Curriculum Details

FIRST TERM

DESCRIPTION

CREDITS

MSPA 511:

Anatomy I with Lab

This course is designed to provide an introduction to the functional anatomy of the human body. Students will have the opportunity to locate, identify, and dissect all major muscular, nervous, vascular, bony, and soft tissue structures using cadaveric specimens.

4

MSPA 521: Physiology/Biochemistry I

This course offers a fundamental and integrated approach to human physiology with emphasis on the study of the body's functional system from a medical perspective.

3

MSPA 531:

Introduction to Clinical Lab and Microbiology

This course will provide the student with advanced microbiology, virology and immunology to understand the complexities of infectious disease. Emphasis will be placed on clinically relevant pathogens, isolation and aseptic techniques, identification and treatment.

3

MSPA 556:

Patient Education and Counseling

This course is a practical, evidence based approach to educate and counsel patients in order to improve lifestyle, increase adherence and reduce medical errors.

2

MSPA 551:

History and Physical Exam I with Lab

This on-going course focuses on developing the skills of obtaining a comprehensive history and a problem focused history; performing a comprehensive screening exam and an appropriate problem focused exam; the ability to integrate and interpret the findings from these to create a foundation for further clinical evaluation. Emphasis is placed on identifying normal versus abnormal findings and on accurate and appropriate documentation.

3

MSPA 505:

Information Literacy

This course provides students with the basic terminology, concepts and methods of research in order to be able to locate, evaluate and apply current evidence to clinical practice.

3

MSPA 541:

Clinical Genetics

This course familiarizes students with   concepts of cellular and molecular biology; different types of mutations and their effects; inheritance patterns; genetic testing techniques; counseling referrals and key resources with an emphasis on accurately creating and interpreting the pedigree in regards to disease identification and/or susceptibility, therapeutic options and future clinical applications of genetics in primary care.

2

Term Total Credits: 20

SECOND TERM

DESCRIPTION

CREDITS

MSPA 526:

Pathophysiology

This course is designed to provide the basic pathophysiologic understanding of diseases and the resulting clinical presentation.

3

MSPA 512:

Anatomy II with Lab

This course builds on Anatomy I investigating the functional anatomy of the human body by offering students the opportunity to locate, identify, and dissect all major muscular, nervous, vascular, bony, and soft tissue structures using cadaveric specimens.

4

MSPA 522:

Physiology/Biochemistry II

This course builds on Physiology I to offer a fundamental and integrated approach to human physiology with emphasis on the study of the body's functional system from a medical perspective.

3

MSPA 552:

History and Physical Exam II with Lab

This on-going course builds on H&P I in developing skills of obtaining a comprehensive history and a problem focused history; performing a comprehensive screening exam and an appropriate problem focused exam; the ability to integrate and interpret the findings from any of these to create a foundation for further clinical evaluation. Emphasis is placed on identifying normal versus abnormal findings and on accurate and appropriate documentation.

3

MSPA 571:

Clinical Pharmacology I

This course introduces the student to the basic principles of pharmacology, including mechanisms of action; absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion; pharmacokinetics; interactions with other drugs and with food; problems with special populations (prenatal, neonatal, elderly); rational drug usage for clinical disorders (therapeutics): clinical measures; and toxicology.

3

MSPA 611:

Clinical Medicine I with Lab

This ongoing body systems based course integrates all the skills and learning from the curriculum as related to medical problems encountered in the primary care setting. Emphasis is on the integration of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, microbiology, history and exam findings and diagnostic procedures in order to formulate a differential diagnosis; on ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests in order to develop a working diagnosis; and on developing and implementing treatment plans including as needed therapeutic procedures, pharmacology, referral and patient education and counseling.

4

MSPA 632:

Integrative Medicine and Practice I

This ongoing course exposes students to the philosophies, concepts, techniques and practice of a variety of alternative and complementary medicine.

1

MSPA 642:

Medical Seminar

This ongoing course utilizes a variety of techniques designed to supplement and integrate content from all didactic courses, including but not limited to: small group interaction; problem based learning; case based learning; simulation lab; reflective discussion and literature critique.

2

Term Total Credits: 23

THIRD TERM

DESCRIPTION

CREDITS

MSPA 553:

History and Physical Exam III with Lab

This on-going course builds on H&P I and II in developing skills of obtaining a comprehensive history and a problem focused history; performing a comprehensive screening exam and an appropriate problem focused exam; the ability to integrate and interpret the findings from any of these to create a foundation for further clinical evaluation. Emphasis is placed on identifying normal versus abnormal findings and on accurate and appropriate documentation.

4

MSPA 612:

Clinical Medicine II with Lab

This ongoing body systems based course integrates all the skills and learning from the curriculum as related to medical problems encountered in the primary care setting. Emphasis is on the integration of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, microbiology, history and exam findings and diagnostic procedures in order to formulate a differential diagnosis; on ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests in order to develop a working diagnosis; and on developing and implementing treatment plans including as needed therapeutic procedures, pharmacology, referral and patient education and counseling.

8

MSPA 604:

Professional Practice and Policy

This course incorporates the history, development, certification, licensure, reimbursement and key organizations of the PA profession as well as the role of the PA in public health and state and federal policy making.

2

MSPA 561:

Health, Wellness and Nutrition Throughout the Lifespan

This course will emphasize disease prevention, health promotion during various stages of life with emphasis on the pediatric and geriatric population.

2

MSPA 603:

Medical Ethics

This course presents the student with the four topic method of evaluation of Ethical issues. Each student will look at the ethical issue presented looking at Medical indications, patient preferences, quality of life and contextual features to provide a response to the ethical dilemma. The course will provide a foundation for the student to work through ethical dilemmas provided by the professor. During this course the student will identify and evaluate ethical issues of their own and touch upon options and solutions and provide the student with the ability to employ those methods throughout their career.

2

MSPA 633:

Integrative Medicine and Practice II

This ongoing course exposes students to the philosophies, concepts, techniques and practice of a variety of alternative and complementary medicine.

2

MSPA 643:

Medical Seminar II

This ongoing course utilizes a variety of techniques designed to supplement and integrate content from all didactic courses, including but not limited to: small group interaction; problem based learning; case based learning; simulation lab; reflective discussion and literature critique.

2

Term Total Credits: 22

FOURTH TERM

DESCRIPTION

CREDITS

MSPA 613:

Clinical Medicine III with Lab

This ongoing body systems based course integrates all the skills and learning from the curriculum as related to medical problems encountered in the primary care setting. Emphasis is on the integration of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, microbiology, history and exam findings and diagnostic procedures in order to formulate a differential diagnosis; on ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests in order to develop a working diagnosis; and on developing and implementing treatment plans including as needed therapeutic procedures, pharmacology, referral and patient education and counseling.

8

MSPA 620:

Fundamentals of Surgery with Lab

This course presents the fundamentals of the approach to surgery and the surgical patient. Emphasis is on pre, intra and post operative care; surgical skills and techniques; management of complications, and patient education and counseling.

4

MSPA 602:

Information Literacy and Medical Writing

This course builds on Information Literacy I by integrating and applying those skills by requiring students to write in various scientific and medical formats.

2

MSPA 608:

Global Health

This course offers the student the opportunity to investigate the impact of health issues in other countries and the interactive affect on all populations in terms of epidemiology, disease, disasters, economics, health initiatives, ethics and policy.

2

MSPA 634:

Integrative Medicine and Practice III

This ongoing course exposes students to the philosophies, concepts, techniques and practice of a variety of alternative and complementary medicine.

2

MSPA 644:

Medical Seminar III

This ongoing course utilizes a variety of techniques designed to supplement and integrate content from all didactic courses, including but not limited to: small group interaction; problem based learning; case based learning; simulation lab; reflective discussion and literature critique.

2

MSPA 572:

Clinical Pharmacology II

This course builds on Clinical Pharmacology I with more advanced principles of pharmacology, including mechanisms of action; absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion; pharmacokinetics; interactions with other drugs and with food; problems with special populations (prenatal, neonatal, elderly); rational drug usage for clinical disorders (therapeutics): clinical measures; and toxicology.

3

*MSPA 651:

Clinical Clerkship I

One of the core supervised clinical clerkships for the Physician Assistant student.

4

Term Total Credits: 27

FIFTH TERM

DESCRIPTION

CREDITS

*MSPA 652:

Clinical Clerkship II

One of the core supervised clinical clerkships for the Physician Assistant student.

4

*MSPA 653:

Clinical Clerkship III

One of the core supervised clinical clerkships for the Physician Assistant student.

4

*MSPA 654:

Clinical Clerkship IV

One of the core supervised clinical clerkships for the Physician Assistant student.

4

MSPA 644:

Medical Seminar

This is a continuation of the didactic course. During this course, presented in the supervised clinical experience period, topics in Clinical Medicine, Integrative Medicine, Global Health and Medical Ethics are presented.

2

Term Total Credits: 14

SIXTH TERM

DESCRIPTION

CREDITS

*MSPA 655:

Clinical Clerkship V

One of the core supervised clinical clerkships for the Physician Assistant student.

4

*MSPA 656:

Clinical Clerkship VI

One of the core supervised clinical clerkships for the Physician Assistant student.

4

MSPA 698:

Capstone Project

This is the capstone research project where the student is required to complete and submit their research paper of publishable quality to the faculty. 

2

MSPA 645:

Medical Seminar

This is a continuation of the didactic course. During this course, presented in the supervised clinical experience period, topics in Clinical Medicine, Integrative Medicine, Global Health and Medical Ethics are presented.

2

Term Total Credits: 12

SEVENTH TERM

DESCRIPTION

CREDITS

*MSPA 657:

Clinical Clerkship VII

One of the core supervised clinical clerkships for the Physician Assistant student.

4

*MSPA 660-680:

Clinical Clerkship VIII

An elective specialty supervised clinical experiences for the Physician Assistant student.

4

*MSPA 660-680:

Clinical Clerkship IX

An elective specialty supervised clinical experiences for the Physician Assistant student.

4

Term Total Credits:  12

*CORE SUPERVISED CLINICAL CLERKSHIPS (Rotations)

All students are required to complete all of the seven core supervised clinical clerkships. The clinical clerkship sequence will be individually assigned to students.

Emergency Medicine - The Emergency Medicine clerkship gives the physician assistant student direct involvement and experience in a hospital Emergency Department setting. This will provide the student with practical clinical experience in the diagnosis, evaluation, and management of a wide range of emergent medical, orthopedic, traumatic, and surgical conditions. Students will participate in the care of pediatric and adult patients in all triage acuity classifications. This experience consists of a six week supervised clinical experience in an affiliated hospital emergency department designed to further develop the concepts of diagnosis and management acquired during the pre-clinical course-work and to develop decision-making and cognitive skills related to patient care in an emergency room. This course will also provide the student a chance to develop additional clinical psychomotor skills by performing routine basic procedures in a supervised setting. By the completion of the rotation, the student will have gained an appreciation for the delivery of emergency medical care as well as an understanding of the role of the PA in the Emergency Department setting.

Family Medicine - This six week clinical clerkship is designed to expose the student to a variety of common ambulatory care situations. Settings vary, but experiences are centered around primary care, general medicine, and family practice. Students are responsible for eliciting chief complaints, gathering pertinent historical data, and performing relevant physical examinations. Students are also expected to develop problem lists, diagnostic impressions and therapeutic plans. These are to be presented to the preceptor in an organized, thoughtful manner. Students are expected to attend conferences on primary care problems when offered and participate in other assigned activities. 

Internal Medicine - This 6 week clerkship is designed to provide an opportunity for the student to build on previous didactic experience and begin to develop competence in clinical medicine. The student is exposed to patients with a wide group of acute and chronic medical conditions. This clerkship will emphasize skills in gathering historical data, examination of patients, and provide the opportunity to perform a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Students will interpret laboratory, EKG, and a variety of radiology studies. Students will formulate treatment plans; participate in discharge planning and patient education.

Obstetrics and Gynecology - This six week clerkship is designed to provide the student with exposure to common prenatal and gynecological problems. Hospital and clinic settings offer the student a wide range of outpatient and/or inpatient experience. The student will become confident with the routine gynecological evaluation and patient education. The student may have the opportunity to participate in labor and delivery. Emphasis is placed on data gathering, differential diagnosis, patient management, maintenance of medical records, performance of diagnostic and therapeutic skills, follow up care and the provision of health education and counseling.

Pediatrics - This six week clerkship is designed to provide the student with exposure to common pediatric problems. Emphasis is placed on assessment and management of normal and abnormal growth and development, as well as acute and chronic disease states. The student will develop skills in obtaining historical information and examining the pediatric patient. While most of the experience will occur in the office setting, the student will have the opportunity to be involved on the pediatric inpatient setting also.

Psychiatry/Behavioral Medicine - This six week clerkship provides students experience in working with patients who have psychiatric, behavioral or substance abuse problems. Emphasis is placed on the recognition and management of these problems. The student will learn how to do a mental status exam and medically assess the patient to screen for non psychiatric causes of the patient’s clinical presentation. The student will be involved in treating patients with psychiatric as well as co-occurring disorders with alcohol, benzodiazepine or opiate dependence.

Surgery - This is a six week clerkship on an inpatient surgical service with hospital operating room experiences. The student is exposed to the concepts and principles which characterize the practice of medicine in general surgery, while participating in the pre- and post-operative evaluation and care of surgical patients. The role of the physician assistant student on the general surgical service includes performing the admission history and physical examination, monitoring and recording patient progress on daily rounds, performing and/or assisting with diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, assisting the surgeon in the operating room; participating in the post-operative care and management of patients, in addition to providing patient/family education and support.