Degree Program
BIOL 600 • Human Gross Anatomy & Histology 4 Credits
Human anatomy for physician assistant students takes a regional approach to the study of human anatomy. This course will involve dissection of human cadavers by the students. Incorporated into the course content concerning anatomical structures will be a brief examination of histological structure, nervous system structure, and basic function. Corequisites: BIOL 600L.
BIOL 600L • Human Gross Anatomy and Histology Lab 2 Credits
Laboratory experience accompanying BIOL 600.
Corequisites: BIOL 600.
BIOL 610 • Human Medical Physiology 3 Credits
This course is designed for graduate students to learn and gain knowledge in the physiological principles. These concepts are essential for further progress in understanding mechanisms of disease and body systems. This understanding is essential for clinical medicine. Weekly problem solving discussions will emphasize clinical application of physiologic concepts.
BIOL 620 • Pharmacology & Therapeutics I 3 Credits
This is the first course in a series of three clinical pharmacology courses taught in a systems-based approach with the Clinical Medicine series. The course explores clinical implications of pharmacology for these topics (but not limited to): hematologic, cardiovascular, pulmonary, genitourinary, and renal.
Prerequisites: BIOL 600, BIOL 600L, BIOL 610, PHAS 601, PHAS 601L, PHAS 611.
BIOL 621 • Medical Pathophysiology I 2 Credits
This is the first of three pathophysiology courses offered concurrently with the Clinical Medicine series. Pathophysiology at the molecular, cellular, organ, and total body levels will be applied in each organ system. Systems covered include, but are not limited to: hematologic, cardiovascular, pulmonary, genitourinary, and renal.
Prerequisites: BIOL 600, BIOL 600L, BIOL 610, PHAS 601, PHAS 601L, PHAS 612.
BIOL 630 • Pharmacology & Therapeutics II 4 Credits
This is the second course in a series of three clinical pharmacology courses taught in a systems-based approach with the Clinical Medicine series. The course explores clinical implications of pharmacology for these topics (but not limited to); dermatologic, endocrine, neurologic, psychiatric, musculoskeletal/ rheumatologic, gastrointestinal, and geriatric.
Prerequisites: BIOL 620.
BIOL 631 • Medical Pathophysiology II 2 Credits
This is the second of three pathophysiology courses offered concurrently with the Clinical Medicine series. Pathophysiology at the molecular, cellular, organ, and total body levels will be discussed in each body system. Systems covered include (but are not limited to); dermatologic, endocrine, neurologic, psychiatric, musculoskeletal/rheumatologic, gastrointestinal, and geriatric.
Prerequisites: BIOL 621.
BIOL 640 • Pharmacology and Therapeutics III 2 Credits
This is the third course in a series of three clinical pharmacology courses taught in a systems-based approach with the Clinical Medicine series. The course explores clinical implications of pharmacology focusing on, but not limited to, these areas: women’s health, pediatrics, surgery, ENT/ophthalmology/allergy, and emergency medicine.
Prerequisites: BIOL 630.
PHAS 579PT • Portfolio in Physician Assistant 0.5-6 Credits
Portfolio course of preselected topics within an existing course in the field of Physician Assistance.
Special Notes: Portfolio courses are created upon request with permission by an overseeing Program Director.
PHAS 601 • Introduction to History and Physical Examination 2 Credits
This is the first of four sequential courses designed to facilitate the development of medical history taking, physical examination skills, patient communication, clinical problem solving, clinical procedures, and ethical/legal considerations for the physician assistant. This first course focuses on history taking and physical examination in the healthy adult.
Corequisites: PHAS 601L. Malpractice Fee: $90.
PHAS 601L • Introduction to History and Physical Examination Lab 1 Credit
Laboratory experience accompanying PHAS 601.
Corequisites: PHAS 601. ExamN fee: $50.
PHAS 602 • Patient Assessment and Diagnostics I 2 Credits
This is the second of four sequential courses designed to facilitate the development of medical history taking, physical examination skills, patient communication, clinical problem solving, clinical procedures, and ethical/legal considerations for the physician assistant. Focus is on physical examination skills and procedures that coincide with topics in PHAS 612.
Prerequisites: BIOL 600, BIOL 600L, BIOL 610, PHAS 601, PHAS 601L, PHAS 611 Corequisites: PHAS 602L. Malpractice insurance fee: $90.
PHAS 602L • Patient Assessment and Diagnostics Lab I 1 Credit
Laboratory experience accompanying PHAS 602.
Corequisites: PHAS 602. AllofE fee: $80.
PHAS 603 • Patient Assessment and Diagnostics II 3 Credits
This is the third of four sequential courses designed to facilitate the development of medical history taking, physical examination skills, patient communication, clinical problem solving, clinical procedures, and ethical/legal considerations for the physician assistant. Focus is on physical examination skills and procedures that coincide with topics in PHAS 613.
Prerequisites: PHAS 602 Corequisites: PHAS 603L. Malpractice insurance fee: $90.
PHAS 603L • Patient Assessment and Diagnostics Lab II 1 Credit
Laboratory experience accompanying PHAS 603.
Corequisites: PHAS 603. Lab fee: $50.
PHAS 604 • Patient Assessment & Diagnostics III 1 Credit
This is the fourth of four sequential courses designed to facilitate the development of medical history taking, physical examination skills, patient communication, clinical problem solving, clinical procedures, and ethical/legal considerations for the physician assistant. Focus is on physical examination skills and procedures that coincide with topics in PHAS 614.
Prerequisites: PHAS 603 Corequisites: PHAS 604L. Malpractice insurance fee: $90.
PHAS 604L • Patient Assessment and Diagnostics Lab III 1 Credit
Laboratory experience accompanying PHAS 604.
Corequisites: PHAS 604.
PHAS 611 • Foundation to Clinical Medicine 4 Credits
Designed as an introduction to clinical medicine topics, this course will lay the foundation for future clinical medicine courses by helping the student understand and apply fundamental concepts to patient care. Topics presented include radiological imaging, infectious disease, oncology, genetics, and fundamentals of pharmacology, immunology, preventative medicine, and laboratory studies.
PHAS 612 • Clinical Medicine I 6 Credits
This course is the first of a three-course sequence, which provides students with a systematic approach to the etiology, epidemiology, manifestations, laboratory and diagnostic studies, prognosis, and treatment of disease. This course will focus on, but is not limited to, hematological, cardiovascular, pulmonary, genitourinary, and renal systems.
Prerequisites: BIOL 600, BIOL 600L, BIOL 610, PHAS 601, PHAS 601L, PHAS 611. $125 MAPA and AAPA Membership fee.
PHAS 613 • Clinical Medicine II 7 Credits
This course is the second of a three-course sequence, which provides students with a systematic approach to the etiology, epidemiology, manifestations, laboratory and diagnostic studies, and prognosis and treatment of specific diseases. This course will focus on, but is not limited to, dermatologic, endocrine, neurologic, psychiatric, musculoskeletal, rheumatologic, gastrointestinal systems, and geriatrics.
Prerequisites: PHAS 612.
PHAS 614 • Clinical Medicine III 5 Credits
This course is the third of a three-course sequence, which provides students with a systematic approach to the etiology, epidemiology, manifestations, laboratory and diagnostic studies, and prognosis and treatment of specific diseases. This course will focus on, but is not limited to: women’s health, pediatrics, ENT/ophthalmology/allergy, surgery, and emergency medicine.
Prerequisites: PHAS 613 ACLS/BCLS fee: $340, PACKRAT fee: $40.
PHAS 620 • Evidence-Based Medicine and Research I 3 Credits
Development of skills for effective identification, appraisal, and application of medical literature to healthcare practices. Application of appropriate methodology and mechanics to original, publishable writing. Discussion of current ethical, regulatory, legal considerations in medical practice.
PHAS 625 • Clinical Reasoning I 2 Credits
Designed for first-year physician assistant (PA) students, this course is the first of two Clinical Reasoning courses designed to develop PA students’ problem-solving, patient assessment, and interpersonal communication. Using problem-based learning methods, this course corresponds with modules of PA clinical medicine and exposes students to an array of medical, social, and ethical issues.
PHAS 627 • Clinical Reasoning II 2 Credits
Designed for first-year physician assistant (PA) students, this course is the second of two Clinical Reasoning courses designed to develop PA students’ problem-solving, patient assessment, and interpersonal communication. Using problem-based learning methods, this course corresponds with modules of PA clinical medicine and exposes students to an array of medical, social, and ethical issues.
PHAS 630 • Patient-Centered Care and Applied Medical Ethics 3 Credits
Students interact with the concepts of cultural humility, diversity, social determinants of health, and patient advocacy. Students study the ethical dynamics of healthcare including principles of autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, justice, fairness and dignity. Learning is applied to realistic clinical and professional situations including inalienable rights, reproductive technologies, allocation of healthcare, death and dying, confidentiality, and professional conduct. Students will examine preventative medicine guidelines related to disease screening, risk identification, and risk stratification for diverse patient populations.
PHAS 632 • PA Professional Practice Issues 2 Credits
Development of professional attributes required by practicing physician assistants including the licensure and credentialing process. Discussion of current trends and the impact of history on the physician assistant role. Analysis of potential physician assistant leadership issues through one's individual worldview.
PHAS 635 • Clinical Rotation Skills and Orientation 3 Credits
Students will be presented with expectations for clinical rotations and future clinical practice, with a focus on professional behaviors, attitudes, and processes. Students will be required to demonstrate understanding of policies and requirements for successful completion of their clinical rotations, and will have the opportunity to interact with clinical faculty to prepare for the clinical year. Patient simulations will be used to develop and assess students’ clinical and professional skills.
PHAS 640 • Evidence-Based Medicine and Research II 3 Credits
Application of medical literature to health care, developing skills for statistical analysis, evidence-based medicine (EBM), and publishable writing. Emphasis on application of EBM to risk management, patient safety, and quality improvement.
PHAS 677 • Practical Experience Extension 0 Credit
Extension course for continued enrollment following the term in which a masters level PHAS internship, practicum, clinical or other experiential course was taken, required when there are outstanding hours to be completed.
PHAS 697 • Thesis Extension 0 Credit
Extension course for continued enrollment following the term in which PHAS790 was taken, required when the thesis course is incomplete.
Prerequisites: PHAS790. $375
PHAS 710 • Clinical Field Placements I 12 Credits
Transition from didactic to clinical training. Assignment to a combination of clinical rotations selected from emergency medicine, family practice, internal medicine, women’s health, pediatrics, psychiatry/behavioral medicine, general surgery, and two elective rotations. Participation is required in the seven core/required rotations and two elective rotations by the end of the clinical field placement series.
Malpractice insurance fee: $90, site supervision fee: $50.
PHAS 720 • Clinical Field Placements II 15 Credits
Ongoing clinical training. Assignment to a combination of clinical rotations selected from emergency medicine, family practice, internal medicine, women’s health, pediatrics, psychiatry/behavioral medicine, general surgery, and two elective rotations. Participation is required in the seven required rotations and two elective rotations by the end of the clinical field placement series.
Malpractice insurance fee: $90, site supervision fee: $50.
PHAS 730 • Clinical Field Placements III 9 Credits
Ongoing clinical training. Assignment to a combination of clinical rotations selected from emergency medicine, family practice, internal medicine, women’s health, pediatrics, psychiatry/behavioral medicine, general surgery, and two elective rotations. Participation is required in the seven core/required rotations and two elective rotations by the end of the clinical field placement series. Includes program’s overall summative evaluation of student.
Malpractice insurance fee: $90, PACKRAT fee: $40, site supervison fee: $50.
PHAS 760 • Directed Study 1-6 Credits
Directed study experience under the guidance of a faculty member for any independent or remedial work as needed.
Repeatable course: This course may be repeated with different learning objectives for credit.
PHAS 791 • PA Capstone and Summative Exams 2 Credits
Summative assessment of student knowledge, skills and ability to integrate a personalized plan for applying their worldview to the practice of medicine. Preparation for certification and licensure upon graduation including job applications. Evaluation of medical knowledge and skills through summative assessment steps 1 - 4.
Fee: $250 End of Curriculum Exam.