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Program Goals and Learning Outcomes

Program Goals

Based on our mission, the goals of the School of Physician Assistant Studies are to:

We use unique and innovative teaching modalities to ensure students receive the highest quality education, not only to meet their board requirements but also to become superior practicing PAs.

Measurement: 100% pass rate on the PANCE

Outcome: Currently, over 99% of graduates have passed the PANCE and are NCCPA-certified.

The program recognizes the importance of giving back. Participation in community outreach events is a required element of the program. By collaborating with several local organizations, we are able to serve multiple underserved communities through activities such as health screenings, food banks, and vaccination clinics. During the Master’s Capstone Project, students identify a population healthcare need within our community and develop and implement a project to help mitigate that need. Some projects in the past have included developing an animal therapy program for individuals living in a family shelter, writing and illustrating a children’s book about asthma triggers, and providing nutrition education to grade school students.   

Measurement: All students have participated in at least three community service events during the program.

Outcome: All graduates completed at least three community service events during the time they were enrolled as a student, often more.

A priority for our clinical team is locating quality training sites and preceptors who are actively engaged in providing care for underserved populations. Additionally, students participate in activities and events that provide recurrent exposure to underserved or disadvantaged populations in order to enhance their understanding of the healthcare disparities facing these populations. These activities may include population health lectures, a poverty simulation, guest speakers, group discussions, and community service events for the underserved.   

Measurement: Upon graduation, all students will have completed at least one rotation in a health provider shortage or underserved area and will have completed all required program activities and events developed to specifically enhance student understanding of and compassion for underserved communities.  

Outcome: All students completed at least one rotation in a provider shortage or underserved area and completed all required program activities and events developed to specifically enhance student understanding of and compassion for underserved communities at the time of graduation.  A significant number of students completed multiple rotations in a provider shortage or medically underserved area.

Program Learning Outcomes

The School of PA Studies has defined specific competencies required for entry-level PA practice entitled Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLO’s). These are based on the competencies as defined by the PA profession.

The MBKU School of PA Studies Graduate Learning Outcomes are listed and described on the document in the link below: