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MPAS 612 - Medical Leadership II 1.00 credit hours
This is the second of two professional development courses offered during the clinical year will build on the relationship-based mentoring program and focus on the development of leadership skills in the physician assistant student as they interface in the clinical setting and experience both successes and challenges. This team-taught class will consist of readings and robust discussions applying bioethics, communication, wellness, and critical leadership concepts to cases experienced during their rotations. Current trends in leadership development in PA education and research, health care quality improvement, fiscal management, and how effective leadership promotes the PA profession will be highlighted.
Prerequisite(s): MPAS 611 .
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MPAS 624 - Clinical Therapeutics IV 1.00 credit hours
Clinical therapeutics IV is the fourth in a series designed to develop the knowledge about the principles and practices of pharmacology and pharmacotherapeutics; it is delivered synchronously with the Bridge Course that prepares students for their clinical year. This course will build on Clinical Therapeutics I-III with special focus on the review of common pharmacotherapies used in specific rotations, as well as practice with parmacologic patient counseling and inpatient and outpatient prescribing. The principles of patient safety, specifically related to altered pharmacodynamic/kinetic/genetic properties related to age, ethnicity as well as cost/benefit of pharmacological interventions will be reviewed with each drug class and with commonly prescribed medications in primary care. Emphasis will be placed on the cost/benefit of pharmacological interventions and interpretation of the medical literature using principles of evidence-based medicine in pharmacologic management of disease.
Prerequisite(s): MPAS 503 , MPAS 513 , MPAS 523 , MPAS 535 , MPAS 543 , MPAS 552 , MPAS 562 .
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MPAS 626 - Evidence Based Medicine II and Applied Research 1.00 credit hours
This is the second of three courses that will build on foundational principles covered in Evidence Based Medicine I and begin to research their well formulated research question. Important milestones will be mapped to assure interaction between the student, their faculty advisor, course director and various outside readers of the capstone master’s project. The course is designed for students to take on more professional responsibility in adapting to and applying the course elements of evidence-based medicine to the student’s area of scholarly concentration. Case-based studies will continue to be reviewed in large group settings to solidify concepts taught in evidence based medicine I and bioethics.
Prerequisite(s): MPAS 503 , MPAS 513 , MPAS 523 , MPAS 535 , MPAS 543 , MPAS 552 , MPAS 562 .
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MPAS 627 - Evidence Base Medicine III and Applied Research 1.00 credit hours
This is the third of three courses with the primary focus being the completion of research on a well-formulated research question and hypothesis. Important milestones will be mapped to assure interaction between the student, their faculty advisor, course director and various outside readers of the capstone master’s project. The course is designed for students to take on more professional responsibility in adapting to and applying the core elements of evidence-based medicine to the student’s area of scholarly concentration. Capstone thesis presentations will be open to the North Central College community and delivered once the thesis has been approved by the primary and secondary reader.
Prerequisite(s): MPAS 626 .
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MPAS 630 - Emergency Medicine 6.00 credit hours
This six-week clinical course provides physician assistant students with experience in triage, evaluation, and management of patients aged from children to elderly in the emergency room setting. The Emergency Medicine rotation will provide physician assistant students with supervised clinical practice experiences in the emergent evaluation and management of patients with significant traumatic injuries, acute illnesses, and the exacerbation’s of chronic illnesses, as well as less urgent disease presentations. Students will improve their medical knowledge and clinical reasoning skills required for emergent and urgent triage and the technical skills required for the stabilization of patients presenting to the emergency department with commonly encountered medical problems and injuries. Students will increase their understanding on how to collaborate with members of the health care team, the ordering and interpreting appropriate diagnostic studies, diagnosis, management and obtaining appropriate consultation of specialist care for patients seeking emergency care.
Prerequisite(s): MPAS 503 , MPAS 513 , MPAS 523 , MPAS 535 , MPAS 543 , MPAS 552 , MPAS 562 .
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MPAS 635 - Internal Medicine 6.00 credit hours
This six-week clinical course provides physician assistant students with an opportunity to gain supervised experience in providing care to inpatient internal medicine patients. The hospital-based internal medicine rotation will allow students to further develop their medical knowledge, clinical reasoning, technical and problem-solving skills as they encounter and assess common medical problems in an adult inpatient environment. Students will learn how to communicate and collaborate with members of the inpatient internal medicine health care team, including ordering and interpreting appropriate diagnostic studies, diagnosis, management of common problems, and initiation of consultation in specialist care. Students will participate in the admission, appropriate level of daily care, and discharge planning of the hospitalized adult or elderly patient.
Prerequisite(s): MPAS 503 , MPAS 513 , MPAS 523 , MPAS 535 , MPAS 543 , MPAS 552 , MPAS 562 .
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MPAS 640 - Family Medicine 6.00 credit hours
This six-week clinical course provides physician assistant students with supervised experiences in evaluating and treating common problems encountered in Family Medicine. The goal of the Family Medicine supervised clinical experience is to provide physician assistant students with experience in the evaluation of the ambulatory adolescent, adult, or elderly patient. Students will provide care to patients seeking preventative care and evaluate acute and chronic illness. Students will be expected to assess and manage patients in a team-based setting, where commonly encountered medical conditions occur. Physician assistant students will learn the clinical reasoning, technical skills and best practices for ordering diagnostic studies and interpreting them specific to the conditions commonly treated in family medicine. In addition, the student will recognize when to refer patients to community health resources and participate in the delivery of family-centered care as part of an interprofessional team.
Prerequisite(s): MPAS 503 , MPAS 513 , MPAS 523 , MPAS 535 , MPAS 543 , MPAS 552 , MPAS 562 .
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MPAS 645 - Women’s Health 4.00 credit hours
This six-week clinical course in Women’s Health will provide physician assistant students with supervised experiences in evaluating and managing common conditions related to the health of women, which include preventative care, routine breast and gynecologic disorders, and exposure to obstetrics. Students will have the opportunity to participate in prenatal and postpartum assessments, as well as observe labor and delivery as part of an interprofessional team. The goals of the Women’s Health rotation are to provide physician assistant students with clinical experiences that build and increase their obstetrics and gynecology discipline-specific skills. Students will learn the clinical reasoning, technical skills, and best practices of ordering and interpreting diagnostic studies specific to the evaluation and management of the adult woman seeking care for preventive health services, common breast and gynecologic problems as well as routine obstetrical care.
Prerequisite(s): MPAS 503 , MPAS 513 , MPAS 523 , MPAS 535 , MPAS 542 , MPAS 552 , MPAS 562 .
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MPAS 650 - Pediatrics 6.00 credit hours
This six-week clinical course in Pediatrics provides physician assistant students with supervised experiences in outpatient and/or inpatient management of pediatric patients. The goals of the Pediatric rotation are to provide physician assistant students with the opportunity to build and increase their pediatric discipline-specific skills. Students will have the opportunity to perform well child exams/screening and preventive health services, perform problem-oriented exams, assess and manage commonly encountered medical problems in the pediatric and adolescent population. Students will also identify and provide referral to community resources and/or specialty care providers as appropriate, participate in the evaluation and care of the newborn and participate as a member of the pediatric health care team.
Prerequisite(s): MPAS 503 , MPAS 513 , MPAS 523 , MPAS 535 , MPAS 543 , MPAS 552 , MPAS 562 .
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MPAS 655 - General Surgery 6.00 credit hours
This six-week clinical course provides physical assistant students with an opportunity for supervised experience in General Surgery. The goals of the General Surgery rotation are to provide physician assistant students with the opportunity to build and increase their surgical discipline-specific skills. Physician assistant students will gain experience in the operating room environment, as well as in the pre- and postoperative assessment of adult and elderly patients. Students will learn the clinical reasoning, technical skills and best practices of ordering and interpreting diagnostic studies specific to the conditions commonly treated by general surgeons and surgical specialists—including the complications of surgical management and the development of basic surgical assisting skills. The student will evaluate and care for adult and elderly patients with commonly encountered health conditions requiring surgical management in the outpatient, inpatient and operating room settings and participate as a member of the surgical care team.
Prerequisite(s): MPAS 503 , MPAS 513 , MPAS 523 , MPAS 535 , MPAS 543 , MPAS 552 , MPAS 562 .
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MPAS 660 - Behavioral Health 6.00 credit hours
This six-week clinical course provides physician assistant students with supervised experience in caring for ambulatory and/or hospitalized patients with psychiatric disorders. The goals of the Behavioral Health rotation are to provide physician assistant students with experiences that build and increase their behavioral health-specific skills in a hospital or outpatient setting. Physician assistant students will have the opportunity to assess and manage commonly encountered behavioral, social and psychiatric problems in adolescent, adult, and elderly patients. The student will be given opportunities to participate in the clinical management plan for patients following psychiatric evaluation, incorporate behavioral therapies promoted by mental health professionals and assist in the monitoring of psychotropic medications. The importance of a team-based approach to the management of behavioral health care delivery will be highlighted throughout the clinical experience.
Prerequisite(s): MPAS 503 , MPAS 513 , MPAS 523 , MPAS 535 , MPAS 543 , MPAS 552 , MPAS 562 .
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MPAS 665 - Primary Care Elective 3.00-6.00 credit hours
This six-week or two three-week clinical elective course will provide physician assistance students the ability to fain clinical experience in an area of interest. Students may choose from a range of specialty rotations in urgent care, family medicine, pediatrics, and internal medicine or various surgical sub-specialties. The goal of the elective will be for the student to become familiar with conditions treatable by specialists in the field, thereby allowing for appropriate referral. Students may also desire to use this elective to investigate what gainful employment looks like in a supportive role as they consider future job opportunities. The three-week course is repeatable once.
Prerequisite(s): MPAS 503 , MPAS 513 , MPAS 523 , MPAS 535 , MPAS 543 , MPAS 552 , MPAS 562 .
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MPAS 695 - Summative Capstone Seminar 3.00 credit hours
The Summative Capstone Seminar is designed as a culminating educational and professional development experience, consisting of reviewing and assessing competencies for the didactic and the clinical curriculum. Advanced professional development will be reviewed such as mandatory reporting laws and legal issues, medical liability, interacting with the pharmaceutical industry as a practicing clinician, interviewing tips, review of medication safety and common prescribing errors, professional licensure, and DEA. NCCPA board review and test taking strategies will be discussed. Small group activities will address billing, coding and ethical cases in clinical practice. A certified physician assistant panel will present career strategies, contract negotiation, fellowship opportunities and pearls to survive on the job.
Prerequisite(s): MPAS 612 .
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