College of Nursing and Allied Health
Department of Physician Assistant Studies

Curriculum
Physician Assistant Studies (PAMS) Courses
(All courses listed are quarter hours)

DIDACTIC COURSES

PAMS 600 INTRODUCTION TO THE PA PROFESSION (2) - provides an overview of the history of the Physician Assistant (PA) profession, practice regulations and demographics. Issues related to health care management including: reimbursement systems, managed care; principles of quality assurance and risk management are also discussed. Emphasis is placed on the various roles of the PA in health care delivery and on the exploration of ethical and cultural issues related to the practice of medicine. Students will also consider their professional development from a Franciscan perspective focusing on the values of respect, compassion, integrity, and service.

PAMS 601 GROSS ANATOMY (7) - provides a comprehensive study of human gross anatomy. A regional approach is used to study the structures and organ systems of the thorax, upper extremity, back, abdomen, pelvis, lower extremity, head and neck. The clinical significance of topographical and radiological anatomical features is emphasized. Lectures are complemented by the laboratory study of prosected cadavers, anatomic models and computer dissection.

PAMS 602 MEDICAL PHYSIOLOGY, ALL SYSTEMS REVIEW (4) - is designed to give PA students a detailed overview of human physiology. Students will attain knowledge of the normal functions of the human body that is essential for clinical medicine. Emphasis is placed on homeostasis and the integration among body systems. Pathophysiological alterations in body function that occur with disease states are also discussed. Integration of lecture material will be enhanced by the use of assigned case studies. Specific topics covered in the course include homeostasis, signal transduction mechanisms, neurophysiology and the nervous system, the cardiovascular system and circulation and the respiratory system.

PAMS 609 Pathophysiology and Genetics is designed to give the student the up to date genetics information. Topics will be structure and function of genes and chromosomes, genetic variation, autosomal dominant and recessive inheritance, sex-linked and mitochondrial inheritance, clinical cytogenetics, biochemical basis of human disease, immunogenetics, developmental genetics and cancer genetics.  In addition cell degeneration, aging and death, and causes of diseases and illness will be discussed.

PAMS 604 PHARMACOTHERAPEUTICS I (4) - is the first in a two-course sequence designed to provide a solid foundation in pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and the physiology associated with drug action and interaction. Specific drug classes will be discussed, with attention given to individual drugs, their uses, side effects, similarities, and differences. Emphasis is placed on the most frequently prescribed agents for treatment of common diseases. Specific pharmacotherapeutics agents and/or disorders covered in this course include autonomic pharmacology, neurological disorders, pain management, psychiatric disorders, gastrointestinal disorder, NSAID's and antirheumatic drugs, cardiovascular and renal drugs, allergies, respiratory disorders and the pharmacology of anti-inflammatory steroids.

PAMS 605 PHARMACOTHERAPEUTICS II (4) - is the second in a two-course sequence designed to provide a solid foundation in pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and the physiology associated with drug action and interaction. Specific drug classes will be discussed, with attention given to individual drugs, their uses, side effects, similarities, and differences. Emphasis is placed on the most frequently prescribed agents for treatment of common diseases. Specific pharmacotherapeutics agents and/or disorders covered in this course include endocrinologic disorders, gonadal hormones and inhibitors, antimicrobial agents, dermatologic pharmacology, common disorders of the head, eye, ear, neck and throat, hematologic disorders, cancer chemotherapy and toxicology.

PAMS 606 ESSENTIALS OF CLINICAL LABORATORY MEDICINE (4) - introduces the student to clinical laboratory diagnostic tests. The basic theory, selection and interpretation of procedures most commonly used in a primary care setting are studied. Students will learn techniques used to obtain, preserve and handle laboratory specimens as well as use clinical laboratory results to screen, diagnose, evaluate and monitor patients. Students will be familiarized with the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) and their implications for laboratory medicine. Integration of lecture material will be enhanced by the use of assigned case studies.

PAMS 607 CLINICAL NUTRITION (2) - examines nutrition for health maintenance and in specific clinical situations. Nutritional needs throughout the life cycle are discussed as well as topics related to specialized nutritional support and clinical conditions.

PAMS 612 EPIDEMIOLOGY AND PUBLIC HEALTH (4) - provides students with an overview of the basic concepts of epidemiology, public health and preventative medicine. Epidemiological concepts discussed include the distribution, prevalence, causation, mode of transmission, dissemination, control, and preventative countermeasures of infectious and non-communicable diseases, as well as environmental occupational, behavioral, and chronic disabling conditions. Students will be introduced to research methodology related to the study of disease and investigate epidemiological trends across a variety of cultures.

PAMS 614 BEHAVIORAL MEDICINE (4) - provides students with an overview of behavioral medicine, broadly defined as an interdisciplinary field that aims to integrate the biological and psychosocial perspectives on human behavior and apply them to the evaluation, prevention, and treatment of physical disease or physiological dysfunction. The integration of mental disorders and behavioral problems into primary care medicine will be addressed.

PAMS 621- CLINICAL ASSESSMENT I (7) This course is the first in a sequence of three courses designed to develop the clinical skills and professional behaviors necessary for practice as a physician assistant in primary care. In this course the student learns how to obtain a medical history from patients, emphasizing sensitivity to age, gender and cultural diversity, as well as learns how to perform a comprehensive physical exam of an adult patient. Clinical Assessment I lecture covers the topics of general survey, vital signs, skin, eye, ear, nose, mouth, throat, and neck exam.  Additionally, three-hour laboratory sessions will be utilized weekly to instruct in procedural competencies necessary to perform an extensive HEENT examination. CPSS will be used on a weekly basis in a small group format so that the student can explore “real-life” clinical case scenarios in order to develop critical thinking skills and problem solving techniques.  Instructional techniques to evaluate the progression of student physical exam and documentation skills will include practical experiences with other PA students and patient models, as well as small group observation and critique of physical examination skills by faculty preceptors.

PAMS 622- CLINICAL ASSESSMENT II (7)- This course is the second in a sequence of three courses designed to develop the clinical skills and professional performance necessary for practice as a physician assistant in primary care.  During this course the student learns how to perform a comprehensive physical exam of an adult patient.   Clinical Assessment II topics include thorax, pulmonary, cardiovascular, GI, peripheral vascular, and breast.  Additionally, three-hour laboratory sessions will be utilized weekly to instruct in procedural competencies necessary to perform an extensive lung, cardiac and abdomen examination. CPSS will be used on a weekly basis in a small group format so that the student can explore “real-life” clinical case scenarios in order to develop critical thinking skills and problem solving techniques.  Instructional techniques to evaluate the progression of student physical exam and documentation skills will include practical experiences with other PA students and patient models, as well as small group observation and critique of physical examination skills by faculty preceptors.

PAMS 623- CLINICAL ASSESSMENT III (7)- This lecturer/laboratory course is the final in a sequence of three courses designed to explore the techniques for performing a complete and competent physical examination, understanding the pathophysiology presented by the patient, and organizing and reporting the findings in both a written and oral format. Synthesis of medical historical and physical presentations for an accurate evaluation of the patient will continue to be emphasized.    Clinical assessment of mental status, nervous system, male and female genitourinary system, anus and rectum, and physical exam of the pregnant women and infants and children are emphasized in this section.

PAMS 626 ESSENTIALS OF RADIOLOGY (4) - course provides students with a systematic method of interpreting common imaging studies seen in the primary care and emergency setting. Students will learn to appropriately select, and correctly interpret imaging modalities including radiography, computerized tomography, ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging and nuclear medicine imaging.

PAMS 627 CLINICAL PEDIATRICS (4) - provides an introduction to the fundamentals of pediatric medicine, covering the age span from neonate through adolescence. Childhood growth and development, preventative care, anticipatory guidance, and diagnosis and management of common pediatric illnesses encountered in clinical practice will be discussed.

PAMS 628 CLINICAL GERIATRICS (4) - introduces the student to the principles of geriatric medicine with an emphasis on the physiology of aging, the psychosocial aspects of aging and geriatric assessment. Students will learn to appropriately evaluate, diagnose, monitor, treat, counsel and refer elderly patients. In addition, students will discuss issues related to aging and long-term care from psychological, social, cultural and spiritual perspectives.

PAMS 630 DISEASES OF ORGAN SYSTEMS I (4) - is the first in a two-course sequence that uses a systems-oriented approach to focus on the etiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis for cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and renal disorders, including, metabolic and infectious processes.

PAMS 631 DISEASES OF ORGAN SYSTEMS II (4) - is the second in a two-course sequence that uses a systems-oriented approach to focus on the etiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis for nervous, endocrine, reproductive, hematology, and musculoskeletal disorders, including metabolic and infectious processes.

PAMS 635 FUNDAMENTALS OF SURGERY (4) - is designed to teach basic principles of surgery as well as principles of pre- and post-operative management of surgical patients. The course emphasizes surgical techniques and emergency procedures, as well as asepsis, minor procedures, suturing and anesthesia. Additionally, specific bedside procedures will be taught, including nasogastric intubation, urinary catherization and chest tube placement.

PAMS 636 OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY (4) - provides an introduction to women's health issues, including maternal and fetal well being, and the diagnosis, management, and treatment of common acute and chronic medical problems commonly encountered in obstetrics and gynecology.

PAMS 660 DIDACTIC SUMMARY & CLINICAL EVALUATION (4) This lecturer/laboratory course prepares the students for clinical rotations by providing up-to-date information in the areas of pediatrics, pharmacology and dermatology as well as hands-on procedural experience in the laboratory. The laboratory sessions are designed to perfect the techniques for performing a complete history and physical examination, understanding the pathophysiology presented by the patient, and organizing and reporting the findings in both a written and oral format.  Instructional techniques include practical experiences with patient models and critique of physical examination skills by faculty preceptors (OSCEs).  Additionally, the laboratory sessions will be utilized to enhance the student’s ability to  interpret radiological studies  of chest, abdomen, and long bone x-rays. Additionally, laboratory time will be devoted to casting and splinting techniques, ear and eye evaluation techniques, as well as ECG interpretation and BLS and ACLS training and certification.

PAMS 654 TOPICS IN CONTEMPORARY MEDICINE I (4) - COURSE DESCRIPTION:  The focus of this course will be to introduce the subject of healthcare ethics including personal and professional values, the history of ethics, philosophical underpinnings, and a beginning exploration of approaches for working through moral dilemmas.

PAMS 696 RESEARCH FOUNDATION (2) - This foundation course will provide a basis for their future work. Time and attention will be given to research methodologies, inquiry, reliability and validity, and statistics. The student will also learn about scientific writing, hypotheses, proposals, human volunteers and animal rights oversight committees.

PAMS 697 STUDY OF MEDICAL LITERATURE (2) - This intermediate research tract course is dedicated to the study and understanding of the medical literature. The student will read and discuss qualitative, single subject and experimental literature. A crucial component of this course is evidence - based medicine. A focus will be the transformation from the critical appraisals of evidence into direct clinical action. Practice in searching the medical databases will provide the student with confidence for their future medical work.

PAMS 698 INDEPENDENT STUDY (2) - The student will work independently with the research tract course instructor(s) and their student advisor to decide, define and write a research proposal

Clinical Learning Courses

PAMS 700 INTERNAL MEDICINE (8) - provides the PA student with the opportunity to diagnose, manage and treat patients in a wide range of acute and chronic medical problems encountered in internal medicine. Exposure is provided at the level of a primary care physician assistant.

PAMS 705 GENERAL SURGERY (8) - provides the PA student with the opportunity to be involved in the direct care of patients undergoing surgery including both pre-operative evaluation and post-operative maintenance. If possible, the rotation will emphasize surgical conditions and disease entities commonly encountered in the rural primary care setting.

PAMS 710 FAMILY MEDICINE (8) - provides the PA student with experience in a primary care setting and focuses on medical problems and aspects of disease prevention most commonly encountered by the primary care provider. All disciplines of healthcare are represented, however emphasis is placed on their application to the primary care setting with awareness of the individual's psychosocial needs.

PAMS 715 EMERGENCY MEDICINE (8) - provides the PA student with exposure to the diagnosis and treatment of patients presenting to the emergency department. Emphasis is placed on developing skills in recognizing signs and symptoms of common emergencies; taking appropriate action to sustain life; collecting relevant data; and providing accurate assessment and management of a variety of acute and life threatening medical, surgical and psychiatric illnesses and injuries.

PAMS 720 WOMEN'S HEALTH (8) - provides the PA student with exposure to the spectrum of women's health care. A primary care emphasis is given to well women care, family planning, recognition and treatment of sexually-transmitted diseases, cancer screening, routine care options for the older female patient, and the care of the pregnant patient including, pre-natal care, delivery, and postpartum care.

PAMS 725 PEDIATRICS (8) - provides the PA student with exposure to the care of the pediatric patient in health and disease from birth to adolescence. A primary care emphasis is given to normal child development and the recognition and management of common childhood illness, as well as well-child care, immunization updates and patient education.

PAMS 735 BEHAVIORAL ASPECTS OF MEDICINE (8) - introduces the PA student to the practice of Behavioral Medicine in a comprehensive health delivery system. The rotation will provide the student with an understanding of the variety of emotional states, basic psychopathology and pharmacotherapeutics. The student will develop the skills to make a psychiatric assessment. Emphasis will be placed on developing the skills and knowledge that will be useful in a primary care setting.

PAMS 750 ELECTIVE ROTATION (8) - can be conducted in such areas as dermatology, cardiology, geriatrics, orthopedics, or rural medicine. Other elective rotations may be developed by the clinical coordinator and/or upon student request and as approved by the program director.

PAMS 790 COMPREHENSIVE SUMMATIVE EVALUATION (3) - This course will provide a summative assessment and evaluation of the Physician Assistant student focusing on a comprehensive evaluation of the cognitive, affective, professional, attitudal, and psychomotor core competencies for practice as a health care provider. This course will use a toolbox of assessment methods for evaluating students..

PAMS 799 CAPSTONE RESEARCH PROJECT (2) - The physician assistant curriculum culminates in this individualized capstone project. This final written work is a synthesis of problem solving, research methodologies, evidence-based critical thinking and hard work. The students will collaborate with the research tract course instructor(s) and faculty advisors for their project. This clinically based project can take the form of a literature review, case study, a scientific experiment and or other suggested forms with the approval of the course instructor.