- Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II with labs, 8 semester credit hours*
- NOTE: Human Anatomy with Lab (4 SCH) and Human Physiology (4 SCH) sequence also meets the Anatomy and Physiology requirements. Neither Human Anatomy & Physiology I nor II alone satisfies the Human Anatomy and Physiology requirements.
*All required science courses MUST BE for science majors and include a laboratory component.
No Credit by Exam or AP credit can be used to fulfill any prerequisite coursework.
No online courses will be accepted to fulfill science prerequisites. We will consider online courses for the following:
- Genetics
- Psychology
- Statistics
Check course equivalencies for Texas institutions using the Texas Common Course Numbering System (TCCNS)
NOTE: Please refer to the Future Prerequisite/Admission Changes section for any updates
- Submission of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) official scores up to five years old. There is no minimum score requirement.
- Two reference letters - sent directly to CASPA
- Any additional materials required by CASPA
- Submission of official transcripts from each individual college/university currently or previously attended - must be mailed directly to CASPA only (Do not send transcripts to the health science center)
Applicants who are enrolled in college courses at the time of application should submit an official transcript showing courses in progress. An updated transcript must be submitted upon completion of the courses. Note: Transfer credits indicated on another school’s transcript are not accepted in lieu of submitting the original institution record for that coursework.
International applicants only: English Proficiency Requirement
- Applicants from countries where English is not the official language are required to submit scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Duolingo English Test. The minimum required scores are listed below:
- TOEFL 84
- IELTS 7.0
- Duolingo 115
NOTE: Information received by university officials regarding individual applicants outside of the formal admissions process or CASPA system will not be considered in the admissions review or selection process.
Admissions Process
After reviewing eligible applications, the Admissions Committee invites applicants to visit the campus for in-person multiple mini interviews. After the interviews, the Admissions Committee conducts a final review and will notify candidates of its final decisions.
Enhancing application factors
As part of the health science center PA program's holistic process, all applicants are evaluated based on multiple performances and experience-based criteria; these include overall GPA, science GPA, hours of community service, hours of health care experience, direct patient care, hours of PA shadowing, history of military service, disadvantaged background, or an affiliation with a medically underserved region. While none of these items, individually or in combination, guarantee selection, they have the capacity to augment the applicant’s overall submission.
Campus Location: The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio also offers its nationally recognized Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program at The University of Texas Education and Research Center at Laredo in Laredo, Texas. All applicants are asked to select their campus location preference upon submission of their CASPA application as either “San Antonio”, “Laredo”, or “no preference.” Priority for the Laredo campus will be given to selected applicants from Laredo or Webb County area, and those who qualify through the admissions process and choose the Laredo campus in CASPA. The research center provides a unique learning opportunity for individuals demonstrating a predisposition toward aiding and supporting a medically underserved population. More information can be found about the Laredo Extension Program on the website.
Advanced placement, transfer credit, and credit for experiential learning
There is no advanced placement for academic work completed prior to matriculation or for any type of work or healthcare experience. No prerequisite coursework may be used for credit or substitution for a PA curriculum course.
Transfer of Credit: Individuals are not allowed to transfer credits from other Physician Assistant programs. Such prior study will not be considered as fulfilling any requirement of the UTHSCSA PA program.
Credit for Experiential Learning: No credit for experiential learning will be granted for a course in the curriculum. Credit for experiential learning will not be awarded for any supervised clinical practice rotation.
Credit by Examination: No course may be credited by examination.
Technical Standards
Candidates for the UTHSCSA PA program must be able to meet these minimum technical standards with or without reasonable accommodation.
Suggestions for enhancing CASPA submissions
- Health-related experience and hands-on patient contact experience
- Shadow hours (PA, MD, DO, and NP)
- Community service, leadership, teaching, and extracurricular activities
- Awards, honors, and scholarship
- Completion of Basic Life Support and Advanced Cardiac Life Support courses
- Achieving a grade of B or better in all prerequisite coursework
The above recommendations are application enhancing. Completion does not guarantee an interview or selection into the UTHSCSA PA Program.
Future Prerequisite/Admission Changes
For those individuals planning on applying for the next application cycle, it is recommended that you check the UTHSCSA Physician Assistant Studies Future Prerequisites/Admission web page for any changes.
Information Sessions
If you would like to learn more about our program, please plan to attend one of our information sessions typically offered during the spring semester. Please refer to our website at https://uthscsa.edu/health-professions/# for specific dates and registration information.
Applicants are encouraged to seek advisement from their college counselors or the Health Professions' Office of Admissions and Special Programs at (866) 802-6288 (toll-free) or (210) 567-6220 for additional information on preparing for a future career as a Physician Assistant.
Degree Requirements
The Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program is an intense didactic and clinical program that consists of 126 semester credit hours. The curriculum is designed to prepare outstanding physician assistants to recognize and treat acute and chronic illness and promote health. The program begins in the summer semester and runs continuously for 30 months. The didactic component of the curriculum consists of classroom, laboratory, and clinical preparation. Didactic instruction is designed to prepare the student to successfully complete clinical rotations, and ultimately, for practice as a physician assistant.
The MPAS program is based on traditional semesters. The final months of the program include supervised clinical practice experiences (clinical rotations) and occur in sites throughout Texas. Students must be prepared to travel outside the San Antonio area and assume the cost of travel and any housing associated with all rotations.
- Rotations are full-time clinical experiences (minimum of 40+ hours per week).
- During clinical rotations, the students will have an opportunity to participate in an area of concentration of their choice.
- A pass-fail summative evaluation is administered during the final four months of the program. Students must pass the summative examination to qualify for graduation.
- All students are required to complete a research project prior to graduation.
- There are a number of interprofessional and community volunteer/service-learning opportunities
Grading and Advancement
Grading standards, symbols, grade point scales, GPA determinations, and other considerations regarding the quality of work of students are the prerogative of the faculty of the program, as are issues of promotion and advancement.
The standing of students in their work is expressed by the following grades:
B = Above Average
All coursework in the PA Studies Program that receives a letter grade must be passed with either a grade of "C" or better. In courses that are Pass/Fail, the student must receive a "P".
If a PA curriculum course is offered by another department and that department allows a grade of “D”, the PAS Department views that grade as not meeting the “C” requirement. A grade of “D” will be treated in the same manner as a grade of “F”.
To advance each semester, unconditionally, students must meet all of the following:
1. Pass all courses with a minimum grade of "C" or "P"
2. Maintain an overall (cumulative) GPA of 2.75 or greater
3. Meet competencies as outlined by program-established Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) and Milestones
4. Have faculty approval for advancement based on:
- Professionalism
- Academic performance
- Attitude
- Effort
- Demeanor
To advance unconditionally from the didactic phase to the Supervised Clinical Practice Experience (SCPE) year, a student must meet all the above requirements and also be BLS and ACLS certified (students will be provided the opportunity to complete BLS and ACLS during their didactic training).
To unconditionally advance each SCPE semester by the academic calendar, a student must meet all of the above requirements, pass each SCPE course, achieve a passing score on each preceptor evaluation, and attain the required Milestones.
Graduation Requirements
Masters degrees are awarded by the Board of Regents following the student’s completion of the prescribed course of study, the recommendation of the faculty, and the certification by the Dean of the School of Health Professions and the President of the Health Science Center that the candidate has fulfilled all requirements for the degree and certificate. Graduation from the Department of Physician Assistant Studies professional entry-level graduate physician assistant program requires students to have an overall GPA of 2.75/4.0 scale.
Degrees are conferred only on official dates publicly announced. The Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) will be conferred upon those students who have successfully completed all program requirements (including successful completion of the Summative evaluation).
It is the responsibility of the student to apply for graduation online using the student portal in the semester prior to anticipated graduation or during registration for the final year. Notices are sent from the Office of the University Registrar.
As in any educational setting, the student has the primary responsibility for acquiring knowledge. In offering courses of study, the health science center and Department of Physician Assistant Studies in no way guarantees that any student accepted for enrollment will achieve any given level of academic or professional accomplishment. This includes certification and licensure.
A student must complete all requirements in effect at the time of their enrollment, provided there has been no break in that enrollment. Policies are reviewed and updated annually. Students are responsible for reading and abiding by new policies upon publication. The Program Director/Chair and the Dean of the School must approve any changes in a degree plan.
Any academic or professional conduct action (e.g., academic probation) received while in the program will be reported to credentialing agencies or licensing boards. Students who complete training after the expected class graduation date may be required to provide justification to the Texas Medical Board (TMB), or other state licensing board, prior to licensure. License to practice as a physician assistant in any state is solely at the discretion of the state licensing board.
Sample Plan of Study
First Year Summer Credit Hours PHAS 5006 Clinical Physiology 4 PHAS 5007 Pathogenesis of Human Disease 3 PHAS 5011 Principles of Ethics and Professionalism 1 PHAS 5044 Clinical Anatomy 5 Fall PHAS 6010 Pharmacology 1 3 PHAS 5001 Patient Evaluation 1 2 PHAS 6131 Clinical Skills 1 0.5 PHAS 6134 Pulmonology 2 PHAS 6013 Clinical Research and Evidence Based Medicine 3 PHAS 6133 Cardiology 3.5 PHAS 6136 Otolaryngology 1.5 PHAS 5003 Behavioral Medicine 1 PHAS 6135 Dermatology 1 PHAS 6009 Laboratory Medicine I 1.5 Spring PHAS 6138 Neurology 1.5 PHAS 6004 Preventative Medicine and Public Health 3.5 PHAS 6121 Gastroenterology 2 PHAS 6122 Orthopedics-Rheumatology 2 PHAS 5201 Patient Evaluation 2 2 PHAS 6137 Clinical Skills 2 1 PHAS 6014 Pharmacology 2 3 PHAS 6123 Infectious Disease 1 PHAS 6120 Endocrinology 1.5 PHAS 6140 Laboratory Medicine II 1.5 Second Year Summer PHAS 5000 Physician Assistant Policy and Practice 2 PHAS 5301 Patient Evaluation 3 2 PHAS 6132 Clinical Skills 3 1 PHAS 6130 Renal-Genitourinary 2 PHAS 6124 Women's Health 1.5 PHAS 6128 Pediatrics 1 PHAS 6127 Gerontology 1 PHAS 6126 General Surgery 1.5 PHAS 6125 Emergency Medicine 1.5 EMSP 6135 Advanced Cardiac Life Support 1 PHAS 6129 Hematology-Oncology 0.5 Fall PHAS 6101 Internal Medicine Supervised Clinical Practice Experience 4 PHAS 6102 Family Medicine Supervised Clinical Practice Experience 4 PHAS 6103 Internal/Family Medicine Supervised Clinical Practice Experience 4 PHAS 6104 Pediatrics Supervised Clinical Practice Experience 4 4 Spring PHAS 6105 Emergency Medicine Supervised Clinical Practice Experience 4 PHAS 6106 Inpatient Medicine Supervised Clinical Practice Experience 4 PHAS 6107 Women's Health Supervised Clinical Practice Experience 4 PHAS 6108 Surgery Supervised Clinical Practice Experience 4 Third Year Summer PHAS 6109 Behavioral Medicine Supervised Clinical Practice Experience 4 PHAS 6110 Supervised Clinical Research Experience 4 PHAS 6111 Elective 1 Supervised Clinical Practice Experience 4 Fall PHAS 6112 Elective 2 Supervised Clinical Practice Experience 4 PHAS 6113 Elective 3 Supervised Clinical Practice Experience 4 PHAS 6114 Elective 4 Supervised Clinical Practice Experience 4 PHAS 6115 Elective 5 Supervised Clinical Practice Experience 4 Total Credit Hours: 126.0 Objectives/Program Outcomes
Mission
The Mission of the Department of Physician Assistant Studies at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio is to prepare outstanding physician assistants to recognize and treat acute and chronic illness and promote health. The Department of Physician Assistant Studies makes lives better by improving the health care, health outcomes and the well being of patients and their families through education, practice, service and research.
Vision
By 2022, the Department of Physician Assistant Studies at The University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio will be recognized as a world class Physician Assistant program and be amongst the best programs in the United States. We will lead the nation in Physician Assistant education, scholarship and service.
Goals
- Attract a highly qualified and diverse student body: We focus on educating a diverse student body to become excellent health care providers. This table demonstrates our continued commitment to diversity and reflects the varied and wide-ranging backgrounds and experiences of our students.
- Sustain a high first time Physician Assistant National Certification Exam pass rate: Over the past three years, our students’ Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) pass rate has been 100 percent for first-time exam takers. Over the past five years, our first time pass rate has exceeded the national average.
- Cultivate graduates who are competitively marketable as health care providers: Over the past five years, 92.4 percent of our graduates were licensed to practice within six months of graduation. In addition, 100 percent of these licensed providers are currently practicing medicine.
Program Policies and Information
Auditing Courses
Students may be required to audit previously attempted courses as a requirement of remediation. Course instructors, academic or clinical coordinators, department committees, or the department chair set standards of performance.
Computer Requirement
Students are required to purchase a laptop computer from the Health Science Center Computer Store upon matriculation. The cost of the purchase is calculated as a cost of attendance and is included in determination of financial aid eligibility.
Program Costs
In addition to required tuition and fees, there are costs for digital and hardcopy textbooks, scrubs, and equipment. The full-time clinical fieldwork experiences included in the curriculum may require that students relocate outside of San Antonio for the duration of the rotations. SCPE expenses will vary according to individual arrangements depending on the cost of travel, temporary housing, maintenance of local accommodations, etc. Students are encouraged to budget for major expenditures that could be associated with these assignments. Detailed information about program costs can be found on the Department of Physician Assistant Studies website.
Clinical Preceptors and Sites
The clinical practicum is a vital part of the Physician Assistant student’s education. Our program retains — and continually develops — a sizeable pool of potential sites and preceptors in all disciplines throughout Texas. Prospective and enrolled students are not required or allowed to initiate any contact, provide, solicit, or recruit clinical preceptors or clinical sites. Students may suggest clinical sites or preceptors to the clinical coordinators who will then contact, evaluate and approve for educational program suitability. Students are required to travel during the clinical phase of training.
Background Checks and Drug Screening
Background checks are required prior to matriculation. Any events that occur after the initial background check that might affect the student’s status in the program must be reported to the department immediately. Students are required to comply with additional requests for background checks at any time during their course of study.
Students are responsible for the cost of any/all required background checks.
Some medical facilities require students that rotate in their facility to undergo drug screening prior to being awarded temporary privileges. It is the student’s responsibility to comply with this screening. It is the student’s responsibility to arrange for the screening in a timely fashion so as not to impact their rotation duties.
The student is responsible for any applicable fees associated with drug screening.
Working and Employment While Enrolled as a PA Student
Students are encouraged to devote the maximum time possible to their studies while enrolled in the Physician Assistant Studies Program. The curriculum is intense, demanding, time consuming, and requires long hours of class and study time. Any activity that takes time away from a student’s efforts within the program is discouraged.
Courses
PHAS 5000. Physician Assistant Policy and Practice. 2 Credit Hours.
This course will provide the student with an overview of the assistant physician profession. The course will provide the student with an opportunity to develop an understanding of the profession to include history, social and policy issues, medical ethics, liability, educational philosophy, certification/licensure requirements, and professional concepts/issues, including a team approach to health care. Discussion will include intellectual honesty, academic and professional conduct.
PHAS 5001. Patient Evaluation 1. 2 Credit Hours.
This course provides the student with an opportunity to develop a theoretical and clinical basis for assessment of the patient. The process, in which a physician assistant utilizes a comprehensive physical, psychosocial, and cultural assessment across the lifespan to gather specific data relevant to common health problems, is demonstrated. Faculty will facilitate laboratory and clinical experiences that will focus on assessment of patients and presentation of findings in a variety of settings.
PHAS 5003. Behavioral Medicine. 1 Credit Hour.
This course provides the student with an opportunity to develop an understanding of human behavior by providing an overview of major behavioral disease processes and differentiation criteria to include disease presentation, physical examination findings, laboratory testing, and therapeutic approaches. Open for Cross Enrollment on Space Available Basis.
PHAS 5006. Clinical Physiology. 4 Credit Hours.
This course is designed to provide students in health professions discipline with the fundamentals of normal human physiology. The course includes concepts from cellular to system level. Topics include cellular, respiratory, cardiovascular, digestive, renal, male and female reproductive, musculoskeletal, nervous, and endocrine systems with integration of these physiologic concepts to pathologic disease processes. The course includes classroom lecture, case studies and student presentations.
PHAS 5007. Pathogenesis of Human Disease. 3 Credit Hours.
This course covers the basic principles of pathology providing the opportunity for the understanding of human disease processes. Course content includes discussion of general disease processes such as cellular degeneration, inflammation, tissue repair, chemical and physical injury, developmental disorders and neoplasia and a thorough examination of the principal diseases of the major tissues and organ systems. Upon completion of the course the student will have had the opportunity to acquire foundation knowledge of the concepts of pathophysiology applicable and required for clinical diagnosis of human diseases. Open for Cross Enrollment on Space Available Basis.
PHAS 5011. Principles of Ethics and Professionalism. 1 Credit Hour.
A major component of becoming a critical thinker involves understanding of professional behavior and ethical decision making that may affect others, particularly patients and their families. This course will encourage discussion and analysis of issues that involve professional behavior and ethical conflicts to help PA students prepare for approaching ethical dilemmas. In addition, the course will address ethical issues relating to research.
PHAS 5044. Clinical Anatomy. 5 Credit Hours.
This course uses lecture and laboratory experience to learn gross morphology of the human body including: structural relationships, anatomical variations and radiological correlations. The course will emphasize the application of this anatomical knowledge to clinical practice. Students will conduct a complete cadaver gross dissection in order to reveal the anatomical basis for performing clinical procedures, conduct a physical exam, and assess structures that may be injured or diseased based on a patient presentation. Students are expected to become skilled at identification of anatomical structures, and are also expected to become proficient at recognition of structural arrangements and structural relationships. Students have the opportunity to further their knowledge of anatomy by using computer-assisted technology, which is available online. Course Fees: Admin Fee/Materials: $831 Lab/Gross Anatomy: $30.
PHAS 5201. Patient Evaluation 2. 2 Credit Hours.
This course is a continuation of Patient Evaluation 1, and provides the student with additional opportunities to develop a theoretical and clinical basis for assessment of the patient. The process, in which a physician assistant utilizes a comprehensive physical, psychosocial, and cultural assessment across the lifespan to gather specific data relevant to common health problems, is demonstrated. Faculty will facilitate laboratory and clinical experiences that will focus on assessment of patients and presentation of findings in a variety of settings.
PHAS 5301. Patient Evaluation 3. 2 Credit Hours.
This course is a continuation of Patient Evaluation 2, and provides the student with additional opportunities to develop a theoretical and clinical basis for assessment of the patient. The process, in which a physician assistant utilizes a comprehensive physical, psychosocial, and cultural assessment across the lifespan to gather specific data relevant to common health problems, is demonstrated. Faculty will facilitate laboratory and clinical experiences that will focus on assessment of patients and presentation of findings in a variety of settings.
PHAS 6004. Preventative Medicine and Public Health. 3.5 Credit Hours.
The student will have an opportunity to develop an understanding and knowledge of epidemiology and preventive medicine across a number of topics. An introduction to public health, with an emphasis on needs assessment and project development, is a major component of this course. Open for Cross Enrollment on Space Available Basis.
PHAS 6010. Pharmacology 1. 3 Credit Hours.
The student will have an opportunity to develop an understanding and knowledge of the pharmacological basis of therapeutics with special emphasis on the biochemical and physiological functions in disease. Majors areas covered include drugs active in the cardiovascular, autonomic, and central nervous systems. General principles of drug action and specific coverage of drugs used in the treatment of bacterial, viral, and parasitic diseases are provided.
PHAS 6013. Clinical Research and Evidence Based Medicine. 3 Credit Hours.
This course is a general introduction to research design, statistical reasoning, and interpretation of medical/scientific literature. Topics include scientific method, theory, development of research questions, issues of measurement, models of experimental and non-experimental designs, and an overview of parametric and non-parametric statistical techniques. All topics will be in reference to understanding the literature and to evidence for practice decisions. The learner will have an opportunity to critically analyze medical and scientific literature/ research and participate in a research project headed by faculty mentors.
PHAS 6014. Pharmacology 2. 3 Credit Hours.
A continuation of Pharmacology 1, the student will have an opportunity to develop an understanding and knowledge of the actions and therapeutic uses of drugs. The topics include principles of pharmacology and pharmacokinetics. Topics will center on drug action, autonomic and cardiovascular pharmacology, neuropharmacology, endocrine pharmacology, GI and respiratory pharmacology, and an introduction to chemotherapy and toxicology. Special topics will include basics in prescription writing.
PHAS 6101. Internal Medicine Supervised Clinical Practice Experience. 4 Credit Hours.
This clinical rotation is part of a series of supervised clinical practice (SCP) opportunities for students who have completed the didactic phase of the Physician Assistant curriculum. SCP experiences enable students to meet program expectations, and acquire the competencies needed for entry level clinical PA practice. This outpatient primary care rotation will include preventive, acute and chronic patient encounters that include women's health and care across the life span.
PHAS 6102. Family Medicine Supervised Clinical Practice Experience. 4 Credit Hours.
This clinical rotation is part of a series of supervised clinical practice (SPC) opportunities for students who have completed the didactic phase of the Physician Assistant curriculum. SCP experiences enable students to meet program expectations, and acquire the competencies needed for entry level clinical PA practice. This outpatient primary care rotation will include preventive, acute and chronic patient encounters that include women's health and care across the life span.
PHAS 6103. Internal/Family Medicine Supervised Clinical Practice Experience. 4 Credit Hours.
This clinical rotation course is part of a series of supervised clinical practice (SPC) opportunities for students who have completed the didactic phase of the Physician Assistant curriculum. SCP experiences enable students to meet program expectations and acquire the competencies needed for entry level clinical PA practice. This outpatient primary care rotation will include preventive, acute and chronic patient encounters that include women's health and care across the life span.
PHAS 6104. Pediatrics Supervised Clinical Practice Experience 4. 4 Credit Hours.
This clinical rotation is part of a series of supervised clinical practice (SPC) opportunities for students who have completed the didactic phase of the Physician Assistant curriculum. SCP experiences enable students to meet program expectations and acquire the competencies needed for entry-level clinical PA practice. Students will encounter the types of patients essential to preparing them for entry into practice. The outpatient pediatric rotation will include preventive, acute and chronic patient encounters.
PHAS 6105. Emergency Medicine Supervised Clinical Practice Experience. 4 Credit Hours.
This clinical rotation course is part of a series of supervised clinical practice (SPC) opportunities for students who have completed the didactic phase of the Physician Assistant curriculum. SPC experiences enable students to meet program expectations, and acquire the competencies needed for entry-level clinical PA practice. Students will encounter the types of patients essential to preparing them for entry into practice. This emergency medical rotation will include acute and emergent patient encounters that include women's health and care across the life span.
PHAS 6106. Inpatient Medicine Supervised Clinical Practice Experience. 4 Credit Hours.
This clinical rotation course is part of a series of supervised clinical practice experience (SCPE) opportunities for students who have completed the didactic phase of the Physician Assistant curriculum. SCPEs enable students to meet program expectations, and acquire the competencies needed for entry-level clinical PA practice. This inpatient rotation will include preventative, acute and emergent patient encounters that include pre- and post- surgical care, women's health and care across the life span.
PHAS 6107. Women's Health Supervised Clinical Practice Experience. 4 Credit Hours.
This clinical rotation is part of a series of supervised clinical practice experience (SCPE) opportunities for students who have completed the didactic phase of the Physician Assistant curriculum. SCPEs enable students to meet program expectations and acquire the competencies needed for entry-level clinical PA practice. This women's health rotation will include preventative, acute, chronic and emergent patient encounters across the life span.
PHAS 6108. Surgery Supervised Clinical Practice Experience. 4 Credit Hours.
This clinical rotation is part of a series of supervised clinical practice experience (SCPE) opportunities for students who have completed the didactic phase of the Physician Assistant curriculum. SCPEs enable students to meet program expectations and acquire the competencies needed for entry-level clinical PA practice. This surgical rotation will include acute, chronic, and emergent patient encounters involving pre-surgical, post-surgical, and intra-surgical care.
PHAS 6109. Behavioral Medicine Supervised Clinical Practice Experience. 4 Credit Hours.
This clinical rotation is part of a series of supervised clinical practice experience (SCPE) opportunities for students who have completed the didactic phase of the Physician Assistant curriculum. SCPEs enable students to meet program expectations, and acquire the competencies needed for entry-level clinical PA practice. This psychiatry rotation will include preventative, acute, chronic, and emergent patient encounters that include women's health and care across the life span.
PHAS 6110. Supervised Clinical Research Experience. 4 Credit Hours.
This clinical phase rotation course is a supervised research month opportunity for students who have completed the didactic phase of the Physician Assistant curriculum. This course is designed to provide practical application of skills learned during PHAS 6013 Scientific Inquiry. During this rotation, students will have the opportunity to explore research design, statistical reasoning, and interpretation of medical/scientific literature. This rotation will enhance the students' understanding and interpretation of medical literature and the application of evidence for practice decisions. The learner will have an opportunity to critically analyze medical and scientific literature/research and demonstrate the results of their team's research project headed by faculty mentors.
PHAS 6111. Elective 1 Supervised Clinical Practice Experience. 4 Credit Hours.
This clinical rotation course is part of a series of supervised clinical practice experience (SCPE) opportunities for students who have completed the didactic phase of the Physician Assistant curriculum. SCPEs enable students to meet program expectations, and acquire the competencies needed for entry-level clinical PA practice. This elective rotation can include preventative, acute, chronic, and emergent patient encounters that include surgical care, women's health and care across the life span.
PHAS 6112. Elective 2 Supervised Clinical Practice Experience. 4 Credit Hours.
This clinical rotation is part of a series of supervised clinical practice experience (SCPE) opportunities for students who have completed the didactic phase of the Physician Assistant curriculum. SCPEs enable students to meet program expectations, and acquire the competencies needed for entry-level clinical PA practice. This elective rotation can include preventative, acute, chronic, and emergent patient encounters that include surgical care, women's health and care across the life span.
PHAS 6113. Elective 3 Supervised Clinical Practice Experience. 4 Credit Hours.
This clinical rotation is part of a series of supervised clinical practice experience (SCPE) opportunities for students who have completed the didactic phase of the Physician Assistant curriculum. SCPEs enable students to meet program expectations, and acquire the competencies needed for entry-level clinical PA practice. This elective rotation can include preventative, acute, chronic, and emergent patient encounters that include surgical care, women's health and care across the life span.
PHAS 6114. Elective 4 Supervised Clinical Practice Experience. 4 Credit Hours.
This clinical rotation is part of a series of supervised clinical practice experience (SCPE) opportunities for students who have completed the didactic phase of the Physician Assistant curriculum. SCPEs enable students to meet program expectations, and acquire the competencies needed for entry-level clinical PA practice. This elective rotation can include preventative, acute, chronic, and emergent patient encounters that include surgical care, women's health and care across the life span.
PHAS 6115. Elective 5 Supervised Clinical Practice Experience. 4 Credit Hours.
This clinical rotation is part of a series of supervised clinical practice experience (SCPE) opportunities for students who have completed the didactic phase of the Physician Assistant curriculum. SCPEs enable students to meet program expectations, and acquire the competencies needed for entry-level clinical PA practice. This elective rotation can include preventative, acute, chronic, and emergent patient encounters that include surgical care, women's health and care across the life span.
PHAS 6120. Endocrinology. 1.5 Credit Hour.
This course provides students with aspects of medical care related to the endocrine system. It will provide students with an opportunity to develop an understanding of human disease states. Instruction will include recognition of disease state through data collection, assessment, management, patient education, and disease prevention. Instruction in health disparities and diverse populations is included.
PHAS 6121. Gastroenterology. 2 Credit Hours.
This course provides students with aspects of medical care related to the gastroenterology system. It will provide students with an opportunity to develop an understanding of human disease states. Instruction will include recognition of disease state through data collection, assessment, management, patient education, and disease prevention. Instruction in health disparities and diverse populations is included.
PHAS 6122. Orthopedics-Rheumatology. 2 Credit Hours.
This course provides students with aspects of medical care related to the musculoskeletal system. It will provide students with an opportunity to develop an understanding of human disease states. Instruction will include recognition of disease state through data collection, assessment, management, patient education, and disease prevention. Instruction in health disparities and diverse populations is included.
PHAS 6123. Infectious Disease. 1 Credit Hour.
This course provides students with aspects of medical care related to infectious diseases. It will provide students with an opportunity to develop an understanding of human disease states. Instruction will include recognition of disease state through data collection, assessment, management, patient education, and disease prevention. Instruction in health disparities and diverse populations is included.
PHAS 6124. Women's Health. 1.5 Credit Hour.
This course provides students with aspects of medical care related to the women's health. It will provide students with an opportunity to develop an understanding of human disease states. Instruction will include recognition of disease state through data collection, assessment, management, patient education, and disease prevention. Instruction in health disparities and diverse populations is included.
PHAS 6125. Emergency Medicine. 1.5 Credit Hour.
This provides students with the practical aspects of assessment, diagnosis, and management of many commonly encountered medical and surgical emergencies, the basis to identify when a patient's medical situation represents a medical emergency, the medical approaches a patient in an Emergency Department, and how to create emergent differential diagnoses. The materials will include the initial assessment of the medical and trauma patient, review of signs and symptoms and accompanying physical findings, methods of diagnosis, and treatment of a spectrum of emergent illnesses and injuries. The course will be organized by chief complaint and will cover the pertinent diseases processes/injuries to aid in the creation of learners' differential diagnoses.
PHAS 6126. General Surgery. 1.5 Credit Hour.
This didactic phase course covers various topics concerning general surgical care of patients. Emphasis is given to presenting signs and symptoms, laboratory and imaging interpretation and the diagnosis and treatment of selected surgical disorders.
PHAS 6127. Gerontology. 1 Credit Hour.
This course provides students with all aspects of medical care based on an organ system approach. It will provide students with an opportunity to develop an understanding of human disease states. Instruction will include recognition of disease state through data collection, assessment, management, patient education, and disease prevention. Health disparities will be included. The organ systems will be covered as they relate to specific geriatric patients: cardiovascular, dermatologic, otorhinolaryngology, endocrine, gastrointestinal/nutritional, hematologic, musculoskeletal, infectious disease, neurologic, psychiatric, pulmonary, and genitourinary/reproductive.
PHAS 6128. Pediatrics. 1 Credit Hour.
This course provides students with all aspects of pediatric medical care based on an organ system approach. It will provide students with an opportunity to develop an understanding of common pediatric disease states. Instruction will include recognition of disease state through data collection, assessment, management, patient education, and disease prevention. Health disparities will be included. Special emphasis is placed on childhood growth and development focusing on expected developmental milestones.
PHAS 6129. Hematology-Oncology. 0.5 Credit Hours.
This course provides students with aspects of medical care related to hematology and oncology. It will provide students with an opportunity to develop an understanding of human disease states. Instruction will include recognition of disease state through data collection, assessment, management, patient education, and disease prevention. Instruction in health disparities and diverse populations is included.
PHAS 6130. Renal-Genitourinary. 2 Credit Hours.
This course provides students with aspects of medical care related to the renal and genitourinary systems. It will provide students with an opportunity to develop an understanding of human disease states. Instruction will include recognition of disease state through data collection, assessment, management, patient education, and disease prevention. Instruction in health disparities and diverse populations is included.
PHAS 6131. Clinical Skills 1. 0.5 Credit Hours.
This course provides the student with knowledge and skills necessary to perform selected clinical procedures using accepted sterile techniques. The student will have the opportunity to demonstrate an understanding of the indications, contraindications, rationale and potential complications with additional emphasis on patient preparation, required materials, asceptic technique, procedure steps, wound care, patient safety and education. Faculty will facilitate lecture and laboratory experience that will focus on demonstration and performance based training. Activities will range from observation to participation in procedure skills utilized during the clinical phase of their studies.
PHAS 6132. Clinical Skills 3. 1 Credit Hour.
This course is a continuation of Clinical Skills 2, and provides the student with additional knowledge and skills necessary to perform selected clinical procedures using accepted sterile techniques. The student will have the opportunity to demonstrate an understanding of the indications, contraindications, rationale and potential complications with additional emphasis on patient preparation, required materials, asceptic technique, procedure steps, wound care, patient safety and education. Faculty will facilitate lecture and laboratory experience that will focus on demonstration and performance based training. Activities will range from observation to participation in procedure skills utilized during the clinical phase of their studies.
PHAS 6133. Cardiology. 3.5 Credit Hours.
This course provides students with all aspects of medical care related to selected cardiovascular disorders. It will provide students with an opportunity to develop an understanding of human disease states. Instruction will include recognition of disease state through data collection, assessment, management, patient education, and disease prevention. Health disparities will be included.
PHAS 6134. Pulmonology. 2 Credit Hours.
This course provides students with all aspects of medical care related to selected pulmonary disorders. It will provide students with an opportunity to develop an understanding of human disease states. Instruction will include recognition of disease state through data collection, assessment, management, patient education, and disease prevention. Health disparities will be included.
PHAS 6135. Dermatology. 1 Credit Hour.
This course provides students with aspects of medical care related to dermatology. It will provide students with an opportunity to develop an understanding of human disease states. Instruction will include recognition of disease state through data collection, assessment, management, patient education, and disease prevention. Instruction in health disparities and diverse populations is included.
PHAS 6136. Otolaryngology. 1.5 Credit Hour.
This course provides students with aspects of medical care related to the otolaryngology related organ systems. It will provide students with an opportunity to develop an understanding of human disease states. Instruction will include recognition of disease state through data collection, assessment, management, patient education, and disease prevention. Instruction in health disparities and diverse populations is included.
PHAS 6137. Clinical Skills 2. 1 Credit Hour.
This course is a continuation of Clinical Skills 1, and provides the student with additional knowledge and skills necessary to perform selected clinical procedures using accepted sterile techniques. The student will have the opportunity to demonstrate an understanding of the indications, contraindications, rationale and potential complications with additional emphasis on patient preparation, required materials, asceptic technique, procedure steps, wound care, patient safety and education. Faculty will facilitate lecture and laboratory experience that will focus on demonstration and performance based training. Activities will range from observation to participation in procedure skills utilized during the clinical phase of their studies. Prerequisites: PHAS 6131.
PHAS 6138. Neurology. 1.5 Credit Hour.
This course provides students with aspects of medical care related to the neurologic system. It will provide students with an opportunity to develop an understanding of human disease states. Instruction will include recognition of disease state through data collection, assessment, management, patient education, and disease prevention. Instruction in health disparities and diverse populations is included.
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