Physician Assistant Courses
Term 1
Introduces the functional anatomy of the human body with a focus on clinical application. Students will have the opportunity to locate, identify, and dissect all major muscular, nervous, vascular, bony, and soft tissue structures using cadaveric specimens, with a focus on the thorax, abdomen, and pelvis.
3 credits
3 credits
Presents the physiology, biochemistry, and genetics of body functions. Students will learn mechanisms by which homeostasis is maintained on molecular, cellular, organ, and organismal levels. The course presents an in-depth exploration of nervous, cardiac and pulmonary system physiology.
3 credits
3 credits
In the first of three terms, presents an ongoing body systems based course that integrates the skills and learning from the curriculum as related to medical problems encountered in the primary care setting. Emphasis is placed on the etiology, pathophysiology, and clinical signs and symptoms of disease in various medical subspecialties. Students will learn to develop differential diagnosis, select and interpret diagnostic tests, create and implement treatment plans including therapeutic procedures, pharmacology, and patient education. Specific modules covered in this course are Psychiatry/Substance Abuse, Introduction to Diagnostic Medicine and Radiology, Infectious Disease, Neurology, Dermatology, and HEENT (Head, Ears, Eyes, Nose, and Throat) Medicine.
5 credits
5 credits
The first of an ongoing sequential two-term course covering medical interviewing and physical examination. In this term, students will focus on foundational components of medical interviewing and patient-centered, culturally sensitive techniques. Fundamentals of a complete and problem focused medical history will be taught. The course will include components of physical exam including general exam, vital signs and HEENT examination. Normal and abnormal physical findings will be emphasized.
3 credits
3 credits
An introduction to the historical use, philosophical basis and current application of a variety of complementary and/or alternative medical therapies which their patients may pursue. This course is designed to offer students exposure to traditional methods of disease management, currently considered to Integrative Medicine modalities.
2 credits
2 credits
Introduction to key concepts in comparative world health and preventive medicine in the United States. The first portion of the course focuses on concepts related to global health including healthcare delivery, financing, infrastructure, and health disparities. We will then examine healthcare delivery models in both developed and underdeveloped countries. The second portion of the course focuses on healthcare prevention and the key disease prevention strategies employed in our country. The “Healthy People 2030” archetype is used to explore evidence-based and data driven goals to improve health and disparate care across our nation.
2 credits
2 credits
Total: 18 credits
Term 2
A continuation of the study of the functional anatomy of the human body with a focus on clinical application. Students will have the opportunity to locate, identify, and dissect all major muscular, nervous, vascular, bony, and soft tissue structures using cadaveric specimens, with a focus on the head, neck and musculoskeletal systems. Prerequisites: MSPA 511.
3 credits
3 credits
Further explores the study of body function physiology. The renal, gastrointestinal, endocrine, and reproductive systems are investigated in detail, focusing on the major physiological processes essential for functioning of each organ system. Students will gain understanding of the roles of hormones, nervous integration, and environmental factors in the functioning of these organ systems. Prerequisites: MSPA 521.
3 credits
3 credits
This is the second of three terms in an ongoing body systems based course. Specific modules covered in this course are Cardiology, Pulmonology, Gastrointestinal Medicine, Renal Medicine, Genitourinary, and Endocrinology. Prerequisites: MSPA 529.
6 credits
6 credits
Develops students’ critical thinking skills related to diagnosing and managing commonly-encountered medical complaints. Students will utilize information gathered during history and physical exam to determine differential diagnoses, select medically appropriate and cost-effective diagnostic tests, and formulate management plans for the most likely diagnoses for a given medical complaint. Throughout this course, students will learn to discern important information from extraneous details in history taking, identify pertinent physical exam findings, prioritize diagnostic tests, and use evidence-based decision making skills.
2 credits
2 credits
The second of an ongoing sequential two-term course. In this term, students will earn the techniques of physical exam of each body system and build upon skills of history-taking learned in the prior semester. Skills and techniques of physical examination are described. Normal and abnormal physical findings are introduced and emphasized. Students will begin to formulate differential diagnosis and develop critical thinking skills. Prerequisites: MSPA 551.
3 credits
3 credits
The first in a two term series, this course presents a study of drugs and their interactions with and within living tissue in a systems-based approach. Students will learn the pharmacological principles, dosing, patient education, pharmacodynamics, therapeutic parameters and indications of commonly prescribed drugs. They will explore the risks versus benefits of drug therapy and identify how to monitor therapeutic effect and side effects. Major drug classes covered in this course include those utilized for cardiovascular, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, endocrine, and integumentary disorders. Anti-infective agents are also explored at length.
3 credits
3 credits
Total: 20 credits
Term 3
This is the final term in an ongoing body systems based course. Specific modules covered in this course are Obstetrics/Gynecology, Pediatrics, Geriatrics, Hematology/Oncology, Rheumatology, Orthopedics, Emergency Medicine, and Surgery. Prerequisites: MSPA 529, 530.
8 credits
8 credits
A continuation of MSPA 534, this course further enhances students’ diagnostic and treatment skills. In this term, interprofessional exercises are also incorporated, emphasizing the importance of integrated care and communication with other members of the healthcare team. Prerequisites: MSPA 534.
2 credits
2 credits
Provides an opportunity for students to gain understanding of how patients present, learn and make preventive changes based on research and theories of personality and learning styles. Focus is placed on assessing patients’ health literacy, knowledge, attitude, and readiness to change. They will gain skills to deliver effective education and counseling to patients. This course also emphasizes disease prevention and health promotion through nutrition throughout the lifespan, with emphasis on the pediatric and geriatric populations.
2 credits
2 credits
A continuation of MSPA 581, this course further explores commonly prescribed medications. Major drug classes covered in this course include those utilized for musculoskeletal, neurological, psychiatric, hematologic, immunologic, and neoplastic disorders. Medications used in special populations including pediatrics, geriatrics, and men’s and women’s health are also explored. Prerequisites: MSPA 581.
3 credits
3 credits
Provides practical experience in the performance of various technical skills frequently encountered in the clinical setting. Skills are taught with an opportunity for hands-on learning in the laboratory setting. Specifically, students will learn intravenous line insertion, injections, bladder catheterization, splinting, incision and drainage, lumbar puncture, intubation, central line placement, and suturing. The course provides students with an overview of common procedural skills and their indications, limitations, benefits and possible complications of procedures.
2 credits
2 credits
Offers students practical knowledge and context related to PA practice including care provided by PAs, systems of care and ethical behavior. Students will consider the history of the PA profession, utilize knowledge of legal obligations/regulations, structures of team care, and key PA organizations as references for their practice as a PA. Students will use principles of medical ethics to work through ethical decision making skills important for the practicing PA.
2 credits
2 credits
Total: 19 credits
Term 4
Introduces and develops the skills needed to practice evidence-based medicine to solve clinical problems utilizing available medical research. Students will learn to search, locate, interpret and evaluate the medical literature. This will allow them to use diverse information sources effectively to present an evidence-based solution to clinical problems.
2 credits
2 credits
Develops and assesses skills necessary for practicing as a physician assistant in clinical settings. The course allows students to actively apply their didactic knowledge to a diverse set of clinical cases and settings, demonstrate clinical reasoning, and apply an evidence-based approach in developing management plans. Emphasis is placed on the differences between clinical settings students will encounter during the clinical clerkships.
4.5 credits
4.5 credits
During this clinical course, second year PA students develop skills necessary to function as a PA in the internal medicine setting. Students will apply medical knowledge and clinical skills developed during didactic phase of their education. Students will actively engage in assessment, analysis, evidence-based approaches, and management of conditions typically seen in the internal medicine setting through the collection of historical and physical data. The rotation will emphasize acute, preventative, and chronic encounters of adult and geriatric patients. Students will work with the clinical education team and under the supervision of their preceptor(s) to provide care.
4.5 credits
4.5 credits
An introduction to the knowledge and skills needed to interpret the medical literature in the contexts of evaluating both the study methodology and statistical results. Students will learn about different study methodologies, which should be used depending on the research question and hypothesis, and practice using descriptive, parametric and non-parametric statistics to identify important study findings.
2 credits
2 credits
Allows students to build upon research skills learned previously in the program to develop a Clinical Review Paper. Students will perform a thorough systematic literature review, critical analysis of chosen papers, and analysis the findings. This course will culminate in the submission of a final Clinical Review Paper.
4 credits
4 credits
Total: 17 credits
Term 5
During this clinical course, second year PA students develop skills necessary to function as a PA in the pediatric setting. Students will apply medical knowledge and clinical skills developed during didactic phase of their education. Students will actively engage in assessment, analysis, evidence-based approaches, and management of conditions typically seen in the pediatric setting. The rotation will emphasize preventative, acute, and chronic encounters for patients ranging from neonates to adolescents. The student will be exposed to both ill-child and well-child visits to ensure exposure to developmental milestones and growth. Students will work with the clinical education team and under the supervision of their preceptor(s) to provide care.
4.5 credits
4.5 credits
During this clinical course, second year PA students develop skills necessary to function as a PA in the surgical setting. Students will apply medical knowledge and clinical skills developed during didactic phase of their education. Students will actively engage in assessment, analysis, evidence-based approaches, and management of conditions typically seen in the surgical setting. The student will perform the collection of historical and physical data and develop an understanding of evaluation and treatment of patients through pre-operative, intra-operative and post-operative patient encounters. The student will also gain hands-on experience in the operating room setting with exposure to surgical and diagnostic procedures, treatments, and technologies common for the general surgery specialty. Students will work with the clinical education team and under the supervision of their preceptor(s) to provide care.
4.5 credits
4.5 credits
During this clinical course, second year PA students develop skills necessary to function as a PA in the emergency medicine setting. Students will apply medical knowledge and clinical skills developed during didactic phase of their education. Students will actively engage in assessment, analysis, evidence-based approaches, and management of conditions typically seen in the emergency medicine setting. The student will perform the collection of historical and physical data and develop an understanding of evaluation and treatment of patients with emergent or urgent medical conditions. The rotation will expose students to hands-on technical skills, diagnostic procedures, treatments and technologies that are specific to the emergency medicine specialty addressing patients across the life span. Students will work with the clinical education team and under the supervision of their preceptor(s) to provide care.
4.5 credits
4.5 credits
Total: 13.5 credits
Term 6
During this clinical course, second year PA students develop skills necessary to function as a PA in the women’s health setting. Students will apply medical knowledge and clinical skills developed during didactic phase of their education. Students will actively engage in assessment, analysis, evidence-based approaches, and management of conditions typically seen in the women’s health setting. The student will become proficient in accurate assessment of the obstetric patient with both pre- and post- natal care as well as common gynecologic disorders and preventative gynecology. Students will work with the clinical education team and under the supervision of their preceptor(s) to provide care.
4.5 credits
4.5 credits
During this clinical course, second year PA students develop skills necessary to function as a Physician Assistant in the Family medicine clerkship setting. Students will apply medical knowledge and clinical skills developed during didactic phase of their education. Students will actively engage in assessment, analysis, evidence-based approaches, and management of conditions typically seen in the family medicine setting through the collection of historical and physical data. The rotation will emphasize practical clinical exposure to primary care patients, including common medical conditions, diagnostic procedures, treatments and technologies common for the family medicine environment across the life span. Students will work with the clinical education team and under the supervision of their preceptor(s) to provide care.
4.5 credits
4.5 credits
During this clinical course, second year PA students develop skills necessary to function as a PA in the psychiatric setting. Students will apply medical knowledge and clinical skills developed during didactic phase of their education. Students will actively engage in assessment, analysis, evidence-based approaches, and management of conditions typically seen in the psychiatric setting. The rotation will emphasize clinical exposure to common behavioral health conditions, diagnostic procedures, interviewing, counseling techniques, and treatments that are common for the behavioral health specialty across the lifespan. Students will work with the clinical education team and under the supervision of their preceptor(s) to provide care.
4.5 credits
4.5 credits
Total: 13.5 credits
Term 7
During this clinical course, second year PA students develop skills necessary to function as a PA in the elective-specific setting. Students will apply medical knowledge and clinical skills developed during didactic phase of their education. Students will actively engage assessment and evaluate patients seen in the elective-specific setting. The goal of this rotation is to provide students either an experience in a new clinical area or additional exposure to a core rotation that will emphasize common medical conditions, diagnostic procedures, treatments, and technologies that are common for the healthcare environment specific to the specialty chosen. Students will work with the clinical education team and under the supervision of their preceptor(s) to provide care.
4.5 credits
4.5 credits
Under the guidance of a qualified clinical preceptor, second-year PA students develop skills necessary to function as a clinical PA in a unique clinical setting with a special population of patients. Special populations include patients who are underserved or underrepresented, such as those from geriatric, LGBTQ+, rural, urban, correctional facility, palliative care, veteran, addiction medicine, or other agreed-upon communities. Occurring in outpatient, inpatient or institutional settings depending on the patient population, the student may be exposed to acute, chronic or emergent medical and surgical conditions. This selective rotation will increase students' competence in addressing clinical challenges associated with the care of vulnerable populations, enhance cultural competence and sensitivity and address disparities in healthcare.
4.5 credits
4.5 credits
This course further builds upon research skills and aids students in the development of a poster and poster presentation based upon the student’s Clinical Review Paper submitted in MSPA 661 Capstone I. Prerequisites: MSPA 661.
2 credits
2 credits
Introduces pertinent topics related to the PA profession and prepares students for graduation, certification, licensure and employment. Topics that are included PA scope of practice, resume and cover letter writing, billing, coding and reimbursement strategies, and how to search for employment.
1 credit
1 credit
Total: 12 credits
Total: 113 credits
Advanced Standing for PA students
University of Bridgeport Physician Assistant students have the opportunity to earn advanced standing in the MS in Nutrition program for several PA courses. The required core courses in the nutrition program will be taken after completion of PA program.
Eligibility
- Student must be in good academic standing and have a QPR of 2.75 or greater
- Completion of all coursework in PA program
- Apply to MS program during last semester of PA program coursework
Entry Requirements
- Completed application (fee waived)
- Personal statement of 500 words or less on why you wish to take the program
Transfer Credits Awarded*
NUTR 560N (Anatomy and Physiology for the Nutritionist) (4 credits)
waived by MSPA 511/512/521/522
NUTR 560U (Introductory Biochemistry for the Nutritionist) ( 3 credits)
waived by undergrad chemistry (2 chem + 1 semester organic or biochemistry) taken within the last 10 years and a grade of B or better
NUTR 560V (Nutrition Fundamentals) (2 credits; 7 week course)
- waived by undergrad nutrition course (3 credits) taken within the last 10 years and a grade of B or better
OR - can be taken during a low load clinical rotation while in PA program (it is the students’ responsibility to maintain the needs of the clinical courses while also taking the online course)
OR - can be taken after completion of PA program (note: this would extend the MS program by one semester as this is a prerequisite course to all other courses in the program).
NUTR 560A (Pathophysiology) (4 credits)
waived by MSPA 529/530/533
NUTR 560M (Evidence Based Nutrition) (3 credits)
waived by MSPA 602/MSPA 671
Total possible credits waived: 14-16 (16 if 560V is waived); 0-2 credits taken while in PA school or semester following completion of PA program (if 560V is required); total MSNI credits taken: 28-30 (30 if 560V is required)
*All courses must have a grade of B or better to be waived by the Nutrition Institute
Required Courses in MS program:
Prerequisite: NUTR 560V (if not previously waived); 2-credit course not eligible for financial aid if taken alone
1st term: NUTR 560 B,E (7 credits)
2nd term: NUTR 560 C,G (7 credits)
3rd term: NUTR 560 D,H (6 credits)
4th term: NUTR 560 F,K (8 credits)
1 year, 4 months + comp exam= 1.5 years to complete MS in Nutrition
Total credits required: 28-30 (30 if 560V is not previously waived)
View all courses offered and read full course descriptions in our online course catalog system.
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