Physician Assistant Studies (Grad)

This course explores the history of the Physician Assistant (PA) profession, the current role of the PA in the health care system, organizations, and current trends in the profession designed to aid the student's transition into the medical profession. Areas of discussion include confidentiality, competency, making informed decisions, inequality to access health care issues, and other ethical issues. Practice roles, legal issues, quality assurance, risk management, and the PA/physician team dynamics will be explored. [ 2 credits ]

This course is tailored to the specific needs of the physician assistant student. It reviews the fundamentals of gross anatomy, structure, and function of the human body. Clinical applications of anatomic relationships are discussed with emphasis on landmarks and common clinical findings. This course utilizes lectures, discussion, models, videos, and laboratory instruction. Material is coordinated with Physiology/Pathophysiology course and Patient Evaluation and Clinical Reasoning. Only students admitted to the NDMU PA Program may take this course. [ 3 credits ]

This course is tailored to the specific needs of the physician assistant student. It reviews the fundamentals of gross anatomy, structure, and function of the human body. Clinical applications of anatomic relationships are discussed with emphasis on landmarks and common clinical findings. This course utilizes lectures, discussion, models, videos, and laboratory instruction. Material is coordinated with Physiology/Pathophysiology course and Patient Evaluation and Clinical Reasoning. Must be taken with Co-requisite Anatomy Lecture Course PAS-501. [ 0 credits ]

This course is the first of three courses designed to introduce the student to patient history taking, communication, and documentation skills. This course introduces students to the basics of history taking and students will begin using medical diagnostic equipment as they develop the skills needed to perform a complete physical examination. This course will use traditional lectures, assigned lab partners and simulated/standardized patients to gain the skills and knowledge to perform a thorough history and physical examination. This course integrates effective communication and basic knowledge of human anatomy and physiology. Only students admitted to the NDMU PA Program may take this course. [ 3 credits ]

This course is the first of three courses designed to introduce the student to patient history taking, communication, and documentation skills. This course introduces students to the basics of history taking and students will begin using medical diagnostic equipment as they develop the skills needed to perform a complete physical examination. This course will use traditional lectures, assigned lab partners and simulated/ standardized patients to gain the skills and knowledge to perform a thorough history and physical examination. This course integrates effective communication and basic knowledge of human anatomy and physiology. Must be taken with Co-requisite PAS-502. [ 0 credits ]

This course is designed to address public health issues, introduce the student to the promotion of health and lifestyle changes as well as prevention of disease. Exploration of US health care system and health policy issues related to the cost of health care, inequities in quality and access to care, and concurrent US policies. Identification of community resources and health services will be researched. Prerequisite: PAS-500. [ 2 credits ]

This course covers basic physiologic and pathophysiological concepts of diseases commonly encountered in primary care practice. The study of regulatory mechanisms responsible for maintaining homeostasis and the malfunctions that can occur at the molecular, cellular, tissue, organ, and system levels that can lead to disease. Only students admitted to the NDMU PA Program may take this course. [ 3 credits ]

This course is the first in a series of three clinical medicine courses discussing disease processses common to primary care practice. Etiology, presentation, development of a differential diagnosis, ordering, and interpreting diagnostic procedures, and formulation of a treatment plan will be studied. The material in this course is integrated with the content material taught in anatomy, physiology/pathophysiology, and patient assessment and counseling. Clinical medicine I will use an organ system-based approach and will contain modules covering Dermatology, Musculoskeletal System, Rheumatology, HEENT, Acid/Base and Electrolytes. This course will be given in a lecture format using case studies. Only students admitted to the NDMU PA program may take this course. [ 4 credits ]

This course is the second of three courses designed to discuss patient history taking, communication, and documentation skills. Building upon Patient Evaluation and Clinical Reasoning I, students will continue to learn interview and examination techniques. Students will learn how to target their interviewing and continue using medical diagnostic equipment as they develop the skills to perform a focused physical examination. Students will be introduced to techniques to assess common abnormal physical exam findings. Students will learn to use critical thinking skills in creating a differential diagnosis and treatment plans. This course will use traditional lectures, assigned lab partners and simulated/standardized patients.

This course is the second of three courses designed to discuss patient history taking, communication, and documentation skills. Building upon Patient Evaluation and Clinical Reasoning I, students will continue to learn interview and examination techniques. Students will learn how to target their interviewing and continue using medical diagnostic equipment as they develop the skills to perform a focused physical examination. Students will be introduced to techniques to assess common abnormal physical exam findings. Students will learn to use critical thinking skills in creating a differential diagnosis and treatment plans. This course will use traditional lectures, assigned lab partners and simulated/standardized patients. Must take Co-requisite PAS-507. [ 0 credits ]

This is the first of two courses in Pharmacology. Students will be introduced to the general principles of pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, pharmacotherapeutics, and pharmacodynamics. The course runs parallel to the Clinical Medicine course and is designed to provide the background for the appropriate use of pharmaceuticals in the treatment of disease. The focus is on identifying drug classes, side effects, recognizing adverse drug reactions, drug-drug interactions, mechanisms of action, and the importance of patient education to assist in the compliance of medications. Over-the-counter and alternative medications will also be discussed. [ 3 cresits ]

This course is designed to study ordering, interpreting, and performing laboratory/diagnostics studies including radiographic testing used in screening, diagnosis, management, and monitoring of common diseases in the primary care setting. Fundamentals of electrocardiography and interpretation of basic EKG patterns will be discussed. Content correlates with clinical medicine. [ 2 credits ]

This course is designed to study ordering, interpreting, and performing laboratory/diagnostic studies including radiographic testing used in screening, diagnosis, management, and monitoring of common diseases in the primary care setting. Fundamentals of electrocardiography and interpretation of basic EKG patterns will be discussed. Content correlates with clinical medicine. Must take Co-requisite PAS-510. [ 0 credits ]

This is the second and last of two courses in pharmacology. Students will build upon Pharmacology I and continue to be introduced to the general principles of pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, pharmacotherapeutics, and pharmacodynamics. The course runs parallel to the Clinical Medicine course and is designed to provide the background for the appropriate use of pharmaceuticals in the treatment of disease. The focus is on identifying drug classes, side effects, recognizing adverse drug reactions, drug-drug interactions, mechanisms of action, and the importance of patient education to assist in the compliance of medications. Over the counter and alternative medications will be discussed. Prerequisites: PAS-509, PAS-506, PAS-512. [ 3 credits ]

This course is the second in a series of three clinical medicine courses discussing disease processes common to primary care practice. Etiology, presentation, development of a differential diagnosis, ordering and interpreting diagnostic procedures and formulation of a treatment plan will be studied. The material in this course will be integrated with the content material being taught in anatomy, patient assessment and counseling, and pathophysiology. Clinical Medicine II will use an organ system-based approach and will contain modules covering Pulmonology, Cardiology, Renal, Genitourinary, Acid/Base, and Infectious Disease. This course will be given in a lecture format using case studies. [ 6 credits ]

Using lectures, simulation, procedural demonstrations, and hands-on laboratory exercises, this course continues to develop clinical reasoning and common clinical procedures. Procedures taught range from simple produces such as phlebotomy to envasive procedures such as thoracentesis and central line placement. Topics will include venipuncture, suturing, biopsy, Foley placement, injections, the establishment of IV access, gynecological/breast exam, arterial blood gases, and nasogastric tube placement. Prerequisites: PAS-506, PAS-512, PAS-509. Corequisite: PAS-513L. [ 2 credits ]

Using lectures, simulation, procedural demonstrations, and hands-on laboratory exercises, this course continues to develop clinical reasoning and common clinical procedures. Procedures taught range from simple produces such as phlebotomy to invasive procedures, such as thoracenteses and central line placement. Topics will include venipuncture, suturing, biopsy, Foley placement, injections, the establishment of IV access, gynecological/breast exam, arterial blood gases, and naso gastric tube placement. Prerequisites: PAS-506, PAS-512, PAS-509. Corequisite: PAS-513. [ 0 credits ]

This is the first of two courses designed to provide the student with tools to evaluate, diagnose, and manage psychiatric conditions. Students will gain an appreciation for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) classifications of mental illness as well as the importance of timely referrals to other health professionals. Students will learn interpersonal skills with an emphasis on learning to guide clinical interviews and respond to patients' emotional cues. This course will introduce students to common emotional problems seen an a primary care. Topics will include depression/anxiety/mood disorders, PTSD, somatization. Only students admitted to the NDMU PA Program may take this course. [ 2 credits ]

This course is designed with an emphasis on the incorporation of evidence-based medicine and life-long learning. Students will be introduced to research including methodology, statistical analyses, formulating research questions, and evaluating research designs for application to primary care clinical practice. The course content includes an overview of research concepts, ethics, quantitative and qaulitative research methods, and designs. Using published research obtained during medical literature search and national practice guidelines, evidence-based practice is introduced. [ 2 credits ]

This course is the last in a series of three clinical medicine courses discussing disease processes common to primary care practice. Etiology, presentation, development of a differential diagnosis, ordering and interpreting diagnostic procedures and formulation of a treatment plan will be studied. The material of this course will be integrated with the content material being taught in anatomy, patient assessment and counseling, and pathophysiology. Clinical Medicine III will use an organ system-based approach and will contain modules covering gatroenterology, endocrine, neurology and oncology/hematology. This course will be given in a lecture format using case studies. Prerequisites: PAS-506, PAS-512, PAS-509. Corequisite: PAS-511. [ 6 credits ]

This course introduces the role of the physician assistant in surgery and critical care/intensive care unit. Emphasis on surgical fundamental principles, operating room, asceptic/surgical technique, and strategies to avoid and treat surgical complications. Risk assessment, wound healing, and pre, intra, and postoperative care will be discussed. Students will be introduced to hemodynamically unstable patients including shock, trauma, cardiac arrest, acide-base and electrolyte management, and nutritional support. Ventilator management and invasive procedures used in ICU care will be covered. Prerequisites: PAS-506, PAS-512, PAS-509. [ 2 credits ]

This is the second of two courses in behavior medicine. This course will build upon the interpersonal skills developed in the first course and students will continue to become familiar with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM). This course will continue to provide in-depth coverage of common emotional problems seen in primary care. Topics in this course will include anxiety, depression, ADHD, personality disorders, substance abuse/alchoholism, homelessness, chronic pain, trauma, integrative medicine, sexual assault, response to stress, injury, illness, death, etc. [ 2 credits ]

This is a required 6-week clinical practice experience for second-year PA students, which focuses on the role of the physician assistant student in varied inpatient internal medicine care responsibilities under the supervision of a clinical site preceptor or their designee(s). The student will gain experience and be able to integrate the knowledge and clinical skills learned during the didactic phase and apply them to develop clinical reasoning through evidence-based approaches to evaluate and manage internal medicine patients. As a member of the healthcare team, students will interact with patients and their families, order and interpret lab/diagnostic tests, evaluate and manage patients effectively under the supervision of their preceptor or their designee(s). Students will encounter a full range of experiences in the inpatient internal medicine setting, including preventative care, emergent, acute, and chronic diagnoses, and palliative/end-of-life care. The context of each patient's social, economic, cultural, and religious backgrounds will be considered. Students will have the opportunity to work as part of the primary care team, coordinating with specialists and interdisciplinary health professionals. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Didactic Year in PA Program. [ 6 credits ]

This is a required 6-week clinical practice experience for second-year PA students, which focuses on the role of the physician assistant student in varied surgical patient care responsibilities under the supervision of a clinical site preceptor or their designee(s). During the didactic year, medical knowledge and clinical skills gained will be applied to develop clinical reasoning through evidence-based approaches to evaluate and manage surgical patients. As members of the surgical team, students participate in preoperative management, obtain accurate medical histories, carry out physical examinations, provide patient education, and perform procedures necessary to prepare students for surgery. There is an emphasis on general surgery, though students may have exposure to other surgical specialties and subspecialties. PA students will also work to incorporate a collaborative patient-centered, humanistic approach to the care of surgical patients, which includes education and counseling. PA students will assist in the operating room and have an opportunity to become familiar with operating room procedures and equipment. Students will also be involved in patients' postoperative evaluation, management, and coordinating discharge planning. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Didactic Year in PA program. [ 6 credits ]

This is a required 6-week clinical practice experience for second-year PA students, which focuses on the role of the physician assistant student in an outpatient ambulatory care family practice setting under the supervision of a clinical site preceptor or their designee(s). During the didactic year, medical knowledge and clinical skills gained will be applied to develop clinical reasoning through evidence-based approaches to evaluate and manage common medical problems and issues encountered in family practice medicine. PA students will also work to incorporate a collaborative patient-centered, humanistic approach to the care of family practice patients, which involves the patient and, when appropriate, the parent or guardian in education and counseling. PA students will gain experience and become efficient and effective in the evaluation, treatment, management, and prevention, including referrals, of common acute and chronic diseases and emergent conditions encountered in a diverse family practice population, ranging from infants, children, adolescents, adults, and geriatric patients. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Didactic Year in PA Program. [ 6 credits ]

This is a required 6-week clinical practice experience for second-year PA students, which focuses on the role of the physician assistant student in an outpatient and/or inpatient women's care setting under the supervision of a clinical site preceptor or their designee(s). During the didactic year, medical knowledge and clinical skills gained will be applied to develop clinical reasoning through evidence-based approaches to evaluate and manage common medical problems and issues encountered in Women's Health. Students will have the opportunity to see a wide variety of concerns related to the female reproductive system. Students will further develop their knowledge of assessment and treatment, preventive care, and screening recommendations for women's health issues. Students will become familiar with women's health exams, pregnancy, menopause, and infertility. Students will also work to incorporate a collaborative patient-centered, humanistic approach to the care of women's health patients, which involves patient education and counseling. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Didactic Year in PA Program. [ 6 credits ]

This is a required 6-week clinical practice experience for second-year PA students, which focuses on the role of the physician assistant student in emergency medicine under the supervision of a clinical site preceptor or their designee(s). During the didactic year, medical knowledge and clinical skills gained will be applied to develop clinical reasoning through evidence-based approaches to evaluate and manage various urgent, emergent, and life-threatening conditions encountered in emergency medicine. The students will learn to triage patients, interact with patients' families, and become more proficient at taking rapid, accurate histories, performing focused physical examinations, ordering appropriate diagnostic tests, and formulating a treatment plan. The student will have the opportunity to learn skills needed for the proper triage, stabilization, diagnosis, and management of patients with acute illnesses, acute complications of chronic diseases, and the management of less life-threatening conditions across the lifespan. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Didactic Year in PA Program. [ 6 credits ]

This is a required 6-week clinical practice experience for second-year PA students, which focuses on the role of the physician assistant student in the behavioral health rotation under the supervision of a clinical site preceptor or their designee(s). During the didactic year, medical knowledge and clinical skills will be applied to develop clinical reasoning through evidence-based approaches to evaluate and manage various urgent, emergent, and life-threatening conditions encountered in behavioral health. The experience allows students to enhance their knowledge and skills in assessing, diagnosing, and managing patients with mental health disorders. The rotation will also allow the student to become more familiar with the psychiatric examination and mental health assessment, observe behavioral/cognitive interventions and use psychiatric medications with an emphasis on skills learned to treat behavioral/mental issues in primary care. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Didactic Year in PA Program. [ 6 credits ]

This is a required 6-week clinical practice experience for second-year PA students, which focuses on the role of the physician assistant student in an outpatient and/or inpatient pediatric care setting under the supervision of a clinical site preceptor or their designee(s). During the didactic year, medical knowledge and clinical skills gained will be applied to develop clinical reasoning through evidence-based approaches to evaluate and manage common medical problems and issues encountered in pediatric medicine. PA Students will also work to incorporate a collaborative patient-centered, humanistic approach to the care of pediatric patients, which involves patient and parent or guardian education and counseling. PA Students will gain experience and become efficient and effective in evaluating, treating, and managing, including referrals, common acute, and chronic diseases and emergent conditions encountered in a diverse pediatric population, ranging from infants, children, and adolescent patients. Students will gain knowledge assessing and evaluating the well child and growth and development milestones across these age groups. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Didactic Year in PA Program. [ 6 credits ]

This first of two courses designed to enable PA students to research and prepare a scholarly paper on an approved topic in clinical medicine. Students will be guided by a faculty or community advisor throughout the process. The student will be required to present the paper to peers, the PA program, and university faculty before graduation. The emphasis in this course is on finalizing a research question, gathering research articles/information for a complete literature review, developing an introduction and methods section, and analyzing to draft the results and discussion session. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Didactic Year in PA program. [ 1 credit ]

This course will discuss female and male reproduction/reproductive endocrinology, conception, fetal growth and government, prenatal care, antenatal care, and postpartum care. Human sexuality and sexual assault will be introduced. Basic concepts of genetics will be introduced including concepts of patterns of inheritance, formulation of the family history, review of genetic abnormalities, and indications for genetic testing/counseling emphasized. Prerequisites: PAS-506, PAS-512. [ 3 credits ]

This is the second and last course designed to enable PA students to research and prepare a scholarly paper on an approved topic in clinical medicine. Students will be guided by a faculty or community adviser throughout the process. The student will be required to present the paper to peers, the PA program, and university faculty before graduation. The emphasis in this course is on final paper revision(s) and the capstone presentation. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Didactic Year in PA program. [ 1 credit ]

This course will introduce students to the process of aging as it affects the human body and mind. Atypical presentations of common acute and chronic diseases present in older polulations will be addressed as well as challenges of management with concomitant disease states. Polypharmacy in older adults, Alzheimer's disease, dementia, patient compliance issues, palliative, and end-of-life care will be discussed. Prerequisites: PAS-506, PAS-512, PAS-509. [ 2 credits ]

This course will emphasize physiological and psychological fundamentals of child growth and development as well as diagnosis and management of common pediatric diseases and infections. Immunizations and medications used in pediatric practice will be discussed with special consideration of indications, contraindications, and dosage with specific disorders. The course will cover both healthy and ill infants, children, and adolescents, including child abuse. Prerequisites: PAS-506 and PAS-512. [ 2 credits ]

This course is the third and last in a series of three courses designed to discuss patient history taking, communication, and documentation skills. Further development of clinical decision-making skills and refinement of techniques involved in history taking and physical examinations. Continued integration of effective communication and knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, clinical medicine, and pharmacology. Emphasis will be placed on speciality patients (pediatrics, geriatrics, etc.) and difficult conversations will be discussed (i.e., Death/dying, dementia, abuse, etc.). Students will continue to use critical reasoning in creating a differential diagnosis and treatment plans. This course will use traditional lectures, assigned lab partners, and simulated/standardized patients. Pre-requisites: PAS-502 and PAS-507. Corequisite: PAS-532L. [ 2 credits ]

This course is the third and last in a series of three courses designed to discuss patient history taking, communication, and documentation skills. Further development of clinical decision-making skills and refinement of techniques involved in history taking and physical examinations. Continued integration of effective communication and knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, clinical medicine, and pharmacology. Emphasis will be placed on specialty patients (pediatrics, geriatrics, psychiatric, etc.) and difficult conversations will be discussed (i.e., Death/Dying, dementia, abuse, etc.). Students will continue to use critical reasoning in creating a differential diagnosis and treatment plans. This course will use traditional lectures, assigned lab partners, and simulated/standardized patients. Prerequisites: PAS-502, PAS-507. Corequisite: PAS-532. [ 0 credits ]

This course will provide the physician assistant student with the necessary knowledge and skills to facilitate the transition from the academic to the clinical environment to promote high-quality clinical education experiences. Students will take a comprehensive end-of-curriculum examination to identify deficiencies. A review of procedural skills with hands-on practice to ensure preparation for clinical y ear. Discussion of clinical year expectations, documentation requirements, and review of the clinical year handbook will be included. [ 1 credit ]

This course is delivered before, during, and after the clinical phase designed to augment the student's clinical experiences and promote continued learning of clinical reasoning by reinforcing the acquisition of medical knowledge, supporting the development of interpersonal communications skills, promoting professional excellence, and implementing improvements in practice by applying scholarly medical literature. A review of common medical topics and procedures, as well as professional development topics such as patient safety, prevention of medical errors, quality improvement, and risk management, will be covered. The course is conducted in lectures and small group setting with case studies and presentations. In this course, students will take a summative evaluation to verify successful completion of the NDMU program competencies required to enter clinical practice. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Didactic Year in PA program. [ 1 credit ]

This course is delivered before, during, and after the clinical phase designed to augment the student's clinical experiences and promote continued learning of clinical reasoning by reinforcing the acquisition of medical knowledge, supporting the development of interpersonal communications skills, promoting professional excellence, and implementing improvements in practice by applying scholarly medical literature. A review of common medical topics and procedures, as well as professional development topics such as patient safety, prevention of medical errors, quality improvement, and risk management, will be covered. The course is conducted in lectures and small group setting with case studies and presentations. In this course, students will take a summative evaluation to verify successful completion of the NDMU program competencies required to enter clinical practice. Must take Co-requisite PAS-534. [ 0 credits ]

This course will prepare students for future clinical practice. In this course, students can earn certifications such as Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT training), Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment for Substance Use (SBIRT), and discussion about national certification, professional licensure, employment/contract negotiations, credentialing process, professional organizations, legislative topics, impairment, and burnout will occur. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Didactic Year in PA program. [ 1 credit ]

This is a required 6-week clinical practice experience for second-year PA students, which focuses on the role of the physician assistant student in an area of interest under the supervision of a clinical site preceptor or their designee(s). During the didactic year, medical knowledge and clinical skills gained will be applied to develop clinical reasoning through evidence-based approaches to evaluate and manage common medical problems and issues encountered in a particular medical specialty of interest. PA students will also work to incorporate a collaborative patient-centered, humanistic approach to the care of patients, which involves education and counseling. This experience allows the students to enhance their knowledge and skills in a particular specialty of medicine. Options for students to achieve this include but are not limited to additional experience in a required rotation, the medical discipline of interest not encountered in the previous rotations, public health service and/or health policy. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Didactic Year in PA program. [ 6 credits ]