PAS 400: IPE Medical Spanish. (2 credit hours)
This interprofessional team-taught elective course is designed to develop and/or improve students' communication in clinical situations with patients whose native language is Spanish. The focus of the instruction will be on learning basic conversation skills in order to elicit clinical histories, conduct an examination, and give oral instructions to Spanish speaking patients. Students will also be exposed to pertinent information about Latino culture as it pertains to medical care. Students will participate in language tasks through listening and speaking.
PAS 401: IPE Medical Ethics. (1.5 credit hours)
This interprofessional team-taught course introduces ethical theory and presents case studies that are commonplace in clinical professional practice. The lecture sequence that includes scope of practice, ethical theories, state regulations and clinical examples is supplemented with student led group discussions of case studies using a problem-based learning format. Students examine and address issues by applying ethical theory and values to resolving situations that challenge practitioners. Ethical issues dealing with confidentiality, professional referrals, advertising, record keeping, informed consent and conflicts of interest are presented in class and discussion groups.
PAS 403: IPE Population and Public Health. (2 credit hours)
This interprofessional team-taught course is designed to develop a foundational understanding of Public Health and its core functions of assessment, policy development and assurance. In addition, the aim is to develop patient communication and educational skills for a culturally diverse patient population to address concepts of health promotion and disease prevention. Evidence-based recommendations for health promotion and disease prevention will be emphasized. Lectures, group activities, workshops, and simulations will be used to discuss and apply the concepts of disease prevention and health promotion.
PAS 404: IPE Interprofessional Case Conferences. (0.75 credit hour)
This interprofessional team-taught course introduces interprofessional collaboration, communication, and teamwork through small group discussion of clinical cases that are well suited for all the health professions. Students will examine the clinical cases from their professional perspective and will learn from other health professions students about their professional roles and responsibilities within the context of the case studies. The course is facilitated by an interprofessional team of faculty members who will guide the small group discussions.
PAS 405: IPE Preventing Burnout in Healthcare Students and Student Providers: Wellness and Self-Care. (1 credit hour)
This is an IPE elective course aimed at preventing burnout. This course will provide a framework for establishing and maintaining a well-balanced life that includes self-care into the lives of health care students and student providers. At each session, you will complete the activities and reflect on how you feel as a result of your practice.
PAS 524: Fundamentals of Anatomy. (2 credit hours)
This course is designed to provide an introduction of anatomy within a clinical context to assist in developing spatial relationship skills with an emphasis on important anatomical landmarks relevant to physical exam, diagnosis and development of disease, and in the anatomical relationships of structures to each other. The PA student will learn the skills needed to recognize normal anatomy, normal anatomical variation and disease states. Lectures, 3-D anatomy tables, and a multimedia approach will be used to present the material. Prerequisites: Admission to the School of Physician Assistant Studies.
PAS 526: Infectious Disease & Immunology. (4 credit hours)
This course is designed to introduce students to the concepts of medical immunology and the principles of infectious diseases. After reviewing epidemiology, virulence and pathogenicity of selected organisms, pathophysiology, clinical presentation and general management of infectious disease states will be explored through lecture and case studies. Prerequisites: Admission to the School of Physician Assistant Studies.
PAS 528: Clinical History. (2 credit hours)
This course is designed to develop the knowledge and skills required to elicit, perform and document the complete medical history and physical exam with use of proper techniques and accurate medical terminology. The course will provide an overview of the medical record as well as development of writing and oral presentation skills. History-taking, physical examination, and documentation skills will be developed through lecture and structured small group laboratory exercises. Prerequisites: Admission to the School of Physician Assistant Studies.
PAS 529: Dermatology. (4 credit hours)
In-depth and integrated knowledge about dermatologic disease processes common to primary care practices. Instruction for this course will consist of lectures, case studies, problem-based learning, hands-on laboratory and practice sessions, as well as small group workshops. Prerequisites: Admission to the School of Physician Assistant Studies.
PAS 530: Eye, ENT. (5 credit hours)
In-depth and integrated knowledge about ophthalmic and otorhinolaryngology disease processes common to primary care practices. Instruction for this course will consist of lectures, case studies, problem-based learning, hands-on laboratory and practice sessions, as well as small group workshops. Prerequisites: Admission to the School of Physician Assistant Studies.
PAS 531A/B/C: Evidence-Based Practice. (2/1/1 = 4 total credit hours)
This course will focus on evidence-based practice methodology, to include the necessary skills to search and critically analyze the medical literature. Students will learn to analyze and interpret various types of clinical articles to develop proficiency in utilizing current, evidence-based medicine to answer clinical questions relative to diagnosis and therapy. Instruction for this course will consist of lectures, structured faculty-led small group journal clubs and review sessions. Prerequisites: Admission to the School of Physician Assistant Studies.
PAS 532: Pulmonology. (5 credit hours)
In-depth and integrated knowledge about pulmonary disease processes common to primary care practices. Instruction for this course will consist of lectures, case studies, problem-based learning, hands-on laboratory and practice sessions, as well as small group workshops. Prerequisites: Admission to the School of Physician Assistant Studies.
PAS 533: Cardiology. (6 credit hours)
In-depth and integrated knowledge about cardiac disease processes common to primary care practices. Instruction for this course will consist of lectures, case studies, problem-based learning, hands-on laboratory and practice sessions, as well as small group workshops. Prerequisites: Admission to the School of Physician Assistant Studies.
PAS 534: Hematology. (4 credit hours)
In-depth and integrated knowledge about hematologic disease and oncologic processes common to primary care practices. Instruction for this course will consist of lectures, case studies, problem-based learning, hands-on laboratory and practice sessions, as well as small group workshops. Prerequisites: Admission to the School of Physician Assistant Studies.
PAS 535: Nephrology. (4 credit hours)
In-depth and integrated knowledge about kidney disease processes common to primary care practices. Instruction for this course will consist of lectures, case studies, problem-based learning, hands-on laboratory and practice sessions, as well as small group workshops. Prerequisites: Admission to the School of Physician Assistant Studies.
PAS 536: Endocrinology. (4 credit hours)
In-depth and integrated knowledge about diabetes and other endocrinologic disease processes common to primary care practices. Instruction for this course will consist of lectures, case studies, problem-based learning, hands-on laboratory and practice sessions, as well as small group workshops. Prerequisites: Admission to the School of Physician Assistant Studies.
PAS 537: Men’s Health. (2 credit hours)
In-depth and integrated knowledge about men’s health and disease processes common to primary care practices. Instruction for this course will consist of lectures, case studies, problem-based learning, hands-on laboratory and practice sessions, as well as small group workshops. Prerequisites: Admission to the School of Physician Assistant Studies.
PAS 538: Gastroenterology. (5 credit hours)
In-depth and integrated knowledge about gastroenterologic disease processes common to primary care practices. Instruction for this course will consist of lectures, case studies, problem-based learning, hands-on laboratory and practice sessions, as well as small group workshops. Prerequisites: Admission to the School of Physician Assistant Studies.
PAS 539: Orthopedics & Rheumatology. (6 credit hours)
In-depth and integrated knowledge about orthopedic and rheumatologic disease processes common to primary care practices. Instruction for this course will consist of lectures, case studies, problem-based learning, hands-on laboratory and practice sessions, as well as small group workshops. Prerequisites: Admission to the School of Physician Assistant Studies.
PAS 540: Neurology. (6 credit hours)
In-depth and integrated knowledge about neurologic disease processes common to primary care practices. Instruction for this course will consist of lectures, case studies, problem-based learning, hands-on laboratory and practice sessions, as well as small group workshops. Prerequisites: Admission to the School of Physician Assistant Studies.
PAS 541: Behavioral Health. (2 credit hours)
In-depth and integrated knowledge about behavioral health and psychiatric disease processes common to primary care practices. Instruction for this course will consist of lectures, case studies, problem-based learning, hands-on laboratory and practice sessions, as well as small group workshops. Prerequisites: Admission to the School of Physician Assistant Studies.
PAS 542: Women’s Health. (6 credit hours)
In-depth and integrated knowledge about women’s health and disease processes common to primary care practices. Instruction for this course will consist of lectures, case studies, problem-based learning, hands-on laboratory and practice sessions, as well as small group workshops. Prerequisites: Admission to the School of Physician Assistant Studies.
PAS 543: Pediatrics. (5 credit hours)
In-depth and integrated knowledge about pediatric health and disease processes common to primary care practices. Instruction for this course will consist of lectures, case studies, problem-based learning, hands-on laboratory and practice sessions, as well as small group workshops. Prerequisites: Admission to the School of Physician Assistant Studies.
PAS 544: Emergency Medicine. (6 credit hours)
In-depth and integrated knowledge about emergency medical conditions common to primary care and emergency medicine practices. Instruction for this course will consist of lectures, case studies, problem-based learning, hands-on laboratory and practice sessions, as well as relevant simulations for emergency medicine.. Prerequisites: Admission to the School of Physician Assistant Studies.
PAS 545: Surgery. (3 credit hours)
In-depth and integrated knowledge about surgical conditions common to primary care practices. Instruction for this course focuses on knowledge of surgical principles as well as comprehensive management of surgical patients. It consists of lectures, case studies, hands-on laboratory and practice sessions as well as small group workshops. Prerequisites: Admission to the School of Physician Assistant Studies.
PAS 546: Hospital Medicine. (4 credit hours)
In-depth and integrated knowledge about the hospital management of conditions common to primary care practices. Instruction for this course will consist of lectures, case studies, problem-based learning, hands-on laboratory and practice sessions, as well as small group workshops. Prerequisites: Admission to the School of Physician Assistant Studies.
PAS 547: Geriatrics. (2 credit hours)
In-depth and integrated knowledge about geriatric health and disease processes common to primary care practices. Instruction for this course will consist of lectures, case studies, problem-based learning, hands-on laboratory and practice sessions, as well as small group workshops. Prerequisites: Admission to the School of Physician Assistant Studies.
PAS 550: Introduction to the PA Profession. (1 credit hour)
This course was designed to help prepare students for matriculation and includes self-study components. Students examine the role of the PA in the context of the healthcare system and discuss the historical path of the PA profession as well as PA organizations. Students also spend time with medical terminology and relevant medical science topics. . Prerequisites: Admission to the School of Physician Assistant Studies.
PAS 551 A/B: Masters Capstone Project I. (1/1 = 2 total credit hours)
This is the first of three Masters Capstone Project courses and is an IP course that occurs in the Spring and Summer quarters. Each course focuses on a particular aspect of the Masters Capstone Project, to allow the PA student to complete their required project under the guidance of a faculty advisor. In teams of three or four, students will identify a population healthcare need and develop and implement a project to mitigate the identified need. Students will use evidence-based principles to research the medical issue related to their community project. The student teams will prepare and present a professional poster on their topic prior to graduation. Prerequisites: Admission to the School of Physician Assistant Studies.
PAS 555 Applied Physiology. (2 credit hours)
This course is designed to develop an understanding of physiologic concepts of disease as they pertain to each organ system. Lectures, case studies and a multimedia approach will be used to present the material. Prerequisites: Admission to the School of Physician Assistant Studies.
PAS 556 Pathophysiology. (4 credit hours)
This course is designed to introduce students to human pathology and pathophysiology of disease as they pertain to each organ system. The course has a strong emphasis on clinical context and relevancy. Lectures, case studies, and a multimedia approach will be used to present the material. Prerequisites: Admission to the School of Physician Assistant Studies.
PAS 609 A/B: Masters Capstone Project II. (3/3 = 6 total credit hours)
This is the second of three Masters Capstone Project courses and is an IP course that occurs in the Fall and Winter quarters. Each course focuses on a particular aspect the Masters Capstone Project, to allow the PA student to complete their required project under the guidance of a faculty advisor. In teams of three or four, students will identify a population healthcare need and develop and implement a project to mitigate the identified need. Students will use evidence-based principles to research the medical issue related to their community project. The student teams will prepare and present a professional poster on their topic prior to graduation. Prerequisites: Admission to the School of Physician Assistant Studies.
PAS 610 A/B: Graduate Seminar I. (1/1 =2 total credit hours)
This seminar occurs during the clinical phase and focuses on specific requirements for entering professional clinical practice. Professional practice issues will address PA Scope of Practice in California, laws and licensure regulation, preparing for, acquiring and maintaining national certification, patient risk management, medical-legal issues and medical malpractice. Through guided discussion in lecture and small seminar settings, students explore and discuss requirements and competencies for the PA profession. The student is evaluated with (1) a formative comprehensive written examination, (2) a formative application of clinical knowledge and skills examination in the form of an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). Prerequisites: Completion of the preclinical phase of the School of Physician Assistant Studies or program permission.
PAS 611 A/B: Graduate Seminar II. (1/1 = 2 total credit hours)
This seminar occurs during the clinical phase and focuses on professional practice issues, as well as ensures students have met all the requisite knowledge and professional criteria for graduation. Students undergo a comprehensive Summative Evaluation during this time to ensure they have acquired broad and specific clinical knowledge as well as to assess their ability to apply these skills to the required competencies for PA clinical practice. The student is evaluated with (1) a comprehensive written examination, (2) an application of clinical knowledge and skills examination in the form of an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). Prerequisites: Completion of the preclinical phase of the School of Physician Assistant Studies or program permission.
PAS 612: Clinical Preparatory. (6 credit hours)
This clinical course provides the PA student with a comprehensive review of the didactic phase of their PA education. Students engage in a number of activities designed to enhance their current clinical skills and didactic knowledge prior to beginning their clinical rotations. Prerequisites: Completion of the preclinical phase of the School of Physician Assistant Studies or program permission.
PAS 613 Master Capstone Project III. (1 credit hour)
This is the last of three Masters Capstone Project courses spread across multiple quarters. This course typically occurs in the Spring quarter prior to graduation. Each of the 3 courses focus on a particular aspect of the Masters Capstone Project, to allow the PA student to complete their required project under the guidance of a faculty advisor. In teams of three or four, students will identify a population healthcare need and develop and implement a project to mitigate the identified need. Students will use evidence-based principles to research the medical issue related to their community project. The student teams will prepare and present a professional poster on their topic prior to graduation. Prerequisites: Admission to the School of Physician Assistant Studies.
Medical Clinical Services
The clinical phase of the PA curriculum focuses on direct patient care that offers students a vast array of clinical opportunities with diverse and challenging patient encounters. Prior to beginning their clinical rotations, students engage in a comprehensive review of the entire first phase of training, designed to enhance their clinical exam skills and didactic knowledge. During their clinical rotations, students train with board certified providers, across a number of different specialty areas, each averaging six weeks in length. Students are exposed to acute and chronic patient care needs across the lifespan in a variety of health care settings (i.e. emergency room, outpatient and inpatient settings, operating rooms, and long term care facilities). In order to graduate, students must successfully complete all clinical rotations, the Master’s Capstone Project and Graduate Seminars, as well as Summative Examinations.
PAS 670: Medical Clinical Services I. (6 credit hours)
PAS 671: Medical Clinical Services II. (6 credit hours)
PAS 672: Medical Clinical Services III. (6 credit hours)
PAS 673: Medical Clinical Services IV. (6 credit hours)
PAS 674: Medical Clinical Services V. (6 credit hours)
PAS 675: Medical Clinical Services VI. (6 credit hours)
PAS 676: Medical Clinical Services VII. (6 credit hours)
PAS 677: Medical Clinical Services VIII. (6 credit hours)
Prerequisites: Completion of the preclinical phase of the School of Physician Assistant Studies or program permission.
The Medical Clinical Services courses will include experiences in the following:
Family Medicine
This clinical course provides the PA student with experience in outpatient evaluation of pediatric and adult patients, including preventive medicine and acute and chronic illness. Students will gain experience in proper and professional communication with patients, patient families, physicians and an interdisciplinary team of healthcare professionals.
Internal Medicine
This clinical course provides the PA student with experience in outpatient and inpatient evaluation of adult patients, including management of acute and chronic illness. Students will gain experience in proper and professional communication with patients, patient families, physicians and an interdisciplinary team of healthcare professionals.
Emergency Medicine
This clinical course provides the PA student with experience in triage and, evaluation and management of patients in the emergency department setting. The student will have the opportunity to learn skills necessary for appropriate triage, stabilization, evaluation, diagnosis, and management of patients with traumatic injuries and acute medical and surgical illnesses, as well as management of lower acuity health disorders. Students will gain experience in proper and professional communication with patients, patient families, physicians and an interdisciplinary team of healthcare professionals.
Surgery
This clinical course will provide the PA student with experience in the evaluation and management of surgical patients in the pre-operative, intra-operative and post-operative environments. The PA student will evaluate and participate directly in the care of surgical patients before, during and after their procedures. Students will gain experience in proper and professional communication with patients, patient families, physicians and an interdisciplinary team of healthcare professionals.
Pediatrics
This clinical course will provide the PA student with experience in outpatient and/or in-patient management of pediatric patients. The student will have the opportunity to perform well-baby and child exams, problem-oriented exams, evaluate common pediatric illnesses and experience care of newborns, children and adolescents. Students will gain experience in proper and professional communication with patients, patient families, physicians and an interdisciplinary team of healthcare professionals.
Women’s Health
This clinical course provides the PA student with experience in managing common gynecologic care and the maintenance of gynecologic health. Obstetric experience will include routine prenatal care. Students will gain experience in proper and professional communication with patients, patient families, physicians and an interdisciplinary team of healthcare professionals.
Behavioral Health
The PA Student will gain experience in caring for outpatient, ambulatory, and/or hospitalized patients with behavioral and mental health conditions. The student will perform basic psychiatric evaluations, monitor medications, and support the clinical management plan for patients. Students will gain experience in proper and professional communication with patients, patient families, physicians, and an interdisciplinary team of healthcare professionals. Telehealth concepts and experiences are incorporated into this rotation. Students will learn and apply proper clinical and ethical telehealth principles as it relates to patient care.
Clinical Rotation Electives
These clinical rotations are selected by the student from a variety of surgical or medicine specialties, or subspecialties, such as Orthopedics, Oncology, Endocrinology, Occupational Medicine, Primary Care, Hospitalist Medicine, etc. The student will be able to recognize and assist in the management of common conditions treated within these specialties. Furthermore, students will enhance their knowledge related to medical or surgical indications for referral to specialty care. Students will gain experience in proper and professional communication with patients, patient families, physicians and an interdisciplinary team of healthcare professionals.