This phase begins with classroom and lab experiences in the basic medical sciences and clinical medicine.
Summer Semester:
Gross Anatomy - PASP 501 (6 credit hours)
A complete regional dissection of the human subject is performed. Topographical and radiological aspects of the subject are treated by reference to medical cases. Clinical human anatomy correlations are presented.
Prerequisite: Enrollment in the Physician Assistant Program.
Introduction to Clinical Medicine - PASP 510 (1 credit hour)
This course is a comprehensive group of classroom presentations, lab sessions, and case-based learning activities covering the spectrum of medical topics with a primary care focus using an organ systems approach. It provides the student with the necessary cognitive medical background as they begin to formulate differential diagnosis and treatment plans utilized in the supervised clinical practice. This course provides the student with an introduction to clinical diagnostic principles and procedures, and a focus is on developing clinical decision-making skills.
Prerequisite: Enrollment in the Physician Assistant Program.”
Professional Issues I - PASP 516 (2 credit hours)
This course provides the student with an introduction to the historical development and current trends of the PA profession, reimbursement, health policy and public health issues as they pertain to the supervised practice of clinical medicine..
Prerequisite: Enrollment in the Physician Assistant Program.
Fall Semester:
Physical Examination I - PASP 502 (4 credit hours)
This course provides the student with the knowledge and skills in patient interviewing, effective communication and history/physical examination skills through structured clinical experiences and case-based learning.
Prerequisite: Enrollment in the Physician Assistant Program.
Advanced Human Physiology I - PASP 503 (3 credit hours)
A comprehensive study of the physiology of the human. Emphasis will be directed toward advanced instruction in membrane physiology, control of cellular activity, GI physiology, renal physiology, endocrinology, nerve and muscle physiology, cardiovascular, respiratory and central nervous systems. This course also provides the student with the fundamental background in biochemistry, immunology and genetics necessary for the clinical evaluation and management of the patient with disease related to these areas.
Prerequisite: Enrollment in the Physician Assistant Program.
Pathophysiology I - PASP 505 (3 credit hours)
This course provides a systematic approach to basic concepts of the physiologic basis for disease. The general pathology of cell injury, inflammation, infection and neoplasia will be included with disease processes of specific organ systems.
Prerequisites: Enrollment in the Physician Assistant Program.
Advanced Pharmacology I - PASP 508 (3 credit hours)
This course is a systematic presentation of pharmacological agents based on drug group classification; their nature, mode of action and toxicity and clinical pharmacological therapeutic correlations.
Prerequisite: Enrollment in the Physician Assistant Program.
Clinical Medicine I - PASP 520 (3 credit hours)
This course is a comprehensive group of classroom presentations, lab sessions, and case-based learning activities covering the spectrum of medical topics with a primary care focus using an organ systems approach. It provides the student with the necessary cognitive medical background as they begin to formulate differential diagnosis and treatment plans utilized in the supervised clinical practice. This course provides the student with an introduction to clinical diagnostic principles and procedures, and a focus is on developing clinical decision-making skills.
Prerequisite: Enrollment in the Physician Assistant Program.
Research Methods I - PASP 590 (1 credit hour)This course provides the student with an introduction in research methodology and design, which requires a fundamental knowledge of statistics. The course is intended to enable the student to read specific medical literature and evaluate the findings.
Prerequisites: Enrollment in the Physician Assistant Program.
Spring Semester:
Physical Examination II - PASP 504 (4 credit hours)
Continuation of PASP 502 Physical Examination I. This course continues the development of student skills in performing the medical history and physical examination along with clinical skills such as Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS). Clinical experiences in emergency room, geriatric facilities and other health care settings will help provide the students with hands-on application of their knowledge and skills. Student presentations of simulated cases will be included to further develop clinical decision-making skills.
Prerequisite: Enrollment in the Physician Assistant Program.
Advanced Human Physiology II - PASP 506 (3 credit hours)
Continuation of PASP 503 Advanced Human Physiology I with emphasis directed toward advanced instruction in the organ systems and the role of molecular mechanisms of health.
Prerequisite: Enrollment in the Physician Assistant Program.
Pathophysiology II - PASP 507 (3 credit hours)
Continuation of PASP 505 Pathophysiology I. This course provides a systematic approach to basic concepts of the physiologic basis for disease. The general pathology of cell injury, inflammation, infection and neoplasia will be included with disease processes of specific organ systems.
Prerequisites: Enrollment in the Physician Assistant Program.
Advanced Pharmacology II - PASP 509 (3 credit hours)
Continuation of PASP 508 Advanced Pharmacology I. This course is a systematic presentation of pharmacological agents based on drug group classification; their nature, mode of action and toxicity and clinical pharmacological therapeutic correlations.
Prerequisite: Enrollment in the Physician Assistant Program.
Clinical Medicine II - PASP 522 (3 credit hours)
Continuation of PASP 520 Clinical Medicine I. This course is a comprehensive group of classroom presentations, lab sessions, and case-based learning activities covering the spectrum of medical topics with a primary care focus using an organ systems approach. It provides the student with the necessary cognitive medical background as they begin to formulate differential diagnosis and treatment plans utilized in the supervised clinical practice. This course provides the student with an introduction to clinical diagnostic principles and procedures, and a focus is on developing clinical decision-making skills.
Prerequisite: Enrollment in the Physician Assistant Program.
Research Methods II - PASP 591(2 credit hours)
This course is a continuation of PASP 590 intended to increase the student's ability to read specific medical literature and evaluate the findings. The student is expected to become proficient in the interpretation of the research by demonstrating knowledge of the application of statistics and different methods of research and outcomes assessment of evidence based medicine.
Prerequisites: Enrollment in the Physician Assistant Program.