Physician Assistant (PHAS)

PHAS 501 Biomedical Science4 Credits

Exploration of the physiologic and pathophysiologic process influencing the human organism. Explores basic principles of cell biology, histology, embryology, immunology, genetics, and infectious process. Focuses on pathophysiology related to the molecular, organ, and system level mechanisms of disease progression and manifestation.

Corequisites: BIOL 500/BIOL 500L, PHAS 502, PHAS 510, PHAS 520/PHAS 520L, PHAS 530, and PHAS 541.

Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

PHAS 502 Clinical Pharmacology3 Credits

Introduction to foundational concepts of pharmacotherapeutics, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, drug nomenclature, drug interactions, drug classifications, adverse effects, drug contraindications, and precautions. Prescriptive writing, prescriptive authority, and prescriptive medical-legal regulations will be explored.

Corequisites: BIOL 500/BIOL 500L, PHAS 501, PHAS 510, PHAS 520/PHAS 520L, PHAS 530, and PHAS 541.

Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

PHAS 503 Health Promotion and Disease Prevention2 Credits

Theories and concepts involved in the planning and implementation of appropriate individual and community interventions to promote health and prevent disease in patients across the lifespan. Focuses on concepts of nutrition, exercise, and behavioral interventions important in health promotion.

Prerequisites: PHAS 511, PHAS 521, and PHAS 531.

Corequisites: PHAS 512, PHAS 522, and PHAS 532.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

PHAS 510 Foundation to Clinical Medicine2 Credits

Introduction to concepts of holistic, relationship-centered medical principles needed for the clinical medicine series. Introduces principles of epidemiology and public health, government health care regulations, including HIPPA, OSHA, and meaningful use of electronic medical records. Focuses on common screening and diagnostic laboratory studies, as well as foundational skills in radiological imaging.

Corequisites: BIOL 500/BIOL 500L, PHAS 501, PHAS 502, PHAS 520/PHAS 520L, PHAS 530, and PHAS 541.

Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

PHAS 511 Clinical Medicine I13 Credits

Application of a systematic organ-system approach to common medical issues encountered in primary care. Focuses on the etiology, epidemiology, clinical presentation, patient assessment, laboratory and diagnostic studies, pathology, diagnosis and therapeutic interventions, and disease management specific to the following modules: Infectious Disease, Behavioral Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, Endocrinology, Otolaryngology, and Gastroenterology.

Prerequisites: BIOL 500/BIOL 500L, PHAS 501, PHAS 502, PHAS 510, PHAS 520/PHAS 520L, and PHAS 530.

Corequisites: PHAS 521 and PHAS 531.

Terms Typically Offered: Summer.

PHAS 512 Clinical Medicine II13 Credits

Continuation of the clinical medicine course series, with an organ-system approach to common medical issues encountered in primary care. Focus is on the etiology, epidemiology, clinical presentation, patient assessment, laboratory and diagnostic studies, pathology, diagnosis, and therapeutic interventions, and disease management specific to the following modules: Dermatology, Cardiovascular, Pulmonary, Genitourinary, Renal, Neurology, Geriatrics, and Rehabilitative care.

Prerequisites: PHAS 511, PHAS 521, and PHAS 531.

Corequisites: PHAS 503, PHAS 522, and PHAS 532.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

PHAS 513 Clinical Medicine III13 Credits

Continuation of the clinical medicine series, systematic organ-system approach to common medical issues encountered in primary care. Focus is on the etiology, epidemiology, clinical presentation, patient assessment, laboratory and diagnostic studies, pathology, diagnosis and therapeutic interventions, and disease management specific to the following modules: Women's Health, Orthopedics, Rheumatology, Pediatric populations, Surgery and Emergency Medicine.

Prerequisites: PHAS 503, PHAS 512, PHAS 522, and PHAS 532.

Corequisites: PHAS 523, PHAS 533, and PHAS 570.

Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

PHAS 520 History and Physical Exam2 Credits

Introduction to principles and skills of inspection, auscultation, percussion, palpation, and diagnostic equipment needed to complete an accurate and thorough exam. Foundational concepts of necessary skills to elicit both a comprehensive and problem specific medical history. Content focused on documenting normal adult exam findings builds the foundation for recognition of abnormal findings in the clinical medicine course series and clinical skills labs.

Corequisites: BIOL 500/BIOL 500L, PHAS 501, PHAS 502, PHAS 510, PHAS 520L, PHAS 530, and PHAS 541.

Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

PHAS 520L History and Physical Exam Lab1 Credit

Introduction to principles and skills of inspection, auscultation, percussion, palpation, and diagnostic equipment needed to complete an accurate and thorough exam. Foundational concepts of necessary skills to elicit both a comprehensive and problem specific medical history. Content focused on documenting normal adult exam findings builds the foundation for recognition of abnormal findings in the clinical medicine course series and clinical skills labs.

Corequisites: BIOL 500/BIOL 500L, PHAS 501, PHAS 502, PHAS 510, PHAS 520, PHAS 530, and PHAS 541.

Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

Fees: Yes.

PHAS 521 Patient Assessment, Diagnostics and Clinical Skills Lab I2 Credits

Application of skills necessary for eliciting a problem-focused patient history, diagnostic skills, and clinical procedures necessary for clinical practice. Focuses on the exam and procedural skills related to topics specific to Infectious Disease, Behavioral Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, Endocrinology, Otolaryngology, and Gastroenterology.

Prerequisites: BIOL 500/BIOL 500L, PHAS 501, PHAS 502, PHAS 510, PHAS 520/PHAS 520L, and PHAS 530.

Corequisites: PHAS 511 and PHAS 531.

Terms Typically Offered: Summer.

Fees: Yes.

PHAS 522 Patient Assessment, Diagnostics and Clinical Skills Lab II2 Credits

Continuation of skills necessary for eliciting a problem focused patient history, diagnostic skills, and clinical procedures necessary for clinical practice. Focuses on the exam and procedural skills related to topics specific to Dermatology, Cardiovascular, Pulmonary, Genitourinary, Neurology, and Geriatrics.

Prerequisites: PHAS 511, PHAS 521, and PHAS 531.

Corequisites: PHAS 503, PHAS 512, and PHAS 532.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

Fees: Yes.

PHAS 523 Patient Assessment, Diagnostics and Clinical Skills Lab III2 Credits

Continuation of patient assessment and diagnostic skills, focusing on the exam and procedural skills related to topics specific to Pediatric Populations, Women's Health, Orthopedics, Rheumatology, Surgery, and Emergency Medicine.

Prerequisites: PHAS 503, PHAS 512, PHAS 522, and PHAS 532.

Corequisites: PHAS 513, PHAS 533, and PHAS 570.

Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

Fees: Yes.

PHAS 530 Introduction to Research and Evidence-Based Medicine2 Credits

Introduction to critically evaluating the medical literature and applying these principles to patient-centered care. Emphasis on research design, biostatistics, searching and evaluating medical literature, and application of evidence into the medical practice setting to improve patient-centered care.

Corequisites: BIOL 500/BIOL 500L, PHAS 501, PHAS 502, PHAS 510, PHAS 520/PHAS 520L, and PHAS 541.

Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

PHAS 531 Clinical Reasoning I2 Credits

Development of clinical problem-solving and decision-making skills introduced in PHAS 530. Application of critical reasoning skills in case-based, small group collaboration to cover clinical medicine topics related to acute care. Emphasis on developing a differential diagnosis, patient assessment, treatment plans, and effective communication. Focus on skills of case presentations, utilizing point-of-care evidence, medical documentation, and informed consent.

Prerequisites: BIOL 500/BIOL 500L, PHAS 501, PHAS 502, PHAS 510, PHAS 520/PHAS 520L, and PHAS 530.

Corequisites: PHAS 511 and PHAS 521.

Terms Typically Offered: Summer.

PHAS 532 Clinical Reasoning II2 Credits

Continuation of clinical problem-solving and decision-making skills introduced in PHAS 531. Application of critical reasoning skills in case-based, small group collaboration to cover clinical medicine topics related to chronic longitudinal care. Emphasis on enhancing interpersonal skills and application of evidence-based resources. Focus on the Physician Assistant professional role in team-based care.

Prerequisites: PHAS 511, PHAS 521, and PHAS 531.

Corequisites: PHAS 503, PHAS 512, and PHAS 522.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

PHAS 533 Clinical Reasoning III2 Credits

Continuation of problem-solving and decision-making skill development as part of the clinical reasoning series. Application of critical reasoning skills in case-based, small group collaboration to cover clinical medicine topics related to emergent and urgent care. Emphasis on the management of the medically complex patient, focusing on referrals, supporting clinical rationale, interprofessional teams, and scope of practice.

Prerequisites: PHAS 503, PHAS 512, PHAS 522, and PHAS 532.

Corequisites: PHAS 513, PHAS 523, and PHAS 570.

Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

PHAS 541 PA Professionalism I2 Credits

Focus on the integrative principles of professionalism, team-based patient-centered care, medical ethics, Physician Assistant practice issues, history of the profession, community service and the business of health care delivery. Explore racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic health disparities and their impact on health outcomes and health systems.

Prerequisites: Admission to the MPAS program.

Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

PHAS 542 PA Professionalism II2 Credits

Continuation of the integrative principles of professionalism, practice issues and the business of health care delivery. Explore billing and coding, medical liability, quality improvement, error prevention and patient safety. Focus on professional organizations and the process of licensure, certification, credentialing, and contracts. Varying healthcare delivery systems and health policy will be explored.

Prerequisites: PHAS 513, PHAS 523, PHAS 533, and PHAS 570.

Terms Typically Offered: Summer.

PHAS 543 PA Professional Capstone1 Credit

Synthesis of knowledge and skills in a scholarly project with direct application to quality improvement, health promotion, or community-based care. A written scholarly research paper is completed and a presentation is given relating findings to community health or clinical practice.

Prerequisites: PHAS 542.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

PHAS 570 Clinical Year Seminar1 Credit

Focus on readiness for supervised clinical practice experiences. Clinical knowledge and skills, critical thinking, and professionalism are evaluated. Explore program policies, student self-care, coping with illness, injury and stress, electronic medical records, integrity, work ethic and professional expectations.

Prerequisites: PHAS 503, PHAS 512, PHAS 522, and PHAS 532.

Corequisites: PHAS 513, PHAS 523, and PHAS 533.

Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

Fees: Yes.

PHAS 571 Family Medicine Rotation4 Credits

Emphasis on the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of systemic disease and conditions unique to the clinical practice of primary care. Clinical preceptors supervise student participation in patient care, skill development, and growing medical knowledge, emphasizing care of patients of all ages.

Prerequisites: PHAS 513, PHAS 523, PHAS 533, and PHAS 570.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.

PHAS 572 Behavioral Medicine and Mental Health Rotation2 Credits

Emphasis on the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of systemic disease and conditions of mental health disorders. Clinical preceptors supervise student participation in patient care, skill development, and growing medical knowledge in the discipline specific principles inherent in patient care in a mental health setting.

Prerequisites: PHAS 513, PHAS 523, PHAS 533, and PHAS 570.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.

PHAS 573 Internal Medicine Rotation4 Credits

Emphasis on the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of systemic disease and conditions unique to the longitudinal care of patients with chronic health problems. Clinical preceptors supervise student participation in patient care, skill development, and growing medical knowledge, with exposure to geriatric populations and healthy aging.

Prerequisites: PHAS 513, PHAS 523, PHAS 533, and PHAS 570.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.

PHAS 574 Women's Health Rotation2 Credits

Emphasis on the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of systemic disease in a women's health setting. Clinical preceptors supervise student participation in patient care, skill development, and growing medical knowledge in obstetrical, gynecologic, and women's preventive care.

Prerequisites: PHAS 513, PHAS 523, PHAS 533, and PHAS 570.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.

PHAS 575 Pediatric Medicine Rotation2 Credits

Emphasis on the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of systemic disease and conditions unique to pediatric clinical practice. Clinical preceptors supervise student participation in patient care, skill development, and growing medical knowledge specific to care for the pediatric patient.

Prerequisites: PHAS 513, PHAS 523, PHAS 533, and PHAS 570.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.

PHAS 576 Surgery Rotation4 Credits

Emphasis on evaluation and care of patients with commonly encountered conditions requiring surgical management. Clinical preceptors supervise student participation in patient care, skill development, and growing medical knowledge specific to the provision of care in the surgical setting.

Prerequisites: PHAS 513, PHAS 523, PHAS 533, and PHAS 570.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.

PHAS 577 Emergency Medicine Rotation4 Credits

Emphasis on the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of disease and conditions in the emergency department setting. Clinical preceptors supervise student participation in patient care, skill development, and growing medical knowledge of emergent medical conditions in the emergency department.

Prerequisites: PHAS 513, PHAS 523, PHAS 533, and PHAS 570.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.

PHAS 578 Inpatient Medicine Rotation4 Credits

Emphasis on the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of systemic disease and conditions unique to providing care in an inpatient setting. Clinical preceptors supervise student participation in patient care, skill development, and growing medical knowledge specific to medical or surgical inpatient care.

Prerequisites: PHAS 513, PHAS 523, PHAS 533, and PHAS 570.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.

PHAS 579 Elective Rotation I4 Credits

Emphasis on the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of systemic disease and conditions unique to the clinical practice of student's selected area of interest. Clinical preceptors supervise student participation in patient care, skill development, and growing medical knowledge in student's selected clinical rotation.

Prerequisites: PHAS 513, PHAS 523, PHAS 533, and PHAS 570.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.

PHAS 580 Elective Rotation II4 Credits

Emphasis on the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of systemic disease and conditions unique to the clinical practice of student's selected area of interest. Clinical preceptors supervise student participation in patient care, skill development, and growing medical knowledge in student's selected clinical rotation.

Prerequisites: PHAS 513, PHAS 523, PHAS 533, and PHAS 570.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.

PHAS 581 Summative Seminar1 Credit

Summative evaluation for student demonstration of the knowledge, clinical skills, and professional competencies necessary to practice as an entry-level physician assistant. Preparation for the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) is discussed.

Prerequisites: PHAS 513, PHAS 523, PHAS 533, and PHAS 570.

Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

Fees: Yes.

PHAS 595 Independent Study1-3 Credits

Independent study if student needs additional instruction in a core content area.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.